Abstract: A low-cost electrical connector assembly (1) comprises a socket subassembly (12) removably attached to a distribution subassembly (10) in predetermined inter-position. The distribution subassembly (10) includes a bus housing (8) accommodating and retaining distribution blade buses (2, 3, 4) in predetermined positions, and a bus housing cover (9) removably secured on the bus housing (8) for further supporting and retaining said distribution blade buses (2, 3, 4). The socket subassembly (12) includes a socket housing (11) retaining socket buses (5, 6, 7) in predetermined positions. Each distribution blade bus (2, 3, 4) includes a connection end (22) and a terminal end (23), respectively, and formed from an integral metal bus strip which is folded to fit into the respective predetermined compartments (19) in the bus housing (8).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for mounting a wiring device (11) on a wall so that mounting on a stud is not necessary. A bracket (16) having a side member (17) is disposed in an opening in the wall such that a side member (17) of the bracket (16) is abutting the rear face of the wall. A mounting clip (25) is disposed in the opening in the wall with an ear (27) on the mounting clip (25) engaging the side member (17) and a flange (28) on the mounting clip (25) abutting the front face of the wall. A fastener passes through the flange (28) on the mounting clip (25), through the wall and into a mounting boss (21) on the side member (17) abutting the rear face of the wall, thereby securing the bracket (16) to the wall.

Abstract: An electrical interface distribution unit (10) and method for interconnecting signal cables (60, 62, 64) in a cable housing (24) within a wall defined by sheets of material (16-18) spaced apart by studs (20) to define an interior wall volume wherein large numbers of cables must fit in a small volume interiorly of the wall and be interconnected by modules (70, 80) for distribution of input and output signals in a building.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated outlet that allows supply of AC power to an outlet receptacle when certain conditions are satisfied. The integrated outlet contains separate modules to establish electrical connection with electrical conductors that transmit AC and DC power, telecommunications, control communications, and signals transmitted along a coaxial wire. In a preferred embodiment, these electrical conductors are disposed on two cables. Each module within the integrated outlet attaches to only certain standard conductors in each of the two cables. The integrated outlet can then be efficiently connected to the conductors in each of the two cables.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a strong, flexible composite shielding member to provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding between power conductors and signal conductors for use in an electrical transmission system, such as a bundled hybrid cable. A preferred shield member comprises a flat dielectric central laminate having on each major surface thereof a metallic, electrically conductive film, where the core includes a plurality of longitudinally arranged strengthening members, such as fiberglass strands.

Abstract: A convenience outlet assembly having a wall box which can be mounted relative to a stud in light frame construction is suitable for use with a hybrid cables containing both power and signal conductors. The assembly includes a mounting bracket attachable to a stud and a wall box which can be attached to the mounting bracket with a peripheral frame on the front of the wall box being precisely positioned relative to the exterior of a wall panel, even through the position of the mounting bracket can vary. A cable tap subassembly attachable to provided for interconnection of various modules in the assembly. This cable tape subassembly can be part of the rear wall of the housing.

Abstract: Cable tap and splice assembly for selectively connecting tap conductors to cable wire conductors comprises a housing having a cable wire locator for locating the cable wires in predetermined coplanar positions. A plurality of bus conductors are provided in the housing and extend parallel to the cable wires with each bus connector being dedicated to, and associated with, a single cable wire. The bus conductors have receptacle sites which are accessible from the exterior of the housing so that terminals can be mated with the bus conductors. Connecting devices extend from the bus conductors to the cable wires. The assembly has a major surface having defined zones, each of which receives an electrical connector that has male terminals which are mated with specific cable wires when the connector is coupled to the major surface. The bus conductors can also connect two connecting devices engaging two wires in separate cables positioned in abuttment with a central, removable, partition in the cable clamp.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly in the form of a cable tap for use with a flat cable having wires of different sizes includes insulation penetrating terminals having sharp points on opposite sides of an insulation displacement slot. These sharp points are spaced apart and configured to reduce the tendency of the slots to diverge prior to engagement with the wires. Each slotted plate has inner and outer sloping edges with a slope of the inner edge relative to the center line of the slot being less than the slope of the outer knife edge so as to reduce the resultant force tending open the slot prior to engagement of the terminals with the wires. Additonally, the sharp points of a given terminal are spaced apart a lateral distance of from 1 to 1.5 times the diameter of the wire to be terminated therebetween. The terminals are positioned within the housing which is matable to a clamp having cylindrical grooves adapted to closely fit the curved outer cylindrical crest surrounding the ground wires in the cable.

Abstract: An electrical transmission cable incorporating coaxial cables, power supply cables, data conductors and telephone conductors suitable for use in residential wiring is disclosed. Cable comprises a bundle configuration in which coaxial conductors are disposed in a center of a round bundle between data and telephone conductors to reduce the continuation of signals in the data and telephone conductors.

Abstract: A wiring layout for new home construction in which primarily two different cables distribute various electrical signals from a central location to different rooms in a home. The first cable, an AC power and internal communications cable, is a ribbon cable containing power conductors and digital data conductors. A predetermined number of lengths of this ribbon cable form that number of branches from the central location to different areas of the home. The second cable, the external communications cable, is a cable containing coaxial conductors and twisted wire pairs in one casing. This cable is run from the central location to a splitter. A predetermined number of lengths of the second cable are then run from the splitter to selected locations in some or all the rooms. The resulting layout from this combination branch-star layout allows efficient transmission of signals through a home and enables reduced installation costs.

Abstract: Cable tap assembly for selectively connecting tap conductors to cable wire conductors comprises a housing having a cable wire locator for locating the cable wires in predetermined coplanar positions. A plurality of bus conductors are provided in the housing and extend parallel to the cable wires with each bus conductor being dedicated to, and associated with, a single cable wire. The bus conductors have receptacle sites which are accessible from the exterior of the housing so that terminals can be mated with the bus conductors. Connecting devices extend from the bus conductors to the cable wires. The assembly has a major surface having defined zones, each of which receives an electrical connector that has male terminals which are mated with specific cable wires when the connector is coupled to the major surface.

Abstract: Electrical connecting device such as a bus bar comprises a folded section of sheet metal having a bight and arms extending from the bight. Receptacle portions are provided in the form of openings in the bight so that a tab contact can be inserted into one of the openings and will engage the opposed internal surfaces of the arms. In addition, contact sites are provided on the distal ends of the arms for contacting the devices which have wire-receiving slots on their ends. A conductor in a cable can thus be connected to a plurality of second conductors which are attached to the tab members that are inserted into the receptacle portions in the bight.

Abstract: A frame structure includes recessed channels 40 in which the cables in an electrical distribution system are positioned. Communicating channels are formed in an upper beam 24, a lower beam 26 and a plurality of vertical columns 30. Installation of the complete electrical wiring system, including cables 76 and outlets or switches is part of a single operation and need not be interrupted by the erection of wall panels 32. Stamped metal brackets 48, 50, 60 attaching the columns to the upper and lower beams also retain cables within the channels and secure molding strips 34, 36, 38 over the channels.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in thermally testing electrical components, especially microelectronic components, such as dual in-line integrated circuit packages is disclosed. The apparatus is for use in testing the electrical performance of components when subjected to elevated temperature. Heat is applied through resistive heating elements disposed adjacent the electrical components which are mounted in electrical connectors, such as DIP sockets. Separate test and heater printed circuit boards attachable to conventional edge connectors can be employed. Insulation completely surrounds the sockets and the electrical components. Heating elements having a ferromagnetic-nonferromagnetic layer construction and exhibiting constant temperature regulation at a characteristic Curie point can be employed.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system incorporating power, data and analog signals into a single system, and suitable for use in a building is disclosed. A flat cable containing various conductors can be positioned within the walls of the structure and a common receptacle can be employed to provide a common outlet for power and signal. The mateable plug also containing power and signal terminals is engageable with the receptacle. Shiftable doors for environmental protection are located on the exterior of the receptacle. The doors provide both guidance for the plug into the receptacle and engage the exterior of the plug to ensure that one door fully closes prior to the other.