Abstract: A modular electrical system (230) comprises a number of separate components forming a four-wire system (110). The component set (230) includes receptacle junction blocks (130), two-way connectors (232), four-way connectors (236), two-way jumper cable assemblies (234), and three-way jumper cable assemblies (238). The components of the component set (230) include various configurations of male blade terminals (150) and female terminals (200) located on the individual components so that a number of differing system configurations can be achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical power receptacle device, comprising: a main body, a dual-sided power socket, and a flip unit, wherein, the main body has a retaining wall. The dual-sided power socket is disposed in the accommodating space. The flip unit couples to the main body and the dual-sided power socket for providing the dual-sided power socket to be flipped to an open position or to a close position on the main body, wherein, as the dual-sided power socket is flipped to the open position, the dual-sided power socket is facilitated to be fixed and maintained in the open position on the main body by the retaining wall.

Abstract: A temporary lighting fixture comprising of a housing, a light-bulb socket positioned in the housing, a male electrical plug in electrical communication with the light-bulb socket, and a fastener operatively connected to the housing. The fastener is adapted to secure the housing to an extension cord.

Abstract: An electrical power connection device is disclosed having a base socket, a power receiving means adapted to connect to a power source, and a plurality of socket modules. At least one socket module includes at least one electrical socket electrically interconnected with the power source. Each socket module is mechanically and adjustably engaged with at least one other socket module, whereby the device is expandable and compressible such that both small power plugs and larger AC adapters may be plugged into the electrical socket of each socket module.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an electrical power delivery system including: (a) a base having: (1) a first surface; and (2) a second surface spaced apart from the first surface by a first sidewall; (b) a platform extending away from the second surface of the base, the platform having a third surface spaced apart from the second surface by a second sidewall; (c) a first electrical power outlet at the third surface; (d) a second electrical power outlet at the second sidewall; and (e) an electrical power cord. The first electrical power outlet and the second electrical power outlet are electrically coupled to the electrical power cord such that the first electrical power outlet and the second electrical power outlet receive electrical power from the electrical power cord when the electrical power cord receives electrical power.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a power distribution unit having modular components. For example, according to one embodiment, a power distribution unit can include a component portion that comprises at least two modules selected from the group consisting of outlet modules, circuit protection modules, power input modules, communications I/O modules, and display modules. Each of the at least two modules of the component portion can comprise at least one connection element and can be removably secured to one or more other of the at least two modules via the connection elements. The power distribution unit can also include a housing that defines an interior cavity. The component portion can be removably secured to the housing at least partially within the interior cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides power supply devices having illuminated receptacles. Some or all of the receptacles are encircled or otherwise circumscribed by a lighting member. The lighting member may be a continuous strip of material, such as an electroluminescent laminate. The lighting member may illuminate the receptacles regardless of whether the receptacles themselves are currently powered. Thus, although the power supply device is in a no or low light environment, or when the device is plugged in but is turned off, a user may easily identify where the receptacles are, which ones are available, and which equipment is plugged into which receptacles. The lighting member may be color coded according to a surge protection rating for the power supply device. In this case, the user can immediately identify which power supply devices have a given surge protection, and can therefore distinguish among different power supply devices having similar physical configurations.

Abstract: An electrical outlet strip is disclosed, the outlet strip comprised of a power source, such as a power cable, and a plurality of socket modules. At least one socket module includes at least one electrical socket electrically interconnected with the power source. Each socket module is mechanically and adjustably engaged with at least one other socket module, whereby the outlet strip is expandable and compressible such that both small power plugs and larger AC adapters may be plugged into the electrical socket of each socket module.

Abstract: A retractable power and communication outlet apparatus for use with an article having a work surface. The apparatus has a power and communication outlet structure that is sized to fit into an opening in the work surface of the article. The outlet structure includes a shell having a perimeter, a top end and a bottom end. At least one power outlet and/or communication outlet is connected to the shell. A bottom plate member is attached to the bottom end of the shell and has portions thereof that extend beyond the perimeter of the shell. The bottom plate member has a top side and a bottom side. The apparatus also has a slide apparatus that has a stationary rail member and a movable member that slides upon the rail member. The movable member is attached to the bottom plate member so that the power and communication outlet structure can move between a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus includes a mounting plate for attachment to the bottom of the work surface.

Abstract: A female terminal, includes: a tubular portion which is formed by bending a metal sheet into a tubular shape; a peripheral wall which has a trapezoidal cross section having a pair of opposed shorter and longer sides to form a space extending in an axial direction of the female terminal inside the tubular portion; and a spring portion for pressing a male terminal inserted in the space, in a direction toward the shorter side of the peripheral wall. A maximum width of the male terminal is longer than the shorter side and is shorter than the longer side.

Abstract: A conductor track carrier is intended to contact-connect electrical components. The carrier has a flexible base film, a conductor track on the base film, and a contact-connection eye arranged in a contact-connection section of the conductor track carrier and electrically coupled to the conductor track. The conductor track carrier has a respective recess on two opposite sides of the contact-connection section, and web elements formed between the recesses in such a manner that the contact-connection section is pivotably mounted.

Abstract: An adjustable outlet structure comprises a casing, a plurality of first electric conductors, a plurality of outlets, a plurality of second electric conductors, a plurality of bases, and a plurality of third electric conductors. The first electric conductors are mounted inside the casing, the outlets are set inside the casing and are above the first electric conductors, the second electric conductors are connected with each of the outlets respectively, the bases are set inside the casing and are between the first electric conductors and the outlets, the third electric conductors are connected with each of the bases, the second electric conductors slide on the third electric conductors respectively, and the third electric conductors slide on the first electric conductors respectively. Accordingly, each outlet can move inside the casing. When an adapter is plugged into one of the outlets, the adapter will not cover other neighboring outlets.

Abstract: An enclosure for compact computer boards is described that allows a user to easily configure, or reconfigure, a microserver stack using an interchangeable common bus as a data and power backbone. One application requiring robust and rigorous design constraints is use within an aircraft.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a power distribution unit having modular components. For example, according to one embodiment, a power distribution unit can include a component portion that comprises at least two modules selected from the group consisting of outlet modules, circuit protection modules, power input modules, communications I/O modules, and display modules. Each of the at least two modules of the component portion can comprise at least one connection element and can be removably secured to one or more other of the at least two modules via the connection elements. The power distribution unit can also include a housing that defines an interior cavity. The component portion can be removably secured to the housing at least partially within the interior cavity.

Abstract: An electrical power delivery system includes a base (110) having a first surface (111) and a second surface (112) spaced apart from the first surface by a first sidewall (113). The electrical power delivery system also includes a platform (120) extending away from the second surface of the base such that the platform covers a portion of but less than all of the second surface. The platform itself includes a third surface (121) substantially parallel to the second surface and spaced apart from the second surface by a second sidewall (122) that is substantially perpendicular to the second surface. A first electrical power outlet (130) is located at the third surface, and a second electrical power outlet (140) is located at the second sidewall. A power cord (150) is physically and electrically coupled either to the base or to the platform.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical power socket having illuminated prong receiving apertures. A light source, such as a light emitting diode, is mounted within the power socket and is operatively connected to a voltage converter capable of converting supply AC voltage into operating DC voltage. A switch or ambient light sensor may be provided for selectively operating the light source. The power socket may be used with a wall mounted power outlet, power strip or power extension cord.

Abstract: The present invention provides power supply devices having illuminated receptacles. Some or all of the receptacles are encircled or otherwise circumscribed by a lighting member. The lighting member may be a continuous strip of material, such as an electroluminescent laminate. The lighting member may illuminate the receptacles regardless of whether the receptacles themselves are currently powered. Thus, although the power supply device is in a no or low light environment, or when the device is plugged in but is turned off, a user may easily identify where the receptacles are, which ones are available, and which equipment is plugged into which receptacles. The lighting member may be color coded according to a surge protection rating for the power supply device. In this case, the user can immediately identify which power supply devices have a given surge protection, and can therefore distinguish among different power supply devices having similar physical configurations.

Abstract: An electrical outlet includes a main socket unit, and an additional socket unit movably mounted in the main socket unit. The main socket unit includes a power transmitting port, a plurality of sockets, and a first electrical connector. The sockets and the first electrical connector are electrically connected to the power transmitting port. The additional socket unit includes a plurality of sockets, and a second electrical connector electrically connected to the sockets of the additional socket unit. When the additional socket unit extends from within the main socket unit the first electrical connector of the main socket unit is electrically connected to the second electrical connector of the additional socket unit.

Abstract: A desk attachment includes a base unit 1 including a communication bus having a communication port for connection to at least one remote signal source. A plurality of user modules 20 are provided for attachment to the base unit such that they are electrically connected with the bus. Each module has a PC port 22 for connection with a local computer and at least one peripheral port 23 for connection with a user interface device. The ports are arranged such that a computer on the PC port is operably connected to the or each peripheral port and the bus.

Abstract: A power strip includes a primary distribution unit, a secondary distribution unit, a primary power cord, at least two secondary power cords and at least two third-level power cords. The primary distribution unit has three distribution points, and each of the three distribution points is in electrical communication with a respective line of the three lines (positive line, neutral line and ground line) of the primary power cord. An electrical plug is provided at the free end of the primary power cord, and each of the three lines of each secondary power cord is in electrical communication with a respective distribution point. Also, each secondary power cord is in electrical communication with at least two third-level power cords. Hence, electricity may be fed from the electrical plug to the primary power cord, secondary power cords and third-level power cords and then to the sockets.

Abstract: The control apparatus includes a plurality of control units. Each control unit includes a cable containing electrical conductors. Male and female connectors may be disposed at opposite end portions of the cable. An inline connector may be disposed between the male and female connectors and is connected with the electrical conductors. A sensor has terminals which are engagable with terminals in the inline conductor to connect the sensor with the electrical conductors in the cable. Upon disconnection of one sensor from the control apparatus, an electrical connection is maintained with the remaining sensors.

Abstract: The present invention is a simple, inexpensive and reliable device for monitoring and alerting of a power disruption to an appliance or a piece of equipment. An audible and/or visual alarm may be generated in the event that a specific or a piece of electrical equipment becomes disconnected from its electrical source. The device for monitoring and alerting of a power disruption may operate from an internal battery in case the electrical power source to the appliance disrupted. Additionally, a power-surge-suppression, a rechargeable battery, and a charger for the battery may make the device more reliable. The remote receiver may receive a broadcasted alarm signal from the monitoring device and then notify a user with a visual and/or audible alarm at a location where the alarm is more likely to be seen and heard.

Abstract: A lighting system including at least one electrical load, at least one electrical connector, each electrical connector electrically connected to a corresponding electrical load and an electrical splitter electrically connectable to at least one electrical connector. The electrical splitter having a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle configured to receive a corresponding electrical connector and a plurality of visual indicators, each visual indicator uniquely associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of receptacles, each visual indicator indicating a connection of one electrical connector with the corresponding one of the plurality of receptacles.

Abstract: A new NEMA-style AC power outlet connector includes a body portion and a shoulder portion, the body portion is configured for fitting into a standard cutout for a conventional IEC AC power outlet connector.

Abstract: A circuit-toy assembly kit includes a plurality of connector units each including a supporting frame, two terminal fasteners spacedly affixed to the supporting frame, and a terminal circuit electrically connecting with the terminal fasteners. Each terminal fastener has an inserting head upwardly extended from a first side of the supporting frame and a socket housing integrally extended from the inserting head and defining a receiving socket on a second side of the supporting frame, wherein the inserting head is shaped and sized corresponding to the receiving socket. Therefore, the connector units are selectively connected together by detachably inserting the inserting head of the terminal fastener of one of the connector units into the receiving socket another connector unit to structurally connect the supporting frames and to electrically connect the terminal circuits so as to form the electronic circuit.

Abstract: A modular surge protection system having a power distribution module connected to at least one surge protection module in a coplanar relationship. The power distribution module has a housing and surge protection disposed in the housing. At least one female electrical outlet is disposed on the housing and is electrically connected to the surge protection. A first portion formed on the housing connects with a corresponding second portion on the surge protection module to secure the modules together in a co-planar relationship.

Abstract: A modular surge protection system having a power distribution module connected to at least one surge protection module in a coplanar relationship. The power distribution module has a housing and surge protection disposed in the housing. At least one female electrical outlet is disposed on the housing and is electrically connected to the surge protection. A first portion formed on the housing connects with a corresponding second portion on the surge protection module to secure the modules together in a co-planar relationship.

Abstract: A serializable power receiver/supply unit having a body with terminals, wiring and components, a male terminal is provided at one end of the body, and a female terminal is provided at another end. Wiring connecting the terminals and components in the body, enables one end to be used as power receiver, and the other end to be used as power supply to another unit. The components can include a socket, a timer, a surge protector device or an illuminator. The connection of the male and female terminals with the wiring is through an end seat in which the wiring terminal is inserted.

Abstract: The present invention is a modularized compound receptacle structure of an external power supply unit that adapts a seat body provided for forming an assembly of three sets of conducting strips for plugging the conductors, wherein, the said seat body comprises at least more than two sets of receiving slots and a lapping body situated outside the receiving slots; the first conducting strip of the three sets of conducting strips is a strip body transversely crossing every receiving slot and disposed at the lapping body outside of the receiving slots; the second conducting strip is an independent strip body with equivalent number of receiving slots, an insert portion to be mounted in the receiving slot and an extending contact end; the third conducting strip is a strip body capable of transversely crossing every receiving slot, an insert portion corresponding to every receiving slot is formed on the strip body; thereby every set of the receiving slots of the seat body respectively accommodates the respective ins

Abstract: A modular surge protection system is provided having interchangeable power supply and surge protection modules connectable to a power distribution module. The power distribution module provides surge protection for the power supply modules while independent surge protection is provided in the surge protection modules.

Abstract: A common two-prong and three-prong socket AC power receptacle has several sockets that are provided on a top and one side surface on a casing. One end of the casing has a switch. The sockets on the top surface of the casing are three-prong ones and those on the side surface are two-prong. Some sockets are directly connected to a power cord. The others are connected in series to a switch, where the switch can control whether they are on or off. This design can provide users more socket space to use and better controls.

Abstract: Retractable power and communication outlet arrangements suitable for mounting on a work surface such as a table or desk. A first type of a retractable power outlet or a retractable communication includes a bottomless mounting cup for inserting into a hole in the work surface. The mounting cup includes a flat circular top edge and a cylinder. Two grooves are formed inside the cylinder as guides and extend from an upper end of the cylinder to a lower end of the cylinder. The first type of power or communication outlet arrangement additionally includes a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a circular flat top having two opposing semicircular notches. The mounting bracket's flat top is dimensioned to overlap the diameter of the top of the mounting cup. Integrally formed with the mounting bracket's flat top is a longitudinally extending flat element which includes four mounting pegs that extend from the flat element in two rows of two for mounting a power or communication strip.

Abstract: An electric outlet includes a socket holder formed of a bottom shell and a top cover shell, a plurality of metal terminal holders respectively installed in the socket holder for connection to power supply, and a plurality of sockets respectively installed in respective socket receiving holes on the top cover shell of the socket holder, each socket including a socket body, the socket body having a top face panel for receiving an electric plug, spring hooks for positioning in one socket receiving hole on the top cover shell, and three bottom through holes, a positive terminal metal contact plate and a negative terminal metal contact plate and a grounding metal contact plate respectively mounted inside the socket body and aimed at respective plug insertion slots on the face panel, a plurality of metal frames mounted inside the socket body and respectively connected to the positive and negative terminal metal contact plates and the grounding metal contact plate, the metal frames each having a horizontal wire hole

Abstract: A Christmas light system is provided including a plurality of rigid housings each having a couple mounted on each end thereof and a side face with a plurality of sockets mounted thereon for accepting a bulb therein. The sockets are each connected between the couples for providing electrical communication therebetween. The housings may be releasably coupled end-to-end in fixed relationship for providing electrical communication therebetween.

Abstract: A wire distribution system for furniture, especially for electric power, communications, and data includes a common feed-in source. In one embodiment, the common feed-in source is a leg assembly adapted to carry the incoming wires. A distribution beam attached to the piece of furniture and defining a trough, carries a distribution harness, which together carry and distribute the power and communications/data wires. Exiting wires from the leg assembly are connected to the distribution harness. The distribution beam has electric receptacles and communications/data jacks, and includes a connectors/plugs to which is attached a connector/plug emanating from the leg assembly carrying the wires. Various pieces of furniture may be coupled together wherein the various distribution beams/harnesses may be coupled together via jumpers.

Abstract: A plug-in surge protector having an improved handle for facilitating and isolating the removal of an individual protector from a protector panel without interfering with adjacent protectors. The plug-in protector comprises a body having a front end and a rear end. Extending from the rear end of the body are terminals for plugging into sockets on a protector panel. Extending from the front end of the body is a handle having a reduced width and concave upper and lower surfaces. On the concave surfaces are horizontal teeth running across the width of the handle. It is preferable that the teeth are tilted towards the rear end of the body and against the direction of removal of the protector from the panel. The reduced width of the handle allows the removal of a single protector without touching or interfering with adjacent protectors plugged into the panel. The teeth on the handle increases the frictional surface area to facilitate removal of the protector from the panel.

Abstract: A power strip is disclosed with an access panel which is situated and designed such that upon its removal, a sensor may be readily attached and the current load monitored. The access panel is arranged such that the receptacles, the power strip itself, or any of the electrical devices connected to the power strip do not need to be powered down to access the internal circuitry. The "back-wiring" design of the present invention allows for the replacement of any receptacle without interrupting the flow of electrical current to the remaining receptacles. The "back-wiring" design ensures the electrical load is evenly distributed across all the receptacles while providing a secondary path by which the electrical current may reach the receptacles. Thus, the disruption of electrical current across one wire will not result in the disruption of electrical current to any receptacle. Additionally, protective cover plates are utilized to prevent the unauthorized insertion of electrical cords into a power strip.

Abstract: A combination outlet strip includes a casing and a plurality of outlet strip units connected in series and mounted in the casing, each outlet strip unit having a bottom shell, a top shell covered on the bottom shell, and three bus bars mounted in between the bottom shell and the top shell, the bus bars each having a coupling hole and a stud at two opposite ends outside the top and bottom shells, and a plurality of clamping strips for receiving the blades/grounding prongs of electric plugs, the outlet strip units being connected in series by fastening the studs of the bus bars of one outlet strip unit to the coupling holes of the bus bars of another outlet strip unit.

Abstract: An electrical system for use with interconnected or ganged furniture includes electrical receptacles for each article of furniture and a plurality of electrical cables for connecting the receptacles. The receptacles and cables have specifically coded terminal groups and connector terminal groups that prevent interconnection of more than a specific allotted number of receptacles. An initial receptacle includes a substantially permanent power cord for plugging into a conventional wall socket. A last receptacle has only an input terminal group and a blank output. Intermediate receptacles are provided so that the total electrical system is limited to twelve sockets among the first, last and intermediate receptacles. In one embodiment, five terminal groups are provided. The receptacles are configured so that the input and output terminal groups for the receptacle are different.

Abstract: A modular surge protection system is provided having interchangeable power supply and surge protection modules connectable to a power distribution module the power distribution module provides surge protection for the power supply modules while independent surge protection is provided in the surge protection modules.

Abstract: A case (12) combined with a cable assembly (14) having individual cables (22) terminated with connectors (16), a tape with adhesive on both sides of the tape (56), the tape (56) being in adhesive contact with an interior cavity of the case (12), cable routing lines on the tape (56), the cable routing lines (58) indicating the desired location for said cables (22) along the interior cavity (34).

Abstract: A modular surge protection system is provided having interchangeable power supply and surge protection modules connectable to a power distribution module the power distribution module provides surge protection for the power supply modules while independent surge protection is provided in the surge protection modules.

Abstract: A modular power outlet system employing a starter module for connection to a source of electrical power, an outlet strip module containing a plurality of power outlets, an inline passthrough coupler module for electrically connecting two or more outlet strip modules, and an inline crossover module for switching circuits to which power outlets are connected, and an end cap module for terminating an outlet strip module is disclosed herein. In a single circuit embodiment of the system, each power outlet is connected from the same electrical circuit. In a first two circuit embodiment of the system, power outlets in an outlet strip module alternate between the two circuits. A plurality of outlet strip modules can then be electrically connected using an inline passthrough coupler module. In a second two circuit embodiment of the system, each power outlet in an outlet strip module is connected to the same electrical circuit.

Abstract: The present invention includes a case containing a cable assembly therein for installation in electrical equipment. The case is secured to the frame of the equipment and holds the individual cables and positions the ends thereof for interconnection with electrical components in the equipment. The case includes openings in a side through which the cable ends protrude. The cables are attached to a floor of the case by means of double-backed tape. A cover is included to completely enclose the cable assembly within the interior of the case to protect the cable assembly from possible damage by adjacent equipment.

Abstract: A modular surge protector is provided where only the number and types of modules needed are purchased and connected together by quick connect means. Generally, the modular surge protector includes a power distribution module, which is connected to a source of line current and one or more power supply modules, which snap to each other by the use of the quick connect means. Each of the power supply modules will have at least one power supply outlet and may also have a modem surge protector.

Abstract: A modular surge protector is provided where only the number and types of modules needed are purchased and connected together by quick connect means. Generally, the modular surge protector includes a power distribution module, which is connected to a source of line current and one or more power supply modules, which snap to each other by the use of the quick connect means. Each of the power supply modules will have at least one power supply outlet and may also have a modem surge protector.

Abstract: A power connector element (1) for establishing of electrical connection between a busway and an outgoing or incoming electrical cable (3), generally via a multiphase coupler (8), consists of a unit (1) configured as one piece comprising a number of parallel, massive conductors disposed at a distance from one another and having connection parts at both ends, said conductors being moulded into a common electrically-insulating moulding body, so that only the connection parts are outside. The connection parts are disposed in two areas which are separated by a flange (12) in the moulding body.

Abstract: Electrical connecting device such as a bus bar comprises a folded section of sheet metal having a bight and arms extending from the bight. Receptacle portions are provided in the form of openings in the bight so that a tab contact can be inserted into one of the openings and will engage the opposed internal surfaces of the arms. In addition, contact sites are provided on the distal ends of the arms for contacting the devices which have wire-receiving slots on their ends. A conductor in a cable can thus be connected to a plurality of second conductors which are attached to the tab members that are inserted into the receptacle portions in the bight.

Abstract: An outlet strip assembly comprises a multiple receptacle mechanism which is formed of a single piece separate from the cover plate. The multiple receptacle mechanism receives three bus bars to establish a complete electrical connection for electrical plugs and power lines. The multiple receptacle mechanism is press-fitted to a base via a linking mechanism. A cover plate adapted to cover the multiple receptacle mechanism can be made of any suitable material and color.

Abstract: A backplane connector assembly including a motherboard connector and power and signal daughterboard connectors is disclosed. The motherboard connector has a signal section and a power section. Individual signal contacts are located in the signal section of the motherboard connector. A laminated power bus is located in the power section of the motherboard connector which is on the opposite side of the daughterboard from the signal section. Each of a plurality of separate busses in the laminated power bus has tabs extending from one edge and bent at right angles relative to the bus so that the tabs extend orthogonally relative to the daughterboard. This configuration permits daughterboards having different thicknesses to be mated inserted into the same motherboard connector. The laminated power bus permits power to be delivered externally of the motherboard to the daughterboards.