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 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 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 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: 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 electrical article with cord-free charging zone provides users in a work area with access to low-voltage charging for portable electronic devices, in which electrical current is conveyed upon placement of an electronic device within the charging zone. The electrical article is configured for use in a work area, and includes a housing, a low voltage charging zone with power unit, and an electrical power input. The charging zone is defined along at least a portion of an upper surface of the housing. The low voltage power unit is operable to cordlessly convey electrical power to a portable electrical or electronic device that is positioned at the low voltage charging zone.

Abstract: An electrical power infeed module for modular electrical power systems selectively provides power to one or more electrical outlets in the system from a single power source, regardless of the number of power sources are engaged by power infeed modules in the system. The power infeed module includes a power infeed cable, a power output cable, and an electrical circuit disposed between the power infeed cable and the power output cable, the electrical circuit being operable to selectively connect the power output cable to the power infeed cable if the power infeed cable is connected to a first power source and the power output cable is not already electrically energized by a second power source. The circuit includes an electrical switch, a sensor for detecting whether the power output cable is electrically energized, and a controller for operating the switch in response to a signal from the sensor.

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 branched electrical system is adapted for providing multiple users with access to high and/or low voltage electrical power in work areas or high density seating areas, such as stadium or theater seating, work rooms, lecture halls, and public transportation vehicles. The system includes a main line and a plurality of branch lines, each branch line having at least one high voltage or low voltage electrical receptacle that is accessible to a user located at the seating, such as for powering a portable electronic device. The branch lines may be coupled to the main line via a splice or other electrical-mechanical connection.

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: A wireless electrical power transmission system includes a panel having a recessed area for receiving a wireless power transmitter, such as an electric field resonant transmitter. The panel has a first outer surface and a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, with a thickness defined between the first and second outer surfaces. The recessed area is formed in the first outer surface, and the recessed area has a depth that is less than the thickness of the panel. Electrical wiring is coupled to the wireless power transmitter and passes through an opening formed in the panel, which opening is accessible from the recessed area, and the electrical wiring is in communication with an electrical power source.

Abstract: A self-contained electrical charging station includes a housing configured for coupling to a furniture article. The charging station includes an electrical output connector that is accessible from outside the housing, an electrical input connector supported at the housing and also accessible from outside the housing, and a self-contained electrical power source such as a rechargeable battery. The self-contained electrical power source is configured to be simultaneously electrically engaged with the electrical input connector and mechanically supported by at least one of the electrical input connector, the housing, or associated structure.

Abstract: A branched electrical system is adapted for providing multiple users with access to high and/or low voltage electrical power in work areas or high density seating areas, such as stadium or theater seating, work rooms, lecture halls, and public transportation vehicles. The system includes a main line and a plurality of branch lines, each branch line having at least one high voltage or low voltage electrical receptacle that is accessible to a user located at the seating, such as for powering a portable electronic device. The branch lines may be coupled to the main line via a splice or other electrical-mechanical connection.

Abstract: A wireless electrical power system provides access to high voltage and/or low voltage electrical power at portable articles that are positionable at different locations within a work area, and substantially without the use of exposed cabling. The power system includes a portable article that is positionable at two or more locations within a work area. The work area is defined by a plurality of surfaces, at least one of which incorporates a wireless electrical power transmitter. The portable article incorporates a wireless electrical power receiver that is configured to receive electrical power from the wireless power transmitter when the wireless power receiver is sufficiently close to the wireless power transmitter. The portable article further includes an electrical power outlet that provides users in the work area with access to the electrical power.

Abstract: A wireless electrical power system provides access to high voltage and/or low voltage electrical power at portable articles that are positionable at different locations within a work area, and substantially without the use of exposed cabling. The power system includes a portable article that is positionable at two or more locations within a work area. The work area is defined by a plurality of surfaces, at least one of which incorporates a wireless electrical power transmitter. The portable article incorporates a wireless electrical power receiver that is configured to receive electrical power from the wireless power transmitter when the wireless power receiver is sufficiently close to the wireless power transmitter. The portable article further includes an electrical power outlet that provides users in the work area with access to the electrical power.

Abstract: A branched electrical system is adapted for providing multiple users with access to high and/or low voltage electrical power in work areas or high density seating areas, such as stadium or theater seating, work rooms, lecture halls, and public transportation vehicles. The system includes a main line and a plurality of branch lines, each branch line having at least one high voltage or low voltage electrical receptacle that is accessible to a user located at the seating, such as for powering a portable electronic device. The branch lines may be coupled to the main line via a splice or other electrical-mechanical connection.