Plug Receptacle Or Wall Switch Type Patents (Class 174/53)
  • Patent number: 10553090
    Abstract: A device for signaling including a top member adjacent to a bottom member, a button adjacent to the top member, a sensor adjacent to the top member, a radio adjacent to the top member, a microprocessor board adjacent to the radio, a battery adjacent to the microprocessor board, and a switch adjacent to the bottom member. A button slot and sensor hole formed through the top member. The button is received in the button slot and the sensor in the sensor slot. The microprocessor board further comprises a light emitting diode. The bottom member has a bottom recess and a switch slot. The switch is received in the switch slot. The top member has a sensor recess and a screw hole. The sensor is retained in the sensor recess. The bottom member has a screw recess. The radio, microprocessor board, and battery are slidably received in the bottom slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Laura C. Tolliver, Peyton B. Cavaroc, Kevin P. Votapka, Robert R. Regal, Lucas D. Powell, Hunter J. Smith
  • Patent number: 10547166
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter (101) used in a cable raceway (303), the adapter comprising: a main housing; at least one first connection part (103) disposed on the main housing for connecting the adapter (101) to the cable raceway (303); at least one second connection part (102) disposed on the main housing for connecting at least one distribution module (201) to the adapter (101); and at least one distribution modules (201) for connecting with cables in the adapter and introducing patch cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Guangjun Wang, Elyse Y. Ge Hylander, Rodney A. Willis, Ernest Charles Pickens, Jing Wang
  • Patent number: 10516256
    Abstract: An enclosure system includes a box with a base and four sidewalls, and a support member having opposite first and second ends and defining a longitudinal axis between the opposite first and second ends for supporting components within the box. A component interface portion is formed on the first end, and an enclosure interface portion is formed on the second end. The component interface portion defines a first connection region for selective connection with a component to be located in the box, and the enclosure interface portion defines a non-circular cylindrical locating region for engagement with a corresponding oppositely formed non-circular cylindrical locating region on the base of the box. The engagement between the non-circular cylindrical locating region and the oppositely formed non-circular cylindrical locating region on the base of the box prevents rotational movement of the elongate body member about the longitudinal axis relative to the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: INTEGRA ENCLOSURES, LIMITED
    Inventors: Bradley A. Segro, James C. McWilliams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10483741
    Abstract: An electrical box includes a front surface having an opening providing access to a hollow interior of the electrical box, at least one sidewall extending rearwardly from the front surface to form the hollow interior, and a seal disposed on an exterior surface of the at least one sidewall. The seal has a triangular cross-sectional shape including a thin end configured to first enter an opening of a building structure receiving the electrical box therein. A tapered surface of the seal is compressed as the electrical box is received into the opening in the building structure to provide a seal around an exterior surface of the at least one sidewall of the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: ALLIED MOULDER PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Gregg E. Laukhuf
  • Patent number: 10461482
    Abstract: An outlet box in which the electrical supply is directed to slots located within the periphery of the box is provided. The slots are configured to allow positive, negative and ground connection screws of an outlet to merely occupy each respective slot to be in electrical communication with the electrical supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Robert Perry
  • Patent number: 10454256
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a wall panel suitable for incoming and outgoing wires of audio-visual system, which includes a panel. The middle of the panel is provided with an outlet. The back surface of the panel is fixed with an inlet box. The lower end surface of the inlet box is provided with an inlet. The upper space and lower end of the panel are provided with a mounting hole, respectively. An opening adjusting plate is slidably arranged inside the outlet. The wall panel suitable for incoming and outgoing wires of audio-visual system can change the size of the opening by arranging a movable opening adjusting plate at the outlet, and wires with different specifications can be held, so much space is available. Moreover, since bumps are provided, after the position adjustment, the opening adjusting plate is engaged with clamping grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Zhongshan Ruisu electronics Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Qikui Gao
  • Patent number: 10454261
    Abstract: A pop up box includes an upper cover, a stationary frame pivotally fastened to a movable frame, a plate gasket forming a waterproof and dustproof seal, the plate gasket interposed between the upper cover and the stationary frame and having an opening through which the movable frame extends when released, and a button latching device having a waterproof and dustproof seal formed by at least one O-ring seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventors: Shaotong Zheng, Zhirong Ye
  • Patent number: 10447020
    Abstract: An electrical box includes a front surface having an opening providing access to a hollow interior of the electrical box, at least one sidewall extending rearwardly from the front surface to form the hollow interior, and a seal disposed on an exterior surface of the at least one sidewall. The seal has a triangular cross-sectional shape including a thin end configured to first enter an opening of a building structure receiving the electrical box therein. A tapered surface of the seal is compressed as the electrical box is received into the opening in the building structure to provide a seal around an exterior surface of the at least one sidewall of the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: ALLIED MOULDED PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Gregg E. Laukhuf
  • Patent number: 10431931
    Abstract: An electrical unit includes a housing member, a slider configured to slide along an outer surface of the housing member and selectively retain an electrical connector relative to the housing member, and a bracket connected to the housing member. The bracket may restrict movement of the slider in at least one direction. The slider may include a collar and/or a leg. The leg may extend substantially perpendicularly from the collar. The electrical unit may include a second bracket. The housing member may include a first bracket recess and/or a second bracket recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Jared Pieknik, Parminder Brar, Michael Scott Duco, David Miller
  • Patent number: 10426048
    Abstract: An electronic device accommodating housing is attached to an attachment member by fastening members, and includes a case main body and a case cover. An electronic device is mounted on the case main body. The case cover is engaged with the case main body to cover the electronic device. One of the case main body and the case cover includes a reference hole and a release hole to be fixed to the attachment member. One of the fastening members fastened to the attachment member passes through the reference hole. An entire circumference of the reference hole is closed. The rest of the fastening members passes through the release hole. A region of the release hole on its circumference is opened so that the rest of the fastening members passing through the release hole is capable of being fallen out of the release hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshinori Hirose
  • Patent number: 10411379
    Abstract: Contacts that may be highly corrosion resistant, may be readily manufactured, and may conserve precious materials. One example may provide contacts having a layer of a precious-metal alloy to improve corrosion resistance. The precious-metal-alloy layer may be plated with a hard, durable, wear and corrosion resistant plating stack for further corrosion resistance and wear improvement. The resources consumed by a contact may be reduced by forming a bulk or substrate region of the contact using a more readily available material, such as copper or a material that is primarily copper based.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Wagman, Benjamin J. Kallman, Hani Esmaeili, Stefan A. Kowalski, Daniel T. McDonald, Eric S. Jol, Raymund W. M. Kwok, Michael W. Barnstead
  • Patent number: 10403456
    Abstract: Provided is an article processing apparatus capable of improving waterproofness. An article processing apparatus (1) includes: a storage case (130) which stores an electric circuit portion and has an opening (131) at a side surface (130c) thereof; and a lid (140) which seals the opening (131), in which the storage case (130) has an upper surface (130a) which is inclined downward toward the side surface (130c) side, and an amount of protrusion of a lower end (E) of the upper surface (130a) from the side surface (130c) is greater than an amount of protrusion of the lid (140) from the side surface (130c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Horitani, Mikio Kishikawa, Naomi Imaaki
  • Patent number: 10364977
    Abstract: A lighting device and system having a faceplate and a backplate. The faceplate or the backplate may have an arm or a set of arms having electrical conductors to connect or couple to the electrical contact points of an outlet, plug, or switch. The electrical conductors can receive a voltage from a voltage source such as an AC voltage source. A voltage regulation circuit may provide for the regulation or conversion of the voltage source. A switch can allow for a control circuit connected to the voltage regulation circuit to be bypassed or switch from one operational mode to another operational mode. The operational modes may be in an emergency lighting mode, and a nightlight mode. The voltage source can be connected to a light source or sensor through the control circuit or the switch, and the light source may be activated based on the output of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: O'Reilly Winship, LLC
    Inventors: Michael O'Reilly, Donnye Winship
  • Patent number: 10361548
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to wiring systems and the teachings thereof may be embodied in a junction box and/or electrical wiring components. Some embodiments may include a divider for use with a junction box in circuit wiring. The divider may include: a wall extending from one corner of a container of the junction box diagonally to an opposite corner of the container and a fitting for a connecting module having terminals on both a first side and a second side of the connecting module. The first side of the connecting module may extend into a first section of the container and the second side of the connecting module into the second section of the container. The wall may separate two generally triangular sections of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventor: Alexander Mauer
  • Patent number: 10361546
    Abstract: An electrical housing including a housing portion defined by a base and sidewalls extending from the base. The housing portion is adapted to be covered by a lid to configure an enclosure for housing electric components therewithin. A flange portion extends from the at least one sidewall for facilitation mounting of the electrical power housing. The flange portion comprises a pair of apertures configured at operative ends of the flange portion, and a corner portion surrounding the pair of apertures. The corner portion is defined by an arcuate projection circumscribing the pair of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Appleton Grp LLC
    Inventors: Satheesh Madathil Sankarankutty Nair, Rudy Mark D. Halcon, Raymond A. Dubiel, Warren K. Fleras
  • Patent number: 10358818
    Abstract: A partition wall element having a plate-shaped stand base and a wall element extending at a right angle thereto. The wall element can be fastened non-positively and/or positively to the stand base so that the wall element stands with its end side on the stand base. Linear electric conductors for at least one electric circuit and/or data lines of a data bus extend over the length of the stand base, wherein the at least one electric circuit and the at least one data bus or the at least one data connection can be connected to at least one electric circuit and at least one data bus or a data connection of the wall element. A partition wall can be built up from such a partition wall element in a simple and flexible manner, on which partition wall electrical and/or data connections can be made available without interfering cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: NOVOMATIC AG
    Inventor: Annika Eckes
  • Patent number: 10349476
    Abstract: A power and control assembly is disclosed. An LED driver is sized and adapted to fit within a single compartment of an electrical gang box, such as a two-gang box. An alternating current (AC) dimmer or other component is installed in an adjacent compartment. The AC dimmer supplies its output to the LED driver, which converts the AC power to an appropriate direct current (DC) power for LED lighting fixtures. The LED driver is typically recessed into the compartment, and is covered by a switch or another control element. In some cases, the switch may be a mechanical dummy selected for its aesthetic or fascial characteristics. In other cases, the switch or control element may be functional. With similar multiple-gang boxes, a number of drivers may be installed in the gang box and switches may allow both dimming and zone control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Elemental LED, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Holleschau, Russell Petersen, Wesley Buck
  • Patent number: 10326263
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical unit which is adapted to quick connect electric cables directly to a gang box. The electrical unit allows quick connect of an electrical outlet to the gang box without electrical wires. Further, the electrical outlet having energizable screws. The electrical unit includes plurality of receiving clamps and plurality of receiving prong. The plurality of receiving clamps energize the gang box directly from the cable wires. The neutral wire, ground wire and the supply wire energize the gang box. The plurality of receiving prongs configured on the inside walls of the gang box to directly connect with the receiving clamps with no electrical wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas Haskins
  • Patent number: 10314190
    Abstract: A power adapting box and a fan module are provided. The power adapting box includes a box body, a plurality of first power adapters, an expansion socket and a plurality of second power adapters. The first power adapters are disposed in the box body. The expansion socket is detachably disposed in the box body. The second power adapters are disposed in the expansion socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignees: Inventec (Pudong) Technology Corp., Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Chiang, Yuan-Chang Yang, Shih-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 10263353
    Abstract: Contacts that may be highly corrosion resistant, may be readily manufactured, and may conserve precious materials. One example may provide contacts having a layer of a precious-metal alloy to improve corrosion resistance. The precious-metal-alloy layer may be plated with a hard, durable, wear and corrosion resistant plating stack for further corrosion resistance and wear improvement. The resources consumed by a contact may be reduced by forming a bulk or substrate region of the contact using a more readily available material, such as copper or a material that is primarily copper based.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Wagman, Benjamin J. Kallman, Hani Esmaeili, Stefan A. Kowalski, Daniel T. McDonald, Eric S. Jol, Raymund W. M. Kwok
  • Patent number: 10225702
    Abstract: The slave starts a continuously receiving operation after activated. When failing to receive a beacon signal in the continuously receiving operation, the slave establishes communication using a communication frame including a downstream slot managed by the slave so as to perform an intermittently receiving operation using the downstream slot at an intermittently receiving cycle equal to an integral multiple of one cycle of the communication frame. The master sends successive activation signals after activated, and subsequently sends the beacon signal. When receiving at least one of the successive activation signals in the intermittently receiving operation, the slave starts the receiving operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masahiro Nagata
  • Patent number: 10218121
    Abstract: An electrical cable connector includes a case forming a front receiving cavity, and a rear receiving cavity. An upward room is formed in an upper face of the case. A latch is pivotally mounted in the room with an upward locking hook at a front end thereof in an up-and-down moveable manner. An actuator is engaged with the latch to actuate the latch to be unlatched from the locking hole in the cage via a rearward pulling. An engagement between the latch and the actuator is performed by a latch slot in the latch and a T-shaped lug on the underside of the actuator moving along the latch slot. A curve structure is formed on the latch along a front-to-back direction so as to have the latch to be pivoted during rearward pulling the actuator, thus having the upward locking hook downward moved for unlatching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Terrance F. Little, Kamyar Khorrami, Yuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 10205310
    Abstract: A flanged vapor box for mounting an electrical component in a wall or similar structure while preventing air infiltration around or through the box. The vapor box includes a flange with an integral face gasket and one or more cable gaskets at cable entry points into the box. The face gasket prevents seepage of air between the drywall and the box. The cable gaskets seal around any inserted electrical cables to prevent infiltration into the inside environment. Captive fasteners include end portions integral with the box and can be rapidly tightened to secure the box to a stud or similar support. Thin tabs on the flanged vapor box provide a means for rapidly and accurately positioning and aligning the box against a stud or similar support. The alignment tabs are substantially thin to avoid creating a bulge in the drywall surrounding the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 10193279
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an extension cord comprising a lead having a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a socket having a cover and the second end comprises a plug. The cover is attached to the socket by a hinged joint possessing a force which resists opening of the cover. The cover comprises a retainer. The present invention also relates to a socket having a cover and a cover of a socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: ROMI SYSTEMS AB OY
    Inventors: Ronny Eriksson, Björn Still
  • Patent number: 10186816
    Abstract: A bracket and associated components provides a means to securely install one or more connectors within a dropped ceiling. The bracket can be mounted to a drop wire or threaded rod within a ceiling space, thereby suspending the bracket and associated connectors within the ceiling space. One or more connectors coupled to a cable can be directly installed on the bracket via port windows cut into the bracket. Alternatively, a surface mount box containing connectors can be mounted on the bracket to yield a protected, strain-resistant connector installation within the ceiling space. The bracket and associated components can be made of plenum-rated materials, making the mounting solution suitable for installations within plenum spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Seger, Bryan Hudgens, Mark E. Dearing, Ronald E. Shackelford, Brian Hansen
  • Patent number: 10170878
    Abstract: Improvements to an electrical junction box is disclosed. The junction box is configured with integrated connections in the back of the junction box. Switches and outlets have tabs in specific locations that align with the desired integrated connections to provide the desired function. All of the outlets and switches align parallel with the back and front of the junction box. The junction box is configurable to accept a single switch, dimmer switch, 3-way or outlet to many more than one function. In addition, the function of a junction box can be easily changed as long as the wiring has been connected to the new junction box. Installation and changes can be made in seconds instead of minutes. The depth of the internal distribution receptacle is adjustable within the adjustable electrical box to accommodate the thickness of the outlet or switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: David Mark Reulman, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10153602
    Abstract: The invention described herein is an electrical junction box system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention where an electrical junction box comprises a housing formed by a pair of side walls, a bottom wall, a top wall, and a rear wall combining to define an open-faced box, where the housing further comprises a plurality of wire attachment terminals, at least one female pin socket, at least one bussbar electrically coupling an upper set of wire attachment terminals to a lower set of wire attachment terminals, and an external securing means allowing the housing secure placement within a recess of a wall. Additionally, an electrical device is structured to removably electrically attach to the housing, the electrical device further comprising at least one male pin extending outward from an inside surface, and an electrical activation means located on an outside surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: Jeremy N. Wolfson
  • Patent number: 10147311
    Abstract: A wireless control device may include a housing, a yoke, an antenna, a communication circuit, and a control circuit. The yoke may be electrically conductive and be configured to mount the wireless control device to an electrical wallbox. The antenna may be configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals. The antenna may be a slot antenna. The communication circuit may be configured to transmit and receive the radio-frequency signals via the antenna, and the control circuit may be responsive to the communication circuit (e.g., the signals received via the communication circuit). The control device may also include a conductive component that is attached to a front surface of the housing. For example, the conductive component may be electrically connected to the yoke via a single electrical connection (e.g., a screw). Further, the conductive component may be parallel with the antenna and configured to be capacitively coupled to the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
  • Patent number: 10135231
    Abstract: A connector (1) adapted to connect at least one electrical conductor to an electrical accessory that is intended to be housed in an electrical box (200) for flush mounting in a wall (300), the connector including: a base (10) that defines an inlet opening for the electrical conductor; and at least one connection element that is fastened to the base and that includes an inlet terminal for connecting the electrical conductor, and an outlet terminal that is accessible via the front of the base for connecting the electrical accessory. The connector includes at least two distinct arms (14, 16) that extend from the base, towards the front, and having free ends that present catch elements (15, 17) for catching on the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignees: LEGRAND FRANCE, LEGRAND SNC
    Inventors: Laurent Maziere, Jean-Loup Caille, Jerome Longeville, Jean-Luc Chaumeny
  • Patent number: 10128645
    Abstract: An electrical accessory (1) for installing in a wall, includes: a support portion that is adapted to be fastened to the wall and that includes at least one electrical box (80); an electrical unit (50) including at least one base (51) that houses an electrical mechanism (52) and that is provided with at least one snap-fastener tab (60) that is adapted to be snap-fastened on the support portion; and a front portion (10, 30) including a front wall (11) and at least one tongue (20) that extends at the rear of the front wall so as to fasten to the electrical unit. The tongue is adapted to be interposed between the snap-fastener tab and a rigid portion of the base of the electrical unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignees: LEGRAND FRANCE, LEGRAND SNC
    Inventors: Simon Delmas, Martin Aumaitre
  • Patent number: 10116073
    Abstract: A board-to-board connector can electrically connect a first printed circuit board having a receptacle mounted thereon to a second printed circuit board having a plug mounted thereon. The receptacle includes a first housing and three first contacts and the plug includes a second housing and three second contacts. The first housing includes a concave portion and a first contact accommodation chamber. The concave portion can be fitted to the plug. The first contact accommodation chamber can accommodate a winding portion of the first contact. In the first contact, a lead terminal is fixed to the first printed circuit board and a contact terminal is fixed to the first housing. In the first contact, the first housing is movably supported by the winding portion with respect to the first printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: J.S.T. MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Washino, Koji Iwashita, Daizou Imoto, Hideki Takeshima
  • Patent number: 10116127
    Abstract: Junction boxes and partitions for junction boxes are disclosed. The junction boxes have a central area for installation of a driver or another such component and at least one wrap-around compartment in which wire connections can be made. In many cases, the junction box may have two wrap-around compartments, often mirror images of one another, that provide separate spaces for high- and low-voltage wire connections. The interior walls or partitions that create the compartments may be carried by and arise from the base of a junction box, or they may be carried by a separate piece that inserts over the driver, fully encloses or caps it, and also carries partition portions to create fully-divided compartments when used in combination with a junction box base that has no partitions of its own.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Elemental LED, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilberto Uriel Lopez-Martinez, Daniel South, Andrew Lassen
  • Patent number: 10090656
    Abstract: An electrical device enclosure has an enclosure box and two mounting plates is disclosed. The mounting plates are electrically conductive and coupled to the enclosure box. Each plate includes at least one device mounting hole positioned and sized to receive a device mounting screw that passes through a yoke of an electrical device. At least one of the mounting plates also has a grounding tab extending away from the plate and configured to receive a ground screw. The grounding tab is conductive and integral to the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 10084298
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for the installation of an electrical outlet between studs at a specified height. The apparatus comprises a body frame with an outlet box mounting frame and ears that extend outwardly from each corner. Each ear has a screw hole, which is precisely positioned, so that the bracket can be used to measure and install an electrical outlet at a specified height. During installation, the bracket is turned sideways, set on the floor and aligned with a wall stud. Next, a screw is secured in the uppermost ear that overlaps the wall stud. Next, the bracket is swung upward until the ears on the opposite side overlap the second wall stud. Next, screws are added to the remaining screw holes and all screws are tightly affixed, so that the apparatus is firmly mounted between the two wall studs at a specified height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: David Terwilleger
  • Patent number: 10079482
    Abstract: An outlet box is configured to be installed to a building structure in a new work or an old work. The outlet box includes an outlet box body and a removable flange partially attached to the outlet box body. The outlet box body has a base member, a first longitudinal side wall, a second longitudinal side wall, a first transverse side wall, and a second transverse side wall. The first and second longitudinal side walls and the first and second transverse side walls are integrally connected to the base member and extend upwardly therefrom, defining an outlet box volume therewithin. A plurality of first angled mounting holes and a plurality of second angled mounting holes are defined on an inner surface of one of the first and second longitudinal side walls and an inner surface of one of the first and second transverse side walls, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International LLC
    Inventors: Ludovic Legault, Jean-Michel Pelletier
  • Patent number: 10044157
    Abstract: A portable furniture power outlet includes a main body having a larger cross dimensional thickness along a top end, and a smaller cross dimensional thickness along a bottom end to form a wedge between two cushions of any piece of furniture. The main body includes a plurality of AC and DC receptacles that are positioned in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. A main body shoulder and a plurality of ridges increase the static friction of the device to prevent movement during use. A cable management system is positioned along the outside surface of the main body, and a transformer that performs wireless device charging is provided within the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Harpreet Singh Suri
  • Patent number: 10032590
    Abstract: Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI), Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) or AF/GF circuit breakers which may optionally have relatively small or compact bodies that have shaped neutral busbars and/or load terminals with an arm that extends through a window of a current transformer in a circuit breaker housing. The neutral busbar and/or load terminal can have a rigid or semi-rigid shaped body with a first segment that extends through the window of the current transformer and a second segment that extends behind the first segment about a printed circuit board. A plug-on, pigtail or bolt-on neutral can engage an electrical pad of the neutral busbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Somashekharayya Hiremath, Sandy Omar Jimenez
  • Patent number: 10017255
    Abstract: The invention provides a means by which AC or USB power/data outlets can be installed onto aircraft passenger seats by an underhung mounting bracket that can be quickly installed with flexible cable ties or adjustable straps to the beams of a passenger aircraft seat, and provides sufficient adjustment in length to accommodate a variety of aircraft seat structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: INFLIGHT INVESTEMENTS INC.
    Inventor: George R. Smallhorn
  • Patent number: 10015992
    Abstract: An atomizer being combined with a power supply to form an electronic cigarette is disclosed. The atomizer comprises: a housing with a first end and a second end; a mouthpiece, connected to the first end of the housing, wherein the second end is connected to the power supply; a reservoir, formed in the housing and configured to contain tobacco liquid; and an atomizing element, configured to atomize the tobacco liquid to form aerosol; wherein an injecting hole and a vent hole are formed on the first end of the housing, the injecting hole and the vent hole are in communication with the reservoir, the atomizer further comprises a cover formed on the first end of the housing, and the cover is configured for exposing or covering the injecting hole and the vent hole. It is more conveniently to inject tobacco liquid for users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: SHENZHEN FIRST UNION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yonghai Li, Zhongli Xu, Xiaoqiang Zhao, Guiyuan Yu
  • Patent number: 9997860
    Abstract: A coverplate for attachment to a standard electric power outlet, the coverplate comprising: a faceplate occupying a first plane and defining at least one opening sized to provide access to the standard electric power outlet; a support frame attached to the faceplate, the support frame comprising: a U-shaped element occupying a second plane; a first receptor flange and a second receptor flange, each extending from the U-shaped element, wherein the first receptor flange defines a first chamber containing a first conductor and the second receptor flange defines a second chamber containing a second conductor; and wherein the first conductor and the second conductor are spaced apart by a first distance which is equal to a standard distance on the standard electric power outlet separating two electric power elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: ALLTRADE TOOLS LLC
    Inventor: Hector R. Hernandez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9972929
    Abstract: An adaptive magnetic contacting device is described that comprises a plurality of magnets mounted on a flexible printed circuit board. The mounting configuration allows for local bending of the flexible printed circuit board at the point of attachment of each magnet, allowing for direct mating contact between magnetic arrays of devices despite manufacturing variances. The magnets may serve as a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: I-BLADES, INC.
    Inventors: Jorge Fernandes, Paul Meissner
  • Patent number: 9966747
    Abstract: A universal surface flush junction box which provides an improved way to transition from in-wall wiring to surface (out of wall) wiring in a building, which requires no additional mounting brackets or conduit bends, which thereby allows for a one trip complete rough-in installation and greatly reduces the amount of sealant required for smoke, fire and acoustical seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventors: Dominic R. Ruholl, Robert S. Olson, Mark T. O'Dell
  • Patent number: 9948078
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for use in an electrical conduit system, including a conduit body apparatus for use in an electrical conduit system comprising conduit tubular segments. The apparatus may include a conduit body defining: a plurality of ports each configured to receive an end of a conduit tubular segment; a passage between a first port of the plurality of ports and a second port of the plurality of ports allowing wiring to pass through the conduit body; and a wiring chamber communicating with the passage, the wiring chamber comprising an opening having a direction of entry substantially parallel to a direction of entry of at least one port of the plurality of ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ALPIN MANAGEMENT PARTNERS LTD.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Grant
  • Patent number: 9941679
    Abstract: An interlocking floor box assembly including one or more electrical boxes which may be securely ganged together to form a multi-gang floor box for mounting one or more electrical components, such as duplex outlets, directly in a concrete pour area or in a floor above a concrete base. Opposing side walls include an internal hub and an external hub respectively for interlocking two or more electrical boxes together. Other embodiments may include a tab and a corresponding slot on opposing walls on the electrical boxes to enable interlocking two or more boxes. The interlocking floor box assembly enables secure side to side interlocking of two or more boxes to form a multi-gang floor box. A cover plate and a lid assembly enable plug in of electrical cords into the duplex outlets with the plug ends of the cords recessed below the floor level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 9935440
    Abstract: A powered wall mount includes a cover plate and a mount head in electrical communication with one another. The cover plate is configured to cover an electrical outlet in a wall without blocking any sockets. The cover plate includes a pair of resilient contacts that resiliently contact respective terminals of a pair of terminals of the electrical outlet upon mating of the cover plate with the electrical outlet. The mount head, which may be attached to the wall near the electrical outlet, includes a device mounting surface, at least one connector configured to hold a portable electronic device at the device mounting surface, and a power transfer mechanism configured to transfer power to the device when held at the device mounting surface. The connector(s) may be magnetic. Conveniently, the device may be attached to the mount head, used indefinitely while drawing power as needed, and then detached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: NANOPORT TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Jing Yin Szeto, David Michael Lopez Reyes
  • Patent number: 9935436
    Abstract: An electrical outlet cover with a lid having a configurable protrusion or recess to accommodate different uses and weather resistance states. The electrical outlet cover includes a base coupled to an electrical outlet and a lid hingedly coupled to the base along a first side. The lid includes a frame with a central aperture and a telescoping enclosure with a flange at a front edge of a sleeve, the flange extending outward from the sleeve. The sleeve may include a ledge extending outward from the sleeve adjacent a back edge of the sleeve on at least two sides of the sleeve. The sleeve is slidably coupled within the central aperture and movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The flange may abut the frame in the collapsed position and the ledge may abut the frame in the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 9935432
    Abstract: A housing includes a main housing body with an opening in at least one side face of the main housing body; a sealing element on the at least one side face, the sealing element surrounding the edge of the opening; a frame element on the at least one side face, the frame element surrounding the edge of the sealing element; and a cover element for closing the opening, which cover element abuts the frame element and the sealing element in a planar manner when the opening is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Torben Loebowitz, Axel Grimm
  • Patent number: 9935438
    Abstract: A door chime assembly with a transformer assembly mounted within an electrical box and proximately to a chime. The transformer assembly including a transformer operably coupled to a bracket. The transformer being insertable into the electrical box such that the bracket and electrical box cooperate to electrically isolate the transformer from the chime. The electrical box having mounting features for securing the door chime assembly in existing and/or new construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Broan-NuTone, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth John Jonas, Daniel L Karst
  • Patent number: 9887524
    Abstract: A depth-adjustable electrical box assembly for mounting of a fan or fixture on a ceiling including a fan/fixture box and a depth adjustment screw that is always accessible for adjusting the depth of the electrical box with respect to the ceiling. Bracket mounting screws are held captive with the assembly. A slide plate on the fan/fixture box is slideable with respect to the box. A base plate integral with the slide plate includes apertures therein for accepting the bracket mounting screws. A screw retainer, held securely to the fan/fixture box by a bracket, retains the end of the adjustment with respect to the box. Straps on the slide plate provide threaded engagement with the depth adjustment screw and enables the slide plate to slide with respect to the electrical box in response to rotation of the adjustment screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 9859696
    Abstract: A fastener assembly for joining a first part to a second part, and comprising an adjustment fastener and a screw. The adjustment fastener comprises a body including opposed first and second planar and parallel side walls, and a threaded hole extending along a central axis through the body from the first side wall to the second side wall; and a tang joined to the flat body adjacent to the threaded hole and extending outwardly from the first side wall in a direction parallel to the central axis. The screw comprises a head and an elongated threaded shank. The head of the screw is disposable against an ear of the first part. The threaded shank extends through an oblong hole of the ear of the first part, and engages with and extends through the threaded hole of the adjustment fastener, and is engageable with threads in a tab of the second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Electrical Improvement Products LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Jack, Gary J. Dimas