Abstract: A power distribution system includes a power outlet for connection to different power supply circuits in a power block when assembled thereto. The system includes a power block having arrays of openings on the front and back faces which are vertically staggered.

Abstract: A power distribution system for prewiring a modular wall panel unit with electrical conductors. The system is installed in the wiring channel that extends along the bottom edge of the panel unit. The system includes a power block located at each of the opposite ends of the panel wiring channel. Each power block comprises a housing containing ten flat, vertically aligned bus bars that are each connected to a separate one of four line, four neutral, a safety ground and an isolated ground conductors of the power supply of the site at which the panel unit is installed. Each power block is capable of receiving, at the end thereof adjacent the end of the wiring channel, on either or both faces thereof, a connector for a jumper cable for connecting two similar power distribution systems in adjoining panel units.

Abstract: A self-supporting contact for engaging a conductor combined with guard means for protecting both the contact and the conductor against accidental touch by a human hand. The contact is stamped from a flat strip of resilient, conductive material and has a rectangular body with a plurality, preferably four, spaced along and extending in parallel from one edge of the contact body. Each of the contact fingers is formed with a spring arch located near the end of the finger attached to the contact body. The apices of arches of the fingers are alternately directed above and below the plane of the contact body and the spring arches tension each of the contact fingers so as to bias the free ends of the fingers toward the plane of the contact body. The guard means for the contact comprises an insulating housing enclosing the contact body with portions of each of the contact fingers projecting to the exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A latch and combined latch locking means and handle for securing in place a plug-in electrical connector mated to a second connector. The latch comprises a latch plate pivotally joined to one end of the connector to permit deflection of the plate. A post is mounted on the receptacle at a position opposite the latch plate on the connector. Cooperating shoulders on the post and the latch plate restrain the connector from being withdrawn from the receptacle when the latch plate is in a first position. When the latch plate is deflected to a second position, the shoulders disengage to permit withdrawal of the connector from the receptacle. The latch locking means and handle comprises a bail pivotally mounted in the connector to permit the bail to be folded flush with the connector. In the flush position, the bail extends over the latch plate and prevents the plate from being deflected to a position disengaging the shoulders.

Abstract: An outlet unit for installation in a power distribution system for modular wall panel units carrying four separate pairs of line and neutral conductors. The outlet unit includes a pair of line and neutral contacts, configured to receive two separate plugs for power cords, the line and neutral contacts of the unit being connected to respective first and second contacts that project through the rear face of the outlet unit. The four pairs of line and neutral conductors of the distribution system are contained in an insulating power block housing having openings aligned with each of the conductors therein to provide access to the conductors by the first and second contacts of the outlet unit. The openings of the housing of the distribution system are arranged in two symmetrical groups. The outlet unit has four insulating silos positioned on its rear face so as to enter openings of either the first group or the second group, depending on the orientation of the outlet unit when plugged into the outlet unit.

Abstract: A bussing system 10 for panels 11 such as a printed circuit boards, employs bus means comprised of at least one ribbon 16 of flexible, relatively thin, substantially flat, conductive material, such as copper. Ribbon 16 is bent as desired to be received within a plurality of taps, including at least one vertical tap 13, mounted on the panel at selected respective locations. The taps may also include at least one horizontal tap 14, in which case ribbon 16 is twisted to right angles thereto to be received in the horizontal tap. One or more standoffs 15 may be employed to maintain mechanical rigidity and to maintain ribbon 16 in a vertical orientation off of panel 11. The amount of copper (or other material) employed is held to a minimum to meet the circular mil area (or "CMA") requirements. Design flexibility is assured for accommodating a variety of configurations, thereby effecting a considerable savings in development, tooling and production costs.

Abstract: A bussing system 10 for panels 11, such as a printed circuit board employs bus means comprised of at least one ribbon 16 of flexible, relatively thin, substantially flat, conductive material, such as copper. Ribbon 16 is bent as desired to be received within a plurality of taps, including at least one vertical tap 13, mounted on the panel at selected respective locations. The taps may also include at least one horizontal tap 14, in which case ribbon 16 is twisted to right angles thereto to be received in the horizontal tap. One or more standoffs 15 may be employed to maintain mechanical rigidity and to maintain ribbon 16 in a vertical orientation off of panel 11. The amount of copper (or other material) employed is held to a minimum to meet the circular mil area (or "CMA") requirements. Design flexibility is assured for accommodating a variety of configurations, thereby effecting a considerable savings in development, tooling and production costs.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises a dielectric housing having terminal passages in which electrical terminals are secured. A metal shell is secured onto the housing and ground contact means is provided for achieving electrical contact with the metal shell and a ground plate on a circuit board, the ground contact means including spring means for urging contact members of the ground contact means into electrical engagement with the ground plate.