Patents by Inventor Anthony Tufano
Anthony Tufano has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8333602Abstract: A socket assembly includes a rotor, a housing, and first and second conductors. The rotor includes a channel formed therein and defines an axis of rotation. The channel has a length about perpendicular to the axis of rotation and defines first and second ends. The housing receives the rotor such that the rotor is rotatable about its axis of rotation between first and second positions when secured therein. The housing includes a notch. The channel of the rotor aligns with the notch of the housing when in the first position such that first and second lamp pins can be received through the notch of the housing and into the channel of the rotor. The first conductor has first and second ends each disposed on opposite sides of the rotor. The first end of the conductor contacts the first lamp pin when the rotor is in the second position and the second end of the conductor contacts the second lamp pin when the rotor is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2011Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Gregory Galluccio, Anthony Tufano, Francisco Schapira, Carlos Salazar
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Publication number: 20120307524Abstract: A lampholder assembly is provided which includes first and second lampholders. The first lampholder includes first and second electrical connectors for electrically connecting a first end of an LED lamp to a host voltage supply-line and neutral-line, respectively, and preventing improper coupling to the voltage supply-line. The second lampholder includes a first plunger component for coupling to a second end of the LED lamp and cooperating with a second plunger component provided on the second end of the LED lamp for biasing at least one of the first and second plunger components to generate a force for supporting the LED lamp in an installation position. The first lampholder engages the LED lamp only when the LED lamp is oriented in the installation position so that the first and second electrical connectors electrically connect the LED lamp to the voltage supply-line and neutral return-line, respectively, for operating the LED lamp.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Francisco Schapira, Gregory Galluccio, Anthony Tufano, Carlos Salazar, Ruel Sarino, Robert Quercia
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Publication number: 20120178311Abstract: A socket assembly includes a rotor, a housing, and first and second conductors. The rotor includes a channel formed therein and defines an axis of rotation. The channel has a length about perpendicular to the axis of rotation and defines first and second ends. The housing receives the rotor such that the rotor is rotatable about its axis of rotation between first and second positions when secured therein. The housing includes a notch. The channel of the rotor aligns with the notch of the housing when in the first position such that first and second lamp pins can be received through the notch of the housing arid into the channel of the rotor. The first conductor has first and second ends each disposed on opposite sides of the rotor. The first end of the conductor contacts the first lamp pin when the rotor is in the second position and the second end of the conductor contacts the second lamp pin when the rotor is in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Gregory Galluccio, Anthony Tufano, Francisco Schapira, Carlos Salazar
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Patent number: 8123540Abstract: A socket assembly includes a rotor assembly, a housing, and at least one electrical contact. The rotor assembly has an axis of rotation and defines a channel. The rotor assembly is adapted to receive at least one lamp pin within the channel from an edge of the rotor assembly. The housing is adapted to receive the rotor assembly such that the rotor assembly is rotatable along its axis of rotation therein. The housing defines a notch adapted to receive each of the at least one lamp pin when each of the axis of each of the at least one pin is about parallel to the axis of rotation. A least one electrical contact is disposed within the housing and an electrical contact of the at least one electrical contact is adapted for operative engagement with a lamp pin of the at least one lamp pin.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2011Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Gregory Galluccio, Anthony Tufano, Francisco Schapira, Cesar Vasquez, Carlos Salazar
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Patent number: 8096818Abstract: A wiring system includes a wiring module and a functional module. The wiring module in at least one embodiment includes elongated holes or openings which are configured to engage or lock with prongs on a functional module to create a lockable connection. The wiring module and the functional module form both a physical and an electrical connection. In another embodiment, there is an adapter which is configured to connect the wiring module and the functional module or unit together.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2010Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Alfredo Arenas, Leslie Lindenstraus, Anthony Tufano, Dennis Oddsen, John Eder, Christopher Rafferty
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Patent number: 8038458Abstract: A fluorescent lampholder with a top portion for supporting a fluorescent lamp and a base portion with a wire opening located on the bottom surface of the base that receives wires without exposing the wires to the exterior surface of a fixture. The lampholder is capable of supporting various types and/or sizes of fluorescent lamps such as “tall”, “medium” and “small” T-8 fluorescent lamps as well as other types and/or sizes of fluorescent lamps.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Anthony Tufano, David B. Balaban
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Publication number: 20110164414Abstract: Apparatus and methods for supporting a fluorescent lamp. The apparatus may include a ballast and one or more lamp holders. The lamp holders may be in electrical communication with the ballast via a conductor. One or more lamp holders may be removably attachable to the ballast. When a lamp holder is attached to the ballast, it may be attached in a manner that places the lamp holder in electrical communication with the conductor. The apparatus may include a lamp holder module that may support one or more lamp holders. When a lamp holder is attached to the lamp holder module, it may be attached in a manner that places the lamp holder in electrical communication with a conductor that is configured to distribute power to lamp holders that are attached to the lamp holder module.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2009Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Robert Quercia, Greg Galluccio, Anthony Tufano, Francisco Schapira, Ruel Sarino
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Publication number: 20110124221Abstract: A socket assembly includes a rotor assembly, a housing, and at least one electrical contact. The rotor assembly has an axis of rotation and defines a channel having a length about perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The rotor assembly is adapted to receive at least one lamp pin within the channel from an edge of the rotor assembly. Each of the at least one lamp pin defines a longitudinal axis. Each of the axis of each of the at least lamp pin is about parallel to the axis of rotation when each of the at least one lamp pin is received from the edge of the rotor assembly to within the channel. The housing is adapted to receive the rotor assembly such that the rotor assembly is rotatable along its axis of rotation therein. The housing defines a notch adapted to receive each of the at least one lamp pin when each of the axis of each of the at least one pin is about parallel to the axis of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Galluccio, Anthony Tufano, Francisco Schapira, Cesar Vásquez, Carlos Salazar
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Publication number: 20110104923Abstract: A fluorescent lampholder with a top portion for supporting a fluorescent lamp and a base portion with a wire opening located on the bottom surface of the base that receives wires without exposing the wires to the exterior surface of a fixture. The lampholder is capable of supporting various types and/or sizes of fluorescent lamps such as “tall”, “medium” and “small” T-8 fluorescent lamps as well as other types and/or sizes of fluorescent lamps.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Anthony Tufano, David B. Balaban
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Patent number: 7918680Abstract: A lamp holder device for holding a light, the device comprising a body and a plurality of contacts disposed in the body. There is at least one rotatable top rotatably coupled to the body. In addition, there is at least one spring clip disposed in and secured to the body. The spring clip is for selectively securing a light to the spring clip when the light is inserted into the body and further secures the light to the body when the at least one rotatable top is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Francisco Schapira, Anthony Tufano
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Patent number: 7862357Abstract: A fluorescent lampholder with a top portion for supporting a fluorescent lamp and a base portion with a wire opening located on the bottom surface of the base that receives wires without exposing the wires to the exterior surface of a fixture. The lampholder is capable of supporting various types and/or sizes of fluorescent lamps such as “tall”, “medium” and “small” T-8 fluorescent lamps as well as other types and/or sizes of fluorescent lamps.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Anthony Tufano, David B. Balaban
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Patent number: 7732710Abstract: The instant invention overcomes the difficulties encountered with respect to mounting electrical wiring devices to a common box and then positioning the devices relative to each other prior to attaching a wall plate. Some of the difficulties encountered are positioning the wiring devices to be in alignment with each other, locating the wiring devices to be parallel to each other, adjusting the spacing between the different devices to be equal and uniform and fixing all of the devices to be flat against the wall. The alignment pins, when engaged by the close clearance locating openings, accurately positions the wiring devices to allow a wall plate to be placed around the wiring devices without requiring any initial or subsequent adjustment. Each set of alignment pins on the alignment plate can be located on a vertical axis which accurately defines the center for the wiring device. The opening in the wiring device receives and holds captive a set of alignment pins.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Dennis A. Oddsen, Leslie Lindenstraus, Anthony Tufano, Steve Zacharevitz
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Publication number: 20100120274Abstract: A wiring system includes a wiring module and a functional module. The wiring module in at least one embodiment includes elongated holes or openings which are configured to engage or lock with prongs on a functional module to create a lockable connection. The wiring module and the functional module form both a physical and an electrical connection. In another embodiment, there is an adapter which is configured to connect the wiring module and the functional module or unit together.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2010Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Alfredo ARENAS, Leslie LINDENSTRAUS, Anthony TUFANO, Dennis ODDSEN, John EDER, Christopher RAFFERTY
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Patent number: 7712949Abstract: This invention is directed to a lampholder for receiving a non-incandescent lamp having a 2-pin base. A surface mountable member for receiving the lamp and which has no voltage transforming circuitry is disclosed. Each pin of the lamp has an enlarged cylindrical shaped end attached to a shaft of reduced diameter. The surface mountable member has two keyhole shaped apertures, each of which has a large circular end aperture and an arc shaped slot for receiving and securely holding the pins of the lamp to the surface mountable member. The circular aperture of each keyhole shaped aperture has a diameter which is slightly larger than the diameter of the enlarged cylindrical end of the lamp pin, and the arc shaped slot has a width that is both smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical end of the lamp pin and wider than the diameter of the shaft of the pin. The enlarged ends of the pins of the lamp, when located in the arc shaped slots, prevent the lamp from being pulled out of the surface mountable member.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Tufano, Marc Noest, Emma Levin, James Richter
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Patent number: 7700888Abstract: There is disclosed structure which overcomes the deficiencies with respect to prior art devices by providing a wiring device such as a switch having a paddle that pivots about its upper end and is biased to assume the same at rest position when either in its on position or off position. Repeated pressing and releasing the lower portion of the face of the switch paddle alternately closes and opens a set of contacts within the switch to alternately connect and disconnect a load form a source of electricity each time the paddle is pressed. Thus, regardless of whether adjacent switches are on-off switches or 3-way switches, they will always be in alignment. An on-off indicator such as a small light is provided to indicate to a user when the contacts of the switch are opened or closed. The paddle of the switch has a length-width ratio dimension that is proportioned to provide a finger contact surface of increased area to allow a user to more easily and quickly identify and operate a particular switch.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Stephen R. Kurek, Paul Endres, Anthony Tufano, Dennis A. Oddsen
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Publication number: 20100081339Abstract: A socket assembly includes a rotor assembly, a housing, and at least one electrical contact. The rotor assembly has an axis of rotation and defines a channel having a length about perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The rotor assembly is adapted to receive at least one lamp pin within the channel from an edge of the rotor assembly. Each of the at least one lamp pin defines a longitudinal axis. Each of the axis of each of the at least lamp pin is about parallel to the axis of rotation when each of the at least one lamp pin is received from the edge of the rotor assembly to within the channel. The housing is adapted to receive the rotor assembly such that the rotor assembly is rotatable along its axis of rotation therein. The housing defines a notch adapted to receive each of the at least one lamp pin when each of the axis of each of the at least one pin is about parallel to the axis of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2008Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Galluccio, Anthony Tufano, Francisco Schapira, Cesar Vasquez, Carlos Salazar
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Patent number: 7666010Abstract: A modular wiring system comprising a functional unit and a wiring unit. There is also a system for coupling the functional unit to the wiring unit in a rotational manner. This system can be formed from at least one locking prong comprised of electrically conductive material. When the functional unit is coupled to the wiring unit, the locking prong is both electrically and physically coupled to the functional unit at a first end and to the wiring unit at a second end. Alternatively, or in addition, the system for coupling the functional unit to the wiring unit in a rotational manner can include at least one flange coupled to the functional unit and at least one flange coupled to the wiring unit. These flanges operate such that when the functional unit and the wiring unit are coupled together, they are rotated to form a locking connection between the flange on the functional unit and the flange on the wiring unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Alfredo Arenas, Leslie Lindenstraus, Anthony Tufano, Dennis Oddsen, John Eder, Christopher Rafferty
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Patent number: D616831Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Alfredo Arenas, Leslie Lindenstraus, Anthony Tufano, Dennis Oddsen
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Patent number: D618627Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2009Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Alfredo Arenas, Leslie Lindenstraus, Anthony Tufano, Dennis Oddsen
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Patent number: RE43828Abstract: This invention is directed to a lampholder for receiving a non-incandescent lamp having a 2-pin base. A surface mountable member for receiving the lamp and which has no voltage transforming circuitry is disclosed. Each pin of the lamp has an enlarged cylindrical shaped end attached to a shaft of reduced diameter. The surface mountable member has two keyhole shaped apertures, each of which has a large circular end aperture and an arc shaped slot for receiving and securely holding the pins of the lamp to the surface mountable member. The circular aperture of each keyhole shaped aperture has a diameter which is slightly larger than the diameter of the enlarged cylindrical end of the lamp pin, and the arc shaped slot has a width that is both smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical end of the lamp pin and wider than the diameter of the shaft of the pin. The enlarged ends of the pins of the lamp, when located in the arc shaped slots, prevent the lamp from being pulled out of the surface mountable member.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Anthony Tufano, Marc Noest, Emma Levin, James Richter