Abstract: A furniture electrical system includes an electrical power unit including a housing that is mountable to a furniture article and that defines an interior cavity, with a low voltage DC electrical outlet positioned in the interior cavity. An electrical power cord is in electrical communication with the electrical outlet and exits the housing, the power cord extending to a higher voltage DC power supply associated with an electric motor for raising and lowering a furniture article. An electrical power converter in the housing reduces the voltage from the higher voltage DC power supply to the low voltage DC electrical outlet. Optionally, an indicia lamp associated with each outlet illuminates at a first luminous intensity when the outlet is energized, and illuminates at a different second luminous intensity when the outlet is energized and supplying power to an electrical power consumer.

Abstract: An electrical distribution unit includes a support housing and a device charging module in the support housing, the device charging module including a retractable cord and a repositionable electrical connector that can be used to supply charging power and/or electronic data to a portable electronic device in various locations within a vicinity of the electrical distribution unit. An electrical receptacle is also mounted to the support housing adjacent the device charging module. The repositionable electrical connector and retractable cord are extendable and retractable relative to a housing of the device charging module as desired by a user.

Abstract: An electrical power outlet is suitable for mounting face-up in locations that may be susceptible to liquid spills. The outlet includes a housing body defining an interior chamber, with an intermediate wall positioned therein. The intermediate wall defines contact openings that are open to contact passageways in which electrical contacts are mounted. A pair of drainage passageways extend through the housing body. A pair of drainage channels extend along the intermediate wall to the respective drainage passageways, so that liquid along the intermediate wall is directed along the drainage channels to the drainage passageways. Drain openings formed in a bottom wall of the housing body are in fluid communication with the respective drainage channels for draining liquid out of the housing body.

Abstract: A dual-hinged lid assembly includes a lid pivotably coupled to a frame by a pair of hinge portions that enable the lid to pivot about two different axes, and to pivot open until lying flat against, or in close proximity to, a portion of the frame to which the lid is coupled. A first hinge portion is pivotably coupled to the lid, and a second hinge portion is located at the frame and is coupled to the first hinge portion. The first hinge portion cooperates with the lid to define a first pivot axis, and the first hinge portion cooperates with the second hinge portion to define a second pivot axis that is spaced from the first pivot axis.

Abstract: An electrical power or data system includes an electrical power or data supply cord and an intermediate power or data cord, a first electrical power or data outlet receptacle disposed between the supply cord and the intermediate cord, and a second electrical power or data outlet receptacle at a distal end of the intermediate cord. The first electrical power or data outlet is positionable below a work surface, while the second electrical power or data outlet is mountable to the work surface. At least one of the electrical cords may include a self-retracting cord section.

Abstract: A modular electrical system with electrical and/or data outlets provides an unobtrusive power and/or data source that can be routed along a floor, a table or other work surface in a work area. The modular system includes a plurality of electrical wiring modules, a plurality of junction modules each having multiple outputs, and a plurality of electrical power or data units connected to the junction modules and to surfaces in the work area. Optionally, a modular floor runner system is assembled together from rigid floor runner modules interposed with junction modules, with one or more flexible branch extensions selectively coupled to any desired junction module. The floor runner modules and junction modules include housings that protect electrical wiring held internally, while being minimally intrusive for use in walking areas. Optionally, a table mounted modular electrical system is connectable to a floor runner system, and vice versa.

Abstract: An electrical power and/or electronic data unit is assembled from interchangeable and configurable components to facilitate manufacturing for customized applications. The unit includes a main housing that may have a substantially constant cross-section between two open ends, and may be formed by an extrusion process. The main housing includes at least one sidewall surrounding an internal volume between the open ends, while first and second cover plates enclose the open ends. At least one of the cover plates typically supports an electrical component such as an electronic data outlet, an electrical power outlet, or an electrical switch.

Abstract: An electrical outlet assembly is mountable in a floor or work surface, and includes an upper bezel and a lower insert that are joined in a non-rigid manner that permits some adjustment to the spacing and/or tilt of the upper bezel relative to the lower insert. The upper bezel and lower insert are joined together by a plurality of fasteners extending between a plurality of fastener receivers coupled to the upper bezel, and to the lower insert. At least one end of each coupling fastener is loosely captured in such a way that when the coupling fasteners are fully secured, they are permitted to move axially relative to the fastener receiver or the lower insert. This allows the lower insert to be repositionable in its axial direction relative to the upper bezel, and also permits the lower insert to be tilted out of alignment with the upper bezel.

Abstract: A process provides for manufacturing and formation of a series of metallic end products within a stamping machine. The metallic end products are formed from two subcomponents comprising a first work component and a second work component. The work components are coupled together through a toggle lock procedure formed as part of the process. The two resultant work components which form the end product are simultaneously formed, thereby providing significant advantages with respect to work cycle time to produce the resultant product, relative to the time required when individual work components are sequentially produced through the use of mechanical operations to which a first work component is processed, and then formation of a second work component is processed.

Abstract: An electrical power unit is positionable at a work surface and includes an upper housing including an upper surface and a lower surface spaced below the upper surface to define an upper housing chamber. A wireless power transmitter is disposed in the upper housing chamber and is operable to convey electrical energy to a wireless power receiver positioned at or above the upper surface. A base is coupled to the upper housing and extends downwardly therefrom, the base being configured for insertion into an opening formed in the work surface or into a space defined between two adjacent work surfaces. The base is further configured to facilitate securing the electrical power unit to the work surface or the adjacent work surfaces.

Abstract: A process provides for manufacturing and formation of a series of metallic end products within a stamping machine. The metallic end products are formed from two subcomponents comprising a first work component and a second work component. The work components are coupled together through a toggle lock procedure formed as part of the process. The two resultant work components which form the end product are simultaneously formed, thereby providing significant advantages with respect to work cycle time to produce the resultant product, relative to the time required when individual work components are sequentially produced through the use of mechanical operations to which a first work component is processed, and then formation of a second work component is processed.

Abstract: An electrical charging station includes a main housing and a separate receptacle housing, both configured for coupling to a furniture article. The charging station includes an electrical output connector that is accessible at the receptacle housing, a self-contained electrical power source such as a rechargeable battery inside the main housing, and a wiring harness electrically disposed (and directing power) between the self-contained electrical power source and the electrical output connector.

Abstract: An electrical power unit is positionable in or along a work surface and includes a housing with a movable cover that is positionable in open and closed positions at an upper region of the housing. The cover defines an interior region in which a wireless power transmitter is mounted. A lamp unit is disposed in the housing or the cover. The lamp unit is configured so that emitted light is visible from outside the power unit when the cover is closed. The wireless power transmitter is operable to selectively illuminate the lamp unit when the wireless power transmitter is energized. Optionally, at least one direct-contact electrical or data receptacle is provided at the housing, and may be arranged or positioned so that it is accessible at least when the cover is in the open position.