Patents Assigned to Dekko Engineering, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6717053
    Abstract: A work surface electrical power distribution system including a plurality of first housing portions each having a different visual indicator and an electrical power assembly. The electrical power assembly including at least one electrical power receptacle, a second housing portion removably mountable to a work surface, the at least one electrical power receptacle connected to the second housing portion and a selected one of the plurality of first housing portions removably attached to the second housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian K. Rupert
  • Patent number: 6652303
    Abstract: An electrical receptacle including at least one conductor member having at least one folded segment oriented to define a receiving socket and a housing having at least one lateral support feature, the at least one folded segment insertable into a corresponding one of the at least one lateral support features along an insertion axis, the at least one lateral support feature supporting the at least one folded segment in a direction transverse to the insertion axis, the housing including at least one blade opening, the at least one blade opening being disposed proximate to at least one of the receiving sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Stockel, Gregg E. Laukhuf
  • Patent number: 6652288
    Abstract: An electrical distribution block suitable for use in modular wall systems of various thicknesses. The electrical distribution block includes branch connectors spaced from each other by an electrically conductive bridge having a telescopic engagement such that a spacing between the branch connectors can be selectively controlled for use in modular walls of different thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg E. Laukhuf, Raymond H. Riner
  • Patent number: 6605776
    Abstract: A modular office furniture system includes a modular office furniture component and an electrical distribution block carried by the furniture component. The electrical distribution block includes at least one electrical connector and a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a pair of generally L-shaped lugs spaced apart from and facing toward each other. At least one of the lugs is movable and biased to a latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg E. Laukhuf
  • Patent number: 6558185
    Abstract: A plug assembly for data/communication/power line jumper cable assembly has a body formed of two releasably interconnecting body sections and a plug that is releasably connected to the two interconnection body sections. Each interconnecting body section includes projections usable as threads on an inside surface to positively retain the plug assembly to the jumper conduit of the jumper cable assembly. A hook and slot system on respective interconnection sections creates a releasable interlocking fit therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Stockel, Gregg E. Laukhuf
  • Patent number: 6540549
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution system for supplying electrical energy to power utilization equipment located, for example, at multiple work stations in a modular furniture installation, has a plurality of power taps, each having an electrical inlet connector, an electrical outlet connector and a power lead for connection to the power utilization equipment. Some of the inlet and outlet connectors are configured differently from others. A plurality of power transmitting jumpers, each having an electrical connector at each of the opposite ends thereof interconnect the outlet connector of one power tap and the inlet connector of another power tap. Certain ones of the jumper electrical connectors are configured differently from other of the jumper electrical connectors so as to connect to only selected ones of the power tap connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian K. Rupert
  • Patent number: 6540536
    Abstract: A modular electrical system kit interconnects a plurality of electrical wires of a power entry to at least one electrical outlet. The modular electrical system kit includes a plurality of circuit selectors, with each circuit selector being configured for interconnecting a respective selected combination of power entry wires to the at least one electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger W. Young
  • Patent number: 6454597
    Abstract: A communication system includes a wiring closet having a data hub and a telephone switching device. Each of a plurality of workstations includes a telephone and/or a computer. A single cable assembly interconnects the wiring closet and the workstations. The cable assembly includes a plurality of connector assemblies, with each connector assembly being associated with a respective workstation. Each connector assembly has at least one breakout connector connected to a telephone or a computer of the respective workstation. Each of a plurality of cables has a plurality of electrical conductors. A first of the cables interconnects the wiring closet and a first of the connector assemblies. Other cables connect the first connector assembly and other connector assemblies in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Marsh, Jeff Schultz
  • Patent number: 6455777
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution system including a hollow elongated enclosure such as flexible metal conduit, a modular furniture distribution, or similar enclosure has a plurality of elongated insulated conductors within the enclosure, and a plurality of wraps spaced along, and each surrounding, the plurality of insulated conductors. There is also a flexible electrical ground conductor having an exposed electrically conductive surface within the enclosure making electrical contact with the enclosure interior in a plurality of randomly distributed regions along the length of the enclosure thereby randomly grounding enclosure regions throughout the extent of elongation. The wraps may comprise strips of adhesive tape confining the plurality of insulated conductors in a bundle and excluding the flexible conductor from the bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg Edward Laukhuf
  • Patent number: 6402557
    Abstract: A communication cable connector assembly includes a first connector, a second connector and a first breakout connector. The first connector has a plurality of first terminals. The second connector has a plurality of second terminals with a plurality of adjacent pairs of terminals. Each of the plurality of second terminals mate with a corresponding one of the plurality of first terminals. A plurality of the adjacent pairs of terminals define breakout terminal pairs which are non-adjacent relative to each other. A first breakout connector associated with the second connector has a plurality of third terminals associated with the breakout terminal pairs of the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Schultz
  • Patent number: 6388190
    Abstract: A modular electrical assembly for use in a prefabricated wall panel of an office partition system includes a housing disposed within the hollow interior of the prefabricated wall panel. At least one electrical receptacle is operatively disposed within the housing. A connector electrically connects to an electrical distribution box disposed within the prefabricated wall panel to thereby electrically connect the connector to a source of electrical current. A switch electrically interconnects the electrical receptacle and the connector the switch selectively controlling the flow of electrical current between the electrical receptacle and the connector. The switch is disposed within a cut-out in the prefabricated wall panel, thereby exposing the switch from within the hollow interior of the wall panel to an exterior thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg E. Laukhuf, Michael J. Pequignot, II
  • Patent number: 6357199
    Abstract: Method of and apparatus for supporting and stabilizing elongated electrical distribution units intermediate first and second elongated generally parallel channels within modular furniture by fixing a plurality of spaced legs to the distribution units with each leg extending transversely to, and in generally the same direction from each distribution unit. A portion of each distribution engages the first channel and a plurality of mounting brackets are disposed intermediate the distribution unit and the second channel with each mounting bracket located adjacent to a corresponding leg. Each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket at a generally central location of the adjacent bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred minimum distance, while each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket near one end of the bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred maximum distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg E. Laukhuf, Raymond H. Riner
  • Publication number: 20010039772
    Abstract: Method of and apparatus for supporting and stabilizing elongated electrical distribution units intermediate first and second elongated generally parallel channels within modular furniture by fixing a plurality of spaced legs to the distribution units with each leg extending transversely to, and in generally the same direction from each distribution unit. A portion of each distribution engages the first channel and a plurality of mounting brackets are disposed intermediate the distribution unit and the second channel with each mounting bracket located adjacent to a corresponding leg. Each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket at a generally central location of the adjacent bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred minimum distance, while each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket near one end of the bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred maximum distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Applicant: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg E. Laukhuf, Raymond H. Riner
  • Patent number: 6299490
    Abstract: A communication cable connector assembly includes a first connector, a second connector and a first breakout connector. The first connector has a plurality of first terminals. The second connector has a plurality of second terminals with a plurality of adjacent pairs of terminals. Each of the plurality of second terminals mate with a corresponding one of the plurality of first terminals. A plurality of the adjacent pairs of terminals define breakout terminal pairs which are non-adjacent relative to each other. A first breakout connector associated with the second connector has a plurality of third terminals associated with the breakout terminal pairs of the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Schultz, John K. Marsh
  • Patent number: 6256950
    Abstract: Method of and apparatus for supporting and stabilizing elongated electrical distribution units intermediate first and second elongated generally parallel channels within modular furniture by fixing a plurality of spaced legs to the distribution units with each leg extending transversely to, and in generally the same direction from each distribution unit. A portion of each distribution engages the first channel and a plurality of mounting brackets are disposed intermediate the distribution unit and the second channel with each mounting bracket located adjacent to a corresponding leg. Each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket at a generally central location of the adjacent bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred minimum distance, while each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket near one end of the bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred maximum distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg E. Laukhuf, Raymond H. Riner
  • Patent number: 6183280
    Abstract: A wire distribution system for furniture, especially for electric power, communications, and data includes a common feed-in source. In one embodiment, the common feed-in source is a leg assembly adapted to carry the incoming wires. A distribution beam attached to the piece of furniture and defining a trough, carries a distribution harness, which together carry and distribute the power and communications/data wires. Exiting wires from the leg assembly are connected to the distribution harness. The distribution beam has electric receptacles and communications/data jacks, and includes a connectors/plugs to which is attached a connector/plug emanating from the leg assembly carrying the wires. Various pieces of furniture may be coupled together wherein the various distribution beams/harnesses may be coupled together via jumpers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg E. Laukhuf
  • Patent number: 6176732
    Abstract: A wire terminator assembly is for connecting a plurality of wires to an electrical connector having a plurality of terminals. The wire terminator assembly includes two terminator blades slidably retained within a base unit. Each terminator blade is configured for connecting a respective one of the wires to a respective one of the terminals of the electrical connector. A drive unit is configured for simultaneously sliding each of the terminator blades within the base unit to thereby connect the wires to the electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Schultz, John K. Marsh
  • Patent number: 6102745
    Abstract: A communication cable connector assembly includes a first connector, a second connector and a first breakout connector. The first connector has a plurality of first terminals. The second connector has a plurality of second terminals with a plurality of adjacent pairs of terminals. Each of the plurality of second terminals mate with a corresponding one of the plurality of first terminals. A plurality of the adjacent pairs of terminals define breakout terminal pairs which are non-adjacent relative to each other. A first breakout connector associated with the second connector has a plurality of third terminals associated with the breakout terminal pairs of the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Schultz, John K. Marsh
  • Patent number: D467874
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian K. Rupert
  • Patent number: D474746
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian K. Rupert