Abstract: A power cord apparatus for remotely detecting excessive operational parameters in an alternating current (AC) powered machine (e.g., dehumidifiers, air conditioners, refrigerators, and Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines) is provided. The power cord apparatus includes a cooperative remote parametric sensing device (e.g., heat sensing, vibration transducer) in the vicinity of the electrically powered machine.

Abstract: A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) interrupts the flow of current through a pair of lines extending between a source of power and a load. The GFCI includes a circuit breaker, a relay circuit including a solenoid, a latch circuit, and a fault detecting circuit packaged in a circuit assembly. The GFCI is adaptable for a quick connect of a load input cord by a user, allowing for various configurations of cords to be utilized on site, the cord easily connected from the device being protected to the GFCI at the point of use. The GFCI circuit assembly includes a load input section having cable securement jaws for connection of the load input cable terminal ends.

Abstract: An electric plug includes an end block and a power cord. The end block includes a plurality of first connectors and the power cord includes a plurality of second connectors which correspond to the first connectors and detachably connected thereto. The first connectors and second connectors are electrically conductive. One or more first connectors are connected to the second connectors by press-fitting and are retained therewith by friction. Alternatively, the first connectors may be a terminal screw assembly and the second connectors are wires of the power cord.

Abstract: A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) printed circuit board (PCB) for interrupting the flow of current through a pair of lines extending between a source of power and a load. The GFCI PCB is easily adaptable to fit into a plurality of enclosure types having a plurality of load inputs operating off a single GFCI PCB. The GFCI PCB includes a stationary assembly having a load section, a GFCI circuit section, and a power source section, wherein the sections are adapted to minimize space, maintain arcing and dielectric prevention distances, and allow for peripheral load and source connections facilitating easy adaptability into a variety of GFCI enclosures.

Abstract: An electric plug includes an end block and a power cord. The end block includes a plurality of first connectors and the power cord includes a plurality of second connectors which correspond to the first connectors and detachably connected thereto. The first connectors and second connectors are electrically conductive. One or more first connectors are connected to the second connectors by press-fitting and are retained therewith by friction. Alternatively, the first connectors may be a terminal screw assembly and the second connectors are wires of the power cord.

Abstract: A fireguard circuit for a power cable, which comprises a power line, a neutral line and a metal sheath surrounding the power line and the neutral line, includes a switch located in one of the lines. A solenoid sets the switch in either an open position or a closed position. A first silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) causes the solenoid to open the switch upon detecting the presence of an arcing condition between the power line and the metal sheath. A second silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) causes the solenoid to open the switch upon detecting the presence of an arcing condition between the neutral line and the metal sheath. The second SCR is connected in parallel with the first SCR, the anode of the first SCR being connected to the cathode of the second SCR and the cathode of the first SCR being connected to the anode of the second SCR.

Abstract: A braided cord having a conductive foil made of aluminum or copper or similar good electrically conductive materials. The foil is wrapped around the line (hot) and neutral wires of a cord. Over the foil is the braid made of copper strands.

Abstract: A piezoelectric switch includes a piezoelectric element which is electrically connected to a printed circuit board by a pair of wires. A unitary plastic carrier is designed to retain both the piezoelectric element and the printed circuit board fixedly mounted thereon. In turn, the plastic carrier is sized and shaped to be co-axially disposed within the interior cavity of a generally cylindrically-shaped protective housing, wherein the plastic carrier is provided with at least one flexible finger which is configured to snap-fit into engagement within an annular groove formed in the inner surface of the housing so as to retain the carrier in place within the interior cavity. With the carrier fixed in place within the housing, an adhesive spacer disposes the piezoelectric element in contact with the inner surface of a touch plate provided in the housing.

Abstract: A power strip includes a power cord and a plastic casing mounted onto one end of the power cord. A plurality of outlets are disposed in the casing in a side-by-side relationship. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is disposed in the casing and electrically connects the power cord to each of the plurality of outlets. The GFCI is self-contained and modular in form and comprises an outlet-free housing and GFCI circuitry disposed within the outlet-free housing. The GFCI circuitry includes an indicator light, a test button and a reset button which fittingly protrude through corresponding openings formed in both the outlet-free housing and the insulated casing. In use, power cord delivers current to each of the plurality of outlets. However, GFCI serves to interrupt the flow of current from the power cord to each of the plurality of outlets upon detecting a ground fault condition in the power cord.

Abstract: A fireguard circuit for a power cable, which comprises a power line, a neutral line and a metal sheath surrounding the power line and the neutral line, includes a switch located in one of the lines. A solenoid sets the switch in either an open position or a closed position. A first silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) causes the solenoid to open the switch upon detecting the presence of an arcing condition between the power line and the metal sheath. A second silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) causes the solenoid to open the switch upon detecting the presence of an arcing condition between the neutral line and the metal sheath. The second SCR is connected in parallel with the first SCR, the anode of the first SCR being connected to the cathode of the second SCR and the cathode of the first SCR being connected to the anode of the second SCR.