Abstract: An electrical system comprises a four-wire integral receptacle junction block assembly (530) having a first male end connector set (536) and a second male end connector set (538). The assembly (530) also includes a first duplex receptacle set (540) and a second duplex receptacle set (541). The connector sets (534, 536) are connected to a series of buss bars (570) comprising two hot buss bars (586, 616), a neutral buss bar (620), and a ground buss bar (598). The buss bars (570) can be configured so as to selectively apply incoming power to the duplex receptacle sets (540, 541) from either of two circuits.

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: A portable electrical power unit includes a housing defining an interior region that receives a power source, such as a rechargeable battery or capacitor, and one or more electrical connectors that are accessible at or through outer surfaces of the housing. The housing includes a substantially flat base for resting atop generally horizontal surface, and may include a power switch for selectively energizing the outlets. Optionally, a charging indicator provides a visual indication of the current capacity or charge level of the onboard power source. The power unit may receive or convey electrical power via direct-contact electrical terminals or via inductive power transmission, and may include additional features such as a location-detecting circuit operable to detect and generate a signal in the event that the power unit is moved out of a predefined area.

Abstract: A power and data housing assembly includes a housing body configured to retain and support an electronic device assembly in the form of an interactive display screen and associated electronics. The electronic device assembly is communicatively coupled to at least one peripheral device. The electronic device assembly is configured to provide interactive functions that include text messaging, time-keeping, calendar functions, calculations, game-playing, and audio/video media playback. The electronic device assembly is further configured to provide interactive control of and display of data from the at least one peripheral device. The electronic device is further configured to mirror a personal computing device's display on the electronic device assembly's display.

Abstract: An electrical power coupler is configured to convey electrical power upon detecting that a compatible other coupler is properly aligned and no undesirable operating conditions are detected. The power coupler includes a first ferromagnetic metal adjacent a first magnet, a hall sensor for detecting a magnetic field in the first ferromagnetic metal, and at least two first electrical contacts. A control unit is in electrical communication with the power conductors, and includes an electrical switch operable to selectively allow a flow of electricity from a power source through the associated power conductors when the hall sensor detects the magnetic field, such as when the first electrical contacts are in contact with at least two second electrical contacts of another electrical power coupler. The second electrical contacts make contact with the first electrical contacts upon proper alignment of a correspondingly configured other electrical power coupler.

Abstract: A portable power or data receptacle includes an electrical cord, a housing body supporting one or more electrical receptacles, and a flexible housing portion that can be used to form a closed loop for retaining portions of the electrical cord. The flexible housing portion has a releasable fastener to selectively hold the flexible housing portion in the closed loop configuration, which allows the flexible housing portion to cooperate with the housing body to secure at least a portion of the cord in an organized manner. The flexible housing portion can also be used to help secure one or more electrical plugs to the electrical receptacle(s), such as to resist inadvertent removal of a plug from a corresponding receptacle.

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: 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: A cushion-mountable electrical outlet system for furniture includes a generally flat body having a lower portion that is positionable beneath a cushion of a furniture article. The flat body has an upper portion configured to be positioned along a side edge of the cushion, and an electrical outlet assembly mounted at the upper portion of the flat body. The electrical outlet assembly is positionable so as to be accessible to a user on the cushion. The flat body is plastically deformable so that the lower portion can be angled obliquely relative to the upper portion.

Abstract: A data-secure electrical connector is operable to provide electrical power to a portable electronic device via a connector that is capable of transmitting electrical power and electronic data to the device, but without establishing an electronic data connection with the device, while providing an indicia to a user when the data-secure electrical power connection has been made.

Abstract: A power and data housing assembly includes a housing body configured to retain and support an electrical device assembly in the form of a radio frequency (RF) transmitter. The RF transmitter is configured to emit a transmitted RF signal that contains one of data transmissions and power transmissions, and acts as a repeater and/or range-extender or signal redirector for directing wireless power and/or data signals into regions of work areas that otherwise would receive only marginal signals, or none at all.

Abstract: An alert system includes an audio speaker or video display, and a communications unit. The communications unit is retained and supported by a power and data unit, and is configured to access data sources that include at least one of schedule information, environmental information, news reports, fire/police alerts, weather statements/information, and user-specific information, and to communicate with the audio speaker based upon the accessed data sources. The communications unit is configured to network with a computing device associated with a first user. The communications unit is configured to access the one or more data sources as defined by user-specific parameters associated with the first user. The first user is identified based upon a user ID associated with the networked computing device. The communications unit is configured to direct the audio speaker or the video display to issue an alert in response to the one or more accessed data sources.

Abstract: An expandable power and data center (300) is adapted to be mounted within a slot (304) of a work surface (302). The power and data center (300) includes a stationary housing (306) and a carriage (328). The carriage (328) includes socket areas where power receptacles (338) and data ports (340) can be inserted. A top surface (330) of the carriage (328) and a top surface (350) of a frontal cover (348) form a pressure area (360). With the carriage in a closed position (328), a user can exert a downward pressure on the pressure area (360), causing the carriage (328) to move to an open position. A damper (368) restricts the speed at which the carriage (328) moves between the closed position and an open position.