Abstract: A drape-over article for furniture includes a flexible or rigid body that has an inverted U-shape, or is capable of assuming an inverted U-shape. The body has downwardly-extending inner and outer arm portions spaced apart from one another, and a central bight portion that forms an upper region of the body. An electrical power and/or electronic data outlet is mountable to the outer arm portion and is accessible along an outer surface of the outer arm portion. The electrical power and/or electronic data outlet can be energized by an electrical power source such as a wall outlet or an onboard battery.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle assembly includes an electrically insulative board, such as a silicon-based printed circuit board (PCB), with electrical contacts mounted to the board to form a high voltage AC receptacle configured to receive a male plug associated with an electrical consumer. The electrical contacts may be mechanically connected directly to the board and receive electrical power from respective wires fitted with terminal connectors, or may be supported in receptacle assemblies that receive electrical power from conductors embedded in the board. Optionally, the electrical contacts are mounted directly to a separate receptacle board that extends outwardly from a main board. A low voltage receptacle and associated circuitry may be incorporated into the receptacle assembly, which may further include an outer housing to facilitate mounting in a work area or the like.

Abstract: An electrical system for group seating arrangements includes a plurality of conduit assemblies and a plurality of branch assemblies, each made up of hollow casings with electrical connectors and seals at their opposite ends, and with electrical conductors providing continuity to the electrical connectors of each branch and conduit assembly. A mechanical latch or lock coupling at each of the ends, combined with a seal at each coupling or junction, provides a secure and contaminant-resistant mechanical connection and at each conduit-to-conduit or conduit-to-branch junction. The hollow casings of the conduit assemblies and branch assemblies may be made of high-strength material so as to resist damage from impacts when installed in high traffic areas such as stadiums, arenas, theaters, and public transit vehicles.

Abstract: An electrical power and data system for group seating arrangements includes a DC power supply for converting an AC voltage input to a DC low voltage output, a low voltage main line and at least one branch line with a power output in communication with the DC output, and an occupancy sensor at a seating area for generating an occupancy signal. The power output of the branch line positionable at the seating area, and configured to supply power to a portable electronic communications device. A switch energizes and de-energizes the electrical power output in response to the occupancy signal, and the branch line, main line, and DC power supply cooperate to provide electronic communications between the portable electronic device and the electronic data network when the DC power supply is energized.

Abstract: A visual indicator system including a communications module, a processor, and a visual indicator. The communications module is able to wirelessly receive a condition report from a wirelessly connected device. The processor is able to select a status in response to the condition report received by the communications module. The visual indicator is able to visually indicate a status based upon a selected visual configuration of the visual indicator. The processor is also able to select a particular configuration for the visual indicator based upon the selected status.

Abstract: An electrical connector including first and second connector parts configured for mating together, and with one of the connector parts having a sensory feedback member that moves between an extended position and a retracted position as a result of magnetic interaction with an actuation element in the other connector part during mating of the connector parts. The movement of the sensory feedback member causes a sensory feedback indication, such as an audible sound or a tactile vibration.

Abstract: An electrical power or data system for height-adjustable furniture includes a self-retracting cord section that extends and retracts in response to an upper furniture portion raising and lowering with respect to a lower furniture portion, such as to limit or avoid entanglement of the cord with other objects in the vicinity of the furniture. The system includes an electrical power or data cord having an input end portion and an output end portion, with the retracting cord section disposed between the input and output end portions, and with an electrical power or data connector at the output end portion and configured for mounting along the upper furniture portion.

Abstract: An overhead electrical infeed system includes an overhead mount surface, an electrical cord coupled to the overhead mount surface, an electrical outlet housing coupled to a distal end portion of the cord having a proximal end portion mounted to the overhead mount surface and a distal end portion spaced from the proximal end portion. At least a portion of the weight of the electrical outlet housing is supported by the electrical cord. A retractor is positioned along the electrical cord and is operable to raise the electrical outlet housing or to retain the electrical outlet housing at a selected elevation. An electrical outlet is electrically energized by the electrical cord and is mounted to the electrical outlet housing, to provide users with access to electrical or data signals.

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 box supports one or more electrical or electronic data outlets in a cavity, with a dual-hinged door at least partially covering an opening to the cavity when the door is closed. The door is openable in either of two directions by pivoting it about either of two spaced-apart pivot axes that are defined by respective pivot arms coupled to opposite ends and opposite sides of the door, the pivot arms being further coupled at their respective proximal ends to opposite walls of the housing. A retaining feature releasably secures the door in the closed position and may provide sensory feedback to a user upon closing the door. Optionally, the door has a floating appearance in the opening to the cavity, with no direct contact existing between the door and the housing.

Abstract: An electrical power or electronic data distribution system includes a power supply or electronic data module that receives electrical power or electronic data signals from a source, a flat-conductor strip for routing electrical power or electronic data along a generally planar surface such as a floor, wall, room divider, or ceiling, and a power or data output block. The power supply has a pair of power outfeed conductors, and the flat-conductor strip has a pair of generally planar electrical conductors in spaced arrangement, which are electrically coupled to respective power outfeed conductors. The output block has a pair of power-receiving contacts along a lower surface thereof, and an electrical receptacle at the output block, the receptacle being positioned above the lower surface. The power-receiving contacts electrically engage respective planar electrical conductors and convey electrical power to respective contacts of the electrical receptacle, for powering electrical or electronic devices.

Abstract: An electrical power and/or electronic data unit with voice communications capability includes a housing, a voice communications module, and an electrical power outlet coupled to the housing. The voice communications module is coupled to the housing and includes an audio speaker, a microphone, an audio signal receiver/processor, and an audio signal generator. The audio signal receiver/processor is configured to receive and process vocalized speech from a user. The voice communications module is configured to generate an audible response via the audio signal generator and the speaker, responsive to receiving and processing the vocalized speech from the user. The voice communications module is in electronic communication with a data source.

Abstract: A portable tower with electrical capability includes a housing with base, central, and upper housing portions, and with electrical power and/or data outlets including at least one outlet at either or both of the upper and lower housing portions. The central housing portion projects upwardly from the base housing portion and supports the upper housing portion at an elevated position spaced above the base housing portion. The electrical power and/or data outlets are in electrical communication with a power or data source, such as a remote source or an onboard source as in a rechargeable battery or capacitor. Where an onboard source is provided, the portable tower is positionable in substantially any desired location and is capable of providing electrical power to other devices when there is sufficient energy stored in the onboard source.