Abstract: A device (10) for shifting one structure with respect to another, is disclosed. The device comprises a body (12) defining a cylinder, a core (14) within the cylinder and rotatable in the cylinder with respect to the body (12). A coil spring is connected between the body (12) and the core (14) and is wound or unwound as the core (14) is rotated in the cylinder. A compressible ring (48) is carried by the core (14) and is in frictional contact with the body. The ring (48) can be compressed by a nut (66) screwed onto a shaft (50) forming part of the core (14) so that the frictional resistance offered by the ring (48) to turning of the core (14) in the cylinder is increased.

Abstract: Multi-outlet socket boxes for providing power and, optionally, data connection. The sockets are mounted in oppositely directed inclined flanks of a socket support structure. The socket includes a casing containing the support structure, with an opening in the casing and a cover which, in its closed position conceals the structure and in its open position permits access to the sockets. The cover may be in two parts which move towards and away from one another during closing and opening movements. The cover could include several slats hinged together, guides for guiding the slats, and a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A device (10) for shifting one structure with respect to another, is disclosed. The device comprises a body (12) defining a cylinder, a core (14) within the cylinder and rotatable in the cylinder with respect to the body (12). A coil spring is connected between the body (12) and the core (14) and is wound or unwound as the core (14) is rotated in the cylinder. A compressible ring (48) is carried by the core (14) and is in frictional contact with the body. The ring (48) can be compressed by a nut (66) screwed onto a shaft (50) forming part of the core (14) so that the frictional resistance offered by the ring (48) to turning of the core (14) in the cylinder is increased.

Abstract: A power supply system is disclosed which comprises a printed circuit board (10) having on one side of the substrate thereof a live track (58), a neutral track (54) and a switched live track (52). A switch (30) when closed connects the live track to the switched-live track (52). The tracks (52, 58) connect live input terminal (12) to a live output terminal (20) and a neutral input terminal (16) to a neutral output terminal (18). A second switched-live track connected to the track (58) is provided on the opposite side of the substrate.

Abstract: Multi-outlet socket boxes for providing power and, optionally, data connection. The sockets are mounted in oppositely directed inclined flanks of a socket support structure. The socket includes a casing containing the support structure, with an opening in the casing and a cover which, in its closed position conceals the structure and in its open position permits access to the sockets. The cover may be in two parts which move towards and away from one another during closing and opening movements. The cover could include several slats hinged together, guides for guiding the slats, and a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A power supply device (10) comprises a casing (26), a support structure (14) and driving means (42) for selectively rotating the casing (26) relative to the support structure (14). The casing (26) houses electrical equipment (36) and electrical sockets (30,32,34). The support structure (14) is attachable to the top (12) of an article of furniture and supports the casing (26) for rotation about an axis (28), parallel to the top (12). The casing (26) can be rotated by the driving means between an operative position in which the electrical sockets (30,32,34) face upwards and are accessible above the top (12), and a stowed position in which the electrical sockets (30,32,34) are not accessible from above the top (12). The casing (26) has a protuberance (40) that extends around the electrical sockets (30,32,34) and the protuberance (40) stands proud of the top (12) when the casing (26) is in its operative position.

Abstract: A power supply device (10) comprises a casing (26), a support structure (14) and driving means (42) for selectively rotating the casing (26) relative to the support structure (14). The casing (26) houses electrical equipment (36) and electrical sockets (30,32,34). The support structure (14) is attachable to the top (12) of an article of furniture and supports the casing (26) for rotation about an axis (28), parallel to the top (12). The casing (26) can be rotated by the driving means between an operative position in which the electrical sockets (30,32,34) face upwards and are accessible above the top (12), and a stowed position in which the electrical sockets (30,32,34) are not accessible from above the top (12). The casing (26) has a protuberance (40) that extends around the electrical sockets (30,32,34) and the protuberance (40) stands proud of the top (12) when the casing (26) is in its operative position.

Abstract: A power supply structure is disclosed in which a base member has first and second sets of plug pin receiving openings with electrically conductive sockets behind the openings. Each first set is grouped with a second set, and the sets are provided with power from separate sources e.g. clean and contaminated power. Socket modules each of which includes electrically conductive pins can be plugged into the openings. Each socket module has plug pin receiving openings for receiving plugs on power leads. In one form each socket module is unplugged from the base member, turned through 180 degrees and plugged into the base member again to change from one type of power to another. In a further form the base member includes switches which provide power selectively to the socket behind the first and second sets of openings.

Abstract: An electrically conductive component is dislosed which comprises a base, two upstanding columns which are spaced apart on the base, and two vertically extending corrugated sections which lie between the columns. One vertical edge of each corrugated section is connected to the adjacent vertical edge of the adjacent column by a hairpin bend. The corrugated sections are spaced apart and define between them a plurality of passages for receiving plug pins of different shapes and sizes. Components of this type are secured to a printed circuit board which is itself clamped between the two parts of a box. One face of the box has apertures therein and the components are aligned with the apertures. When plug pins are pushed into the box through the apertures, they engage with the components. The components are inserted into sleeves which inhibit splaying apart of the columns when the plug pins are inserted.