Abstract: An electrified space dividing panel system having a panel member, a raceway, a modular electrical system disposed in the raceway, and raceway covers for gaining access to the electrical system. The modular electrical system includes a single terminal block having end and side sockets, with first and second electrical receptacles being respectively removably engaged with the end socket and side sockets such that the first and second electrical receptacles are disposed in horizontally spaced side-by-side relation and project outwardly for predetermined like dimensions through receptacle openings in one of the raceway covers. In a preferred embodiment the raceway includes a web having an opening which cooperates with a support ear on the first receptacle during engagement of the first receptacle with an end socket to provide additional lateral support for the first electrical receptacle when an electrical plug is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A modular powerway is provided for electrifying office furniture units and the like, such as freestanding partition panels, systems furniture elements, and modular furniture units of the type having a utility raceway associated therewith. The powerway includes a housing shaped for reception within the utility raceway of the office furniture unit and electrical conductors mounted in the housing. At least one power tap or receptacle supplies electrical power from the powerway to electrical appliances, such as computers, typewriters and other similar devices. A power terminal is mounted in one end of the housing, and includes a set of quick-disconnect power connectors. A flexible flag connector has one end mounted in the opposite end of the housing, and includes a flag terminal at its free end with a set of quick-disconnect power connectors that separably mate with the quick-disconnect power connectors on the power terminal of an adjacent powerway to electrically interconnect the powerways.

Abstract: A floor track system is provided to route utilities to workstations in open office plans, and the like. The floor track system includes a plurality of individual floor track segments, each of which has a hollow interior in which the utilities are housed and isolated. Each floor track segment also includes feet which independently support the track segment on the floor in a generally upright orientation, and an exterior shape which physically mates with the furniture units in the workstation, without supporting the same. Opposite ends of the floor track segments are detachably interconnected in a predetermined configuration to form a continuous, self-contained and self-supported utility raceway that is physically separate from the furniture units, yet dimensionally cooperates and blends in with them. Utility taps can be located throughout the floor track system to provide utilities to each of the workstations as required.

Abstract: A system for integrating and modularizing wiring within a building is disclosed. A unitized destination terminal integrates a diverse assortment of communication connectivity needs with power distribution. The terminal mounts near a work surface in each one of a multiplicity of work areas within a building. An integrated communication cable transports a variety of different communication circuits away from the work areas toward a common communication distribution area. The integrated cable is routed through an integrated raceway, which manages the placement and housing of communication systems as a unit that additionally includes power distribution systems. Cabinets at the common comunication distribution area and at a central connectivity area for the building terminate communication cabling at a variety of socket connectors. The central connectivity area couples to PBX, mainframe computer controllers, or other connectivity devices.

Abstract: A power distribution system is disclosed for electrification of modular wall panels. The distribution system includes a track along a wall panel, a plurality of electrical power lines running along the track and defining a plurality of power distribution circuits, and a plug-receiving receptacle mounted adjacent the power lines for interconnection therewith. The invention contemplates receptacle contacts mounted on the receptacle, a plurality of circuit contacts interconnected with the power lines, and a plurality of interchangeable circuit control modules for selectively interchangeably interconnecting the plug-receiving receptacle with different power distribution circuits. The interchangeable circuit control modules include a plurality of control contacts of different arrays engageable between the receptacle contacts and different ones of the circuit contacts.

Abstract: A power panel for use with wall panels of a space-divider system includes a lightweight frame structure having vertically extending end plates and a central web. Front and rear spaces are defined on either side of the web to accommodate electrical and communication wiring and receptacles on both the front and the back of the panel. A rib, extending from the web, divides the front and rear areas and provides physical separation between electrical power and communication wiring. The portion of the web on one side of the rib has an offset curved section to accommodate electrical wiring conduits extending vertically from the top to the bottom of the power panel. The power panel includes an upper area, with a removable cover, above the upper edge of the frame structure to accommodate wiring to and from, and between wall panels adjoining the power panel. A U-shaped cover is removably attached to the lower edge of the frame structure to accommodate wiring to and from, and between, panels adjoining the power panel.

Abstract: A power panel for use with wall panels of a space-divider system includes a lightweight frame structure having vertically extending end plates and a central web. Front and rear spaces are defined on either side of the web to accommodate electrical and communication wiring and receptacles on both the front and the back of the panel. A rib, extending from the web, divides the front and rear areas and provides physical separation between electrical power and communication wiring. The portion of the web on one side of the rib has an offset curved section to accommodate electrical wiring conduits extending vertically from the top to the bottom of the power panel. The power panel includes an upper area, with a removable cover, above the upper edge of the frame structure to accommodate wiring to and from, and between wall panels adjoining the power panel. A U-shaped cover is removably attached to the lower edge of the frame structure to accommodate wiring to and from, and between, panels adjoining the power panel.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrified wall panel system having a power distribution server locatable within a wall panel unit. The power distribution server has four receptacle module ports oriented in an H-shaped configuration in which a first receptacle port on a first side of the wall panel unit opens toward a first end of the wall panel unit, a second receptacle port on the first side of the wall panel unit opens toward a second end of the wall panel unit, a third receptacle port on a second side of the wall panel unit opens toward the first end of the wall panel unit, and fourth receptacle port on the second side of the wall panel unit opens toward the second end of the wall panel unit. First and second harnesses are each electrically connected at first ends thereof to the power distributon server, extend to opposite ends of the wall panel unit, and include connector ports on the second ends thereof for providing electrical interconnection of adjacent wall panel units.

Abstract: A prewired electrical distribution member of the type utilized along movable partitions or similar modular furniture near the bottom edges thereof for distributing electrical energy and having like connectors at opposite ends thereof for connection to like member of an adjacent member is disclosed. Each member includes an elongated rigid central portion having a connector for receiving at least one electrical outlet centrally located therealong and flexible end portions permanently attached thereto. The flexible end portions enclose a plurality of conductors arranged in generally single file vertical alignment and have the connectors permanently fixed to their respective free ends. The connectors have both end and side terminal openings and are uniquely adapted to engage one another in any of an end to end, side to side, or end to side manner for effecting connections at corners.

Abstract: An electrified space dividing panel system having a plurality of panels, with each panel having a power module which includes a terminal block having terminals for receiving up to and including four plug-in receptacles. The power module includes two flexible cables, one either fixed to or releasably engaged with, each longitudinal end thereof, with the flexible cables each having a length such that they reach to opposite ends of the associated panel. Each flexible cable has a T-shaped connector at its free end, with the T-shaped connector having first and second sets of hermaphroditic contacts arranged at right angles to one another, and first and second hermaphroditic housings disposed to respectively surround the first and second sets of hermaphroditic contacts. The T-shaped connectors of adjacent panels plug directly together at the intersection of two, three or four panels, eliminating the need for jumpers.

Abstract: An electrical junction assembly for use in the wall panels of a space-divider wall system includes a junction block having several receptacle connectors to provide a plurality of electrical outlets on both sides of a wall panel. The junction block is connected by means of conduits extending from both ends of the junction block to oppositely directed connector blocks for connection to adjoining panels. This assembly of junction block and connector blocks allows electrical power to be supplied to one end of the panel and conducted to and through the junction block to other panels. The receptacle connectors on the junction block each have one type of terminal configuration, e.g., a female electrical terminal configuration and one of the connector blocks is provided with the identical terminal configuration. The other connector block is provided with a matching terminal configuration, e.g., a male electrical terminal configuration.

Abstract: An electrical outlet receptacle block is provided with input terminals movable to selected positions for engagement with terminals of an electrical junction block having a plurality of terminals representing a plurality of different electrical circuits. The outlet receptacle block has neutral, ground and positive flexible conductor bars electrically connected to neutral, ground and positive receptacle output terminals, respectively. Input terminals of the receptacle block are formed integral with the flexible conductor bars and levers are provided for moving the terminal ends of the flexible conductor bars to physically different positions. In one configuration, the receptacle block housing is provided with openings at opposite ends and the flexible conductor bars have terminal ends controlled by levers at both ends of the outlet receptacle block.

Abstract: A modular powerway is provided for electrifying office furniture units and the like, such as freestanding partition panels, systems furniture elements, and modular furniture units of the type having a utility raceway associated therewith. The powerway includes a housing shaped for reception within the utility raceway of the office furniture unit and electrical conductors mounted in the housing. At least one power tap or receptacle supplies electrical power from the powerway to electrical appliances, such as computers, typewriters and other similar devices. A power terminal is mounted in one end of the housing, and includes a set of quick-disconnect power connectors. A flexible flag connector has one end mounted in the opposite end of the housing, and includes a flag terminal at its free end with a set of quick-disconnect power connectors that separably mate with the quick-disconnect power connectors on the power terminal of an adjacent powerway to electrically interconnect the powerways.

Abstract: A power distribution system for prewiring a modular wall panel unit with electrical conductors. The system is installed in the wiring channel that extends along the bottom edge of the panel unit. The system includes a power block located at each of the opposite ends of the panel wiring channel. Each power block comprises a housing containing ten flat, vertically aligned bus bars that are each connected to a separate one of four line, four neutral, a safety ground and an isolated ground conductors of the power supply of the site at which the panel unit is installed. Each power block is capable of receiving, at the end thereof adjacent the end of the wiring channel, on either or both faces thereof, a connector for a jumper cable for connecting two similar power distribution systems in adjoining panel units.

Abstract: A pair of adapter blocks, each arrangeable in two physical orientations, provide an interface between an electrical outlet receptacle block and four different electrical circuits of a power distribution block. Each adapter block has terminals on one end for engaging the receptacle block, including one terminal disposed on the centerline of the adapter and a pair of terminals disposed on opposite sides of and equidistant from the centerline. Furthermore, each adapter has terminals on an opposite end for engagement with the power distribution block including terminals disposed on opposite sides of the centerline and offset from the centerline by different distances. Each receptacle block may be changed from one physical orientation to another by rotation about the centerline.

Abstract: A power distribution assembly is disclosed having a bussing distribution connector having a plurality of electrical bussing terminals positioned within an electrically insulative housing. A plurality of electrical terminals are positioned in the housing for distributing more than one electrical circuit; at least one ground terminal, at least one neutral terminal and at least three hot terminals. A grounding shell at least partially surrounds the bussing connector and includes a grounding tab grounding the one ground terminal to the metallic grounding shell. In another embodiment, two bussing connectors are interconnected together, to provide for an increased number of output ports.

Abstract: This specification discloses an electrically conductive raceway as used in an prefabricated interior wall panel system with a means for electrically connecting a ground wire directly to a portion of the raceway without the need for separate clips or terminals and the method and apparatus for making same.

Abstract: An improved electrical distribution system with two, four wire, multiwire branch circuits providing two sets of single phase office power circuits in exactly two types of duplex outlets. In each duplex outlet, receptacles are split to offer power from different phases. Each type of duplex has its own neutral and ground wires. These two duplexes control neutral balance and eliminate the previous need for oversized neutrals. Therefore, exactly two types of duplexes may be permanently prewired to a modular symmetrical channel providing user access to all four available circuits. The two multiwire branch circuits may be shielded to isolate clean computer power in one of the two duplex types.

Abstract: A wiring system for modular structures, such as prefabricated panels, which utilizes two types of cord assemblies to distribute electrical energy throughout the structures. The first cord assembly is comprised of an electrical cable having a plurality of conductors which is terminated on both ends by male electrical connectors. The first cord assembly also has a tap in an intermediate position which includes two additional male electrical connectors of the same type. This cord assembly is used to connect two adjacent panels together electrically. To connect an additional panel to this junction, a second cord assembly having a female electrical connector on one end and a male electrical connector on the other end is used to connect the additional panel to the tap of the first cord assembly. Consequently, a plurality of panels can be connected together using only these two types of cord assemblies to provide for the distribution of electrical power throughout the panel system.

Abstract: In an office environment using movable wall panels, electrical junction assemblies including conduits of adjustable length are disposed in raceways near the lower edge of the panels. One embodiment of an adjustable length electrical junction assembly comprises a telescoping conduit to accommodate wall panels of different dimensions and to facilitate the placement of electrical outlets at appropriate locations. One type of telescoping conduit comprises two overlapping conduit sections of generally rectangular cross section and forming an inner spatial area for retaining excess wiring in a safe position. Another type of telescoping conduit comprises a conduit section of generally rectangular cross section and a generally flat multi-wire cable extending into the rectangular cross section conduit section to allow for lengthwise adjustability of the assembly.

Abstract: A wiring system for modular structures, such as prefabricated panels, which utilizes a novel disc stack connector. The connector comprises a stack of alternating conductive and insulative discs which are held in place by a rod traversing a central aperture in each disc. A primary supply cable may be attached to the disc stack connector, allowing parallel connections to secondary cables. Connector heads on the cables have several prongs for engaging the conductive discs. In the preferred embodiment, the conductive discs are smaller than the insulative discs, and one insulative disc is made larger to provide keying with a slot in the connector heads (i.e., the heads are polarized). The connector and cables are located out of sight within the raceways of the prefabricated panels.

Abstract: A wiring harness is disclosed for deploying electrical wires along a wall such as in a modular wall panel system for separating work areas. The wall has an elongate compartment defining a raceway for housing the wires. A first power block is positioned in the raceway at a first location and includes a given number of wires extending therefrom into the raceway. A second power block is positioned in the raceway at a second location longitudinally spaced from the first power block. The second power block has a different number of wires extending therefrom into the raceway toward the first power block. Splicing connectors electrically couple at least some of the wires between the two power blocks.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrified wall panel system having a power distribution server locatable within a wall panel unit. The power distribution server has four receptacle module ports oriented in an H-shaped configuration in which a first receptacle port on a first side of the wall panel unit opens toward a first end of the wall panel unit, a second receptacle port on the first side of the wall panel unit opens toward a second end of the wall panel unit, a third receptacle port on a second side of the wall panel unit opens toward the first end of the wall panel unit, and fourth receptacle port on the second side of the wall panel unit opens toward the second end of the wall panel unit. First and second harnesses are each electrically connected at first ends thereof to the power distribution server, extend to opposite ends of the wall panel unit, and include connector ports on the second ends thereof for providing electrical interconnection of adjacent wall panel units.

Abstract: A wall structure for removably positioning panels and brackets is provided with a pair of electrical buses adapted to be contacted by an electrical clip at any one of a plurality of different heights.

Abstract: An outlet unit for installation in a power distribution system for modular wall panel units carrying four separate pairs of line and neutral conductors. The outlet unit includes a pair of line and neutral contacts, configured to receive two separate plugs for power cords, the line and neutral contacts of the unit being connected to respective first and second contacts that project through the rear face of the outlet unit. The four pairs of line and neutral conductors of the distribution system are contained in an insulating power block housing having openings aligned with each of the conductors therein to provide access to the conductors by the first and second contacts of the outlet unit. The openings of the housing of the distribution system are arranged in two symmetrical groups. The outlet unit has four insulating silos positioned on its rear face so as to enter openings of either the first group or the second group, depending on the orientation of the outlet unit when plugged into the outlet unit.

Abstract: A surface applied electrical raceway assembly comprising an extruded rear panel and an extruded cover which form a plurality of elongate compartments for deploying wires or other electrical conductors is disclosed. At any position along its length, the raceway can be attached to hanger brackets mounted on a wall. Continuous recesses including a tongue and groove configuration on the exterior of the rear panel and channels in at least one compartment permit attachment of the raceway to the hangers at any position and the installation of interfaces, such as standard duplex outlets, at any position along the raceway length. A storage compartment for receiving excess plug cables is also disclosed. The rear panel and the covers can be cut to length and together with accessory fittings can be used to form customized raceways with outlets at any desired location.

Abstract: An electrical raceway floor track and a partition embodying such floor track wherein the floor track is an elongate aluminum extrusion with a relatively wide upwardly opening lower channel connected to a relatively narrower upwardly opening upper channel by a solid rigid vertical wall. Wallboards and studs are supported by the upper channel, utilities are disposed between the channels and base trim strips are attached to the lower channel to hide the track and utilities. Electrical boxes and cable shelves are easily mounted between the channels with clips engaging ridges in the channels. Shallow grooves guide during screw insertion and provide lines of weakness for removal of short narrow sections where needed.

Abstract: A movable panel member incorporating an integrated electrical current distributing busbar which, for the electrification of work stations in particular, forms a screen, partition, table top, table frame, shelf, cupboard, or the like. Adapters are detachably insertable in the current distributing busbar for the supply and distribution of current. The panel member comprises at least along one edge, a channel member forming a current duct in which there is inserted a current distributing busbar, and a communication duct, separated from the current duct by means of a partition for the accommodation of communication cables. The inlet ends of both ducts are open in opposite directions on opposite sides of the panel, and they are adapted to be closed off by means of detachable covers.

Abstract: An electrical system for a wall system formed from a plurality of serially connected wall panels. Each panel has at least one electrical terminal mounted thereon, and the terminals are joined by electrical cables or flexible electrical connectors. The electrical system is a seven-conductor system employing three live and three neutral conductors for defining three separate electrical circuits each having a separate neutral. A portable power-tap unit, specifically a receptacle unit, can be plugged into the power block for selective engagement with any one of the three circuits. The power-tap unit has a connector portion which plugs into the power block, which connector portion is defined soley by three contacts. Two of the three contacts, namely the live and neutral contacts, are mounted on a carrier which is slidably supported on the power-tap housing so as to be slidably displaced between three selected positions so that the power-tap can be selectively joined to any one of the three circuits.

Abstract: An office wall partition is disclosed which has provisions for accommodating a floor-cable riser. The partition includes a gutter-shaped baseboard having an opening therein to admit the floor-cable riser. The partition is particularly useful with undercarpet cable.