Molding Type (e.g., Baseboard) Patents (Class 439/209)
  • Patent number: 11791597
    Abstract: An electrical bus bar assembly includes an elongate flexible electrical conductor formed of a strip of electrically conductive material having a generally rectangular cross section and a width to thickness ratio of at least 20:1 and a dielectric material covering a central portion of the electrical conductor such that the electrical conductor has exposed distal portions at each end of the assembly. Further, a method for forming such as assembly includes the steps of forming a flexible strip from an electrically conductive sheet such that the strip has a generally rectangular cross section with a width to thickness ratio of at least 20:1 and covering a central portion of the strip with a dielectric material and leaving distal portions at each end exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Aptiv Technologies (2) S.à r.l.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Durse, Steven W. Marzo, Jonathan D. Weidner, David R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 10916880
    Abstract: A modular electrical receptacle in which more than one of the modular electrical receptacles can be connected to form a larger receptacle connected to a single source of power. The modular electrical receptacle includes a housing having a front surface with a first and a second electrical outlet. The housing further includes a first tab extending from a first end and a second end extending from a second end for securing the modular receptacle to an in-wall electrical box. The housing further includes a power link, such as a conductive extension, for connecting directly to another module and providing the other module with access to the single source of power. The power link can be three links for connecting to a positive line, a neutral line and a ground line to another module. The housing also includes a coupler for connecting the housing to a power link of another module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: Chrestos T. Pyrros
  • Patent number: 10283952
    Abstract: A rapidly deployable floor power system includes a base unit for supplying low voltage DC power to one or more foldable power tracks. Each foldable power track has a set of rigid track sections with exposed track power contacts on a top surface. The rigid track sections are electrically and mechanically interconnected by flexible track connectors that enable the power track to be folded when the power track is to be moved or stored, and unfolded for rapid deployment in an area to be supplied with power. The rigid track sections lie approximately flush with the floor to minimize tripping potential. Magnetic connectors engage the track to obtain power from the track, and are used to electrically interconnect adjacent tracks. A power distribution unit supplies power via low voltage ports such as USB ports and/or via one or more power whips equipped with barrel jack tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Bretford Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Dombrowski, John Sadler, Cary Maguire, Patrick Eiswerth
  • Patent number: 9929522
    Abstract: A contact device for transmitting electrical energy from a preferably spatially fixed busbar to a tap-off bar, movable along the busbar, including: at least one connecting housing, the busbar being mechanically connected to the tap-off bar by connecting housing, at least one combi clip, the combi clip brought into engagement with part of the outer periphery of the connecting housing in a mechanically releasable manner and establishing a mechanical connection between the connecting housing and a connecting bracket, at least one power plug housing, the power plug housing positioned mechanically and from the outside on the busbar and/or on the tap-off bar such that a mechanical connection between the connecting housing and the busbar and/or the connecting bar is established by the power plug housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: PSZ ELECTRONIC GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Pfeiffer-Wagner
  • Patent number: 8203078
    Abstract: A conduit with a self-adhesive backing used to route and organize electrical or electronic cables along wall surfaces is herein disclosed. The conduit comprises a trapezoidal-shaped enclosure available in multiple widths from approximately two (2) inches up to six (6) inches. The smaller size would be used for one (1) or two (2) cables while the larger size conduit could be used with up to ten (10) cables. The rear or flat side of the conduit would be fastened to the wall surface using a pre-applied double-sided foam adhesive tape. The tape would be covered with a common release paper which would be peeled off just before application. The back section of the conduit would also be pre-split down the center to aid in the installation of wires and cable during initial installation. The conduit comprises a flexible material such as plastic or rubber to allow routing along irregular wall surfaces and can be cut to length with regular household scissors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Susan Fulco
  • Patent number: 7826202
    Abstract: A universal power distribution system is provided for routing electrical circuits within a building structure to comprehensively provide electrical power to the building in ceiling configurations, wall-mounted configurations, raised floor configurations and in office furniture configurations. The system components for all of these configurations have common plug connectors that are engagable with each other so as to be readily usable in a wide variety of applications. The system is readily adaptable to form virtually any conventional circuit configuration found within conventional hard-wired systems yet is formed simply through the routing of the cables through the building cavities and interconnection is accomplished merely by plugging components together rather than through labor-intensive manual wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Johnson, Harold Wilson
  • Patent number: 7563117
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for tool-less mounting in a raceway including a pair of substantially identical brackets, mated together, including a first bracket and a second bracket. Each bracket includes a support body, at least one lockable protrusion connected to the support body, at least one protrusion lock connected to the support body and at least one snap connecting mechanism connected to the support body, the at least one connecting mechanism for connecting with a structural member. The at least one lockable protrusion of the first bracket is engaged with at least one protrusion lock of the second bracket to thereby prevent relative movement of the first bracket with the second bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Group Dekko, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond H. Riner
  • Publication number: 20080219029
    Abstract: A utility control device, such as a light socket, a switch or a plug socket, is designed with universal terminals so that when plugged into a pre-wired utility box (box socket), the terminals will make the proper electrical connections with the premises wiring. In one embodiment, a “shell” is inserted into a common utility box. The shell would then be wired to the building wiring on the “back-side” of the shell and when the shell is installed within the utility box the wiring is sandwiched inside the box and behind the shell and therefore not easily seen. A standard socket is positioned within the shell and provides a quick no-wiring required connection to the mating terminals on the actual device, for example a light-switch, or plug, or thermostat, or any other device normally installed and wired as a permanent fixture. Systems and methods are disclosed for arranging the premises power grid such that any device type can be “plugged” into the shells that are pre-wired inside the utility box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Optimal Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Roland Schoettle
  • Publication number: 20080081500
    Abstract: An electric distributing system includes at least two electrical tracks and an electrical connector. Each electrical track includes a track body having two opposite ends, at least one of which is provided with a retaining hole, and at least two track wires disposed in the track body. The electrical connector includes a housing having at least two connecting end portions that interconnect the electrical tracks, and at least two conductive wire units disposed in the housing and connected electrically and respectively to the track wires. At least one of the connecting end portions has an engaging member projecting therefrom and engaged to the retaining hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Chi-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 7183502
    Abstract: An extendable channel unit such as molding unit (21) has a pair of telescopically arranged relatively extendable conduits (55, 75) with a conductor (22) interconnected in conductive relation between the conduits, with an intermediate section (137) of the conductor effective to accommodate the relative extension of the conduits. The intermediate section may include a sinuous configuration (133) or expandable coils (139). The channel unit may be installed along a wall (145) or other surface for decoratively covering the installation of the conductor for connection with an operated device (153). The channel unit may be installed into an extendable ramp (163) when installed along a floor, such as within a doorway (171). Two joints (308, 310) provide freedom of rotation about the conductor axis on opposed sides of an angled joint (312) that provides freedom of rotation about an axis disposed at a 45° angle to the axis of the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventors: David H. Johnston, Richard A. Clark
  • Patent number: 7128585
    Abstract: A receptacle for receiving an electrical plug is disclosed. The receptacle includes a plurality of channels which extend generally for the length of the receptacle. The channels include conductors where at least one of the conductors accommodates the smaller prong on a polarized plug. At least one of the conductors is in constant contact with a power source while at least one conductor is controlled by a switch. A receptacle of the invention is normally adapted to baseboards to allow a user to insert an electrical plug in either a constant “hot” connection or a switched controlled connection for generally the length of the baseboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Brian Evilsizer
  • Patent number: 7094077
    Abstract: An electrical socket includes a sliding rail unit and a receptacle unit disposed slidably on the sliding rail unit. The receptacle unit includes a base and a receptacle seat mounted rotatably on the base. The receptacle seat is rotatable on the base between a conducting position, where the receptacle unit is retained on the sliding rail unit, and a non-conducting position, where the receptacle unit is removable from the sliding rail unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Chi-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 7034221
    Abstract: An extendable channel unit such as molding unit (21) has a pair of telescopically arranged relatively extendable conduits (55, 75) with a conductor (22) interconnected in conductive relation between the conduits, with an intermediate section (137) of the conductor effective to accommodate the relative extension of the conduits. The intermediate section may include a sinuous configuration (133) or expandable coils (139). The channel unit may be installed along a wall (145) or other surface for decoratively covering the installation of the conductor for connection with an operated device (153). The channel unit may be installed into a ramp (163) when installed along a floor, such as within a doorway (171).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventors: David H. Johnston, Richard A. Clark
  • Patent number: 6911597
    Abstract: A system of architectural moldings that form a passage for electrical wiring (30), coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, and associated devices used in transmitting low-voltage power, communication, and control signals. The architectural moldings may also be used to cover pre-existing wiring raceways and conduits. The system may be installed when constructing a building or when retrofitting an existing structure. The moldings can be removably mounted on the interior surfaces of residential and commercial structures in a manner that allows for easy removal and replacement of some or all of the moldings without disturbing the enclosed wiring and cables or harming finished surfaces. The moldings may be made of wood, polyurethane, fiberboard, or any material suitable for manufacturing pieces that resemble baseboards, cornice moldings, chair rails, casings, or other interior millwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventors: James D. Seamans, William J. Seamans, David L. Seamans
  • Patent number: 6890219
    Abstract: A system and method of providing electrical energy to houses and buildings and the like, which reduces cable length requirements, is disclosed. The system comprises essentially continuously accessible bus duct system and polarized electric receptacle providing baseboard systems in combination. Practice of the method of installation of the present invention requires that only short runs of cabling are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventors: Marc R. Mayer, E. Howard Mayer
  • Patent number: 6860757
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a connection system for connecting weighing cells to a connection cable, wherein the connection system has a housing with at least one plug-in connector for connecting a connection cable and at least one further plug-in connector for connecting at least one weighing cell. A method for operational monitoring of weighing cells is also provided. Using the connection system according to the present invention significantly simplifies the installation of one or more weighing cells and simultaneously minimizes the susceptibility to error. The object of monitoring the operation and the installation of weighing cells is achieved in that at least the states voltage supply, loop current, polarity reversal, and cable break are indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: GWT Global Weighing Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Herrnring, Wolf Dieter Schulze, Eugen Gassmann, Matthias Mueller, Arian Frikkee
  • Patent number: 6667876
    Abstract: An elongated and hollow wiring track includes a rectangular plastic cover whose edges carry female hinge members and a U-shaped plastic channel having a flat outer surface, two inclined side walls that extend in a common direction at 45-degrees away from the flat outer surface, and two perpendicular side walls that extend in a common direction away from the inclined side walls perpendicular to the flat outer surface. Each of the perpendicular side walls carries a male hinge member that releasably mates with a female hinge member when the U-shaped channel is pivotally mounted onto the cover to form an internal wire-cavity. A DIN rail mounted on the outer surface of the U-shaped channel. A terminal strip is mounted on an exterior surface of each of the inclined side walls. The number N of metal busses are mounted on each of the terminal strips. A plurality of terminal-groups are mounted on each of the terminal strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Harry B. Neeff
  • Patent number: 6644988
    Abstract: A fabricated baseplate for electrical installations including a continuous insulative plastic device placed adjacent a floor of any room for insertion of any inlet plug of an appliance at any position in a room. The device has three parallel frontal indentations with each indentation containing a continuous necked electrical contact strip installed during the extrusion of the device. A support bracket is installed along a wall proximate the floor for positioning and securing the device which has cooperating protuberances in a top rear cavity. The device also has a bottom trough for installation of any electrical cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Rafael Healy
  • Patent number: 6527599
    Abstract: A connector block for connecting a plurality of electrical connectors includes a molded housing having a face. A plurality of female connectors are integrally molded within the face of the housing, each female connector having a well molded into the face of the housing and a receptacle extending from a bottom of the well. A threaded cylindrical bushing is integrally formed within the well around each receptacle. At least one male connector is also integrally molded within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Bechtold, S. Todd Sanders
  • Patent number: 6492594
    Abstract: A modular electrical conductor system having at least one electrical carrier member and at least one electrical connector. The carrier member includes a dielectric carrier shell having a longitudinal axis. A plurality of enclosed channels and at least one open channel extend longitudinally through the carrier member. An electrical carrier conductor extends through each enclosed channel. The open channel has a longitudinally extending opening to receive at least one conductor cable insertable laterally into the at least one open channel. The electrical connector includes a dielectric connector shell having a like plurality of connector channels to the carrier member extending longitudinally therethrough. A connector conductor extends longitudinally through each connector channel and beyond each of the first and second connector ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Power Ease, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert P. Magyar, Philip Hague, Philipp Steiner, Michael Joss
  • Patent number: 6482018
    Abstract: A holding unit for holding electrical devices, and a mounting system utilizing such holding units are disclosed. The holding unit has an elongated body with first and second spaced apart, parallel walls, a central wall having opposite sides and extending between, and interconnecting the first and second spaced apart walls so as to form a generally C-shaped cross-sectional configuration with a mounting space between the first and second walls, which are resiliently movable. The holding unit also includes at least one recess formed in each of the opposite sides of the central wall such that the recesses extend along a length of the elongated body and are configured to accept electrical wires. At least one mounting projection extends from each of the first and second walls into the mounting space and are configured to grip an electrical device such that the electrical device is releasably held in the mounting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: All-Line Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Stekelenburg
  • Patent number: 6375490
    Abstract: A receptacle for an elongated electrical raceway is oriented so that its ground receptacle lies either above or below the raceway's longitudinal centerline, presenting a convenient orientation for the plug, that is not commonly provided for in a raceway environment. The receptacle employs insulation displacement connectors offset so as to connect electrical wires running longitudinally through a raceway channel to the line and neutral and ground sockets at the receptacle's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventor: Kelvin Yao
  • Patent number: 6290516
    Abstract: A conductor rail, in particular for the electrification of furniture, has a section member (1) with a longitudinal channel (3.2) in which there are arranged at least two leads (9.1, 9.2) foreseen for the current supply. The longitudinal channel (3.2) is accessible via a longitudinal slot (4.2) in the section member (1) in order to be able to contact the leads (9.1, 9.2) with a plug at any location. The mentioned at least two leads (9.1, 9.2) are arranged sunk in the same lateral wall (5.1) of the longitudinal channel (3.2). The plug is characterised by a snout (16) which can be introduced into the longitudinal slot (4.2), with at least two laterally protruding contact elements (22.1, 22.2) which are formed for contacting the leads (9.1, 9.2) of the conductor rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: USM U. Scharer Sohne AG
    Inventor: André Gerber
  • Patent number: 6190189
    Abstract: The present invention provides three fungal cellulases, their coding sequences, recombinant DNA molecules comprising the cellulase coding sequences, recombinant host cells and methods for producing same. The present cellulases are from Orpinomyces PC-2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Xin-Liang Li, Lars G. Ljungdahl, Huizhong Chen
  • Patent number: 5939670
    Abstract: A trim structure for use with safetymats. The trim structure is of two-part construction and includes a rigid base which is fastened to a floor together with a cover formed of a resilient material. The top wall of the cover and the bottom wall of the base carry interlock structures which include releasable engagement members. In an assembled mode, the engagement members function to hold the cover on the base. The top wall is separated from the bottom wall to form a wireguide through which the cables or wires leading from the safetymat can be threaded. The trim structure can be easily disassembled by pulling the cover from the base to cause the engagement members to disengage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Scientific Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Boris Shteynberg, Brian Sukarukoff
  • Patent number: 5871550
    Abstract: A mutant cellulase obtainable from Thermomonospora spp is provided which differs from a precursor cellulase in that it has been genetically engineered to introduce a substitution, deletion or addition of an amino acid residue to said precursor cellulase which provided improved activity in a detergent. Preferably, the substitution is at a residue corresponding to T140 in Thermomonospora fusca.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Frits Goedegebuur, Scott D. Power, Deborah Winetzky, Anita Van Kimmenade, Mee-Young Yoon
  • Patent number: 5729437
    Abstract: A leadless package type electronic part, the cost and the size of which can be reduced and which exhibits excellent reliability, and an electronic part material for manufacturing the electronic parts. The electronic part of a leadless package type includes a rectangular substrate having a plurality of external electrodes in the periphery thereof, an element part placed on the surface of the substrate while being electrically connected to the external electrodes, and molding resin for molding the element part onto the surface of the substrate, wherein the surface of the molding resin is formed to be flat, and each side surface of the molding resin is flush, or aligned, with a respective side surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuaki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 5688132
    Abstract: A raceway has extruded polymeric base and cover portions that snap together, and a socket defining segment of the cover can be located anywhere along the base to provide design flexibility for socket location. The base has elongated wire conductors molded into upstanding legs that define self-hinges for resiliently acting on the plug prongs when the plugs are pushed into slots defined by these leg portions. The plug prongs can be used to rotate a safety disk in the cover prior to pushing the prongs into the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: Wilfred R. Rogers, Salvatore A. Cancellieri
  • Patent number: 5676558
    Abstract: A System and Method of providing Electrical Energy to houses and buildings and the like, which reduces cable length requirements, is disclosed. The System comprises essentially continuously accessible Bus Duct System and essentially continuously accessible Electric Receptacle Providing Baseboard Systems in combination. The Electric Receptacle Providing Baseboard System provides an easily accessible raceway for running telephone, computer, temperature control, security and audio and the like wiring. Sections of present invention Bus Duct System and Electric Receptacle Providing Baseboard System are interconnected by Through Couplers and last sections thereof are secured by End Caps. Fuseable Element Containing Disconnect System-Cable-Baseboard Supply End Cap Contact Element Coupling Systems serve to electrically interconnect Bus Duct Busbars and Electrical Contact Elements in Electrical Receptacle Providing Baseboard Systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: E. Howard Mayer
  • Patent number: 5595494
    Abstract: A power strip supporting a plurality of power outlets for distributing power within an electronic cabinet or to an electronic rack has two identical housing pieces each having a right angle corner between a bulbous end and a groove end all of which extending the entire length of the housing, such that, when the bulbous ends are slidably inserted into the groove ends, the two pieces form a substantially square cross section of improve strength of construction having two tightly fitted mated corners and the two right angle corners all four of which are formed with a flange also extending the length of the power strip then adapted to received one or more clips which may be clipped onto the power strip on any one side and anywhere along the length of the power strip so that the power strip can be fastened by a hole in the clips to a cabinet or rack in a variety positions to face the power outlets in a variety of desired directions for ease of routing power wires which may be further routed through wiring routers
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Damac Products Inc
    Inventor: Donald G. Wiebe
  • Patent number: 5255431
    Abstract: Pin-mounted components, such as DIP-packaged devices, multi-pin toroids and memory cubes are integrated into high density interconnect (HDI) structures by external attachment. Frozen spheres of conductive epoxy are placed, using automated pick-and-place equipment, into laser-drilled well-like via holes in an HDI module and then thawed under temperature and vacuum, prior to component pin insertion. Precision dispensing and uniform dispersion of adhesive results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: William E. Burdick
  • Patent number: 5141447
    Abstract: A prewired electrical distribution system of the type which may be fixed to and extend along a surface such as wall for distributing electrical energy is disclosed. The system employs relatively rigid conductor carrying members of various lengths interconnected by substantially identical relatively rigid couplers and may be easily and quickly assembled. Each of the relatively rigid conductor carrying members includes an elongated channel of relatively uniform cross-section throughout its extent with that channel being longitudinally divided into at least two separate raceways, one for receiving power carrying conductors and the other for receiving communication wiring. The channel is formed from two joinable, typically extruded plastic members, and one metal formed member adapted to be fastened, as by screws, to a wall or other surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Group Dekko International
    Inventor: Charles L. Poirier
  • Patent number: 5007853
    Abstract: A casing system for laying electric supply conductors and, if desired, signal conductors along the outer surfaces of walls comprises pre-fabricated, unitary, permanently closed casing sections of a variety of fixed lengths with built-in conductors. Each casing section is provided with a number of built-in access modules permitting the mounting of installation components, such as wall sockets, and the establishment of electrical connection between these and the built-in conductors without interfering with the integrity of the casing sections. The system further comprises sliding cover sections for covering the gaps between adjacent casing sections and between casing sections and corner and end sections also belonging to the system. Standard lengths of casing sections, corner sections, and sections, and sliding cover sections are so selected thay any length of wall can be covered by the system without cutting or otherwise interfering with the casing sections as manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: Axel Olsen
  • Patent number: 4975070
    Abstract: A low voltage electrical system uses a main comprising an extruded insulator with a pair of channels locating metal conductors which can be installed in the channels by passing them laterally through continuously extending slots opening to a face of the extrusion from the channels. Branch conductors with plugs on their ends can be engaged in contact with the conductors by pushing their prongs through the same slots. Resilience of the extruded insulator possibly aided by deformation of the cross section in installation ensures that the slots remain closed between plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: Philip Gillatt
  • Patent number: 4924036
    Abstract: The multi-purpose apparatus for distributing wires mainly comprises a strip member having at one lateral wall a longituidnal opening with flanges respectively formed on opposite edges thereof, and a plurality of single units each having along its length a pair of longitudinal grooves respectively being located at opposite edges of the unit and corresponding to the longitudinal flanges of the strip member such that each single unit can be detachably secured to the strip member by forcing the flanges thereof into the corresponding grooves thereof. Those single units include decorative plate assemblies, electrical socket assemblies, switch assemblies and other terminals such as telephone wire junction box, antenna socket, speaker wire socket, and signal wire socket. The strip member further is provided along its upper and lower edges with a pair of wire receiving chambers in which power wires and ground wires including signal wires are respectively received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Inventor: June Y. Shyu
  • Patent number: 4875871
    Abstract: A modular electrical conductor system for electrical wiring including one or more discrete elongated generally rectilinear track or carrier members and a plurality of modular electrical elements which are selectively connectable with the carrier members to establish a selected electrical circuit, the various carrier members and modular elements having preassembled electrical conductors carried therein such that ends of the conductors are adapted for mating electrical connection while being continually shielded from contact by an installer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1904
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: National Service Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Booty, Sr., Donald J. Booty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4872849
    Abstract: A channel outlet comprising a housing of insulative material has means for mounting the outlet in an opening in a channel-shaped cover of a channel housing and includes a terminal-receiving member and a cover member. Power terminals and a ground terminal are secured in cavities in the terminal-receiving member. The terminals have a first section adapted to terminate a respective electrical conductor thereto. The power terminals have wrap-around receptacle sections adapted to receive blade terminals of a conventional electrical plug therein. The ground terminal includes a contact member for sliding electrical contact with a ground pin of the electrical plug and a ground tab extending exteriorly of the cover member for ground connection to a channel-shaped base of the channel housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: William B. Long
  • Patent number: 4825540
    Abstract: A method for fabricating an electrical energy distribution system as a track having a multitude of parallel insulating strips and interspersed conductor bars with gaps between adjacent conductor bars to receive conductive blades of outlets or jumper cables for receiving power from the system as well as fixedly supporting a set of blades for power input to the system. During fabrication, the elongated insulating strips and conductor bars are passed through at least two spaced apart transverse multi-apertured separators so that the conductor bars define therebetween blade receiving gaps. As thus fabricated, the system is modular and may be assembled without the need of tools or specially trained electricians.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventor: Steven M. Kelly
  • Patent number: 4773869
    Abstract: An electric wall unit which is engaged by sliding a plug to the inner end of a passage in a wall outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Inventors: Nancy M. Smart, Ricky B. Smart
  • Patent number: 4690474
    Abstract: An electric wall unit which is engaged by sliding a plug from the peripheral edge of a wall outlet to the inner end of a passage in the wall outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Inventors: Nancy M. Smart, Ricky B. Smart
  • Patent number: 4688869
    Abstract: An electrical energy distribution system is formed as a track having a multitude of parallel insulating strips and interspersed conductor bars with gaps between adjacent conductor bars to receive conductive blades of outlets or jumper cables for receiving power from the system as well as fixedly supporting a set of blades for power input to the system. As thus configured, the system is modular and may be assembled without the need of tools or specially trained electricians.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Inventor: Steven M. Kelly
  • Patent number: 4685255
    Abstract: A work space management system for dividing a room into separate work areas comprising a wall system having a rigid framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area, wire management elements secured to the frames for communication and power wiring and a plurality of modular panels removably hanging on the frames. At least some of the wire management elements are secured to the bottom or baseline of the frames and at least some of the wire management elements are removably secured to a waistline or midportion of at least some of the frames. In some cases, the frames only extend to a waist height and in other cases, the frames extend to a full panel height. The panels are sized to fit between the waistline wire management elements and the baseline wire management elements to substantially cover the frames therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: James O. Kelley