With Fixture Coupling Or Mounting Means Patents (Class 174/54)
  • Patent number: 7714225
    Abstract: A modular power supply particularly adapted for mounting to standard junction boxes in a system to provide a solid state lighting system compatible power signal. One embodiment of a modular power supply for mounting to a junction box according to the present invention includes a housing holding internal electronic components and a first extension integral to the housing for mounting to a junction box. The extension has an opening to the interior of the housing with primary wires passing from the interior of the housing through the extension. The first extension is positioned so that the power supply is capable of being mounted to the mounting surface of a junction box when the power supply is at different orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: SloanLED, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Sloan, Bruce Quaal
  • Patent number: 7714243
    Abstract: The push button doorbell switch is used interchangeably within the decorative plates of a doorbell button assembly. Each insert of the push button doorbell switch is capable of being interchanged in a congruent aperture of a variety of decorative plates. These doorbell switch assemblies allow for the user to interchange a plurality of button shapes without having to repurchase and install a new decorative plate. The plurality of doorbell button shapes, associated with the interchangeable doorbell button switch, can increase the variety of push button doorbell switch assemblies that can be created and installed as house décor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Heathco, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Gale Birdwell
  • Patent number: 7649744
    Abstract: A handheld computing device and handheld music player are disclosed. The handheld computing device includes a seamless enclosure formed from an extruded tube. The extruded tube includes open ends and internal rails which serve as a guide for slidably assembling an operational assembly through the open ends of the extruded tube, a reference surface for positioning the operational assembly relative to an access opening in the seamless enclosure, and a support structure for supporting the operational assembly during use. The handheld music player includes an elongated extruded tube extending along a longitudinal axis. The elongated extruded tube has a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end, and defines an internal lumen which is sized and dimensioned for slidable receipt of operational components of the handheld music player. The lumen includes rails for guiding the operational components to their desired position within the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Zadesky, Stephen Brian Lynch
  • Patent number: 7618284
    Abstract: An electrical assembly comprising an electrical box and a single gang electrical outlet having both a power connector and at least one communications connector and being supported in the box. The electrical outlet is receivable in the box, which has a barrier to isolate the power and communications connectors, but is not receivable in a standard box, which would not have the required barrier, due to the spacing and locations of the mounting fasteners and protrusions extending downwardly near the ends of the outlet. In addition to the electrical outlet with the power and communications connectors, the electrical box can receive a standard single gang outlet therein upon removal of the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: John E. Lamoureux, Feng Jin, Nathaniel L. Herring
  • Patent number: 7612653
    Abstract: A network outlet fixture providing wall-mounted LAN jacks. The fixture may include an in-wall power supply and be configured for mounting within a conventional multi-gang wall box. The power supply may be directly connected to an adjacent wall outlet, which serves as a power source, in the same or an adjacent wall box. The fixture may include both network switching and fiber-to-copper media converter functionality. The fixture may be configured to disconnect the power source upon removal of a face plate of the fixture. Further, the fixture may be configured to allow mounting of the jack-supporting structure in any one of several different positions relative to a remainder of the outlet fixture. This allows for presentation of the LAN jacks in a certain preferred orientation while permitting the remainder of the outlet fixture to be mounted in several different orientations relative to a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Miller, Steven Charles Mongold, Keith James McKechnie
  • Patent number: 7605330
    Abstract: A retractable power and communication outlet apparatus for use with an article having a work surface. The apparatus has a power and communication outlet structure that is sized to fit into an opening in the work surface of the article. The outlet structure includes a shell having a perimeter, a top end and a bottom end. At least one power outlet and/or communication outlet is connected to the shell. A bottom plate member is attached to the bottom end of the shell and has portions thereof that extend beyond the perimeter of the shell. The bottom plate member has a top side and a bottom side. The apparatus also has a slide apparatus that has a stationary rail member and a movable member that slides upon the rail member. The movable member is attached to the bottom plate member so that the power and communication outlet structure can move between a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus includes a mounting plate for attachment to the bottom of the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Premier Manufacturing Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Black, Kimberly Golden, Glenn Golden, Russell Hayden
  • Patent number: 7566829
    Abstract: In an electrical junction box, an electrical junction box main body is housed in a housing case consisting of an under case member and an upper case member, and a wire harness having its one end connected to the electrical junction box main body is led out to the outside of the housing case. The under case member has a pair of holding arms provided therein, which temporarily hold the wire harness to be led out roughly in a desired lead-out direction, the wire harness being led out from the under case member, in a state where the electrical junction box main body is temporarily housed in the under case member. The upper case member has guide ribs provided therein, which guide the wire harness in the desired lead-out direction, the wire harness being led out roughly in the desired lead-out direction by the pair of holding arms in the under case member, in an assembled state of the under case member and the upper case member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Nakayama, Katsuya Hashimoto, Hirofumi Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7554034
    Abstract: A weatherproof power inlet box and mating plug wherein the inlet box and mating plug are asymmetrical, positively latched and include more robust elements and a visual indicator of the status of the interconnect. Also included is a thermostat that trips to prevent overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth Smith
  • Patent number: 7531744
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring box that includes a wiring device interface portion having a substantially planar member configured to accommodate a structural member on a first side and a rim portion extending from a perimeter of the planar member from a second side thereof to form an enclosed volume. The rim portion has a rim width approximately equal to a width of a sheet of drywall. The wiring device interface portion also includes a plurality of fastener apertures. A fastener storage structure includes a plurality of fastener storage holders extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first side of the planar member. The fastener storage holders and the planar member are configured to accommodate the structural member therebetween. Each fastener storage holder includes a fastener holder opening accessible from the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Rohmer
  • Patent number: 7525806
    Abstract: A combination current sensor and relay has an improved housing. In one aspect, the housing includes light emitting diodes on an upper surface that indicate open circuit and short circuit conditions. In another aspect, the housing includes a securement structure for a circuit board that includes the transformer and switches for device operation, together with aligned openings therein for routing wires to external devices. In another aspect, a multiple position switch is included on the upper surface that indicates multiple modes of operation of the device. In another aspect, the housing may be assembled in multiple parts by affixing a first portion to a support, a circuit board to the first portion, and a second portion to the first portion. In another aspect, the housing is suitable for engagement to alternatively a junction box and a duplex box. In another aspect, the configuration of the upper surface provides usability advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Veris Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Kent Holce, Frank Morey, Matt Rupert, Mark Bowman
  • Patent number: 7517245
    Abstract: An electrical module support assembly for use with a junction box disposed in a building structure at a structure surface, the assembly comprising: a mounting fastener; an electrical module having a mounting portion with a module fastener aperture disposed through the mounting portion; and a support bracket defining a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the support bracket having a modular face, a junction box face opposite the modular face, and a bracket fastener aperture disposed through the support bracket, the support bracket being rotatably disposable between the mounting portion and the structure surface with the modular face disposed towards the electrical module, the support bracket extending beyond the mounting portion in directions respectively along the longitudinal and lateral axes away from the support bracket with the mounting fastener disposed through the module fastener aperture and the bracket fastener aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Odin Braathen
  • Patent number: 7501575
    Abstract: An electrical outlet box includes fastening hardware to secure the box to a wall structure. A cover overlies the fastening hardware. The box has a flange with mounting apertures therethrough to receive the fastening hardware. The apertures may be formed in a recess in the flange. The cover may be formed as a plug that is inserted into the recess to provide a flush surface with said flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Jolly
  • Patent number: 7498512
    Abstract: A network cabinet is provided including a base member, two pairs of vertical frame rail members connected to the base member, and a top cover supported by at least one of the vertical frame rail members. The base member defines an opening and another opening is defined in the top cover. The vertical frame rail members are positioned spaced apart from four sidewalls from four corners of the cabinet formed by the four sidewalls, where each sidewall includes a panel or a door. The two pairs of vertical frame rail members and the four sidewalls define at least one cable management pathway and at least a portion of the cable management pathway is vertically aligned with at least a portion of the opening of the base member and the opening of the top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Samuel J. Adducci, Christopher A. Dybek, Bruce R. Appino, Max W. Hibner, Michael J. McGrath
  • Patent number: 7497273
    Abstract: A utility control device, such as a light socket, a switch or a plug socket, is designed with universal terminals so that when plugged into a pre-wired utility box (box socket), the terminals will make the proper electrical connections with the premises wiring. Systems and methods are disclosed for arranging the premises power grid such that any device type can be “plugged” into the shells that are pre-wired inside the utility box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Optimal Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Roland Schoettle
  • Patent number: 7495169
    Abstract: A network cabinet is provided including a base member, two pairs of vertical frame rail members connected to the base member, and a top cover supported by at least one of the vertical frame rail members. The base member defines an opening and another opening is defined in the top cover. The vertical frame rail members are positioned spaced apart from four sidewalls from four corners of the cabinet formed by the four sidewalls, where each sidewall includes a panel or a door. The two pairs of vertical frame rail members and the four sidewalls define at least one cable management pathway and at least a portion of the cable management pathway is vertically aligned with at least a portion of the opening of the base member and the opening of the top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Samuel J. Adducci, Christopher A. Dybek, Bruce R. Appino, Max W. Hibner, Michael J. McGrath
  • Patent number: 7488891
    Abstract: An electrical box with multiple selectable fastening points. The electrical box is capable of being mounted on a wide range of structures including those that are constructed with metal framing, wood framing, or with a masonry wall. To accommodate various layers of drywall, fasteners for mounting the electrical box to a stud may be moved to any one of the several fastening points to ensure that the fastener is approximately centered with respect to the stud. Outward extending tabs are provided on the sidewalls of the electrical box to enable mounting to masonry walls. Multiple connection points are provided at the front opening of the electrical box to enable the mounting of electrical components or electrical fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7485804
    Abstract: An electrical box and cover that includes a body having a back wall, a face plate and a perimeter wall which define an interior and an exterior for the body. The back wall has one or more removable elements for forming apertures that can be used to mount connectors. The faceplate has an opening for accessing the interior that extends beyond the perimeter wall to expose a slot. The cover is connected to the body by one or more hinges and is pivotably movable between an open and closed position. When the cover is in the open position, it can be retracted into the housing. A housing extending from the rear of the face plate on the exterior of the body receives the cover. The cover can include a rail on the interior surface and the perimeter wall can include a track that receives the rail when the cover is retracted into the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Robert Kevin Jolly
  • Patent number: 7485803
    Abstract: A network cabinet is provided includes a base member, two pairs of vertical frame rail members connected to the base member, and a top cover supported by at least one of the vertical frame rail members. The base member defines an opening and another opening is defined in the top cover. The vertical frame rail members are positioned spaced apart from four sidewalls from four corners of the cabinet formed by the four sidewalls, where each sidewall includes a panel or a door. The two pairs of vertical frame rail members and the four sidewalls define at least one cable management pathway and at least a portion of the cable management pathway is vertically aligned with at least a portion of the opening of the base member and the opening of the top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Samuel J. Adducci, Christopher A. Dybek, Bruce R. Appino, Max W. Hibner, Michael J. McGrath
  • Publication number: 20090014196
    Abstract: An outlet box assembly for installation within a wood, tile or carpeted floor, or any other type of flooring, includes a housing for accommodating an electrical power and/or data receptacle as well as the wiring connected to the receptacle and an adjustment mechanism attached to an outer surface of the housing for adjusting the receptacle downwardly to a recessed position a predetermined distance below the flooring material. The adjustment mechanism further includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the outlet box assembly to either the top or side surface of the floor. A cover plate is provided with a tapered recessed box and an access door for easy access to the recessed receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: David M. Peck
  • Patent number: 7476804
    Abstract: A network cabinet is provided includes a base member, two pairs of vertical frame rail members connected to the base member, and a top cover supported by at least one of the vertical frame rail members. The base member defines an opening and another opening is defined in the top cover. The vertical frame rail members are positioned spaced apart from four sidewalls from four corners of the cabinet formed by the four sidewalls, where each sidewall includes a panel or a door. The two pairs of vertical frame rail members and the four sidewalls define at least one cable management pathway and at least a portion of the cable management pathway is vertically aligned with at least a portion of the opening of the base member and the opening of the top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Samuel J. Adducci, Christopher A. Dybek, Bruce R. Appino, Max W. Hibner, Michael J. McGrath
  • Patent number: 7476807
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly for providing a secure electrical enclosure on walls constructed with steel studs of two conventional sizes. The electrical box assembly includes an electrical box including captive fasteners on one sidewall and a bracket that is adjustable in length for attachment to the opposite sidewall. The adjustable length bracket may be used as is for bracing the opposite sidewall of the electrical box for a wide stud. A bend line is provided on the bracket for enabling simple reduction of its length for bracing the electrical box against a narrow stud. The electrical box assembly provides an electrical box that is fastened directly to a stud on one sidewall and braced against the drywall at both ends of the box on the opposite sidewall to securely hold the electrical box with respect to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Publication number: 20080277133
    Abstract: A mountable power strip includes: first and second arm sections each including a plurality of electrical receptacles; a coupling assembly configured to couple the arm sections together for rotational movement relative to each other about a rotational axis; and a ratcheting assembly configured to define degrees of relative rotational movement about the rotational axis between the arm sections. The coupling assembly includes a connecting member secured in fixed disposition to the first arm section that retains the arm sections together. The ratcheting assembly includes a release member retained on the connecting member that is axially slidable relative thereto. The release member includes teeth that engage teeth of the second arm section. A biasing element retained between the connecting member and the release member is configured to bias the release member toward the rim cap such that the teeth of the release member engage the teeth of the rim cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: AXLAND COMEC, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Axland, Cheryl Axland, Kevin Dahlquist, Daniel Lee Bizzell, Ian D. Kovacevich
  • Patent number: 7429701
    Abstract: A cord retaining apparatus includes a receptacle for receiving a head of a cord. A brack is mounted near the receptacle including an upper stop. An arm is pivotally attached to the bracket. A first length of the arm extends distal from the receptacle and a second length of the arm is substantially perpendicular to the first length. The arm is movable into and out of a position in which the second length is behind the head of the cord preventing removal of the cord. The upper stop prevents the arm from moving into a position where the arm does not naturally fall into the position behind the head of the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Kushnir, Marius Popescu
  • Publication number: 20080207047
    Abstract: A wall box device comprising a clip extending from an elongated body, for use with non metallic electrical wall boxes. The metal clip is capable of providing an attachment point for the yoke of electrical devices. The clips are secured in place by a plurality of barbs extending outwardly and upwardly therefrom. The barbs allow easy insertion of the clip onto the box, while preventing withdrawal or removal. The attachment point can include a new threaded opening to receive a machine screw, the new threaded opening taking the place of the original worn threaded opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Peter Walton
  • Patent number: 7368661
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing an electrical box to reduce the amount of scrap material therefrom. More particularly, the present invention provides a metallic electrical outlet box that is formed from a sheet of material and folded into an electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Lalancette, Ioan Liviu Lupsa
  • Patent number: 7336491
    Abstract: A heat dissipation device for electrical components includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface is configured for mounting the electrical components thereon, wherein the components are mounted to the outer surface to allow the transfer of heat from the electrical components to the heat dissipation device and ambient air. The inner surface defines a cavity within the heat dissipation device that also enables housing of the electrical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Goemmel, Roland Hammer
  • Patent number: 7312395
    Abstract: An adjustable electrical outlet box assembly for mounting a duplex receptacle or similar electrical device within a wall. The adjustable box assembly includes a metal outlet box and a bracket that can slide with respect to the box. An adjustment screw, accessible from the front of the assembly, can be rotated to move the box with respect to the stud it is secured to and thereby adjust the face of the outlet box so that it is substantially flush with the wall surface. The bracket portion of the adjustable box assembly, which may be simply stamped and formed from sheet metal, provides a front plate for securing to the front of a stud and a side plate having widely spaced ears for securing to the side of a stud. The adjustment screw engages straps that are bent outwards from the side plate to enable the bracket to slide with respect to the outlet box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7307214
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for securing an electrical fixture to a ceiling in an airtight fit. The mounting assembly includes a pair of box members connected by a bridge. A flange is provided coplanar with the bridge and extending outward transversely around the periphery of the box members. A channel is provided between the bridge and box members and mounting fasteners are frictionally held within temporary storage receptacles in the mounting assembly. The mounting fasteners are removed from the temporary storage receptacles and secured through the bridge to secure the mounting assembly to the beam. The flange provides a sealing surface for sealing against air infiltration around the periphery of the electrical box. Duct seal may be applied around the periphery of the cables at the knockout areas to provide an airtight seal for the electrical cables entering the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7304235
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly for providing electrical service and signal line hookups to a television or home entertainment center. The electrical box assembly can be recessed within the wall to make it unobtrusive and out of the way. The box assembly includes an integral electrical box for housing line voltage connections and connection points for several low voltage openings. The low voltage connection points are capable of accepting standard jacks for broadband cable, direct TV, surround sound cabling, or phone systems. The electrical box assembly enables easy consolidation of all the various electrical and signal hookups for TV or home entertainment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7304236
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly for providing electrical service including line voltage and signal line hookups for a television or home entertainment center. The electrical box assembly recesses electrical components including plug ends of electrical cords within the wall to make them unobtrusive and out of the way. The box assembly includes an integral electrical box for housing two line voltage electrical components and connection points for several low voltage components. The low voltage connection points are capable of accepting standard jacks for broadband cable, direct TV, surround sound cabling, or phone systems. The electrical box assembly includes a box member, a frame member, and a flange on the frame member to enable secure mounting to a pair of studs. A separate embodiment includes the box and frame members in one piece. The electrical box assembly enables easy consolidation of electrical and signal hookups for TV or home entertainment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7294792
    Abstract: An apparatus and method providing for ease of installation of a component on a substantially vertical surface. The apparatus, has a back case to be secured to the substantially vertical surface, and a front case securable to the back case, the front case having a raised lip along at least one edge. The back case has a plurality of installation brackets to support the front case by the raised lip. A method of installing a security system component on a substantially vertical surface includes securing a back case to the substantially vertical surface, the back case having a plurality of installation brackets, and supporting a front case in an installation position by the installation brackets. Leads connecting the security system to a component thereof mounted to the front case are secured to the front case, and the front case is secured to the back case in a use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Hua Hsu
  • Patent number: 7289324
    Abstract: A wire fixture (27) is for fastening power wires (246) of a heat-dissipating fan (24) to a supporting surface of a heat dissipation device (20). The heat dissipation device is for dissipating heat from a heat-generating electronic component. The wire fixture includes a catching portion (278) for being attached to an end of the supporting surface, a fixing portion (272) disposed with adhesive thereon, for being fixed to an opposite end of the supporting surface, and a covering portion (276) formed between the catching portion and the fixing portion and being without adhesive spread thereon, for urging the power wires of the heat dissipating fan to the supporting surface. The catching portion is without adhesive thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fang-Xiang Yu
  • Patent number: 7282646
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems for holding and locating one or more wires within a structure are disclosed. A wire support in accordance with the present invention may include a foldable or bendable body including one or more apertures configured to receive an elongated member therethrough. The wire support may include mounting tabs for attaching the wire support to a structural member such as a wall stud or ceiling joist. The mounting tabs may includes several arcuate-shaped flaps adapted to bend or flex about the ends of the body. In use, the wire support can be configured to attach to a structure in a generally flat configuration, or may be folded or bent to a desired shape such as a polyhedron or an L.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Professional Partners, Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven Neujahr
  • Patent number: 7271350
    Abstract: A surface mounted support assembly that is alignable with an electrical box installed at any position. A first bracket is adapted to be secured to the support and has a plurality of openings adapted to receive wiring from an electrical box secured to the support. A cover is connected to and disposed over the first bracket the first bracket. A cover ring is connected to the cover and adapted to receive an electrical fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7247799
    Abstract: A cord management device includes a receptacle (110, 210) defining an interior space (120, 220) capable of containing a power strip (140, 240). The receptacle includes a stationary portion (111, 211) and a cover (115, 215) attached to the stationary portion as with a hinge such that the cover is capable of movement between a first position, in which the cover substantially encloses the interior space, and a second position, in which the interior space is exposed. The cover has a cutout (117, 217) therein. The stationary portion includes a cord management feature (113, 213). The cutout in the cover interacts with the stationary portion of the receptacle to form an opening in the receptacle when the cover is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Mori, Barry Sween, Yoko Iida, John Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 7235738
    Abstract: A portable data device includes: a first body including a display section, the first body having a first long side and a first short side; a second body housing a circuit section for controlling the display section, the second body having a second long side and a second short side; and a connecting member for connecting the first and second bodies. The portable data device has a first position in which the first and second bodies substantially overlie each other and a second position in which the first body is rotated from the first position to overlie the second body such that a part of the second body extends beyond the first body and the second short side coincides with or is located apart from the first long or short side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Horinouchi, Masashi Shiomi, Masayuki Ehiro
  • Patent number: 7179993
    Abstract: A universal junction box, which includes multiple methods for securing cables, various kinds of wires and conduits and multiple methods for securing the box within a wall cavity. The front side of the box which can be positioned flush with the installed wall covering includes fittings for attaching a wall plate, switches, plugs, connectors, and electrical/electronic devices to the box. The junction box allows the addition of an extension to the rear of the junction box for a between-wall design for the installation and attachment of similar devices on an opposing wall surface through the same junction box. The junction box also engages extensions to the side of the junction box allowing two or more ganged box configurations, which share the multiple methods for securing the junction box within a wall cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Frank P. Rose
  • Patent number: 7129411
    Abstract: A device for more reliable and rapid securing to or within a component. The device incorporates therein or independently uses a substantially flexible member to secure the device within the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Bump, Thomas M. Capone
  • Patent number: 7109411
    Abstract: The electromagnetic shielding device includes a frame and a lid. The frame includes sidewalls and upstanding male detent elements with outwardly extending detent protrusions. The lid includes a generally planar top with peripheral lip portions. Slots are formed at the intersection of the lid and the peripheral lip portions so that upstanding male detent elements can extend therethrough and detent engage the frame to the lid. Variations of the detent engagement are shown in different embodiments. In particularly, a reduced height of the electromagnetic shielding device can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Laird Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Vinokor, Vladislav Pirkhalo, Anatoliy Shlahtichman, Eugene Smyk, Zoilo Anthony Favela, Gerald English
  • Patent number: 7102078
    Abstract: A housing for holding electrical and/or electronic components with a housing opening and with an entry fitting which is rotationally located in the housing opening, the entry fitting having a cylindrical holding part in which an annular groove is formed, and being held by a fastener in the housing. In the housing, the entry fitting can be securely attached to the housing with simple means and installation of the entry fitting, with the housing otherwise closed, is possible in that, for axially securing the entry fitting in the housing opening, there is an open plastic snap ring which is provided with a feed bevel which is guided in the annular groove, and which, in the installed state of the entry fitting, is locked at least partially in a groove in the housing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: i f m electronic GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Weber, Wolfgang Heinrich, Andreas Hornstein, Wolfgang Mehnert, Franz Sauter, Ralf Siegler
  • Patent number: 7060914
    Abstract: A bioelectrical impedance measuring device comprises a first electrode unit and a second electrode unit which are nearly rectangular in shape and have electrodes for measuring a bioelectrical impedance on the top surfaces thereof, and a control circuit unit which incorporates an electric control circuit for measuring a bioelectrical impedance and is detachably attached to the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit via connection terminals. Accordingly, a user can disassemble the device into the control circuit unit, the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit and stack these units and can therefore carry around or store the device easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Tanita Corporation
    Inventor: Shun Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7019211
    Abstract: A universal junction box, which includes multiple methods for securing cables, various kinds of wires and conduits and multiple methods for securing the box within a wall cavity. The front side of the box which can be positioned flush with the installed wall covering includes fittings for attaching a wall plate, switches, plugs, connectors, and electrical/electronic devices to the box. The junction box allows the addition of an extension to the rear of the junction box for a between-wall design for the installation and attachment of similar devices on an opposing wall surface through the same junction box. The junction box also engages extensions to the side of the junction box allowing two or more ganged box configurations, which share the multiple methods for securing the junction box within a wall cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Frank P. Rose
  • Patent number: 6936765
    Abstract: An insert bridges a junction box to provide a continuous path between consecutive pipes of an electrical wiring guideway. The insert includes a generally tubular body having a first end and a second end. The insert has a length that is sized to bridge a gap across the junction box and a diameter that is sized for sliding into a pipe of the electrical wiring guideway. A first flange surrounds the generally tubular body and is spaced from the first end thereof. A second flange surrounds the generally tubular body and is spaced from the second end thereof. The flanges abut opposing inner walls of the junction box to ensure that the insert is not lost into a pipe. A slit extends along the length of the insert to allow for removal of the insert once the electrical wiring has been laid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Jay Horner
  • Patent number: 6930250
    Abstract: A two-piece swivel hanger assembly generally includes a mounting plate mountable to an electrical outlet box, a swivel element and an access door slidably attached to the mounting plate. The mounting plate has a central opening forming at least part of a swivel element seat and has a portion thereof removed to define an access opening within the mounting plate. The swivel element is movably seated in the swivel element seat and partially protrudes through the central opening of the mounting plate. The access door is sized and shaped to fully cover the access opening of the mounting plate when the access door is in a closed position and is further slidable on the mounting plate in a radial direction toward the central opening to the closed position thereby movably retaining the swivel element within the swivel hanger assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 6927336
    Abstract: An interworking interface module for telecommunication switching systems has multiple interworking terminal I/O ports, tracking terminal I/O ports, and system terminal I/O ports, and an indicator lamp are mounted on the external panels of a mounting frame. Multiple connection modules are attached onto the inner surface of a mounting frame used for setting up interconnection between the above terminal I/O ports. Each connection module comprises a switching means, such that a terminal separated from the system connection is automatically switched to connect to a terminal resistor to damp any line oscillation due to open connection. Using the connection modules to interconnect the above terminals of the invention, the present invention is able to reduce the necessary interconnecting components and simplify the procedures for assembling a transit exchange platform, while the original service quality with respect to a line connection is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Hsun-Chien Huang
  • Patent number: 6903272
    Abstract: An electrical box is provided that is easily adaptable for ganging to an adjacent electrical box. The electrical box includes a body member having a pair of opposed side walls, a rear wall contiguously formed between the pair of opposed side walls, a pair of opposed guides bounding the body member and integrally formed therewith, and a pair of opposed tabs disposed between the pair of opposed side walls and integrally formed on the pair of opposed guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 6828502
    Abstract: A fluid release system for removing water within secondary conduits which contain electrical cables extending between a transformer and an electrical meter. The system includes a release valve having a side opening for release of water collected therein. The system further includes a flap connected to pivot between a closed position covering the side opening, and an open position for removal of water collected from secondary conduits connected to the release valve. The release valve is connected to secondary conduits extending between the transformer and the electrical meter installed on an exterior wall of a residential or commercial building. The fluid release system removes water from the secondary conduits before water is transferred to the electrical meter therefore minimizing water damage to the electrical meter and associated circuit breakers. A method of releasing water from within secondary conduits by operation of the release valve is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory L. Green
  • Patent number: 6825414
    Abstract: An exterior mounting block for electrical fixtures includes a plastic block having a nailing flange and screw holes adapted to support either a duplex outlet or a light fixture. The holes are spaced either along the central axis of the block for a duplex, or spaced diagonally relative to each other on sidewalls to support a light fixture. The block is formed from a white, fire-resistant material and includes a cover plate formed from a non-fire-resistant material or from a metal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Bluegrass Products, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael Vagedes
  • Patent number: 6818825
    Abstract: An electrical power supply assembly for an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a dual circuit alternator that provides dual unregulated voltage signals to a supply connector. The supply connector is electrically connected to an input connector. A regulator receives one of unregulated voltage signals from the input connector and provides a regulated voltage signal to one contact at an output connector. A bypass conductor conducts the other unregulated voltage signal from the input connector to another contact at the output connector. The output connector is configured to be electrically connected to a dual load circuit connector. The dual load circuit connector is electrically connected to load circuits having different demands for regulated and unregulated electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Paul A. Tharman
  • Patent number: 6803522
    Abstract: Each of the embodiments of the invention has a rim, a deck and a raised portion on the deck to accommodate switch levers and television cable connectors. The rim fits closely around the perimeter of a cover plate and switch or outlet being shielded. The deck is generally parallel to the surface of the cover. Adhesive is applied to areas of the under surface of the deck which overlie the relatively smooth end areas of the cover plate. The shield has flexibility allowing for deflection under finger pressure to bring the adhesives into contact with the cover plate to securely attach the shield to the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Skakun