Electrical Service Distribution Box Patents (Class 361/641)
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Patent number: 6057509Abstract: A modularized electric box system provides a minimum of modular elements, typically two or three from which a basic anchor box may be formed with protruding members for support by a building body, and from which gangable extensions thereto may be fashioned. The modules may constitute a basic open front electrical box frame having at least one open side with interlocking structure for receiving and supporting either a sidewall panel or a gangable U-shaped extension box module. An anchoring box may be formed with anchoring structure integrally protruding from end panels thereof adapted for attachment to a building body. Thus minimally a basic U-shaped box frame module without sidewalls interlockable with a similar module and a removable sidewall module interlockable upon a U-shaped box frame at the open sidewalls will form a gangable box system. Interlocking channelwork permits unimpeded insertion and removal of modules by sliding movement perpendicular to the open box fronts.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Inventor: Michael L. Simmons
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Patent number: 6046904Abstract: A cabinet for housing first and second pieces of electrical equipment and having a first compartment adjacent a second compartment for housing the respective first and second pieces of electrical equipment. The cabinet has a first cover member overlying at least a portion of the first compartment and a second cover member overlying at least a portion of the second compartment and defining a seam therebetween. The cabinet also has a barrier positioned between the first and second compartments and extending generally transverse to the cover members. The barrier includes a wall and a drip channel, where the drip channel is integrally formed with the wall and extends longitudinally adjacent the seam to resist penetration of water into the cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1999Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Michael A. Kubat
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Patent number: 6023409Abstract: In a wiring board mounting structure for an electrical junction block which includes a body in which an electrical circuit is formed, and a wiring board in which another electrical circuit is formed, the wiring board being coupled to the body to complete the connection of the electrical circuits, bosses are provided for the body and positioning holes are provided for the wiring board to guide the wiring board to a predetermined mounting position. Further, stationary terminals are protruded from the body, and elastic terminals, which elastically contact the stationary terminals when the wiring board is set at the mounting position in the body, are protruded from the wiring board.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1998Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Toshiharu Takahashi
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Patent number: 5982610Abstract: In a multisided access communication distribution cabinet, an adjustable tie rod is configured as part of mounting units. The adjustable tie rod is located between grooming bars of the mounting unit, fitted within slots allowing for the adjustable tie rod to move within an area defined by the slots. Wires/cables are passed through an opening defined by the adjustable tie rod and one of the grooming bars. Once the wires have been located in a desired location, the adjustable tie rod is moved into close association with the grooming bar such that the wires are held in a fixed position. Thereafter the adjustable tie rod is placed in a fixed position thereby holding the wires/cables in a secure manner.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: RELTEC CorporationInventors: William A. Crawford, David J. Michlovic, Larry N. Cleveland
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Patent number: 5973914Abstract: An attachment for attaching a main circuit breaker in an electrical panel has a uniquely constructed hold-down for the circuit breaker and a headed screw for fastening the hold-down in the panel. The hold-down is a non-electrically conductive part, such as a plastic. A circuit-breaker-engaging projection for engaging a circuit breaker projects from a first side of the hold-down body and a gripping tab projects from a second side of the body opposite the first side. A shank of the headed screw passes through a through-hole in the hold-down body to thread into a hole in a base pan. The screw is tightened against the hold-down body to hold it, and in turn the main circuit breaker, in place. In such an installed condition, the main circuit breaker cannot be removed easily from the panel unless the screw is intentionally unscrewed by a tool sufficiently to allow movement of the hold-down to a position that enables the main circuit breaker to be removed.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: William E. Rose, Samuel C. Strawn, Edward L. Tevis
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Patent number: 5932939Abstract: This invention provides a device which facilitates electrical wiring and equipment costs for electricians installing disconnect boxes, typically in the vicinity of an outside air conditioner unit. Thus, an improved disconnect box for protection of an electrician who is servicing an electrical appliance such as an outside air conditioner is provided which incorporates an integrally mounted auxiliary electric socket accessory giving the electrician a source of power for use while the electrician is safely assured that there is no power connected to the electrical appliance being serviced. The auxiliary electrical socket accessory may optionally be connected to a power line source as a full time electric plug outlet or one only accessible when the disconnect box is conditioned to disconnect power from the electrical appliance. Provisions are made for protection of the electrical socket accessory with fusing or circuit breaker protection and ground fault protected electrical input wiring to the electrical socket.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1998Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignees: Jeffrey S. Houk, Dominick J. GibinoInventor: Michael L. Simmons
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Patent number: 5932933Abstract: A power supply system which is designed to control the power supply to, for example, a building-block private branch exchange (PBX) system is provided which includes main and extension cabinets having disposed therein AC power supply units, respectively, and a power supply control circuit. The main and extension cabinets are supplied with AC power from an external power source and provide DC outputs. The power supply control circuit includes a first and a second switching circuit. The first switching circuit allows the supply of AC power to the AC power supply unit of the extension cabinet when the power supply system is turned on and interrupts it when the power supply system is turned off. The second switching circuit establishes communication between the AC power supply unit of the extension cabinet and a backup battery when the power supply system is turned on and blocks it when the power supply system is turned off.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1998Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Satoru Asanuma
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Patent number: 5933319Abstract: An enclosure for an external terminal of a circuit breaker on an electrical panelboard, which includes a body and a cover. The body defines an aperture for inserting an electrical load conductor and is securable adjacent a circuit breaker. The cover is mounted to the body for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position the terminal is exposed. In the second position the body, the circuit breaker and the cover jointly enclose the terminal.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1998Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Bill W. Buckner, Dale A. Hoppensteadt
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Patent number: 5923527Abstract: A safe electrical interconnection box includes a rear wall, a front panel and a plurality of lateral walls extending between the rear wall and front panel so as to define an enclosed interior space. The front panel forms part of a cover which is movable sufficiently so as to provide an access opening into the enclosed interior space. At least one and typically three current probe attachment fixtures are located within the interior space, suggestedly mounted on a plate which itself is mounted within the box. Also provided are one or more socket-type electrical connectors with pin receiving holes mounted on the separate plate. Preferably, at least one connector is multi-holed and another is single-holed. In one example, the fixtures and multi-hole connector are coupled with a polyphase high voltage power supply connected through the cabinet with a polyphase high voltage electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1996Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Liberty Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Louis Ricciuti, Jr.
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Patent number: 5920456Abstract: A bonding screw is pre-assembled in a distribution panel in a non-bonding position that does not bond a neutral bar within the panel enclosure to the enclosure wall. This allows an installer of the panel to select between the option of maintaining the bonding screw in the pre-assembled non-bonding position and the option of positioning the bonding screw from non-bonding position to a bonding position. A basepan is disposed within the enclosure between the neutral bar and the enclosure's back wall. The non-bonding position is defined by the screw shank thread having a threaded engagement with a through-hole in a basepan, the head of the bonding screw being spaced from the neutral bar, and the shank of the bonding screw being spaced from the enclosure's back wall. The bonding position is defined by the head of the electrically conductive part being disposed against the neutral bar and the shank being threaded into an extruded hole in the enclosure's back wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1997Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Bozzone, William E. Rose
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Patent number: 5905631Abstract: Guide members to guide the guide edges of plug-in units upon insertion of the plug-in units into the U-shaped bus duct of a low voltage switchgear assembly. The guide fittings are arranged on the inside of the side legs of the U-shaped bus duct, and the plug-in units are held between the side legs of the bus duct. Each of the guide members extends from and is made of the same material continuous with its corresponding side wall of the bus duct.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Klockner-Moeller GmbHInventor: Johannes Winkler
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Patent number: 5901034Abstract: The electronic instrument has a two-part housing (26, 27) which surrounds in a dusttight manner a printed board fitted with at least one electronic component. The housing (26, 27) contains a ventilating orifice (50) led through one of its two parts. A ventilating device (51) is arranged in this ventilating orifice (50), with an air-permeable diaphragm permeable to water vapor in a directionally dependent manner and with a splashwater guard preceding the diaphragm.Undesirable condensation water in the housing interior is avoided, since excess water vapor present in the housing interior is led outward through the diaphragm while the electronics are operating. At the same time, the splashwater guard prevents the diaphragm from coming into contact with splashwater and its operating capacity from being impaired.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1997Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AGInventor: Marcel Fuglister
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Patent number: 5890282Abstract: A control and panel assembly using a thin dielectric carrier strip upon which a sheet of conductive material is adhesively attached. The conductive sheet is perforated to form an array of spaced parallel discrete conductors. The conductors are initially formed as interconnected by transverse webs which are frangibly removed after attachment to the carrier. Individual stand up connectors are then attached to each of the conductors to form a carrier sub-assembly and the terminals are inserted through slots in a dielectric deck plate. Individual user actuated control components are then plugged directly into the terminals with user actuated shafts or levers extending through deck plate and carrier strip.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1996Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Inventors: Denis J. Leveque, James R. Jaeschke
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Patent number: 5870276Abstract: The invention provides a combination service entrance device which contains a common enclosure, divided by a center barrier into two sections. One houses a watt-hour meter socket and the other houses a panel board containing circuit breakers. The panel board is installed on an elevated mounting pan placed in the circuit breaker section. One side of the mounting panel preferably has a pair of tabs, each of which slides into a separate lance or guide formed in the center barrier. A pair of spaced posts are attached between the side opposite the barrier and the back panel of the enclosure. The length of the posts defines the gap between the back panel and the panel board. An elevated neutral bar is attached to the back panel along and distant from the mounting panel. The panel board remains parallel to and raised from the back panel. The elevated mounting pan provides for routing wires in the circuit breaker section and easier access to the load connections of the circuit breakers compared to prior art devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1995Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Thomas C. Leach, Larry D. Polston, Gary D. Fornash
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Patent number: 5838078Abstract: An electrical interface is comprised of permanent electrical facilities and a temporary electrical facility. The permanent electrical facilities provide electrical power to a residential neighborhood. The temporary electrical facility electrically is connected to the permanent electrical facilities and provides electrical utilities to construction sites. The temporary electrical facility is comprised of a first housing, at least one electrical breaker, and at least one electrical plug. The electrical breaker and the electrical plug are positioned in and enclosed within the first housing is such a manner that the at least one electrical breaker and the at least one electrical plug can be accessed from a position exterior to the first housing. The at least one electrical breaker electrically is coupled to the permanent electrical facilities and to the at least one electrical plug in such a manner as to selectively switch power to and from the at least one electrical plug.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1996Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Basic Resources, Inc.Inventor: James D. Tipton
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Patent number: 5831813Abstract: A breaker box front panel with window assembly including a breaker box and a plurality of switches situated within an interior space of the breaker box. The switches are connected between ends of a pair of associated wires which are situated adjacent the corresponding switch. The wires include a first wire connected to a power source and a second wire connected to an appliance. The switches have a first orientation for allowing transmission of power from the power source to the appliance and a second orientation for precluding transmission of power from the power source to the appliance. Further provided is a front panel secured about a front opening of the breaker box. The front panel is adapted to allow the manipulation of the switches and have at least one cut out vertically formed therein. As such, the wires associated with each switch can be seen through the cut out.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Inventor: Thomas Gomez
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Patent number: 5831814Abstract: An electrical distribution center comprises a main bus plate assembly that is sandwiched between upper and lower auxiliary bus plate assemblies of a known type. The main bus plate assembly comprises stamped metal circuit components having bus strips sandwiched between upper and lower insulation plates that are permanently secured together. The stamped metal circuit components have male blade terminals that protrude through slots of the upper and lower insulation plates. The slots have laterally flexible side wall portions that are spread apart by embossments of the stamped metal circuit components to retain these components during the assembly process.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Brian David Hamill
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Patent number: 5828544Abstract: A lid of an electronic unit box has a plurality of first fixing ribs and a plurality of second fixing ribs on the top wall thereof which are arranged parallel. The first and second fixing ribs have step-shaped cuts in such a manner that the cuts are opposite to each other, so that when the box body is covered with the lid, the cuts of the fixing ribs are abutted against the opposite edges of the electronic unit to fixedly hold the electronic unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1997Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Hiroyuki Matsuda
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Patent number: 5817976Abstract: An electrical junction box for connecting wire harnesses in which the configuration of inner circuit and its manufacturing process are simplified. The electrical junction box comprising: a top cover with a plurality of cavities for accommodating electrical parts such as fuses and relays; a bottom cover fixed to the top cover, the bottom cover having housing portions in which terminals at ends of wires constituting a wire harness are accommodated, the bottom cover having a plurality of sub harness bottom covers adapted to a plurality of sub wire harnesses which are classified according to the destination of the wires and load system; and electrical circuits accommodated between the top and bottom covers, the terminals at ends of the wires and the electrical parts being connected to the electrical circuits, wherein the plurality of cavities and the electrical circuits are arranged to form blocks in accordance with the sub harness bottom covers.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1994Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Takeshi Yanase, Kunihiko Takeuchi
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Patent number: 5789828Abstract: A low voltage power supply and distribution center comprises a housing and a housing door. The housing door is removably mounted to the housing and may be repositioned between a service position and a closed position. In the service or open position, the housing door is hingely mounted to the housing and provides easy access to circuit components. All of the circuit components of the low voltage power supply and distribution center are directly mounted to the housing door, and access to many of the circuit components, such as switches, fuses and circuit breakers, may be provided directly through the housing door. The housing door is manufactured of a material that efficiently dissipates heat through radiation such that it acts as a heat sink for the circuit components mounted thereon. Vents having adjustable dampers are formed in the housing door and the position of the dampers may be adjusted to meet code requirements associated with a specific installation.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Inventors: Susan C. Tremaine, John M. Tremaine
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Patent number: 5784249Abstract: An electrical distribution panel with quick change electrical outlets includes an elongated housing frame having multiple sides, a plurality of divider panels secured at different spaced levels in said elongated housing frame to form separated volumetric spaces therein. A plurality of openings are formed in said frame member at each of the volumetric spaces on at least two sides thereof. Main breaker means is provided at one of said different spaced levels, and a main distribution BUS means extends through divider panels and has means for connecting wires thereto through said openings which is accessible through the openings by an external bladed tool from said at lest two sides. A plurality of interchangeable receptacle mounting modules, each mounting module being adapted to be mounted within one of the openings, respectively, and connected by wires to the main BUS means by said bladed tool externally of said housing. Plates for covering the remaining of said openings.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1992Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Inventor: Gary J. Pouliot
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Patent number: 5777843Abstract: A double-sided power distribution box and protective housing assembly provides convenient access to both sides of the power distribution box for servicing and inspection, while still protecting both sides of the power distribution box from contamination by solid or liquid materials. A lower housing is fixedly mounted to some structure and is connected to the power distribution box by a hinge. The power distribution box is pivotable about the hinge between a closed position wherein the power distribution box nests into the concave upper side of the lower housing so that the power distribution box lower surface is enclosed by the lower housing, and an open position wherein the power distribution box lower surface is exposed for servicing or inspection. An upper housing is also connected to the power distribution box by a hinge and openable to allow access to the electrical components on the upper surface of the power distribution box.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Thomas Matthew Younce
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Patent number: 5760490Abstract: An electronic unit for a vehicle includes a control section for carrying out predetermined control management by detection signals transmitted through signal lines installed in the vehicle, a drive section for carrying out predetermined power management by control signals for said predetermined control management, which are outputted from the control section, a power branch circuit for separating one power generated from the drive section into three or more systems of power lines, and harness connecting connectors connected to terminals of the power branch circuit. Since the electronic unit per se has a "branch connecting" function of the wire harnesses, it does not require an exclusive junction box, so that the harness circuits can be simplified.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Takeshi Yanase
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Patent number: 5761038Abstract: An electrical connection box having heat generating electrical parts contained therein includes an upper case, a case body, and a lower case. The case body has a top surface on which numerous concave grooves are formed in a matrix shape, and at least one of the concave grooves receives a cooling device therein in such a manner that a heat absorbing side of the cooling device is positioned inside the electrical connection box and a heat radiating side of the cooling device is located outside of the electrical connection box. Alternatively, the case body may include numerous attaching holes formed in a thickness direction of the case body or in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the case body, and at least one of the attaching holes receives a cooling device therein in such a manner that a heat absorbing side of the cooling device is positioned inside the electrical connection box and a heat radiating side of the cooling device is located outside of the electrical connection box.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co.,Ltd.Inventor: Mitsuo Tanaka
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Patent number: 5751543Abstract: A slidable sealing cover assembly for unmetered electrical horizontal bus connections arranged in a customer compartment adjacent to a utility compartment for a panel board arrangement. The sealing cover assembly employs a cover member and a slide member attached to each end of the cover member. The cover assembly is slidably mounted on an existing fixed bus housing for the bus connections. A slotted end of each slide member extends into the utility compartment, and a slidable latching mechanism mounted on a wall of the utility compartment engages the slotted end of each slide member. When the cover member is positioned over the bus connections in the customer compartment, the slidable latching mechanisms are operated to enter the slot on the slotted end of each slide member so that the hinged door to the utility compartment can be closed.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1994Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Donald F. Gehrs, Robert E. Craddock
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Patent number: 5742005Abstract: To provide an electrical connection box which can easily respond to a change in the circuit construction among different types of vehicles and among different grades of the same type of vehicles, and can be generally used, an internal circuitry of an electrical connection box is divided into a common circuitry 1 and a special circuitry 2. A conductive layer on which the common circuitry 1 is formed and another conductive layer on which the special circuitry 2 is formed are arranged one over the other at different levels in a casing of the electrical connection box. The common circuitry 1 comprises flat busbars 10, whereas the special circuitry 2 preferably comprises a wire, longitudinal busbars 20, or a flat circuit 25 such as a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or a printed circuit board (PCB). The common circuitry 1 and the special circuitry 2 may alternatively be formed of the same conductive material.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1995Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Yuuji Saka, Takahiro Onizuka
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Patent number: 5726507Abstract: An electrical interface provides a permanent electrical facility electrically connected to a temporary electrical facility which provides electrical utilities to construction sites which can be activated by a non-utility qualified individual. The electrical interface generally comprises (a) permanent electrical facilities that provide electrical power to a residential neighborhood; and (b) temporary electrical facility electrically connected to the permanent electrical facilities. The temporary electrical facility provide electrical utilities to construction sites which can be activated by a non-utility qualified individual(s). The temporary electrical facility further comprises a non-conductive housing and a base, electrical connectors, and a electrical converter. The nonconductive housing fits over and doses the base. Alternate temporary electrical facilities comprise a pole, electrical connectors, and an electrical converter.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Basic Resources, Inc.Inventor: James D. Tipton
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Patent number: 5711587Abstract: A cover mounting structure for a shelf assembly which allows easy mounting of a cover to a shelf and can reliably prevent falling of the cover even when the cover is unlocked. The shelf assembly includes a shelf having a pair of side plates and a plurality of electronic circuit packages mounted in the shelf. The cover mounting structure includes a cover having a front plate, a pair of side plates bent from the front plate at a substantially right angle thereto, and a top plate bent from the front plate at a predetermined angle thereto; and a pair of shafts fixed in the vicinity of the upper ends of the side plates of the cover so as to project inside of the cover. A pair of recesses for receiving the shafts are formed at the upper ends of the side plates of the shelf, and a pair of guiding slant surfaces for guiding reception of the shafts into the recesses are formed at the front edges of the upper ends of the side plates of the shelf.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1995Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Tetsuya Takahashi, Hisao Hayashi, Shigeru Amagasa, Takashi Sato, Hiroshi Yamaji, Tsutomu Takahashi, Tomoyuki Hongoh, Koichi Namimatsu
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Patent number: 5663866Abstract: An instrument panel with meters/indicating lamps and their drive circuits implemented therein, a centralized control circuit board provided with control circuits for vehicle-mounted electric equipment including the meters/indicating lamps, and an electric junction box for distributing power sources and input/output signals for the vehicle-mounted electric equipment and for integrating ground wires, are gathered and integrally united. Electric wiring and installation of electric instruments such as an instrument panel in the dashboard portion of an automobile are facilitated.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1994Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Ichikawa, Yoshiaki Nakayama, Keizo Nishitani, Chiaki Sugiyama, Minoru Kubota, Tatsuo Ikegaya, Masanori Muto, Masaki Oishi, Masahiro Muramatsu, Yasuo Hosoda, Hiroshi Suzuki
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Patent number: 5638256Abstract: The present invention provides an overhead/underground combination service entrance device having a common enclosure that is divided by a center barrier into a first section for housing a watt-hour meter socket and a second section for housing a panel board containing a number of circuit breakers. The top panel of the common enclosure has a hole bringing electrical conductors into the first section from top of the common enclosure. A rain cap made from a suitable material is securely placed on the top panel. The rain cap has a hole therein that lies above the hole in the top panel so as to provide access to the first section from the outside. A hub closure plate is attached on the rain cap to cover sealingly cover the hole in the top panel. Means are provided for mounting the combination service entrance device on a flat surface and on vertical poles for temporary use.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1995Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Assignee: Square D. CompanyInventors: Thomas C. Leach, Kenneth L. Uhlman, Larry D. Polston, James P. Mills, Jr.
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Patent number: 5627409Abstract: A meter module assembly comprising: an instrument board implemented with meters/indicating lamps and a drive circuit therefor; an electric junction box integrating functional circuits to distribute and control power sources and input/output signals for the vehicle-mounted electric equipment including the meters/indicating lamps; a switch unit integrating switches for vehicle-mounted electric equipment; and wherein the combination meter panel, the electric junction box, and the switch unit are mounted and integrally united in a rear frame being attached to an instrument panel, connectors provided to the combination meter panel and the switch unit being coupled with connectors in the electric junction box.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1995Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Keizo Nishitani
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Patent number: 5621387Abstract: A box for covering components or the like and for preventing unwanted access thereto. The box comprises a mounting panel having a pair of opposed sides, a top portion, a bottom portion and a back portion. The back portion is adapted to receive a fastener for mounting the mounting panel to a mounting surface. A cover fastener is received within the mounting panel. A slot is formed in the mounting panel and a corresponding tang is located within the cover which is adapted to receive an alarm device therein and removably envelop the mounting panel. A second opening is located in the cover for receiving the cover fastener when said mounting panel is enveloped within the cover.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1995Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: Elk Products, Inc.Inventors: Kirk B. Phillips, Patrick K. Strong, J. Michael McRee, David C. Steele
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Patent number: 5615080Abstract: A meter module includes a meter panel in which meters and indication lamps are mounted, a centralized control circuit board in which control circuits for car electric devices including the meters and indication lamps are installed, an electric junction box for distribution of power, input and output signals and for integration of earth lines, and a module case. The electric junction box is formed by setting a bus-bar circuit board and an insulator cover in the module case. The centralized control circuit board and the meter panel are fixed over the electric junction box, whereby the meter panel, the centralized control circuit board and the electric junction box are intensively incorporated. The above arrangement simplifies electric wiring in the instrument panel portion of car and facilitates assembling of the electric devices such as the meter panel. A wiring harness protector includes a protector main body for protecting a wiring harness therein and a cover.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1994Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Keizo Nishitani, Yoshiaki Nakayama, Minoru Kubota, Keiichi Ozaki
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Patent number: 5574254Abstract: A water-proof sealing structure for an electric junction box including a main box having a first fitting portion and a water-proof covering having a second fitting portion to be mated with the first fitting portion; wherein either the first or second fitting portion is integrally formed with an elastomer-made fitting groove having a narrowed portion therein, while the other fitting portion is formed with a locking projection wall provided with a stopper; wherein the locking projection wall is suppressed by the narrowed portion when inserted into the fitting groove, forming simultaneously an air-keeping section between a top end of the locking projection wall and an innermost portion of the fitting groove.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1995Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignees: Yazaki Corporation, Arai Seisakusho Co., Ltd.Inventors: Fumimasa Mori, Masato Odake, Kazuhiro Shimizu, Fumio Kumagai
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Patent number: 5479505Abstract: This invention discloses a telephone network interface enclosure comprising a telephone company compartment having a cover therefor and a telephone subscriber compartment having a cover therefor. A network termination module containing a protector element is disposed in the network interface enclosure. One end of the network termination module is secured in the telephone subscriber compartment while the other end is secured in the telephone company compartment.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1992Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: Siecor Puerto Rico, Inc.Inventors: Walter K. Butler, Mark P. Cote, John J. Napiorkowski, Thomas W. Kroll, Boyd G. Brower, N. Peter Mickelson
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Patent number: 5463533Abstract: An adjustable depth electrical enclosure is taught. Briefly stated, a load center housing has inverted T shaped slots provided along its exterior. A bracket having an adjusting screw swagged thereto is extended through the T slot so that the bracket can ride back and forth in the vertical portion of the T slot. The adjusting screw is rotatably attached to a flange on the enclosure such that rotation of the screw causes the adjusting bracket to move with respect to the front/rear direction of the enclosure. Thereafter, when the brackets are attached to wall studs, mere adjustment of the adjusting screw allows the enclosure to be moved perpendicular to the wall thereby allowing the enclosure to be accurately flush mounted with the wall material utilized.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1994Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Leonard Donnerstag, deceased, Rory Donnerstag, executor
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Patent number: 5444183Abstract: A polymeric electrical enclosure has an electrical access knockout having a plurality of concentric grooves integrally molded into a wall section of reduced thickness. A plurality of angularly spaced, frangible flow leaders all bridge the outermost groove, with a lesser number bridging the remaining concentric grooves to facilitate the flow of material during molding to the knockout segments defined by the grooves. The concentric grooves are progressively deeper from the outermost to the innermost to aid in selective removal of inner segments without fracture of the outer segments. A flow leader which bridges all the grooves becomes narrower at the inner grooves, as less material need flow through that section of the flow leader, and the narrower section fractures sooner, thus aiding in selective removal of the inner segments of the knockout.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1993Date of Patent: August 22, 1995Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Donald F. Gehrs, Percy A. White
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Patent number: 5430619Abstract: A terminal box comprising a block of non-conductive material such as polystyrene or other comparable material having a first bus bar embedded therein with terminal connections to connect the live or hot wire of a first circuit leading to an electrical source, of a second circuit leading to a first load, and of a third or more circuits leading to a second or more load, a second bus bar embedded therein with terminal connections to connect the neutral wire of the first circuit leading to the electrical source, of the second circuit leading to the first load, and of the third or more circuits leading to a second or more load, and a third bus bar embedded therein with terminal connections to connect the ground wire of the first, second, third or more circuits.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1994Date of Patent: July 4, 1995Assignee: Lindenbaum Systems Design, Inc.Inventor: Matthew J. Lindenbaum
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Patent number: 5428535Abstract: A mother unit includes a mother board within a case. Control units control output devices, such as an air conditioning actuator, an antiskid actuator, an air bag module, or a constant speed actuator, each provided in a vehicle. The control units are freely connected to or disconnected from the mother unit. The mother unit is connected with the actuators by a wiring harness. Further, the mother unit is connected with sensors requisite for controlling the actuators by a wiring harness. A mother board of the mother unit is provided with common circuits shared by the control units.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1993Date of Patent: June 27, 1995Assignee: Kansei CorporationInventors: Ikuo Katsumata, Hideki Hashizume, Masafumi Nagami
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Patent number: 5404401Abstract: A test system directed to apparatus for transmitting and receiving multiple telephone transmission signals over a single twisted pair. The system converts an analog signal from a local switching station to an 80 ksymbols/sec signal for transmission over a twisted pair by a line card. A remote terminal converts the 80 ksymbols/sec signal back into a conventional analog signal for use in conventional telephone, facsimile or other related equipment. The test equipment separately tests the entire system, the line card portion of the system, the remote terminal portion of the system, and the twisted pair.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1993Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Assignee: Raychem CorporationInventors: David C. Bliven, Anthony Vranicar, Philip B. Vail, Gerald L. Shimirak, Julian S. Mullaney
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Patent number: 5394296Abstract: A modular power source monitoring and control system is mounted within a common power panel enclosure and includes a main lug assembly and a metering, relaying and control assembly. The main lug assembly includes a mounting and power connecting arrangement and a connector lug arrangement. The metering, relaying and control assembly includes a mounting and power connecting means and an electrical circuit for metering and controlling a power source. For both assemblies, the mounting and power connecting arrangement is in the form of a base member having a pair of mounting brackets on either side and conductor stabs extending from the bottom.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1993Date of Patent: February 28, 1995Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Irvin B. Erickson, Jr., Richard D. Werner
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Patent number: 5378058Abstract: An improved electrical service pedestal is provided, which has a lower portion and an upper portion, the latter of which features a pivotally mounted first section to permit easy access to a meter disposed there within. A second section disposed forward of the front of the first section is independently openable to permit a clear viewing of a meter disposed within the apparatus. The lower portion includes an openable front door, spaced from an openable interior door as well as a stepped and swept or other raceway for the wiring from the utility to the user's meter. Access to the raceway is gained through a removable side door.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1993Date of Patent: January 3, 1995Assignee: Tesco Controls, Inc.Inventor: Wallace D. Tessmer
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Patent number: 5357142Abstract: Disclosed is an electric connection box integral with an ignition switch to be incorporated into an instrument panel in an automobile. The electric connection box, which is to be disposed in an instrument panel, includes in its internal circuit protect parts such as a fuse and the like and a branch circuit (a bus bar circuit) having circuits respectively to be connected directly with an ignition circuit, thereby connecting the ignition circuit directly with the branch circuit, whereby an ignition switch and the circuit protect parts are integrated into the electric connection box.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1993Date of Patent: October 18, 1994Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Minoru Kubota, Yoshiaki Nakayama
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Patent number: 5355276Abstract: An elongated casing includes an elongated insulated seat which is disposed transverse to a longitudinal length of the casing and adjacent to one end thereof. The insulated seat has two spaced through bores that extend along a full longitudinal length to receive two conducting rods, four inlet holes that extend from a bottom of the insulated seat to communicate with the through bores, and a flat top surface. The flat top surface is provided with a T-shaped member, two inverted L-shaped members which cooperate with the T-shaped member to define two hooking units, and two recesses formed adjacent to a respective one of the hooking units. Two pairs of conducting pins are provided lengthwise in the elongated casing and which extend from the end towards another end of the casing. The conducting pins have upright insert portions that extend into the inlet holes of the insulated seat to contact the conducting rods.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1993Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Inventor: Ming-Kuang Chal
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Patent number: 5353190Abstract: An electric junction box installed in an automotive instrument panel incorporates the meter board and its associated switch circuits as the internal circuit of the box. The electric junction box has an internal busbar circuit having branches that are directly connected to the meter board and the switch circuits so that they form an integral part of the internal circuit of the junction box.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1993Date of Patent: October 4, 1994Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Yoshiaki Nakayama, Minoru Kubota
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Patent number: 5341273Abstract: An electrical distribution load center consists of a non-conductive enclosure and a circuit breaker bus bar support panel that are interconnected by interlock members that can be snap-fitted to secure the two panels to each other. The support panel also has a latch member so that the bus bars can be mounted onto the panel in a heat-staking, insert-molded or snap-fit arrangement. The support panel also has elements for locking the circuit breakers onto the panels in conducting contact with the bus bars. The enclosure and the support panel are enclosed by a non-metallic trim panel that has a non-metallic door hinged thereto and which carries a latch for latching the door to the trim panel.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1991Date of Patent: August 23, 1994Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Jeffrey O. Sharp, Michael R. Harris, Robert J. Cooper, Steve M. Ledbetter, Ronald H. Reed, Ronald W. Chaffin
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Patent number: 5323454Abstract: An enclosure (10) for junctions of telephone service wires (18,19) and a stub cable (16) includes a rear panel member (20) and a front cover (100) adapted to be slid downwardly to expose the interior of the enclosure for wire interconnection and servicing. Wire-receiving openings (40,42) of the enclosure are organized in linear arrays and are sealed by a pair of elastomeric strips (80,90;44,46) held against the enclosure wall by bracket members (50,48), with one strip (90) having small diameter holes (92) for just fitting around a wire, and the other (80) having slits (82) which remain closed if no wire is inserted into a particular opening, with both the small diameter holes and slits aligned between the enclosure openings and openings (52) through the bracket members.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1992Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Assignee: The Whitaker CorporationInventors: Francis J. Shay, Robert E. Stough, Edward R. Koot, Carl M. Bruckner
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Patent number: 5322971Abstract: A motor control system includes a single, multicompartment enclosure mounted on a skid. The enclosure contains a transformer circuit and a motor controller circuit interconnected so that only external connections to a power source and a load are needed. When the circuits are energized, access to high voltage motor control components and to field replaceable fuses and output selection switches is prevented by a double interlocking mechanism which operates in conjunction with energizing and de-energizing the transformer. The transformer of the transformer circuit includes a tertiary winding disposed radially between a primary winding and a secondary winding. The winding filters electrostatically coupled transients. A conventional electrostatic shield is also used so that the transformer is doubly shielded to electrostatic transients. The tertiary winding is connected to one or more capacitors to filter magnetically coupled transients.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1993Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Assignee: Southwest Electric CompanyInventor: Donald W. Owen
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Patent number: 5310075Abstract: A gasketless enclosure (10) for housing outdoor electrical equipment. The enclosure includes a box (12) having a base (14) and upwardly extending, sidewalls (16A-16D). The walls define an open, upper face, over which fits a cover (18). A closure mechanism (28) includes an upwardly projecting lip (30) formed at the upper end of the sidewalls and extending around the circumference of the box, and a channel (32) formed in the abutting face (34) of the cover and sized to receive the lip. To help prevent moisture from seeping into the interior of the box and harming the equipment housed therein, gutters (42, 44) are formed in the abutting surfaces of the box and the cover. The gutter (44) formed in the box is formed outwardly of the lip, and the gutter (46) formed in the cover is formed outwardly of the channel. The gutter in the cover sits over the gutter in the box when the cover is in place.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1992Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Assignee: Distribution Control Systems, Inc.Inventor: Craig S. Wyler
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Patent number: 5301086Abstract: The present invention includes a terminal barrier for use in an electrical distribution load canter having a housing defined by side walls upstanding from a back wall. Within the housing are input terminals connecting a service line to a main circuit breaker and output terminals connected to a plurality of branch circuit breakers. The barrier is a generally flat, thin body positioned to separate the input terminals from the output terminals. The barrier includes interlocking elements for disengagingly connecting one end of the barrier to the side wall of the housing. The barrier also includes elements for fastening the opposite end of the barrier to the housing while simultaneously engaging the interlocking elements and supporting the barrier in a plane parallel to the back wall of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1993Date of Patent: April 5, 1994Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Michael R. Harris, William K. Chambers