Abstract: A universal receptacle cover for an electrical receptacle is provided. The universal receptacle cover includes a base, a neck supported by the base, and a cap coupled to the neck, the cap moving between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In some cases, a portion of the universal receptacle cover consists essentially of a material transparent to visible light. In some cases, the universal receptacle cover is sized and shaped to completely cover standard electrical receptacles when the cap is in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A shelter for protecting a portable electrical inlet/outlet (PEIO) includes a base and a cover. In some examples, the base includes a platform to support a body of the PEIO, and the platform is configured to segregate the PEIO body from water that may accumulate. In some examples, the cover configured to mate with the base to substantially enclose the platform. Upon being inserted into the shelter, the PEIO may be protected from unwanted elements, such as rain, snow, unintended contact by humans or animals, or the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a docking station that prevents electrical cables (e.g., from a portable power generator or other temporary power source) from even being connected to connectors in the interior of the docking station while the building's electrical system (or other electrical load) is in electrical communication with the utility. The docking station can include a cabinet with two doors that swing in different directions and a locking mechanism that regulates the opening and closing of those doors. In preferred embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a trapped-key lock. Embodiments of the present invention can be used in applications other than docking stations.

Abstract: A universal receptacle cover for an electrical receptacle is provided. The universal receptacle cover includes a base, a neck supported by the base, and a cap coupled to the neck, the cap moving between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In some cases, a portion of the universal receptacle cover consists essentially of a material transparent to visible light. In some cases, the universal receptacle cover is sized and shaped to completely cover standard electrical receptacles when the cap is in the closed configuration.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for connecting electrical cables to electrical devices via mechanical lugs. Illustrative mechanical lug can include a body portion, a connection point, an electrical cable fastener, a shoulder portion, a neck portion, and an electrical device fastener. The connection point may include grooves, which can be adapted to increase the surface area of contact between the electrical cable and the mechanical lug and/or to grip the electrical cable to inhibit inadvertent disconnection. The mechanical lug may include turn prevents to inhibit rotation of the mechanical lug. Embodiments of the invention may include a method for connecting an electrical cable to an electrical device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a docking station that prevents electrical cables (e.g., from a portable power generator or other temporary power source) from even being connected to connectors in the interior of the docking station while the building's electrical system (or other electrical load) is in electrical communication with the utility. The docking station can include a cabinet with two doors that swing in different directions and a locking mechanism that regulates the opening and closing of those doors. In preferred embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a trapped-key lock. Embodiments of the present invention can be used in applications other than docking stations.

Abstract: An enclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, comprises a plurality of peripheral frame members, a plurality of corner frame members, a plurality of corner members, a plurality of primary surface sheets, and a plurality of secondary surface sheets. In preferred embodiments, the components of the enclosure are joined together in a manner that inhibits liquids from accessing the junctions between the components. In this manner, the interior of the enclosure can be shielded from various weather and other conditions.

Abstract: An enclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, comprises a plurality of peripheral frame members, a plurality of corner frame members, a plurality of corner members, a plurality of primary surface sheets, and a plurality of secondary surface sheets. In preferred embodiments, the components of the enclosure are joined together in a manner that inhibits liquids from accessing the junctions between the components. In this manner, the interior of the enclosure can be shielded from various weather and other conditions.

Abstract: A shelter for protecting a portable electrical inlet/outlet (PEIO) includes a base and a cover. In some examples, the base includes a platform to support a body of the PEIO, and the platform is configured to segregate the PEIO body from water that may accumulate. In some examples, the cover configured to mate with the base to substantially enclose the platform. Upon being inserted into the shelter, the PEIO may be protected from unwanted elements, such as rain, snow, unintended contact by humans or animals, or the like.

Abstract: A shelter for protecting a portable electrical inlet/outlet (PEIO) includes a base and a cover. In some examples, the base includes a platform to support a body of the PEIO, and the platform is configured to segregate the PEIO body from water that may accumulate. In some examples, the cover configured to mate with the base to substantially enclose the platform. Upon being inserted into the shelter, the PEIO may be protected from unwanted elements, such as rain, snow, unintended contact by humans or animals, or the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a docking station that prevents electrical cables (e.g., from a portable power generator or other temporary power source) from even being connected to connectors in the interior of the docking station while the building's electrical system (or other electrical load) is in electrical communication with the utility. The docking station can include a cabinet with two doors that swing in different directions and a locking mechanism that regulates the opening and closing of those doors. In preferred embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a trapped-key lock. Embodiments of the present invention can be used in applications other than docking stations.

Abstract: An enclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, comprises a plurality of peripheral frame members, a plurality of corner frame members, a plurality of corner members, a plurality of primary surface sheets, and a plurality of secondary surface sheets. In preferred embodiments, the components of the enclosure are joined together in a manner that inhibits liquids from accessing the junctions between the components. In this manner, the interior of the enclosure can be shielded from various weather and other conditions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a docking station that prevents electrical cables (e.g., from a portable power generator or other temporary power source) from even being connected to connectors in the interior of the docking station while the building's electrical system (or other electrical load) is in electrical communication with the utility. The docking station can include a cabinet with two doors that swing in different directions and a locking mechanism that regulates the opening and closing of those doors. In preferred embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a trapped-key lock. Embodiments of the present invention can be used in applications other than docking stations.

Abstract: A shelter for protecting a portable electrical inlet/outlet (PEIO) includes a base and a cover. In some examples, the base includes a platform to support a body of the PEIO, and the platform is configured to segregate the PEIO body from water that may accumulate. In some examples, the cover configured to mate with the base to substantially enclose the platform. Upon being inserted into the shelter, the PEIO may be protected from unwanted elements, such as rain, snow, unintended contact by humans or animals, or the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a docking station that prevents electrical cables (e.g., from a portable power generator or other temporary power source) from even being connected to connectors in the interior of the docking station while the building's electrical system (or other electrical load) is in electrical communication with the utility. The docking station can include a cabinet with two doors that swing in different directions and a locking mechanism that regulates the opening and closing of those doors. In preferred embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a trapped-key lock. Embodiments of the present invention can be used in applications other than docking stations.