Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring interruptions in utility power that includes a utility power plug for connection to a utility wall socket to provide a signal indicative of loss of utility power. A counter is responsive to such signal for counting and displaying the number of power interruptions, and a timer is responsive to such signal for measuring and displaying time duration of power interruptions. An operator switch is coupled to the timer for selectively measuring and displaying either duration of the latest power interruption or total duration of all power interruptions. The counter and timer may be reset at the option of an operator.

Abstract: A lamp has a tungsten filament within an evacuated glass bulb and connected to electrical conductors. Connected between the two electrical conductors are a series-connected neon and resistor. In use, the tungsten filament provides a primary light-emitting device, and the neon provides a secondary light-emitting device. The light intensity emitted by the filament is very much greater than that emitted by the neon. Therefore, in normal use, the neon will hardly be seen. However, in the event that the filament fails, the neon continues to emit light. With the main filament extinguished, the light emitted by the neon becomes quite visible, and serves to indicate the presence of electric power at the lamp contacts. Therefore, a user can switch off the power supply to the lamp at the local switch, the neon indicating when this has safely been done.

Abstract: An in-wall mounted electric timer comprising a housing for mounting in an electric box in a wall. The electric timer comprises a user interface on the housing. The user-interface comprises an input panel and a display. The electric timer further includes a movable cover panel covering the user interface. The cover panel has a rearward extending post aligned with the input panel to operate the input panel by moving action of the cover panel, wherein at least a portion of the cover panel is transparent enabling observation of the display through the cover panel.

Abstract: A power socket with illuminated plug blade slots that includes an illumination mechanism for illuminating the interior area of each plug blade slot. The illumination mechanism has two color outputs for illuminating the neutral plug blade slot a first color and illuminating the hot plug blade slot a second color.

Abstract: An add-on housing circuit usable with an existing garage having a switch controlled overhead incandescent screw type lamp socket and a conventional remotely controlled garage door opener with the same type of incandescent lamp socket. This housing has internal circuitry and an outer display panel and is operatively connected to an added fluorescent lighting fixtures within the garage in place of the conventional incandescent bulbs in the garage and opener. Either one or two electrically operated garage door openers may be used with the housing and fluorescent lighting fixtures. The housing's display face has visual indicators which indicate that the existing garage wall switch is operating to supply power to a fluorescent lighting system or that electrical power from the existing garage opener is received. If two garage doors and openers are used, then an additional visual panel indicator to indicate the operative state of the second door with supporting internal housing circuitry included.

Abstract: An intelligent electric socket is controlled by a command signal and includes a semiconductor switch. The socket also includes an electromechanical switch and a signal processor, the electromechanical switch being connected in parallel across the semiconductor switch. The signal processor receives the command signal and controls operation of semiconductor switch and the electromechanical switch.

Abstract: A power interruption detector including a housing, a power input cord, a multi-volt transformer having a 120-208-240 primary winding and a 24 volt secondary winding, a power contactor with an actuating coil, a power plug receptacle, a delay timer, a counting circuit, an alarm circuit, a thumb-wheel switch, a digital trip counter display driver, a display output device, an audible alarm enunciator, and a battery. The power input cord couples line power to the primary winding of the multi-volt transformer and to one side of the power contactor. The other side of the power contactor is wired to the terminals of the power plug receptacle. The power contactor has contacts that close to complete the circuit between the power input cord and the power plug receptacle when the actuating coil is energized. The secondary winding is coupled to the delay timer. The delay timer has a delay timer output coupled to the actuating coil of the contactor.

Abstract: A branch circuit includes an branch breaker, a master outlet, and two slave outlets in series with the master outlet. The master outlet is the closest of the outlets to the circuit breaker. It includes a power sensor, the output of which is graphically displayed on a multi-segment LED display visible from the front of the outlet. The power sensor output is also supplied to displays at the slave outlets so that the power measured at master outlet is indicated at all outlets. This allows the available power capacity for the branch circuit to be appropriately indicated at all outlets on the circuit. The design can be implemented inexpensively enough that it is economical to employ the invention at every outlet in a building.

Abstract: A combination electrical connector and power failure signal device, comprising a generally box-like housing having a front, a back and a chamber, a male electrical plug on the back, a female electrical plug on the front, an electrical circuit in the housing including conductors connecting the male plug to the female plug, an alarm circuit in the housing responsive to power in the electrical circuit maintaining a stand by condition, the alarm circuit including a sensor for sensing a failure of power in the electrical circuit and initiating a first alarm mode, and responsive to a predetermined time in the first alarm mode to terminate the first alarm mode and initiate a second alarm mode, and a battery for powering the alarm circuit during failure of power in the electrical circuit.

Abstract: An electrical socket includes at least one socket receptacle adapted to connect electrically an electrical appliance to a line power source, and a monitoring unit connected electrically across the socket receptacle for monitoring operating conditions, such as the ambient temperature, the line voltage, the line current and the line power supplied by the line power source, of the electrical socket.

Abstract: A testing kit for luminaire lamps includes a shorting cap that is to be substituted for a photoelectric sensing device to test its operability, and a luminaire lamp testing instrument that is to be used while the shorting cap is in place for testing the operation of the starter and the ballast associated with the luminaire. The shorting cap includes a plurality of equidistantly distributed indicating lights to enable the user to see one of them from any angle, a built-in circuit breaker that trips when there is a short circuit downstream from the photoelectric sensing device, and a pair of jacks for connecting a voltmeter thereto. The luminaire lamp testing instrument has an evaluation circuitry that determines whether or not the starter or the ballast function properly and causes either one of two lights, depending on the design wattage of the luminaire lamp, to issue visually distinguishable signals indicative of proper operation of the starter and the ballast, respectively.

Abstract: An electrical test buzzer is adapted for insertion into an output receptacle and used to test for the presence of electricity at the output receptacle. The electrical test buzzer includes an audible alarm, a transformer, held in a housing, and a pair of contact prongs. The contact prongs are inserted into a respective output receptacle causing the buzzer to sound a high pitched alarm when electricity is present at the receptacle. When no electricity is present at the receptacle no circuit is formed and the alarm does not sound.

Abstract: A single hand-held tester performs both off-line continuity tests and on-line voltage tests for electrical cables and equipment such as that used in entertainment, studio or stage lighting. A test plug and a test socket fixed one at each end enable the tester to (a) plug into a power outlet socket to check for the correct presence of a.c. line voltage, (b) engage both ends of an extension cable to test continuity and correct wiring of each wire in the cable or (c) engage the plug end of an extension cable to provide audible indication of the continuity of a load such as a lamp connected to the cable. In a three-conductor (hot, ground and neutral) embodiment, a row of three test pushbuttons, one for each conductor, corresponds with an adjacent row of three LED continuity indicators. Three neon lamps indicate the presence of a.c. voltage between contact members of a power outlet under test.

Abstract: An electrical power extension cord having an illuminated connecting body at an end of the extension cord is described. The end is illuminated if it is connected to an active power source with or without a functioning ground conductor, depending upon the electrical configuration within the body. The body is formed from a translucent material having the illumination apparatus embedded within such that the illuminated body is visible from all directions.

Abstract: An electrical device is provided for converting alternating current to direct current for an incandescent lightbulb circuit to extend the life of the bulb and reduce power consumption. The device provides a housing containing a diode rectifier adapted to be electrically connected to an alternating current source of supply and the incandescent lightbulb circuit. A resettable circuit breaker is employed to break the circuit when overloaded with an external resettable switch. The housing may further be provided with a low silhouette and a plug in order that the device may simply be plugged into an electrical wall receptacle. For ease of connection to the incandescent lightbulb circuit, an electrical receptacle may be provided on the exterior of the housing to receive a plug from the lightbulb circuit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tool for aligning and manipulating an electrical outlet comprising: a base member including a top portion and bottom portion, front portion and rear portion, the rear portion including plugs for plugging into the electrical outlet; and a removable shield for minimizing the possibility of shorting out an electrical connection of the outlet with a metallic junction box during installation for example, the removable shield and the base member being coupled together or released.

Abstract: A circuit tester includes a light-weight portable transmitter and receiver, with the transmitter being provided with several interchangeable plugs for the testing of power circuits of different voltage. The plugs are alternately firmly electrically and mechanically coupled to apply power to the transmitter, which does not need a battery. The transmitter transmission circuitry operates on a relatively low voltage such as 9 volts, and the transmitter input circuitry operates without switching circuits to reduce the applied power to this operating level. The transmitter only weighs 21/2 or 3 ounces and the receiver only weighs 7 or 8 ounces. Unique modulation or interruption of the transmitter operates audio and/or visual signalling elements in the receiver.

Abstract: A ground circuit indicator has a very high resistance and low leakage current to ground. Accordingly, should the ground circuit not be connected, the voltage applied to the chassis of any appliance connected to the circuit will be low, and will not expose persons to a shock hazard. The indicator is adapted for use with multiple outlet connectors.

Abstract: A plug-mounted wriststrap detector and ground monitor includes hot, neutral and ground input terminals which are connected to corresponding terminals of a power outlet when the circuit is plugged in. A jack is provided to plug a wriststrap into the circuit to provide electrostatic protection to the user. Means are provided to detect that the user is wearing the wriststrap and that the wriststrap is properly connected to the circuit as a function of whether an a.c. signal of sufficient amplitude is detected coupled to the circuit by the wriststrap and/or user. Lamps and an audible alarm warn the user if the wriststrap is not properly connected. A precision ground integrity circuit is provided to detect whether an unsafe ground condition exists and to alert the user accordingly. The ground integrity circuit uses a constant current source and voltage comparator to determine that the ground impedance does not exceed a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A circuit tester indicates the presence of power at an outlet and the continuity of a resistive load connected to the outlet. The tester is particularly useful as an automotive block heater circuit tester. The tester has a housing with a male end equipped with the prongs conventionally found on a male electrical plug and a female end with a socket of the same configuration as a conventional female electrical outlet. One of the sockets is divided into inner and outer terminals that are sequentially engaged by the mating prong of a male plug as it is inserted into the female end of the tester. A lamp and a resistive circuit are connected into this structure in such a way that when the tester is plugged into a live outlet, the lamp is illuminated brightly. When a male plug is inserted into the female end of the tester, the lamp initially dims to confirm continuity of the load and then brightens as the male plug is fully seated in the socket.

Abstract: A low voltage warning apparatus is adapted to energize a low voltage indicator in response to a test voltage signal falling below the magnitude of a reference voltage signal. The test voltage signal and reference voltage signal are connected to be received by a comparator circuit so that the comparator circuit output is connected to ground when the test voltage falls below the value of the reference voltage. The low voltage indicator is connected between an indicator power supply and the comparator output so that when the comparator output is connected to ground, a low voltage indicator energizing current flows through the low voltage indicator to provide the desired low voltage indication.

Abstract: Programmable safety electrical socket controller apparatus for controlling operation of an electrical socket by distinguishing between an actual electrical load and a false load created by human contact, thereby substantially eliminating the risk of electrocution. The controller initially operates in a standby mode wherein the rated voltage of the electrical power system is effectively disconnected from the socket terminals. A data value group representing the electrical characteristics of the connected load is obtained at safe voltage levels and these are examined by a microprocessor, in which there is stored a set of electrical characteristics based on known physiological data relating to the human body.

Abstract: This light bulb shaped device is comprised of a one hundred and ten volt buzzer wired to a threaded light bulb type metal base. The sound from this buzzer is amplified by an unbreakable plastic megaphone. The interior works of this device is protected from tampering by affixing a protective unbreakable plastic grill at the large end of the megaphone. This entire device is intended to be screwed into a typical light bulb socket in order to emit an audio alarm signal. This occurs when the light bulb socket is energized by a surge of one hundred and ten volt current.

Abstract: An audible circuit tracer which is palm size for indicating audibly the presence of electric power in an outlet. The tracer consists of a cylindrical housing containing a step down transformer, a full wave rectifier and a piezo buzzer for sounding in the presence of electric power. The sound being emitted can be muffled adjustably and there is provision for a light as well.

Abstract: A terminal block assembly comprising terminals in combination with associated signal indicators is disclosed. The assembly includes one or more rows of terminals and, associated with each row of terminals, a row of signal indicators. The signal indicator typically is a light emitting diode. Each indicator is located in proximity to one or a few terminals, to which it may be connected electrically. Each signal indicator displays the operational status of a load module connected to a terminal on the terminal block assembly. Operational status may include fault detection, output signal, input signalling, or the like. The placement of the signal indicator immediately adjacent to its respective terminal simplifies and speeds up identification and eliminates any question of improper identification of the load modules connected to the terminal blocks.

Abstract: A fused electrical receptacle is particularly designed for use with an electrical waterbed heater. A housing includes a power cord extending therefrom for connection to a conventional AC outlet. A fuse is connected in line within the housing for providing circuit protection which prevents a shorted waterbed heater from damaging electrical circuits in a house and creating a potential fire hazard. An indicator is preferably provided within the housing for indicating when the fuse is blown. A solenoid coil may be connected to the power cord on a downstream side of the fuse and has an extensible rod disposed in a retracted position when the solenoid coil is energized and spring biased to an extended position when power supply to the solenoid coil is interrupted. A pivotal flag has a distal visual signal portion movable through an aperture in the housing between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: An electrical tap switch is provided that allows a user to control two power outlets. In one embodiment the tap switch is used in-line between one extension cord and two additional ones. In another embodiment the tap switch is plugged directly into a wall receptacle and is permanently secured using a screw mechanism. An indicator is used to display the on-off status of the tap switch. A bar graph current indicator is provided that displays the total current drawn by all loads.

Abstract: Positive assurance of correct connection, in supplying electrical utilization equipment from a current source, is provided when it is critical to safety and particularly when receptacle outlets are used or a fixed wiring installation required which may be subject to wiring error. An electromagnetic relay is employed to prevent equipment use and to provide audible indication in the event of hazardous connective error such as reversal of ungrounded and grounded neutral conductors and the omission of a grounding connection. The relay may be one that is also otherwise controlled for on-off power switching.

Abstract: Electrical monitoring circuitry simultaneously and continuously tests a three-wire ground-type AC outlet for proper line voltage, polarity of the wiring and external ground resistance. The circuitry includes a single indicating lamp, preferably a light-emitting diode, which illuminates only when the proper conditions tested for exist at the outlet. For optimum convenience, the circuitry is incorporated in a male/female outlet adaptor which, in use, is plugged into the wall outlet to be tested, thereby to establish via the phase, neutral and ground prongs of the adaptor the necessary test connections of the circuitry to the wall outlet. The adaptor includes one or more jack receptacles internally connected to the adaptor ground prong for receiving static charges from external equipment and draining same to the building ground when the light-emitting diode illuminates.

Abstract: This adapter has a housing containing an automatic electrical switching circuit, a plug for connecting the circuit to an external A.C. power source, and sockets for mounting primary and standby lamps on the housing in circuit with the switching circuit. The circuit includes a conventional rectifier bridge and a transistor which is normally biased off so that the standby lamp is off, when the primary lamp lights. When the primary lamp goes off (burns out), the transistor conducts and the standby lamp is automatically turned on. When the primary lamp again operates the transistor is again biased off and the standby lamp is automatically turned off. A signal lamp in the switch circuit lights when the standby lamp is on. Motors or other power consuming devices may be substituted for the lamps.

Abstract: A duplex electrical receptacle has a replaceable module on-board which surge-suppressing components are mounted for replacement in the event of surge-suppression failure. An auditory alarm sounds to alert an operator to surge-suppression failure.

Abstract: A protection device for interrupting power to a load connected to a pair of terminals when the temperature of a terminal exceeds a predetermined threshold comprises an alloy having a eutectic at the predetermined threshold and a neon gas-filled glow tube electrically coupled in parallel with the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is electrically serially connected between the terminal and the load and thermally coupled to the terminal so that an excessive temperature rise at the terminal causes the fuse to melt, thereby removing power from the load and causing the glow tube to be lit.

Abstract: A data distribution apparatus for controlling the distribution of data signals from field mounted devices to a central processor includes a backplate having wiring connected thereto between the backplate and the field mounted devices and between the backplate and the data processor. A cover for the backplate includes a printed circuit board mounted thereon with an electrical connector extending therefrom. The cover connector is arranged to mate with an electrical connector board mounted on the backplate to selectively connect the printed circuit board on the cover to electrical circuits connected to the connector board on the backplate. Thus, the removal of the cover which is keyed to the backplate to ensure a correct orientation thereof on the backplate is effective to interrupt the electrical connections provided by the printed circuit board among the wiring connected to the electrical connector board and vice versa.

Abstract: A safety plug to an outlet box receptacle, which includes an overcurrent protection device, and engaging devices for engaging the safety plug adapter both to flanged portions of the outlet box face plate and to the electric cord so that it is difficult for a small child to remove the electric cord connecting plug from the adapter, or the adapter from the outlet box receptacle. The adapter may also include a voltage-actuated light-emitting device to indicate when the outlet box receptacle is energized, and a spring-loaded adapter receptacle cover plate.

Abstract: The security of manufactured apparatus is enhanced through reducing the motivation for theft by partitioning the design of the manufactured apparatus so as to provide a component essential to the operation that is destroyed both in function and in appearance on moving the apparatus, is clearly distinguishable from a common article of commerce and cannot be singly, economically produced. The security is enhanced because theft is not profitable since a cost equal to any profit is incurred to replace the destroyed part and chance of detection is increased. Small apparatus theft, such as occurs with a typewriter, is rendered impractical by providing a power cord that is distinctive in appearance, not economically singly replaceable, that is so fastened that it must be fractured in order to remove the apparatus.

Abstract: A device is provided for automatically determining the storage capacity of a data processing or transmission system and signalling when the storage capacity is inadequate to handle an incoming address. The store includes a plurality of storage fractions made up of storage modules adopted to be plugged into a printed circuit board having a conductor pattern thereon and connector locations disposed along the conductor pattern. The modules may be plugged into the circuit board and a full storage fraction is established when electrical continuity is established along the whole length of a conductor which connects all of the location localities assigned to a storage fraction. The conductor pattern is interrupted at the connection localities of the modules of one and the same storage fraction.

Abstract: A memory pack is provided having a random access memory connected between a positive power source terminal and a ground terminal, an addressing terminal coupled with the random access memory, and a data input/output terminal coupled with the random access memory. The memory pack further includes an LED energizing terminal, a light emission element which is connected between the LED energizing terminal and a positive power source terminal, the LED being lit by an energizing signal applied to the LED energizing terminal, a RAM energizing terminal and a photocoupler which is connected between the RAM energizing terminal and the random access memory and which responds to an energizing signal applied to the RAM energizing terminal to apply an output signal to the random access memory thereby to set the random access memory to be operative.

Abstract: An alarm device indicates the occurrence of a power failure or other interruption of power supplied to businesses or residences which triggers the alarm indication only after the elapse of a predetermined adjustable delay interval commencing upon the occurrence of the power failure. The device includes a mechanically-operated timer-alarm device, the operation of which is controlled by a lock and release lever, with the lever position in turn controlled by an electrically-operated solenoid plugged into the circuit to be monitored. As long as the circuit supplies power to the solenoid, release of the timer is prevented. Upon occurrence of a power failure, the release of the lock and release enables the timer to begin timing out intervals of a preselected duration, after which the alarm is sounded.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle has a female socket with two receiving terminals for receiving the two prongs of a male plug. Each of the receiving terminals has two electrically separated contact elements. One contact element from each of the two receiving terminals is interconnected to the main source of electric power. The other contact element from each of the two receiving terminals is connected through a switch to an alarm. When the male plug is inserted into the socket, it electrically conducts current from the first contact element to the second contact element in each of the receiving terminals, to thereby maintain the switch in one of its two positions to prevent the alarm from being energized. However, when the plug is removed from the socket, the switch moves to its second position and the alarm is energized.

Abstract: An audible warning device is integrated within an electrical connector in the form of a mains plug or mains adaptor to produce an audible warning in the absence of the mains supply. The plug or adaptor may incorporate further circuits for producing distinctive warnings should the power supply be subsequently reconnected, and also should the voltage of an internal battery powering the device drop below a predetermined value. In the case of an adaptor, the device has such internal connections that a warning will be produced if the power supply plug becomes disconnected from the adaptor, the adaptor from the power supply socket, or both.

Abstract: An indicator device having a single indicator which is momentarily activated during connection of the device, i.e. to a power source, to indicate availability of electrical power and operability of the indicator device and then subsequently deactivated to indicate safe electrical service to an electrical appliance or tool, cord, receptacle, etc.