With Means To Allow Selection Of Diverse Voltage Or Polarity Patents (Class 439/956)
  • Patent number: 8951074
    Abstract: A plug and socket assembly comprising (i) a socket that includes a mating means disposed thereon, and an electrical contact on the socket, and (ii) a plug that includes a matching means for mating with the mating means disposed on the socket, and a conducting terminal for coupling electrically to the electrical contact on the socket. The matching means is configured to be adjustable between a compatible mode and an incompatible mode. When in the compatible mode, the matching means allows the electrical contact to contact the conducting terminal, and when in the incompatible mode, the matching means substantially prevents the electrical contact from contacting the conducting terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventor: Didier Severac
  • Patent number: 8469730
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to provide electrical power received from at least a first electrical outlet or a second electrical outlet is disclosed. The apparatus can include: (a) a housing; (b) at least two electrical outlets at the housing; (c) an electrical coupler at least partially enclosed by the housing and electrically coupled to the at least two third electrical outlets; (d) a first prong adapter configured to removably couple to the electrical coupler and the first electrical outlet; and (e) a second prong adapter configured to removably couple to the electrical coupler and the second electrical outlet. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Garb, John F. Wadsworth, Kenneth Mori
  • Patent number: 7931473
    Abstract: A device for interfacing power from an electrical supply having power terminals, that permits implementation of a wide range of power cord lengths and voltage connection combinations. The device includes a body having a cord side and an appliance side. The body has four or more terminals located on the cord side of the body, with one terminal being a ground terminal. At least one electrical connecting device is adapted to connect terminals. In a first configuration, the device is used at a lower voltage. In a second configuration, the device is used at a higher voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Crane Pumps & Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Watkins, Mark Kowalak
  • Patent number: 7751216
    Abstract: A voltage transformer with mechanically actuated voltage-selected switch provides an input voltage pass through a voltage transformation unit, wherein the unit is disposed in the casing and its both ends are electrically connected to the input port and output port respectively, and transforms this input voltage into the predetermined output voltages corresponding to the selective switches according to selection of the mechanically actuated voltage-selected switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Kerio Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Su
  • Patent number: 7534104
    Abstract: An adapter for a handpiece system , especially for use in conjunction with medical and dental light emitting apparatus for the transmission of light to cure photo-polymerisable materials. A device, preferably in the form of an adapter, enables the user to correctly match the polarity of the contacts in the supply hose or conduit with those of the light emitting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Schneider
  • Patent number: 7241169
    Abstract: An adapter for power supply is disclosed. The adapter comprises a body containing a peg module connected a connector of a plug, characterized in that one side of the body of the adapter is a common socket engaged with an engaging slot formed on the housing, the top portion of the engaging slot is a peg slot for the peg element at the bottom of the connector to align with the peg module at the interior of the body. The peg module is positioned within the interior of the body and the connector of various specification has a common plug for connection with a protruding peg of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Hsien-Lin Yang
  • Patent number: 7229294
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in supplying power includes an input connector and first and second output connectors. The input connector has first and second sets of pins. The first set is dedicated to receiving DC power, and the second set is dedicated to receiving AC power. The first output connector has third and fourth sets of pins. The third set is dedicated to outputting DC power based on input from the first set of pins, and the fourth set is dedicated to outputting AC power based on input from the second set of pins. The second output connector has fifth and sixth sets of pins. The fifth set is dedicated to outputting DC power based on input from the first set of pins, and the sixth set is dedicated to outputting AC power based on input from the second set of pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Kanu D. Patel, Phillip J. Roux, Keith C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7140922
    Abstract: An AC/DC adapter in which an AC to DC converter is incorporated in a multiple outlet wall adapter. The AC/DC adapter includes at least one standard AC plug receptacle and at least one DC receptacle. Electronic devices which require DC power can be plugged into to the AC/DC adapter by a power cord having a universal DC plug at one end and a connector or plug specific to the make and/or model of the electronic device at the other end. The universal DC plug corresponds with the DC receptacle provided on the AC/DC adapter. The adapter may be formed as one integrated unit or as a modular assembly which includes an AC module and a DC module. In the assembly, the AC and DC modules are constructed so that they can be fitted together and used as one conveniently sized unit, but modules can also be used independently of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Pacusma Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel V. H. Luu, Lionel V. Luu
  • Patent number: 7052299
    Abstract: The low voltage electricity distribution circuit of the present invention is an electrical outlet that includes a receptacle mounted to a recess including either a plurality of wires or a bus bar system. The receptacle has at least one continuously live power socket and at least one switched power socket disposed on it. Each of the power sockets is capable of receiving an appliance plug. The receptacle is movable along the recess to a different location to allow for appliances, for example lamps or computers, to be located at many different points along the wall. In other forms of the distribution circuit a stand-alone unit that is fixed in place may be provided. Additionally, accessories for the above receptacles and sockets are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventors: Kyung T. Kim, Kyung H. Kim
  • Patent number: 6974342
    Abstract: An electrical device includes a power supply that is switchable between a first mode and a second mode. The power supply includes a first connector element of the power supply, the first connector element being one of a male and a female connector element for mating with a corresponding second connector element, the second connector element being one of a female and a male connector element, respectively. The power supply also includes a guard member disposed on the first connector element, the guard member being movable between a first position in which the first connector element is adapted to mate with any corresponding second connector elements and the power supply is in the first mode and a second position in which the first connector element is only adapted to mate with specially configured second connector elements and the power supply is in the second mode. The electrical device also includes electrical equipment powered through the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Gateway Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6960727
    Abstract: An AC adapter has a deformable cover located on an outer surface of the housing and defines an interior cavity between the inner surface of the cover and the housing surface for manual retraction and housing of the electrical cable when the electrical apparatus is not in use. The electrical cable may be manually retracted and wound around an internal tower for storage or may be manually withdrawn for connection to the electrical device with which the adapter is used. Alternately, the cover is flipped up to manually retract the electrical cable after which the cover is flipped down to house the retracted electrical cable when the apparatus is not in use. The cover may be flipped up to manually pay off a desired length of the electrical cable as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Hering
  • Patent number: 6840813
    Abstract: A connecting apparatus for constituting a Y-connection of three phase windings of a three phase induction motor or supplying three phase power to the three phase windings includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector has three terminals respectively extending from the three phase windings. The second connector has a Y-connection plug, which is coupled to the first connector and constitutes a Y-connection of the three terminals. The second connector also has slots for guiding a plug for supplying three phase power to the three terminals of the first connector. Accordingly, it is not required to separate the second connector from the first connector for supplying three phase power to the three phase windings of the induction motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Tae Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 6790086
    Abstract: An electrical plug includes a first insulating body, a first prong extending from one end of the first insulating body, a second insulating body, and a second prong extending from one end of the second insulating body. The first insulating body and the second insulating body are separably held together so as to enable the first prong and the second prong to fit into the electrical outlets of various specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Cheng Kun Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeng-Huel Lo
  • Patent number: 6790062
    Abstract: An adapter structure, suitable for use in different electricity standards, has a casing, a first plug, a second plug, a pair of conductors and a pair of insertion holes. The first plug has two straight pins pivotally connected to the casing so that the straight pins are unfolded from the casing or stored inside the casing. The second plug has two rod-shaped pins with rear ends respectively connected to a base. By pushing a pushing button, the plug moves forth and back inside the casing to unfold or store the rod-shaped pins inside the casing. The conductors are mounted inside the casing in parallel and respectively electrically connected to the first and second plugs, corresponding to outlets of the conductors. Therefore, the plugs of the adapter are respectively compatible with UK and EU electricity standards, with a simple configuration and reduced production cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Sheng-Hsin Liao
  • Patent number: 6722900
    Abstract: A prismatic (18) having a square cross-section is provided in a rotation shaft (16) to which plug terminals (14) are fixed. The rotation shaft (16) is sandwiched between a pair of elastic pieces (17a), (17a) of an elastic holder (17), so that the respective elastic pieces (17a), (17a) are brought into contact with plane surfaces of the prismatic bar (18) parallel to each other. Therefore, an interval between the two elastic pieces (17a), (17a) of the elastic holder (17) is increased when the square bar (18) rotates, so that a firm and steady touch of a click can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Segawa, Seung Heon Lee
  • Patent number: 6699052
    Abstract: A power converter includes a transforming unit having pins outwardly projecting from the transforming unit, and a socket. An adapter in the power converter includes a first plug mounted on a first side of the adapter, and a second plug mounted on a second side of the adapter, wherein the socket on the transforming unit receives the first plug or the second plug. Pin cavities on the first side of the adapter, opposite to the second plug, provide a contact to receive the pins to allow the transformer unit to convert an input voltage to an output voltage. Pin cavities on the second side of the adapter, opposite to the first plug, provide a contact to receive one of the pins of the transformer unit to allow the transformer to convert the input voltage to the output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Epilady 2000 L.L.C.
    Inventor: Yehuda Poran
  • Patent number: 6638113
    Abstract: A pin configuration adapter is disclosed which can be attached to an AC-adapter having a plug body having a first pin configuration and an AC-adapter housing having a power conversion circuit. The plug body is rotatable between a first position where it is accommodated in a recess formed in the AC-adapter housing and a second position where it is in an upright position with respect to the AC-adapter housing. The pin configuration adapter includes a plug part having a second pin configuration different from the first pin configuration; a receptacle part whereto the plug body in the second position can be inserted; a pin configuration adapter housing having an internal connection mechanism for electrically connecting the plug body and the plug part; and an engaging part provided on the pin configuration adapter housing and engages with the recess of the AC-adapter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Terutomo Kajiwara, Takenori Kinkawa, Hidetoshi Hamai
  • Patent number: 6491550
    Abstract: The present invention provides an entertainment system in which the models can be discriminated between compatible operation devices. A connector of the operation device of the present invention comprises at least two recess portions on the peripheral surface thereof, and a connecting portion of a machine body is provided with at least two metal projections arranged thereon to be engaged with the respective recesses. The connector includes a metal plate, and the metal plate is exposed inside of the first recess and the second recess. A supplying portion of the machine body supplies a predetermined potential to the metal plate by supplying the predetermined potential to the first metal projection engaged with the first recess. A detecting portion of the machine body determines whether the connected operation device is the operation device or not by detecting a potential of the second metal projection engaged with the second recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventor: Osamu Murasawa
  • Patent number: 6422884
    Abstract: A pre-wired electrical component for a flexible wiring system has a housing, a flexible power supply cable connected in strain relieving relation to the housing within an inlet opening in the housing, at least one power supply outlet member mounted in an associated power outlet opening in the housing and a rotational circuit selector which includes a first connecting member mounted in fixed position on and exposed externally of the housing. Electrical buses disposed within the housing and separated from each other by a dielectric bus separator electrically connecting the power supply cable to the power supply outlet member and to the first connecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Sentinel Lighting Wiring Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Babasick, Kenneth E. Golyshko, Lawrence L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6358096
    Abstract: A power adapter provides electrical power from multiple power sources. The power adapter includes first and second plugs adapted to be electrically coupled to first and second power sources, respectively. The power adapter is configured to provide a first power output from the first power source (e.g., airline power socket), and a second power output from the second power source (e.g., cigarette lighter socket), to the electronic device, depending on which power source to which the power adapter is coupled. The power adapter may also limit the first power output from the first power source to a predetermined maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry L. Beckman
  • Patent number: 6299477
    Abstract: A Yo-Yo shaped power adapter is provided to better organize and manage its power cable. Its physical configuration further protects the power cable from damage. It is both convenient to use and aesthetically pleasing in appearance. In operation, the combination of the power adapter housing and the AC power cable connector is self-stabilizing in that it maintains its position and orientation by centering itself in response to the many undesirable push and pull forces exerted by the cables near by.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Christopher J. Stringer, Jonathan P. Ive
  • Patent number: 6250939
    Abstract: An adapter with diversified plugs and rectifying function. The adapter including a casing and a pivotally jointed cover. A penetration-disposing portion in a vacant lot of the casing is defined by a plurality of partition portions for setting differently sized plug pins. The adapter includes internally hollowed auxiliary pins or conductive members. In an outer rim of each of the partition portions, a first snap-retaining section is formed in association with an outer rim of the auxiliary pins or the plug pins. A circuit coupled with an external power cord and two conductive units connected to the circuit are built in the cover. One end of the conductive members can be depressed to contact an arbitrary set of the plug pins, and after the cover is closed, the conductive units are depressed to contact the conductive members to force the plug pins to be exposed through the penetration-disposing portions for coupling with an external power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Chin-Wen Chou
  • Patent number: 6126460
    Abstract: A safety dual plug structure with a primary plug and a secondary plug mounted to an electrical charger is disclosed. The primary plug is provided with a casing rotatably received in a cavity defined in the charger with two prongs mounted thereto for selectively engaging with a first type wall outlet. The primary plug has first terminal members connected to the prongs and extending beyond the casing for selectively engaging with first contacts of the charger. An interior space is defined in the casing for movably receiving a secondary plug. The secondary plug has two blades selectively extend beyond the casing of the primary plug for engaging with a second type wall outlet. The secondary plug has second terminal members shielded in the casing of the primary plug. Openings are formed on the casing of the primary plug for allowing second, resilient contacts of the charger to extend into the casing and electrically engage the second terminal members when the secondary plug is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Formosa Electronic Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Wu
  • Patent number: 6048219
    Abstract: An electrical connector for configuring the supply voltage of rotary electric machines, particularly electric motors, having a plurality of electrical windings. The connector includes an electrical terminal block mountable in a bell housing of the rotary electric machine. The terminal block includes a socket having a plurality of female electrical connectors coupled to a corresponding plurality electrical windings. A male electrical connector having a plurality of jumper pins matably engageable with the female electrical connectors of the socket in a first and second configurations to electrically configure first and second winding portions of each electrical winding in parallel or in series. The connector also includes a visual electrical configuration indicator to indicate whether the male electrical connector and socket are in the first or second configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Dave G. Kotowski
  • Patent number: 6030247
    Abstract: Secondary-power output cable is detachably coupled to an adapter body via a cable connector. The cable connector includes a jack provided on the adapter device and a plug attached to the output cable. The jack and plug have respective engaging mechanisms that cooperate to provide an interlocking mechanism to prevent the output cable from being accidentally decoupled from the adapter body. To provide the interlocking mechanism, the plug has an outward projection formed on the outer surface thereof and the jack has a plug hole for insertion of the plug and an entry recess formed in the inner surface of the jack defining the plug hole, so that the plug can be introduced into the jack only in a particular angular position. The outward projection of the plug is brought into engagement by a locking recessed portion, formed in the inner surface of the jack, by rotating the plug after insertion into the plug hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Yasumasa Sasahara
  • Patent number: 5967807
    Abstract: This invention is an "improved AC/DC electric adapter with the large and small plugs". The main body of the device consists of upper and lower casings; inside the box, there is an electronic converting circuit. In its upper casing, there is an indentation design to hold the large plug; in the large plug, there is a small plug with the rotary pins. The small plug pins can be rotated into the ordinary formation (with the shape of "11") or the two angled formations because there are the following internal designs: two insulating pieces with three guiding holes and push-up pieces (the latter can make the pins mesh with the three guiding holes). Therefore, the small plug pins can be used to draw current from the regular socket or angled pin socket. In addition, its electronic converting circuit can convert the AC into low voltage DC. So, the invention can be used indoors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Formosa Electronic Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Wu
  • Patent number: 5902148
    Abstract: An extension cord having multiple female sockets which are attached to two or more conducting wires. In one embodiment of the invention, the cord has three or more conducting wires with two or more female sockets attached to the conducting wires. Each of the female sockets is attached to two of the conducting wires and each conducting wire is attached to at least one female socket. This may provide an extension cord having two or more electrically isolated circuits. Alternatively, or in addition, the cord may be configured to provide groups of female sockets each with different voltage ratings. In another embodiment of the invention, the cord has multiple socket blocks attached to the cord; each socket block housing one or more of the female sockets. A mooring member is attached to each of the socket blocks so that the cord may be fastened or held by an external object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Kevin P. O'Rourke
  • Patent number: 5885109
    Abstract: An electrical adapter having a face panel with different blade and grounding prong insertion holes for receiving different electrical plugs, a track at its back side adapted to receive one of a set of plug members, a plug unit and a socket unit arranged at two opposite lateral sides so that a plurality of electrical adapters can be connected in series by plugging the plug unit of one electrical adapter into the socket unit of another, and an electrical circuit consisting of a voltage regulator, a voltmeter, a voltage stabilizer, a power switch and a surge absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventors: Chiu-Shan Lee, S. S. Chen Li
  • Patent number: 5836777
    Abstract: An electrical outlet device includes a base casing; a cover covering the base casing; a grounding conductive assembled including a base frame formed with at least a first clamping portion having a pair of elastic pieces, a second clamping portion having a pair of elastic pieces, and a third clamping portion having a pair of elastic pieces thereon; and a first contact conductive assembly and a second contact conductive assembly, each including a rib-like clamping portion composed of a pair of elastic pieces and a screen elastic piece. In this electrical outlet device, the elastic pieces of the first and third clamping portions of the grounding conductive assembly each have a top edge formed with a notch; and the elastic pieces of the rib-like clamping portion on the first and second contact conductive assemblies each has a top edge formed with a notch, the screen elastic piece being bent away from the rib-like clamping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Board-Tech Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David Chien Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 5829993
    Abstract: A charger with replaceable electrical plugs includes a casing 1 including a lower casing 11 and an upper casing 12. An electronic power supply circuit 13 is accommodated inside the casing 1. The lower casing 11 has an opening 111 having a replaceable two prong electrical plug 14 pivotally disposed therein to adapt to different specifications of electrical sockets used in different countries. The power supply circuit 13 may convert AC into low voltage DC for use, through a cable 131, by small electrical appliances. The upper housing 12 is provided with a tubular recess 121 pivotally provided with a cigarette lighter plug 15 which may fit into a car's cigarette lighter socket. The power supply circuit 13 may transform the car's high voltage DC into a low voltage DC to provide electric power outdoors. The pivotally disposed plug 14 may be replaced with a non-pivotal plug 14' (FIG. 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Formosa Electronic Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Wu
  • Patent number: 5803754
    Abstract: An receptacle for low voltage DC applications includes a receptacle surface in which are located only one pair of female connections. One of the female connections is a terminal normally connected to the neutral line of an AC power grid, and the other of the female connections is a terminal connected to a ground line of an AC power grid. The two connections are arrayed to correspond with the neutral and positive terminals of a conventional three prong AC receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Nextek Power Systems Inc.
    Inventor: William George Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 5738780
    Abstract: A driver or ballast for the ultraviolet bulb of a water treatment system. The driver includes a step-up transformer and a feedback oscillator connected between the secondary and the primary of the transformer. The secondary of the transformer also is selectably connected through one of two different capacitor compensators depending on water flow through the system. In a low intensity mode, the current and the power factor output of the driver are relatively low, preferably just enough to keep the bulb filaments energized. In a high intensity mode, the current and the power factor are relatively high to power the bulb at a relatively high efficiency. The driver operates at a relatively low DC voltage. A voltage converter selected as function of the local line voltage converts the AC line voltage to the necessary DC voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald C. Markham
  • Patent number: 5720628
    Abstract: A portable electronic tool comprising a body for the portable electronic tool; a cable; and an engaging mechanism, so that the cable is stored while the cable is wound by the engaging mechanism around the external surface of the electronic tool body. A first and a second protrusion are provided at the respective ends of the body and prevent the cable from slipping off the body when the cable is wound around the body. The engaging mechanism includes a terminal tool, which is provided at the distal end of the cable, and a recessed portion, which is provided in the first protrusion, wherein the terminal tool is retained. A guide member is provided to guide, in a direction in which the cable is wound, the base end portion of the cable so as to prevent the base end of the cable from being projected outward from the body when the cable is wound around the body. The terminal tool is so designed that selective attachment of various types of plugs is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyuki Usui, Toshitsugu Mito, Tomoyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5716225
    Abstract: An electrical assembly for selectively supplying either 120 volts or 227 volts from a junction box to a high intensity discharge lamp fixture via a dual voltage ballast and a dual voltage electrical connector. The dual voltage electrical connector has dual operation capacity with input voltages of either 120 or 277 volts. The connector comprises a female connector having nine bores extending therethrough with female terminals fixedly coupled within four of the bores, and a male connector having nine bores extending therethrough with contact pins extending outwardly from four of these bores. When the connectors are coupled together in their first orientation, the male contact pin which conducts 120 volts of electricity engages the female terminal connected to a line wire. When the male and female connectors are manually rotated 180.degree. relative to one another into their second orientation, a different pin, which conducts 277 volts, engages the line wire terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Ralph S. Stringer, Horace L. Green
  • Patent number: 5715156
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing either AC mains or DC power for an electrically powered tool having a motor designed to be powered by a removable battery pack which fits into a recess in the tool. The apparatus includes a power block capable of being powered either by AC mains or DC power. The power block includes an AC to DC convertor, a voltage input selector, a DC to DC convertor, an auto voltage selector, and a solid state current monitor which automatically sets the voltage and current to be delivered to the tool motor at the voltage and current required to produce the tool motor's full rated driving torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventors: G. George Yilmaz, Simon R. Sainsbury
  • Patent number: 5713749
    Abstract: A multi-functional charging device generally includes a housing having a lower housing and an upper housing. An electronic switching circuit is disposed within the housing. The lower housing is provided with an opening which has an inner housing socket attached to it. A pair of conducting plates in contact with the electronic switching circuit are attached to the inner housing socket. The inner housing socket is provided with a sliding socket and a coil spring is disposed between a sliding socket and the inner housing socket. The sides of the inner housing socket have a half shaft seat. The sides of the opening of the lower housing have a circular cutout. A pivoting hole is formed by the combination of the half shaft seat, the circular cutout and the circular shaft seat. A changeable plug can be received and installed within the pivoting hole. The changeable plug features a conducting terminal which can be contacted with the conducting plates when the plug is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Formosa Electronic Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Wu
  • Patent number: 5660554
    Abstract: An electrical outlet for receiving electrical plugs of several types and providing different voltages to different plugs is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Michael S. Mead
  • Patent number: 5616051
    Abstract: A power connecting device for electrical appliances having two metal prongs for use with standard North American mains outlets; the prongs rotate to fold into a recess in the device. The recess protects the prongs for storage and transport, and is designed to accept slip-on adapters that slide into the recess, surrounding and mating with the folded down prongs and providing connection to the local mains connections in differing international locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Conrad Rogers, Daniele G. De Iuliis
  • Patent number: 5593323
    Abstract: An adapter for supplying D.C. current from a lighter receptacle to a remote accessory is formed by a plug inserted into the receptacle which has a reversible interconnection with a cable connected to the remote accessory. The end of the cable with the reversible interconnector is marked to visually display the electrical polarity of current supplied to the remote accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Operating Technical Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: James U. Dernehl
  • Patent number: 5577923
    Abstract: A 125 V/250 V safety electric socket device, including a socket body having a set of L pole contact metal plates and a set of N pole contact metal plates respectively connected to 125 V and 250 V power sources, a non-fuse circuit breaker contact metal rod, L-shaped rails defining a crossed sliding way; a cover panel covered on the socket body, having a rectangular center opening, two guide slots respectively extended from the center opening leftward and downwards, and a circuit breaker slot, which receives the non-fuse circuit breaker contact metal rod; a slide moved in the crossed sliding way and marked with a 125 V directional arrow and a 250 V directional arrow, and having two sets of bottom contacts for connection to 125 V and 250 V power sources respectively; a first plug panel and a second plug panel respectively detachably connected to the slide at right angles; wherein when the slide is moved in the direction of the 250 V directional arrow, one set of bottom contacts of the slide are respectively elec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Chiu-Shan Lee
  • Patent number: 5545046
    Abstract: A DC power receiving portion and a DC power receiving portion, which are separated from each other, are provided within a power receiving connector of a unitary structure, and a first cap is provided for closing an entire open end of the power receiving connector, and a second cap is provided on the first cap for closing a through hole which can be brought into registry with the AC power receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignees: Yazaki Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoki Masuda, Toshiaki Hasegawa