Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a direct current relay having a mover assembly having improved contact pressure. In one embodiment, a direct current relay comprises a pair of fixed contactors and a movable contactor which is moved up and down by an actuator to come into contact with or be separated from the pair of fixed contactors, comprises: a mover support disposed below the movable contactor and connected to the actuator by a shaft; a mover holder disposed above the movable contactor and fixed to the mover support; an upper yoke and a lower yoke disposed above and below the movable contactor to generate an electromagnetic force, respectively; and a contact pressure spring disposed between the lower yoke and the mover support, wherein the upper yoke and the lower yoke form a magnetic path to offset an electron repulsive force generated between the fixed contactors and the movable contactor.

Abstract: A temporary protective cover for a junction box has a sheet-like rectangular body with cleats at top and bottom ends. The cleats are flange-like formations bent at preferably non-right angles designed to press against embossments inside the cavity of a junction box. One or both cleats may be fitted with a notch to facilitate overlapping placement to accommodate large-size junction boxes. A stop tab extends laterally outwardly from each cleat and serves to limit penetration of the covering into the cavity of a junction box. One or two small removal holes are located in the body of the cover, near to the cleats, to facilitate removal from a junction box.

Abstract: There is provided a method of converting a kitchen having one of the slide-in and the drop-in appliance electrically coupled to a range receptacle, to a kitchen having built-in appliances. The method includes removing the one of the slide-in and the drop-in appliance from the range receptacle. The method includes installing at least two kitchen appliances into at least one of preexisting countertops and cabinetry of the kitchen. Each of the kitchen appliances includes a range plug. The method includes providing a power strip apparatus comprising a range plug and a power strip having a plurality of range sockets electrically coupled to the range plug of the power strip apparatus. The method includes inserting the range plug of the power strip apparatus into the range receptacle and inserting the range plugs of the kitchen appliances into respective ones of the range sockets of the power strip.

Abstract: There is provided a method of converting a kitchen having one of the slide-in and the drop-in appliance electrically coupled to a range receptacle, to a kitchen having built-in appliances. The method includes removing the one of the slide-in and the drop-in appliance from the range receptacle. The method includes installing at least two kitchen appliances into at least one of preexisting countertops and cabinetry of the kitchen. Each of the kitchen appliances includes a range plug. The method includes providing a power strip apparatus comprising a range plug and a power strip having a plurality of range sockets electrically coupled to the range plug of the power strip apparatus. The method includes inserting the range plug of the power strip apparatus into the range receptacle and inserting the range plugs of the kitchen appliances into respective ones of the range sockets of the power strip.

Abstract: A custom outlet module is contained within a housing and has an electric current sensor configured to measure current passing through an electric outlet during a time period, a proximity sensor configured to detect a distance of an object relative to the electric outlet during the time period, a relay switch that can open or close to stop or conduct current through a circuit in the electric outlet in response to a command, and a wireless network interface in communication with the electric current sensor and the proximity sensor, the wireless network interface configured to transmit and receive data from the current sensor and the proximity sensor, to transmit commands to the relay switch, transmit the data to a computing device, and receive commands from the computing device.

Abstract: A custom outlet module is contained within a housing and has an electric current sensor configured to measure current passing through an electric outlet during a time period, a proximity sensor configured to detect a distance of an object relative to the electric outlet during the time period, a relay switch that can open or close to stop or conduct current through a circuit in the electric outlet in response to a command, and a wireless network interface in communication with the electric current sensor and the proximity sensor, the wireless network interface configured to transmit and receive data from the current sensor and the proximity sensor, to transmit commands to the relay switch, transmit the data to a computing device, and receive commands from the computing device.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an upper insulating shell and a lower insulating shell, and at least one conductive terminal. The conductive terminal has an elastic portion located between the upper insulating shell and the lower insulating shell. The elastic portion has a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm. An upper connecting portion is located above the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm and accommodated in the upper insulating shell. The upper connecting portion extends to form an upper contact portion protruding out of the upper insulating shell. A lower connecting portion is located below the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm and accommodated in the lower insulating shell. The lower connecting portion extends to form a lower contact portion protruding out of the lower insulating shell.

Abstract: Certain types of wall-mount boxes provide a local power receptacle in a first interior region that is physically isolated from a second interior region. The local power receptacle is accessible from an exterior of the box. The local power receptacle is electrically connected to an internal connector interface that is accessible from the second interior region. An electronic device may be installed in the second interior region and electrically connected to the local power receptacle via the internal connector interface. Second receptacles are disposed in the second interior region and coupled to (or are integral with) the electronic device. The second receptacles are accessible from the exterior of the box.

Abstract: A contact includes a base portion having an upper end and a lower end opposite to the upper end, a first spring arm extending obliquely and upwardly from the upper end of the base portion, and a second spring arm extending obliquely and upwardly from the lower end of the base portion and towards the first spring arm, wherein the second spring arm locates under the first spring arm, a supporting portion is defined on a distal end of the second spring arm and slides along the first spring arm to support the first spring arm when the first spring arm is pressed down by an electronic component.

Abstract: A contact apparatus includes a case; fixed terminals having the fixed contacts arranged within the case; a movable contact member having the movable contacts provided on one surface thereof so as to come into contact or out of contact with the fixed contacts; a first yoke arranged on said one surface of the movable contact member within the case, one surface of the first yoke facing an inner surface of the case and the other surface thereof facing said one surface of the movable contact member; and a second yoke arranged on the other surface of the movable contact member within the case, the second yoke having one surface facing the other surface of the first yoke through the movable contact member. The first yoke is larger in volume than the second yoke.

Abstract: A grounding mechanism is used for an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing and a battery cover. The grounding mechanism typically includes an elastic member including a main portion, a first bent portion, a second bent portion and a clamping portion. The main portion is attached to the housing. The first bent portion and the second bent portion respectively extend from two opposite ends of the main portion. The clamping portion extends from one side of the main portion, and includes two arms for clamping one part of the battery cover.

Abstract: A terminal of a wiring device includes a conductive plate, an arm, and a wire guide. The conductive plate has an opening formed therethrough. The conductive plate receives a fastener for securing a substantially straight wire to the conductive plate. The arm extends from the conductive plate and defines a mating element on the wiring device. The arm is an anchor of said conductive plate. The mating element of the arm is adapted to cooperate with a complementary mating element. The wire guide is in spaced relation to the fastener to position the substantially straight wire adjacent to the fastener.

Abstract: An electrical assembly comprising an electrical box and a single gang electrical outlet having both a power connector and at least one communications connector and being supported in the box. The electrical outlet is receivable in the box, which has a barrier to isolate the power and communications connectors, but is not receivable in a standard box, which would not have the required barrier, due to the spacing and locations of the mounting fasteners and protrusions extending downwardly near the ends of the outlet. In addition to the electrical outlet with the power and communications connectors, the electrical box can receive a standard single gang outlet therein upon removal of the barrier.

Abstract: A modular electrical receptacle configured so that 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 a positive line, a neutral line and a ground line to the another module. The housing also includes a coupler for connecting the housing to a power link of another module. Again, three couplers can be provided for the positive, neutral and ground lines.

Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for controlling a power supply. The apparatus includes a direct current (DC) transformer, a plug, a plurality of electrical outlets, a plurality of switches corresponding to the electrical outlets, a plurality of relays, a fuse, and a diode. Each of the relays correspondingly controls each of the switches. The plug is connected to an input terminal of the DC transformer. The plug is also connected to the electrical outlets via corresponding switches. An anode output terminal of the DC transformer is connected to a cathode of the diode and one end of each of the relays via the fuse. A cathode output terminal of the DC transformer is connected to an anode of the diode and another end of each of the relays.

Abstract: A modular wiring system including a wall box receptacle device. The system includes a wiring interface disposed on a first side and electrically coupled to a plurality of receptacle openings disposed on a second side. An adjustable support assembly includes a retaining frame configured to secure the wall box receptacle device therein. A first hinged mounting member is rotatably coupled to a first end of the retaining frame, and a second hinged mounting member is rotatably coupled to a second end of the retaining frame. A modular electrical wiring device includes at least one electrical circuit disposed between a cover member and a rear body member. The at least one electrical circuit is coupled to a plurality of male terminal elements accessibly disposed in the rear body member. The plurality of terminal blades are insertable in the plurality of receptacle openings to establish electrical continuity between the plurality of male terminal elements and the wiring interface.

Abstract: An improved bracket is utilized in a mounting system for a modular system connector used in connecting devices to cables such as network cable, coaxial cable, or fiber optic cable. The bracket has a pair of mounting portions for securing to an outlet box and a modular receiving portion for receiving a modular connector. The modular receiving portion is located in the outlet box and angled downward to allow the connection of the cable at such an angle and position that it can connect to a flush mounted device. Accordingly, the modular connector is not flush or projecting from the outlet such as in conventional devices and therefore is not required to be removed from its mounting in order to mount a flush mounted device such as a voice over IP telephone.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for a connector cell having an electrically and/or mechanically supported conductive extension are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An electrical device wherein a mounting yoke is provided for mounting the electrical device in an outlet box. The mounting yoke includes a channel for receiving a mounting screw having a support rim and allowing it to be passed into a mounting hole.

Abstract: A multiplex electrical outlet receptacle comprises a housing containing four or more receptacle outlets. The housing contains at least one tab extending from the top of the housing and at least one tab extending from the bottom of the housing to permanently secure the housing to an in-wall electrical box. A single electrical cable connection on the housing connects each of the four or more electrical receptacle outlets to a power source. The housing of the multiplex electrical outlet receptacle includes internal wiring and/or buses to connect each of the outlets in common to the electrical cable. Additionally, a two-sided multiplex receptacle and a corresponding electrical box are configured to provide electrical outlets to both sides of a wall. Additionally, a multi-receptacle plug-in adapter configured to allow more than one transformer type plug to connect to the adapter at the same time.

Abstract: A universal connector assembly for mounting one or more universal connectors within a pair of facing, spaced apart connector slots of a connector outlet. The connector assembly is made up of a mounting yoke and the one or more connectors. The mounting yoke contains a pair of flanges, connected by a crossbar, configured to interfit within the connector slots of the connector outlet. In addition, the mounting yoke contains bracing members and latching elements interengageable with latching elements of the connectors for fixed positioning the connectors in relation to the mounting yoke and locking the connectors in position against the bracing members. The connectors are positioned within the mounting yoke to form the connector assembly. The connector assembly is then positioned within the connector outlet to provide a secure connection location.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle assembly with an enhanced heat dissipation arrangement includes a housing having a front side with plug contact receiving openings and a rear side spaced from the front side, a circuitboard mounted in the housing between the front and rear sides thereof and spaced from the rear side, a plurality of varistors mounted to the circuitboard and disposed between the circuitboard and the rear side of the housing, and a mounting bridge fitted over the exteriors of the rear side and top and bottom ends of the housing for mounting the housing to an outlet box and providing a heat sink for dissipating from the housing heat generated by the varistors. The varistors are mounted to the circuitboard in the housing on the front side thereof opposite to the rear side where the electrical components are mounted to the circuitboard.

Abstract: An assembly for use in connecting data communications equipment to a data communications network includes a network wiring connector 2, mating modular network connector receptacle inserts 4, a cover 6 and a mounting frame 10. The mounting frame 10 is a one piece member, preferably stamped and formed from a flat metal blank. The mounting frame 10 has a flat rear panel 12 with slots 14 in which the wiring connector 2 is mounted. The insert 4 is an edge card member with a connector interface or receptacle 62 which is aligned with openings 72 in the cover to provide an accessible mating interface for a plug attached to the data communications equipment. Side supports 22 on the mounting frame 10 extend forward to support the front end of the insert 4 and provide latching engagement surface 26 cooperative with snap latches 74 on the insert 4. Frame mounting arms having intermediate sections 16 and distal mounting flange sections 18, 20 extend from the top and bottom of the central rear panel section 12.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle assembly, such as for employment in a surge suppression unit, includes a generally rectangular two-piece housing having a front cover and a back cover separate from and mateable with the front cover, a generally U-shaped mounting bridge fitted over opposite top and bottom portions of the mated front and back covers, and a plurality of pairs of securement elements respectively defined on opposite top and bottom portions of the front and back covers and on opposite portions of the mounting bridge being disposed adjacent to the opposite top and bottom portions of the front and back covers. Selected ones of the pairs of securement elements on the front and back covers are interference fittable and latchable with selected ones of the pairs of securement elements on the mounting bridge for releasably securing the mated front and back covers to the mounting bridge.

Abstract: A duplex receptacle has a housing base with insulating wall elements to which an insulating circuit board supporting a surge supressor circuit is fit. The surge suppressor can be preassembled and located as a compact unit in the housing with connective connections to each of the power conductors and ground. The device also has an insulated ground feature with each ground contact extending into housing base projections which have openings accommodating an insolated ground strap to which the internal ground contacts are joined. The features of the invention are well suited for shallow receptacles as may be fit within outlet boxes of a depth of no more than about 11/2 inches.

Abstract: A multiple outlet receptacle, such as one having four outlets in respective quadrants, is provided with a surge suppression circuit including a metal oxide varistor edgewise between the front and back of the device, other electronic elements, including dual status indicators, connected with an outer ring like contact plate and secured within portions of the insulating housings. Features for compactness and ease of assembly are provided. A pilot light indicator may alternatively be provided in receptacles without a surge suppressor utilizing some of the same components and assembly features.

Abstract: A spacing apparatus to be used in conjunction with electrical wiring boxes, comprising an elongated thin foldable strip approximatelly 1" in width and 6" in length which further comprises a multiplicity of rectangular shaped equal sized sections each having a round central hole, whereby a certain number of the multiplicity of sections can be folded together to form a rectangular shaped corrugated spacer with a desired thickness to fill the gap between the screw arms of the electrical wiring devices and a round central hole to accommodate the fastening screw.

Abstract: A mounting strap for attaching a wiring device to a utility box behind a wall opening. The mounting strap is fixedly connected to the wiring device body and includes ears extending outwardly from opposite ends of the device and having the usual openings for loose passage of mounting screws. The openings are surrounded by a deformable portion connected to an adjoining area of the strap by a bendable portion. The deformable portion is separated from other adjoining areas by cut-out or structurally weakened areas, whereby tightening of the mounting screws causes the bendable portion to bend, moving the deformable portion relative to and out of the plane of the adjacent areas of the ears as such areas are maintained in their original plane, e.g., by terminal edge portions of the ears engaging the wall surface adjacent the opening therein providing access to the utility box.

Abstract: For mounting a dual socket switch, or similar electrical fitting or accessory to a junction box, a method of stabilizing the mounting and a deformable shim adapted for slidable securement, one on each of two mounting screws, for pressed deformation between the fitting and the junction box to thereby rigidify the fitting in its attachment to the junction box as an incidence of the fitting's installation.

Abstract: An electrical outlet box with attached threaded coupling having a bore entering the box, the bore accomodating either thin wall conduit or cable. A removable gate in an interior wall slot in the box covers the coupling bore and a hole in the gate, smaller than the diameter of the bore, acts as a stop to prevent intrusion of conduit which is secured by a nut threaded on the coupling. When the gate is removed, a cable connector with hex end that snugly fits into the gate slot and is also secured by a threaded nut. Outlets for the box have U-shaped yokes at each end which are pressed into shallow grooves in each interior end wall to secure the outlet in the box, and the box covers have blocks near the sides of the inside surface for engaging the box interior side walls to prevent flexing and breaking.

Abstract: An automatic grounding means for a wiring device is provided by a spring clip formed from a single piece of wire in a generally U-shaped configuration, bent upwardly at both ends. The bent end portions are inserted through a pair of openings on opposite sides of the conventional mounting screw slot in the ears on the yoke of the wiring device, and are further bent either toward or away from one another to maintain the clip in firm engagement with the yoke without welding or other such permanent connection. When mounted on the yoke, parallel legs of the clip extend across the screw slot and are spaced by a distance less than the diameter of the mounting screw which thereby contacts the legs, flexing them outwardly, as the mounting screw is passed through the slot and between the clip legs to engage the flush box in which the wiring device is mounted. The engagement of the clip with the yoke assures a low resistance grounding path from the yoke to the clip to the screw to the flush box.