Abstract: A self heating thermal protector located in close proximity to a remotely located incandescent light fixture for controlling the flow of current to the lighting fixture by measuring the rate of heat flow from a dedicated heat source. Current is permitted to flow to the lighting fixture when the temperature of the self heating thermal detector is sufficient to avoid deterioration of electrical components such as plastic parts and wire insulation in the associated fixture. The thermal detector interrupts the flow of current to the associated fixture when the temperature of the self heating thermal protector increases to a temperature that is not safe.

Abstract: A typical duplex GFCI receptacles has two buttons, a test button that, when pressed, shuts off power to the receptacle and down stream devices, and a reset button that, when pressed, restores power to the GFCI and down stream devices. Generally, the test button is pressed to verify that the GFCI will interrupt power to the conductive paths and the reset button is pressed to reset the GFCI. In operation, the test portion of the GFCI will automatically break electrical continuity in one or more conductive paths (i.e., open the conductive path) between line and load sides upon the detection of a fault such as a reverse wiring condition, a ground fault, an open neutral and/or a defective GFCI device. When this happens the reset button in the typical GFCI receptacle is then pressed in an to attempt to restore power. The GFCI here disclosed has only one button which is used for both the test and reset operation.

Abstract: A data surge protection module which can be added to data and control networks not having such protection. The use of quick connect/disconnect connectors allows the rapid installation or replacement of such modules. a built in ground plate and a braided low impedance conductor offer alternative grounding methods for the module. The module employs two or more diode steering bridges and uses a diode as the surge suppression element.

Abstract: An electrical plug includes a first portion and a second portion that is matable with the first portion. The second portion has a channel for receiving a wire. The first portion includes at least one prong having a bifurcated contact. The bifurcated contact can pierce an insulation of the wire in the channel and can make contact with at least one conductor of the wire when the first portion is mated with the second portion. The bifurcated contacts are displaced longitudinally from one another along the length of the channel.

Abstract: A wiring device is provided with three different ways in which the bared end of an electrical conductor can be coupled to the contacts inside the body of a wiring device. A clamping plate is placed upon the threaded body of a terminal screw. In a first arrangement the bared end is formed about the terminal screw and trapped between the head of the terminal screw and a first surface of the clamping plate which forces the conductor into firm contact with the first surface of the clamping plate. In another arrangement the straight bared end of the conductor is trapped between a second surface of the clamping plate and a contact plate. The movement of the conductor and clamping plate is controlled by the terminal screw. Apertures are placed in the bottom of the device housing adjacement the contacts in the housing. A contact arm, formed as a one-way clutch grips the straight bared end of a conductor to make contact with the contacts of the device but prevents withdrawal of the conductor.

Abstract: In the present invention the basic detection and interruption components of an Immersion Detection Circuit Interrupter (IDCI), in combination with the line, neutral and shield conductors of an extension or appliance cord provides a new improved type of detector, a Leakage Current Detector Interrupter (LCDI) which interrupts current to a load when current leakage is detected between the line or neutral conductors of the cord and the shield conductor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a paddle switch operated by pushing on the lower portion of a rocker paddle to turn the switch “on” or “off”. The lower edge of the paddle pivots in and out about its upper edge. The switch includes flexible driver means coupled to be driven by the rocker paddle. When the rocker paddle is pushed in, it urges the flexible driver means to rotate a cam means in a first, clock wise direction, or a second, counter clock wise direction. Alternate rotation of the cam drives a slider member having a cam follower back and forth along a linear axis. A shaped leaf spring cooperates with the cam follower to assist in the movement of the slider and determines its rest positions. An indicator such as an LED is used to indicate the state of conduction of the switch. When the rocker paddle is released, it is biased by a spring to pivot back to its initial position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a paddle switch operated by pushing on the lower portion of a rocker paddle to turn the switch “on” or “off”. The lower edge of the paddle pivots in and out about its upper edge. The switch includes articulated driver means coupled to be driven by the rocker paddle. When the rocker paddle is pushed in, it urges the articulated driver means to rotate a cam means in a first, clock wise direction, or a second, counter clock wise direction. Alternate rotation of the cam drives a slider member having a cam follower back and forth along a linear axis. A shaped leaf spring cooperates with the cam follower to assist in the movement of the slider and determines its rest positions. An indicator such as an LED is used to indicate the state of conduction of the switch. When the rocker paddle is released, it is biased by a spring to pivot back to its initial position.

Abstract: An enclosure which supports a standard receptacle for receiving a standard plug and a handle which can be positioned to a first position or a second position is provided. The handle, when in the first position, blocks the removal or insertion of the plug into the receptacle. In the fist position, the receptacle can be selectively connected by a user to a source of power. When the handle is in the second position, the plug can be removed or inserted into the receptacle and the receptacle is prevented from being connected to the source of power.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly receives exposed ends of an electrical wire, and includes a foldable body with complementary first and second body portions and components for securely mounting a third body portion in the assembly using a single fastening screw, and for mounting the exposed ends to electrical contacts of an electrical connector device attached to the third body portion and securely mounted in the folded and assembled body portions. The components on the body portions include posts, ribs, and bridges for relieving strain on the electrical wire in the assembly, and other ribs and interlocking components prevent the electrical connector assembly from allowing the wires, the electrical connector device, and/or the third body portion from being removed from the folded and assembled electrical connector assembly.

Abstract: A lamp adapter for receiving a lamp having a conductive threaded portion and an extension with a conductive contact electrically insulated from the conductive threaded portion. The lamp adapter has a body with a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion has a socket with a threaded sleeve adapted to receive the threaded portion of the lamp, a first lead electrically connected to the threaded sleeve, a cavity located with respect to the threaded sleeve so as to receive the extension of the lamp when the lamp is threaded into the threaded sleeve, a metal contact arm located within the cavity so as to make electrical contact with the conductive contact of the lamp when the lamp is threaded into the threaded sleeve, and a second lead electrically connected to the metal contact arm. The bottom portion has a threaded portion suitable for threading into a mating lamp socket, the threaded portion being electrically insulated from the top portion.

Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices, that include a reset lockout mechanism, an independent trip mechanism and reverse wiring protection. A conical reset plunger is notched to force a successful test before reset.