With Unauthorized Connection Preventer, E.g., Key Or Combination Lock Patents (Class 439/133)
  • Patent number: 5488208
    Abstract: A multiple electrical outlet box which prevents unauthorized use of connected electrical devices. The multiple electrical outlet box includes a cover which is used to enclose electrical plugs which are connected to multiple outlets, thereby preventing their removal. A lock assembly including an attached mechanical latch locks the cover over multiple electrical outlets in response to a key. An electrical switch is provided which disables power to all enclosed outlets in response to rotation of the key lock and therefore in response to the attached mechanical latch. The cover encloses plugs connected to electrical outlets and therefore secures them against removal. The electrical switch disables power to all enclosed electrical outlets and connected electrical plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: Gerhard Seewald
  • Patent number: 5435736
    Abstract: A terminator cap and system for using the terminator cap is provided for protecting a standard coaxial cable port from atmospheric conditions and from unwarranted tampering. The cap is a hollow cylinder with one enclosed end. The terminator cap is dimensioned to slip over one end of a connection jack connector, the other end of which has a plurality of attachment fingers dimensioned to fit over the connection jack. The swagging shell is used to firmly hold the terminator cap to the connection jack connector and firmly hold the flared fingers of the connection jack connector to the connection jack. A locking shroud is attached to the connection jack such that the locking shroud surrounds the connection jack, the connection jack connector, the terminator cap and the swagging shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Corey McMills, John Mattis
  • Patent number: 5429522
    Abstract: A modular communications connection system is provided for connecting a plug connector to a socket connector. The system includes a blocker that blocks the entrance to the socket connector. A key can be used to move the blocker to allow the plug connector to be inserted into the socket connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Burndy Corporation
    Inventors: Rocco J. Noschese, Heinz Piorunneck
  • Patent number: 5398530
    Abstract: A device for preventing theft of any appliance having a permanently attached power or data cord, such as portable power drills, power saws, personal computers, monitors, printers and the like. The device comprises a flat clamping body member made of two mating halves, a threaded bolt element which protrudes through both body member halves and a nut member which fits on the bolt to screw down tight on the clamping body. The clamping body incorporates running alignment grooves for cupping the power or data cords and holding them tightly. Holes are provided in the clamp body and nut member allowing a wire cable to be passed through, securing the device and appliance cord to the wire cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Jay S. Derman
  • Patent number: 5393237
    Abstract: An electric plug locking device (10), which remains affixed to an electric plug (13) for preventing unsupervised use of electrical equipment, has an upper housing member (11) movably mounted to a lower housing member (12). The upper housing member which has an opening (23) for receiving a plug terminal (15) moves from a position that shields the terminal to prevent it from being inserted into an electrical socket to a position that unshields the plug terminal to permit it to be inserted into the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: William J. Roy
    Inventors: William J. Roy, Michael C. Mayne
  • Patent number: 5368500
    Abstract: A closure adaptable for protecting an electric plug extending from a vehicle, which comprises a box-like structure having first and second complementary members hingedly connected and interface with each other when the closure is in a closed condition. A recess in a marginal edge of at least one side wall of said member forms an opening along the interface of said first and second members when in closed condition to permit electric wires to extend from said plug outwardly from said closure. A closed cell, cellular polymer is encased in each of said first and second members, (i) said polymer being substantially moisture resistant and compressible, (ii) and said polymer having a combined volume sufficient relative to the combined, interior volume of said closure to permit said first and second members to close when brought into abutting relationship and to substantially envelop said plug thereby forming a water-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Charles E. Dedering
  • Patent number: 5360351
    Abstract: An actuator which is physically secured to the locking mechanism by means of a first electrical connector. The motor of the actuator is provided with power through a second electrical connector which supplies power thereto through the first connector. The second connector also provides connection to a status contactor which provides locked and unlocked status indication. In this manner, the second connector accomplishes a dual function. Consequently, fasteners as required to secure the actuator to the lock mechanism are eliminated. A modular assembly is thus produced in which the interface housing carries a single connector which can be easily connected to the cable harness of the vehicle. Therefore only one electrical connection is required when mounting the lock in the door of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: Pierre Periou, Richard Grandjean, Bruno Laurent
  • Patent number: 5344329
    Abstract: A plug-in socket for amplifiers, loudspeaker boxes, electric musical instruments etc. is described. The plug-in socket has a socket member for the introduction and holding of an electrical plug and at least two electrical contacts engageable with the plug. Furthermore, it includes a blocking member adapted to be introduced into the socket member and to be locked therein. The blocking member prevents an unauthorized introduction of an electrical plug into the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventor: Enzo Faller
  • Patent number: 5340324
    Abstract: A phone jack lock that is molded to the contours of a standard phone jack. When the lock is installed, a spring-loaded locking element protrudes behind the outer surface of the phone jack so that the lock cannot be removed without the key. All elements of the lock are contained within the contours of the interior of the phone jack, so that no element extends beyond the external surface of the jack when the lock is in place, i.e., the locked jack has the same profile as the unlocked jack. The lock may be used without installation effort or tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventors: James H. Fields, Roberta B. Williams, C. L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 5312266
    Abstract: A building entrance protector unit (20) includes plurality of electrical connectors (86) providing electrical connections between wire pairs (104, 105) leading from telephone stations of subscribers in the building and wire pairs (57,58) from the local telephone networks serving the unit, these connections being interruptible by the subscribers for the purpose of plugging in their telephone sets to the network to test these sets. The connections are tamperproofed by a hasp mechanism (87) providing hasp leaves (130) respective to these connectors and each lockable in a first position impeding access to the corresponding connection by attachment of a padlock (170) to a hasp staple (150) projecting through that leaf. That locking may be overridden by a telephone network technician by a releasing from a held position of a common mounting (111) for all the hasp staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventor: Bassel H. Daoud
  • Patent number: 5305380
    Abstract: A device for preventing unauthorized access to female modular telephone jacks. A physical plug has been designed such that when it is inserted into an RJ-11, RJ-14, or RJ-45 modular telephone jack, it locks into place and cannot be removed without the use of a specialized tool. The specialized tool then acts as a key to unlock the plug. Several different pairs of plugs and corresponding tools have been created such that there are different `locks` and `keys`.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Hileman, Clifford Willis, David Evans, Benjamin Stolz
  • Patent number: 5297972
    Abstract: A system is provided for firmly attaching a coaxial cable terminus to a standard connection jack in such a way that the connection point is effectively shielded from tampering by individuals and is effectively sealed from degrading elements in the atmosphere. The system includes a jack attachment member having a collet structure, a swagging shell which slips over the collet structure to accomplish a firm connection with the jack and a locking shroud which surrounds the swagging cylinder so as to make it difficult to de-attach and/or re-attach the cable terminus to the jack without special tooling. Such special tooling, however, is simple and inexpensive for authorized service technicians, thereby making the system at once relatively secure from tampering and atmospheric degradation and simple and inexpensive to install and maintain. Furthermore, the system can be retrofitted into existing coaxial cable equipment, using standard coaxial cable connection jacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Corey McMills, John Mattis
  • Patent number: 5293636
    Abstract: A computer system with a number of subsystems or modules on separate circuit boards employs electronic keying to ensure proper configuration of these boards. A power key arrangement associated with a plug-in connector enables a separate power supply for each set of boards. A power supply turn-on signal is routed through a uniquely-configured connector path for each board, so the power supply turn-on is inhibited for improper configurations. The uniquely-configured connector path may use either a series or a parallel implementation. The series implementation employs a set of diodes connected for conduction in either of two directions, with the mating connector having its conductor paths connected to match the diode configuration; in this manner, the power supply enable signal can only flow through the series path if the proper board is plugged into a properly-coded slot, in which case the power supply to activate this board is activated through the series path including the diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Tandem Computers Incorporated
    Inventors: William P. Bunton, John M. Brown, Patricia L. Whiteside
  • Patent number: 5291553
    Abstract: A weatherproof network interface module for providing connection between a customer's equipment and the telephone company owned portion of the customer loop includes an overvoltage protection device disposed therein in addition to the circuitry which provides a prescribed line test termination impedance having particular characteristic signature to the telephone central office when a continuity test is made on a subscriber line and may include an illumination device and test switch for indicating when the telephone company owned portion of the customer loop is in operating order, or may include a device for connecting or disconnecting the telephone company owned portion of the customer loop from the customer loop portion wherein all of terminals are weatherproof (protected from the environment).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Tll Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5288241
    Abstract: Cover assemblies, capable of being locked and unlocked by means of a key, are configured to be placed over the connectors at each end of an external computer system cable. When these cover assemblies are locked in place, the cable cannot be unplugged from the connector ports of the system devices. When these cover assemblies are unlocked, they can be removed from the cable, and the cable can then be unplugged from the connector ports.A first type of cover assembly is designed to operate with a connector which is fastened in place in its plugged position by means of a pair of screws, while a second type of cover assembly is designed to operate with a connector which is fastened in place by means of a pair of rotatable wire bails. These cover assemblies may also be used to prevent access to connector ports to which cables are not attached by locking in place terminators commonly used on such ports, or by locking in place shells configured for this purpose, if such terminators are otherwise not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.
    Inventors: Ronald V. Davidge, John R. Dewitt, Paul J. Galinis, Francis A. Kuchar, Jr., Jay H. Neer, Thomas H. Newson
  • Patent number: 5277599
    Abstract: An inner housing telescopingly receivable by an outer housing for movement between an extended and a retracted position, biasing means for urging the inner housing into the extended position, and a lockable latch assembly for retaining the inner housing in the retracted position. A cut-out formed in the inner housing for receiving the electrical connector of an electrical appliance when in the extended position, and securably containing the electrical connector when in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Donald L. Nilson
  • Patent number: 5277598
    Abstract: A device is provided for firmly attaching a plurality of coaxial cable terminus to a plurality of standard connection jacks in such a way that each connection point is effectively shielded from tampering by individuals and is effectively sealed from degrading elements in the atmosphere. The device is a locking shroud which defines a plurality of locking shroud chambers, each adapted to attach to a respective connection jack so as to surround the connection of a cable terminus to the jack. The use of the locking shroud of the invention makes it difficult to de-attach and/or re-attach the cable terminus to the jack without special tooling. The use of the locking shroud further makes it difficult to break off the locking shroud by twisting the shroud, such as with a pair of pliers. The device can be used to make coaxial cable connections secure from tampering and atmospheric degradation. It is simple and inexpensive to install and maintain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Corey McMills, John Mattis, Dieter Fremgen
  • Patent number: 5273444
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant terminator includes a connector body rotatably encapsulated within a shield. A port in the shield receives a terminal of a cable transmission system therethrough for rotational engagement with a threaded bore within the connector body. Another port in the shield provides access to a socket defined by a smooth continuous cylindrical surface. The socket and the threaded bore extend in opposite directions along a longitudinal axis about which the shield is freely rotatable. A tool includes a tubular shaft having a knurled portion at the free end extends from a first handle section. A disc residing adjacent the end of the tubular shaft is carried by a shaft rotatably journaled with the tubular shaft and drivingly engaged with a second handle section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Gilbert Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Down, Robert D. Hayward
  • Patent number: 5220815
    Abstract: Lockable covers are used to cover either of two types of shield blocks to prevent access to circuits within either of two types of external ports on computing devices. Each such shield block covers the port contacts associated with these circuits, includes locking surfaces for holding the lockable cover in place, and is itself held in place by the attachment features provided on the external port for holding an external cable in place. One such shield block is held in place by a pair of screws extending into threaded holes in the external port, while the other such shield block is held in place by a pair of flexible wire bails rotatably mounted in the external port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald V. Davidge, John R. Dewitt, Paul J. Galinis, Francis A. Kuchar, Jr., Jay H. Neer, Thomas H. Newsom
  • Patent number: 5203004
    Abstract: A computer system with a number of subsystems or modules on separate circuit boards employs electronic keying to ensure proper configuration of these boards. A power key arrangement associated with a plug-in connector enables a separate power supply for each set of boards. A power supply turn-on signal is routed through a uniquely-configured connector path for each board, so the power supply turn-on is inhibited for improper configurations. The uniquely-configured connector path may use either a series or a parallel implementation. The series implementation employs a set of diodes connected for conduction in either of two directions, with the mating connector having its conductor paths connected to match the diode configuration; in this manner, the power supply enable signal can only flow through the series path if the proper board is plugged into a properly-coded slot, in which case the power supply to activate this board is activated through the series path including the diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Tandem Computers Incorporated
    Inventors: William P. Bunton, John M. Brown, Patricia L. Whiteside
  • Patent number: 5190465
    Abstract: Cover assemblies, capable of being locked and unlocked by means of a key, are configured to be placed over the connectors at each end of an external computer system cable. When these cover assemblies are locked in place, the cable cannot be unplugged from the connector ports of the system devices. When these cover assemblies are unlocked, they can be removed from the cable, and the cable can then be unplugged from the connector ports.A first type of cover assembly is designed to operate with a connector which is fastened in place in its plugged position by means of a pair of screws, while a second type of cover assembly is designed to operate with a connector which is fastened in placed by means of a pair of rotatable wire bails. These cover assemblies may also be used to prevent access to connector ports to which cables are not attached by locking in place terminators commonly used on such ports, or by locking in place shells configured for this purpose, if such terminators are otherwise not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.
    Inventors: Ronald V. Davidge, John R. Dewitt, Paul J. Galinis, Francis A. Kuchar, Jr., Jay H. Neer, Thomas H. Newsom
  • Patent number: 5190466
    Abstract: An electrical connector (10) for a detachable power cord (18) that can be selectively locked in place when engaged in a standard appliance power socket (80) of an electrically powered applicance or device that utilizes a detachable power cord, such as a personal computer or a desk-top laser printer, for instance. A securing means (64, 88, 106) is provided to prevent removal of the connector from the appliance power socket, which in turn prevents circumvention of any access-control means that may be operatively associated with the power cord. A controlled-access operating means (30) is provided whereby an authorized user can lock the connector into or unlock the connector from the appliance power socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Jack L. McVey
  • Patent number: 5186636
    Abstract: An electrical plug lock having a hollow body closed at one end and open at the other end. A closure having a fastening means for holding the closure in the body. The closure has a radially extending slot. A hole is formed in one side of the body to receive the hasp of a lock. When the slot is aligned with the hole in the body and the hasp is in the hole and in the slot the closure cannot be rotated. An electrical plug can be located inside the body and a cord on the plug can extend through the slot in the closure. The hasp of the padlock prevents the closure from being rotated to release the closure from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventors: David J. Boyer, Rodney J. Cottrell
  • Patent number: 5186637
    Abstract: The described fuse holders or analogous electrical equipment is blocked by a padlock and a clip against being casually changed from its locked condition so that the controlled circuit remains energized or denergized. The clip is captive between the fuse carrier of the fuse holder and the fuse holder's receptacle but the clip is no longer captive when the fuse carrier is removed from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Connectron, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander R. Norden
  • Patent number: 5178551
    Abstract: A device for impeding an individual from plugging a electrical apparatus into a receptacle. The apparatus has a cord extending through a slot in the wall or cap of a container to capture the plug inside. The cap is of the child proof type. A lock bar can also be used to capture the plug in the container. The bar passes through opposed aligned slots and is secured by a padlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Inventor: John R. Bach
  • Patent number: 5176527
    Abstract: A lockout apparatus for preventing the use of an electrical device is characterized by a body having at least a first channel sized to receive a projecting portion of the electrical apparatus. A bore intersects the first channel and has a locking pin threadably displaceable therein. The locking pin is engagable in securing contact with the projecting portion of the electrical device receiveable within the channel. The body further includes a second bore intersecting the first bore, the second bore being sized for receipt of a member that prevents access to the locking pin disposed in the first bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Gilles J. Herbert
  • Patent number: 5139429
    Abstract: A lockout device for enclosing and inhibiting unauthorized access to an electrical connector attached to an electrical cable has first and second identical joinable shell portions each with a concave interior so that when the shell portions are joined the interiors define a cavity for receiving an electrical connector. Each shell portion has a hinge pin and a hinge clevis for connection to a hinge clevis and a hinge pin, respectively, on the other shell portion to pivotally join the shell portions so that they are pivotable between open and closed positions. Male and female latch members engageable with similar members on the other shell portion are provided to hold the shell portions in the closed position. Arcuate recesses at opposite ends of the said shell portions form a circular opening, when the portions are joined, to permit a cable attached to the connector contained in the cavity to extend out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Wallace U. Herman, Patrick J. Tiberio
  • Patent number: 5120236
    Abstract: A device particularly for use to electrically isolated appliances, particularly a television, from unauthorized use. The device includes a first and second respective indicator light mounted about a two-position lock switch, wherein the lock switch utilizes a key to effect positioning of the lock switch to selectively actuate the first or second indicator light to disengage or engage electrically the associated television.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: Gene Gilbert
  • Patent number: 5119419
    Abstract: A lockable telephone plug apparatus comprises a shank member for insertion into a line jack unit said shank member having suitable connections for connecting with the electrical connections in the line jack unit. The shank member has a movable locking member mounted thereon and arranged to be in use moved by a locking means to engage a part of the line jack unit socket to prevent removal of the telephone plug apparatus from the line jack unit. The shank member and the locking means are mounted in a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Denis McDaid
  • Patent number: 5114356
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting block for connecting insulated cable conductors, in particular cable conductors of the telecommunication and data technology, comprising insulation displacement contact elements received in block bodies and arranged in lines. In order to provide a connecting block (1), wherein it is at any time possible to connect or disconnect cable conductors, without the block body (3, 4) impeding the connection of the cable conductors to the other block body (3, 4), at least one block body (3, 4) is provided with an axis of rotation (5), about which the block body can be swung out off the connecting block (1) or a connector arrangement is provided allowing relative movement between the block bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Krone AG
    Inventors: Christa Taybl, Manfred Muller, Dieter Gerke, Harald Bulow
  • Patent number: 5113311
    Abstract: An improved electrical panel assembly of the type providing a plurality of receptacles for use with cable connectors and requiring that the connectors must be connected with their respective receptacles in a given order and disconnected therefrom in the reverse of that order. The panel assembly comprises a planar panel element having an opening therein for each receptacle and a receptacle mounting housing element behind each panel opening, constituting an integral, one-piece molding. Each panel opening is provided with a cover swingable between a closed position and an open position. The connectors and receptacles are of the known type having single contacts which lock together when the connector is mated with the receptacle and rotated a partial revolution. Polarizing devices are provided in association with each receptacle and each cable connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Kamp, William H. Hanks
  • Patent number: 5106312
    Abstract: A coaxial cable output terminal safety plug device which is screwed with a conventional coaxial cable output terminal to prevent unauthorized use, wherein the safety plug device includes a hollow plug receiving a plug seat therein, and if the plug is rotated alone, then the plug seat can not be driven and screwed and therefore a special tool is used to drive the plug and screw or unscrew the same from the output terminal, the plug seat being formed with an output hole for insertion of a resistor for matching impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventor: Ming H. Yeh
  • Patent number: 5099187
    Abstract: A power connect safety and connection interlock system is shown for use with inverters and other DC loads (16) which include capacitor filter banks (14) at their DC inputs. A safety circuit (20) operates a spring (26) biased, solenoid (22) driven mechanical connection interference (24) which prevents mating and therefore electrical connection between the power contactor halves (11, 13) of the main power contacts (12) until the capacitor bank is safely precharged through auxiliary contacts (18). When the DC load (16) is shut down, the capacitor bank (14) is automatically discharged through a discharging power resistor (66) by a MOSFET transistor (60) through a discharging power resistor (66) only when both the main power contacts and auxiliary contacts are disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Wally E. Rippel
  • Patent number: 5097103
    Abstract: A locking apparatus for electrically isolating a trolley-type electrical connector on the end of a conduit on an electrical mining machine or the like, to prevent an electrical connection from being made with the connector. The locking apparatus comprises an open-ended sheath made from an electrically insulating material, slidably mounted on the end of the conduit, to slide between an extended position in which the sheath surrounds the connector, and a retracted position in which the connector projects through the open end of the sheath. The sheath has aligned openings on opposite sides thereof, adjacent the open end of the sheath. A locking member is adapted to extend through the aligned openings and substantially block the open end of the sheath. A retaining cord tethers the locking member to the sheath. A lock can be used to secure the locking member in its position blocking the open end of the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Peabody Coal Company
    Inventors: James B. Workman, Bennie W. Milam
  • Patent number: 5071360
    Abstract: A permanently attachable key-activated on-off switch comprises a housing with an electrical receptacle on one end and an electrical plug on the other. The electrical receptacle receives a locking pin that is inserted through the prongs of the receptacle and an appliance plug in the receptacle so that the appliance plug is permanently attached. A key switch is attached to the housing which controls and the flow of power between the electrical plug and the electrical receptacle when the electrical plug is inserted into a standard electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventors: Edgar J. Lindow, Denise L. Domning
  • Patent number: 5061194
    Abstract: A lockout device for enclosing and inhibiting unauthorized access to an electrical connector attached to an electrical cable has first and second identical joinable shell portions each with a concave interior so that when the shell portions are joined the interiors define a cavity for receiving an electrical connector. Each shell portion has a hinge pin and a hinge clevis for connection to a hinge clevis and a hinge pin, respectively, on the other shell portion to pivotally join the shell portions so that they are pivotable between open and closed positions. Male and female latch members engageable with similar members on the other shell portion are provided to hold the shell portions in the closed position. Arcuate recesses at opposite ends of the said shell portions form a circular opening, when the portions are joined, to permit a cable attached to the connector contained in the cavity to extend out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Wallace U. Herman, Patrick J. Tiberio
  • Patent number: 5055060
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant terminator includes a connector body rotatably encapsulated with a shield. A port in the shield receives a terminal of a cable transmission system therethrough for rotational engagement with a threaded bore within the connector body. Another port in the shield provides access to a socket defined by a smooth continuous cylindrical body. The socket and the threaded bore extend in opposite directions along a longitudinal axis about which the shield is freely rotatable. A tool includes a tubular shaft having a knurled portion at the free end extends from a first handle section. A disc residing adjacent the end of the tubular shaft is carried by a shaft rotatably journaled with the tubular shaft and drivingly engaged with a second handle section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Gilbert Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Down, Robert D. Hayward
  • Patent number: 5055057
    Abstract: A locking device for attachment to the male electric plug on the power supply line to an electric appliance, for the purpose of preventing use of the appliance, comprises a maximum of four separately molded plastic parts, two of which are identical and are secured together to form a housing containing one of the other two components, which is a unitary molded plastic spring locking member. The housing is provided with a pair of slots for receiving the prongs on the electric plug to be locked, and insertion of the prongs into the housing automatically effects the locking action. The device can be unlocked only by a key which is separate from the device, and which is the fourth component and is inserted through an opening into the interior of the housing to release the locking action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Paul L. Boyer
  • Patent number: 5052939
    Abstract: A utility protector is disclosed. The utility protector includes a hollow cylindrical tube portion having a first end and a second end, a first substantially closed end disposed at the first end of the tube portion and containing at least one first round hole, and a second substantially closed end disposed at the second end of the tube portion and containing at least one second round hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: William C. Koch
  • Patent number: 5022075
    Abstract: The mechanical safety assembly for a telephone set having a housing with a cover including a sliding lock for closing the cover (7). The lock includes an operating head (13) external to the body (1) of the telephone set or terminal. The head fits flush with the wall of the body (1) when in the closed position and leaving only smooth surface visible, one of said surfaces (23) being pierced with a hooking aperture (24) which is accessible by a tip (25) of a paperclip or ballpoint pen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Telic Alcatel
    Inventor: Didier Beauval
  • Patent number: 4998894
    Abstract: An environmental sealing connector housing which includes means for retaining the housing on the terminator and the connector both in the associated but unconnected state, and in the connected state is described and illustrated. More specifically, the sealing connector housing includes compartments within the housing which are sized to accept the tap port and connector combination as well as separate compartments which can retain the housing on the tap while providing a compartment for the connector when the connector is not connected to the tap. In addition, the housing is designed so that a 180.degree. rotation of the housing permits the same housing to be used on both connected and unconnected connector/tap combinations to serve as a means of avoiding tampering with or stealing of the signal emanating from the tap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Gronvall
  • Patent number: 4979209
    Abstract: Individual security subscriber line module including a generally rectangular, hollow box-like structure including a top, bottom, opposed sides and opposed first and second ends, such structure providing an internal space for receiving an individual circuit; a pair of subscriber wiring terminals mounted on the top for connection to a subscriber line, a plug connected to the pair of subscriber wiring terminals by first electrical conductors; a jack mounted on the top and provided with second electrical conductors for connecting the jack to the incoming telephone company line, the jack for having the plug plugged therein to interconnect the pair of subscriber wiring terminals and thereby the subscriber line to the incoming telephone company line and the plug for being unplugged from the jack to provide a demarcation point between the subscriber line and incoming telephone company line, and upon the plug being unplugged from the jack the jack for receiving the plug of an operating telephone to facilitate determin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Keptel, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Collins, Pina Schneider, Anthony L. Nieves, Thomas G. Graham
  • Patent number: 4975550
    Abstract: A security device for preventing unauthorized use of a personal computer includes a rigid housing which is attached to an exposed surface of the computer to conceal the keyboard actuator of the computer. Electrical connectors in the housing electrically connect the keyboard actuator with an externally accessible key switch. The key switch is movable to and from a first condition wherein the key switch actuates the keyboard and the second condition wherein the key switch prevents actuation of the keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: S. Joseph Panchisin
  • Patent number: 4969833
    Abstract: A permanently attachable key-activated on-off switch comprises a housing with an electrical receptacle on one end and an electrical plug on the other. The electrical receptacle receives a locking pin that is inserted through the prongs of the receptacle and an appliance plug in the receptacle so that the appliance plug is permanently attached. A key switch is attached to the housing which controls and the flow of power between the electrical plug and the electrical receptacle when the electrical plug is inserted into a standard electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Inventors: Edgar J. Lindow, Denise L. Domning
  • Patent number: 4964284
    Abstract: A telephone lock for preventing the plug of a telephone from being inserted into a corresponding line jack unit comprises a locking means including a shank member of a suitable length and size to be accommodated in the socket of a line jack unit in substitution for a telephone plug proper. The shank member has a movable locking member mounted thereon which is arranged to be in use moved by the locking means to engage a part of the line jack unit socket to prevent removal of the telephone lock from the line jack unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Inventor: Denis McDaid
  • Patent number: 4957445
    Abstract: A tubular enclosure for a power connector attached to a power supply line, whereby the enclosure can be moved along the line to a position enclosing the power connector; the enclosure serves as a lock-out device to prevent the connection of the power connector to a power source by unauthorized or untrained persons. In a preferred form of the invention the enclosure is permanently retained on the power line so that it is readily available for use when needed for the lock-out function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Inventor: Ronald A. Burke, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4955821
    Abstract: A coupling guard insures that a plurality of plugs are coupled to plural receptacles in a desired sequence. An array of cam rings which rotate in unison with the rotation of mating plugs are designed to be locked against rotation unless the rings are rotated in the desired sequence. In one embodiment, cover plates coupled to the cam rings cover the entrance to the adjacent receptacles and are removed from the entrance of the receptacles by rotation of the cam rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen J. Bernardini
  • Patent number: 4946401
    Abstract: A connecting block for electrically connecting a plug of a telephone set to a telephone line includes a base plate having a terminal for connection to the telephone line, a jack unit including a jack having an opening for inserting the plug thereinto, the jack unit having parallel side walls across the jack opening, a pair of parallel retaining members extending upwardly from side edges of the base plate for removably retaining the jack unit therebetween, and a cover for enclosing the retaining members, the jack unit and the terminal, the cover having a window to which the jack opening may be exposed. The arrangement of the jack unit and the retaining members is such that the jack opening may selectively extend parallel to the base plate or perpendicular thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Tomei Thushin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Hori, Minoru Noda, Shigenobu Ohara, Yuzo Mochizuki, Junji Nomura
  • Patent number: 4945559
    Abstract: Telephone network interface apparatus for interconnecting incoming telephone company wiring to subscriber premises wiring including a base including a bottom and an outwardly extending wall circumscribing the bottom, the wall includes opposed first and second wall portions and the bottom and wall provide a compartment divided generally into opposed first and second compartment portions, the first compartment portion is adjacent the first wall portion and the second compartment portion is adjacent the second wall portion, the first compartment portion is for having first terminals mounted therein for connection to the telephone company wiring and the second compartment is for having second terminals mounted therein for connection to the subscriber premises wiring; a telephone company cover mounted pivotally to the second wall portion and for overlying the entire compartment, the telephone company cover includes opposed first and second portions, the first portion is solid and is for overlying and closing the f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Keptel, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Collins, Pina Schneider, Anthony L. Nieves, Thomas G. Graham
  • Patent number: 4932874
    Abstract: Security apparatus is provided for preventing theft or portable electrical and other equipment having connections for radio frequency cable or other types of cable thereon. The apparatus includes a substantially uncuttable flexible tubular member for receiving a cable therein. First and second elongated housing sleeves are mounted on opposed ends of the flexible tubular member for connection to the equipment and a separate base unit or a fixture. Each housing sleeve has a pair of parallel passages, a first of which receives the flexible tubular member therein and a second of which receives specially actuable rotatably operable locking means. According to this invention, a planar lip surrounding the first passage in each housing sleeve is retained in tightly abutted engagement with the equipment or the base unit or fixture as applicable so that no space is available for prying or tampering with the cable connections which are completely enclosed in the housing sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Inventors: Norman L. Hollopeter, David E. Rea