Adjustable Patents (Class 174/57)
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Patent number: 11881695Abstract: A one-piece injection molded plastic electrical box. The box has an integrated lid which is connected to the body of the box via a living hinge, also formed during the molding process. Four slots on either of four walls allow wires to enter the box from all sides. These openings have doors are designed to bend down, allowing space for the wires to be inserted. Once all wires are placed within the box, the top lid is closed and latched. The bent opening doors act as clamps to secure the wires by applying pressure to the wires as those doors attempt to bend back to their original orientation. This box may be installed without requiring power to be cut off to the splice connection.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2021Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Inventors: Dale J. Crook, Richard G. Brull
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Patent number: 11846820Abstract: A fiber optic telecommunications device (2302/2402/2502) includes a first fiber optic connection location (2308) defined on the telecommunications device (2302/2402/2502), wherein a plurality of optical fibers (2307) extends into the telecommunications device (2302/2402/2502) from the first fiber optic connection location (2308). A plurality of second fiber optic connection locations (2309) are movably disposed on the telecommunications device (2302/2402/2502). A flexible substrate (2306/2506) is positioned between the first fiber optic connection location (2308) and the plurality of second fiber optic connection locations (2309), the flexible substrate (2306/2506) rigidly supporting the plurality of optical fibers (2307) and relaying the plurality of fibers (2307) from the first fiber optic connection location (2308) to each of the second fiber optic connection locations (2309).Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBAInventors: Johan Geens, Kristof Vastmans, Pieter Vermeulen, Eric Marcel M. Keustermans
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Patent number: 11757269Abstract: A junction box, comprising a housing having an open top and a closed bottom, a cover, arranged to secure to the open top of the housing, a flexible casing having four side members arranged to sealably surround the housing, an outwardly extending shelf fixedly secured to an outside surface of the four side members of the flexible casing, and, a flexible rim fixedly secured to a top surface of the shelf forming a pair of oppositely arranged V-shaped channels on a bottom surface of the shelf.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Inventor: Tyler Uebelhoer
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Patent number: 11258243Abstract: A vapor barrier cover for installation to an electrical box in the rough-in phase of construction. The vapor barrier cover includes a flange with an opening having an inner periphery and a body extending from the inner periphery of the flange. The body includes walls extending to a front edge. A front wall extending from the front edge includes a front opening and a rearward extending wing. Installation of the vapor barrier cover enables inspection and testing for air-tightness around the periphery of the electrical box prior to the final phase of construction and without the need for a gasket.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 11201457Abstract: A combined flashing and electrical junction box system includes an enclosure subsystem and an expanse subsystem. Preferably, the enclosure subsystem and said expanse subsystem are both fireproof and waterproof.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Inventor: Michael S. Wiese
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Patent number: 11189996Abstract: A distribution box for cables, the distribution box comprising a plurality of modules arranged in a stacked relationship along a longitudinal direction, the plurality of modules comprising: a base module having an inlet port for receiving one or more cables, a cap module, one or more distribution modules arranged between the base module and the cap module, each distribution module having one or more outlet ports. Attachment members are formed on each module for attaching longitudinally the stacked modules, a retaining element is provided and configured to act on the base module and the cap module to mutually urge the stacked modules along the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: PRYSMIAN S.P.A.Inventors: Nathan Paddick, Luigi Russo
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Patent number: 11088516Abstract: A self-leveling floor mounted electrical outlet assembly may include a cylindrical housing with a threaded inner surface. A mounting frame may be rotatably coupled to the threaded inner surface of the cylindrical housing to adjustably position the mounting frame within the housing and provide for a rough elevation adjustment of an electrical receptacle or wiring device. The mounting frame may further comprise a first portion or outer disk comprising an edge mateably coupled with the threaded inner surface of the cylindrical housing, and a second portion or yoke support comprising at least one threaded fastener extending from the second portion to the threaded opening, the at least one threaded fastener coupled to the threaded opening to adjustably position the second portion with respect to the first portion and configured to provide for a fine elevation adjustment. A wiring device may be coupled to the second portion of the mounting frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2019Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Inventor: Jeffrey P. Baldwin
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Patent number: 11075509Abstract: An electrical box including a flange produced utilizing a 2-shot molding process and provided as a unitary structure. The flange has a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface are substantially co-planar, spaced apart, and generally parallel to a plane defined by an open end of the electrical box when the electrical box is installed into a corresponding wall structure. The flange is self-supporting and flexible to accommodate dimensional and alignment irregularities in a mounting surface. Each of a plurality of knock outs formed in the electrical box has a slit formed therein that retains passed-through cables, as well as closes and returns to an original undisturbed position when the cables are removed to maintain substantially air tight conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: ALLIED MOULDED PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Steven Hughey, Zackery Walk
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Patent number: 11025044Abstract: An electrical floor box includes a body having an open top and defining an interior therewithin, a cover flange configured to be mounted on the open top of the body, a cover assembly connected to the cover flange such that it is repositionable between open and closed positions, and a light source assembly arranged within the electrical floor box. The light source assembly includes a magnet attached to a bottom surface of the cover assembly, a magnet reed switch installed on the cover flange, a LED light electrically connected to the magnetic reed switch, and a wiring tunnel configured to hold the LED light therewithin. When the cover assembly is in the open position, the magnet disengages with the magnet reed switch such that the LED light illuminates the interior of the electrical floor box.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Thomas & Betts International LLCInventors: Robert Kevin Jolly, Gregory Richards
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Patent number: 11011897Abstract: An adjustable junction box is provided that allows a technician to selectively adjust the distance between an outer surface of the junction box and an outer surface of a stud to which the junction box is interconnected. A selectively-removable cover is also provided that allows an outlet, for example, to be interconnected to a power supply and later removed for inspection.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2020Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Inventor: Monte R. Losaw
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Patent number: 10955096Abstract: An electrical connector pipe is adapted for structural applications in theater, television and entertainment industries. The connector pipe includes a rigid tubular enclosure defining a hollow continuous internal wireway receiving electrical wiring within an inside diameter of the enclosure, and having a substantially uniform outside diameter between opposite ends of the enclosure. At least one outlet pocket is formed in a side wall of the enclosure. A connector adapter plate is located in the outlet pocket, and extends within the inside diameter of the enclosure. At least one output connector is carried by the connector adapter plate, and resides within the inside diameter of the enclosure with external access provided through the outlet pocket.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: The Light Source, Inc.Inventor: Eric E. Von Fange
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Patent number: 10923889Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method for ganging a plurality of wall mounted control devices, such as keypads. Particularly, an assembly of ganged control devices is provided comprising a pair of adjacently positioned control devices each adapted to control at least one function of at least one associated load. Each control device comprises a housing assembly and at least one button attached to the housing assembly. The housing assembly comprises a pair of oppositely disposed side surfaces each comprising a pair of vertically aligned recesses. Each recess comprises a tapered inner side wall. The assembly further comprises an alignment plate comprising a vertical wall adapted to be positioned in between the pair of control devices and a pair of vertically aligned tabs traversely extending from oppositely disposed side surfaces of the vertical wall. Each tab comprises a tapered outer side wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Crestron Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Stan Wisniewski
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Patent number: 10916926Abstract: Disclosed is a fireproof airtight electrical box. The disclosed fireproof airtight electrical box includes a metal gang box to which is attached a sealing mechanism which will allow the gang box device to form at least a hermetic, preferably air-tight, seal within a larger structure, while at the same time being suitable for use within such a structure because of the stiffness, strength, and at least fire resistant qualities.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2019Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Inventor: Warren W. Jones
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Patent number: 10862286Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring system having a frame assembly that includes a frame opening at a central portion thereof. The frame opening provides access to the interior of the device wall box. At least one electrical wiring device is configured to snap into the frame opening such that the interior of the device wall box is completely enclosed by the frame assembly and the at least one electrical wiring device such that access to wiring disposed within the device wall box is substantially prevented. The at least one electrical wiring device includes at least one user-interface. An aesthetic overlay may be coupled to the frame assembly. The aesthetic overlay includes an overlay opening configured to accommodate the at least one user-interface such that the at least one user-interface is accessible to a user.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.Inventors: Richard M. Rohmer, Francois Bardot, Alain Barruche, Jean-Luc Chaumeny, Anthony Lochet
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Patent number: 10855066Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable mounting assembly for mounting an electrical module relative to a supporting surface. The assembly comprises: mounting means adapted for embedded anchorage relative to the supporting surface; a holder having an aperture for receiving and holding the electrical module, the holder being adapted for moveable engagement with the mounting means to facilitate adjustment of a position of the electrical module relative to the supporting surface; and fastening means for fastening the holder to the mounting means, the fastening means being accessible for unfastening and refastening via the aperture to facilitate re-adjustment of the position of the electrical module relative to the supporting surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: ZETR PTY LTDInventors: Garth Elliott, Matthias Pittner
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Patent number: 10770876Abstract: An electrical connection box includes an outer box and an inner box to be accommodated in the outer box. The outer box includes an outer box body, a first lock portion to lock the inner box and a ground member to be electrically connected to a ground conductor, the ground member including a first ground contact portion provided at or adjacent to the first lock portion. The inner box includes an inner box body, a second lock portion to be engaged with the first lock portion, a ground circuit element to which the circuit base is connected to ground the circuit base and a contact conductor electrically connected to the ground circuit element, the contact conductor including a second ground contact portion to be electrically connected to the first ground contact portion when the first lock portion and the second lock portion are engaged with each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2019Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventors: Naoyuki Yoshida, Jin Watanabe, Shoya Shinogaya
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Patent number: 10749322Abstract: An in-use cover for an electrical junction box, where the cover cap is selectively attachable to and removable from the base plate through sliding engagement of channels on the perimeter of the base plate and ledges on the perimeter of the cover cap. The cover cap defines a hollow interior that overlays one or more component ports in the base plate when attached to the base plate. The cover cap has a bottom cut-out configured to accommodate plugs or other electrical components connected to the electrical junction box. The base plate has a bottom ledge configured to engage the bottom cut-out. When the cover cap is fully engaged in the base plate, the hollow interior and any electrical components contained therein are effectively sealed from intrusion of most moisture.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Inventor: Nate Mullen
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Patent number: 10622794Abstract: Assemblies are disclosed that allow a driver to be mounted in association with an electrical gang box. In one embodiment, the gang box has an opening in a bottom panel. The driver has a flange that is larger than the opening and a body that is smaller than the opening. The driver is inserted through the opening so that the flange rests on the interior surface of the bottom panel with at least a majority of the body of the driver extending outside of the gang box. In another embodiment, the gang box has an opening in a side or rear panel and an adapter mounts the driver outside of the gang box. These assemblies allow for the use of low-voltage and other types of electrical components while leaving space in the gang box for conventional electrical elements, such as switches and dimmers.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2019Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Elemental LED, Inc.Inventors: Randall Holleschau, Adam L. Pruitt, Daniel South
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Patent number: 10581232Abstract: A universal ring and plate assembly is disclosed for use with an electrical or utility box. The universal ring and plate design can achieve any finish wall thickness by stacking plates and securing them to the universal ring, even after the drywall, tile, stone and/or other wall materials have been installed. The universal ring and plate simplifies the current installation process, eliminates the need for the multiple different depth rings, and accommodates all changes to the finished wall thickness by the owner, architect or builder, without having to tear down portions of the finished wall.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2019Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: D. Peterson Construction Co., Inc.Inventor: David Peterson
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Patent number: 10404046Abstract: A connection box for a system of an aircraft is provided, which includes a plurality of connection boxes, with a holder for holding a line connector for the supply of the system of the aircraft, wherein the system includes, in addition to this connection box, a further connection box with a holder for holding a line connector for the supply of the system of the aircraft. The connection box is configured to receive the further connection box in such a way that both connection boxes can be mounted under an opening in the floor of the aircraft so that both connection boxes are accessible from the opposite side of the floor through the opening in the floor.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventors: Benjamin Klotz, Sebastian Scheffler, Olaf Gläsker, Malte Fürstenberg, Zoltan Czudar, Ines Dittmann, Bernd Kazmeier, Anja Wessels
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Patent number: 10348075Abstract: The invention described herein is a fire protection device in the form of an insert designed to be quickly installed in new or existing electrical boxes located in firewalls. This insert is comprised of a material designed to withstand high direct heat and serve as a barrier to the passage of direct heat or smoke and gases through firewalls rated under ASTM E-119. The insert features a flanged open end which overlaps any gaps between the existing electrical box and the wall. The back wall of the insert box may have either openings to permit wires to pass through to the electrical device or a plug-harness assembly which obviates the use of holes in the back of the insert box.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Fireblok IP Holdings, LLC.Inventor: Elmer Algin Rose
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Patent number: 10256614Abstract: An adjustable mud ring assembly is provided that includes a base plate, a movable ring, and an indexing screw configured to move the movable ring with respect to the base plate between a first position and a second position. The base plate has a junction box connecting portion, a support connecting portion, and a stationary ring. The base plate can have an offset distance (D2) between the junction box connecting portion and the support connecting portion where the offset distance is sufficient to allow the movable ring to move into stationary ring to the first position without protruding, at a lowermost point, into a junction box connected to the junction box connecting portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Krzysztof Wojceich Korcz, Steven James Johnson
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Patent number: 10054293Abstract: A light fixture includes a housing enclosing a light source. The housing defines an opening therethrough. A plug, which is receivable within the opening, includes a face having a central knockout portion. A perimeter of the knockout portion defines an opening size smaller than an opening size of the opening. According to alternative configurations, the plug may be removed from the opening or only the knockout portion may be removed from the plug while leaving a remainder of the plug in the opening. As such, different sized openings through the light fixture housing may be provided for installation of various light fixture accessories.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: RAB Lighting Inc.Inventors: Vincenzo Guercio, Wengang Gao
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Patent number: 10027099Abstract: The present invention is a square to octagon adapter for a square electrical junction box.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Inventor: Barton L. Garvin
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Patent number: 9912134Abstract: A floor box assembly includes a floor box and at least one retainer coupled to the floor box. The floor box includes an outer wall extending along a longitudinal axis, and the outer wall includes a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be coupled to an electrical receptacle. The floor box is configured to receive at least one cable in electrical communication with the receptacle. The at least one retainer permits the floor box to be inserted into a hole in a first direction along the longitudinal axis and secures the floor box against movement in a second direction opposite the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Joseph V. DeBartolo, Sorin I. Mortun, Emircan M. Dumani
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Patent number: 9755385Abstract: An electrical receptacle assembly, comprising a housing including a back, a plurality of sides, and a front opening; a face plate attached to the housing; a support flange attached to the housing; at least one electrical outlet attached to one of the plurality of sides; a connection member attached to the back, the connection member including a plurality of openings; and a securing member for releasable engagement with the connection member, the securing member including an engagement tab and an opening for a fastener The electrical receptacle assembly can be secured to a supporting surface in an open position by a combination of fasteners and the securing member.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2016Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Group Dekko, Inc.Inventor: Shawn J. Kondas
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Patent number: 9673597Abstract: An enclosure such as an electrical junction box has fixed clamping flanges exterior to the enclosure, screws rotatable relative to the enclosure and operative for drawing clamping brackets from an initial elevated position towards the clamping flanges for clamping the edges of an opening cut in drywall or the like, thereby to fasten the enclosure inside a wall or ceiling. The clamping brackets are initially retracted in the enclosure and rotation of the screws releases the brackets to an extended clamping position relative to the clamping flanges.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: DMF Inc.Inventor: Nathan Lee
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Patent number: 9648766Abstract: A junction box includes a main body in which circuit components are installed, a lower cover configured to cover a lower portion of the main body, one or more sockets installed on a lower surface of the main body, one or more connectors installed in the lower cover and configured to be coupled to the sockets, a single coupling bolt installed in the main body, and a single coupling nut installed in the lower cover and threadedly coupled to the coupling bolt. When rotationally operating the single coupling bolt, the main body is configured to move up or down with respect to the lower cover so that the sockets are coupled to or decoupled from the connectors while making up/down movement with respect to the connectors.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2016Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: YOUNG HWA TECH CO., LTDInventors: Jun Hyong Eom, Myoung Sung Baek
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Patent number: 9618984Abstract: An electromagnetic (EMC) shielding system includes a bezel and a sleeve. The bezel includes an exterior opening aligned with an accessible computer enclosure component. The sleeve includes a shoulder portion in contact with the exterior of the bezel, a flange portion protruding into the interior of the bezel through the exterior opening, and a tunnel portion extending through the shoulder portion and flange portion. The accessible computer enclosure component generally is positioned within the tunnel portion. An EMC shielding method includes inserting the sleeve into an exterior opening of the computer enclosure bezel and installing the bezel to a computer enclosure such that the accessible component is positioned within the tunnel portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Matthew A. Butterbaugh, Eric A. Eckberg, Camillo Sassano, Kevin L. Schultz
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Patent number: 9609763Abstract: The present invention refers to a housing with a locking structure to connect a first housing part (12) with a second housing part (14). The locking structure comprises a flexible snap member (38) extending from the first housing part over an inner wall portion of the second housing part and is provided with a first engaging portion (44). The inner wall portion of the second housing part is provided with a second engaging portion (60). The first and second engaging portions forming a snap fit connection to be released by lifting said snap member from the inner wall portion. A release tool (70) is arranged on or above the bottom of said second housing part to be slidable towards the snap member. The snap member is further provided with a receiving portion being formed to catch the tip (76) of said release tool in a locked manner when the release tool is pushed into the receiving portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventor: Kaljopa Gerst
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Patent number: 9583924Abstract: An electrical box includes a housing having at least one aperture formed in an exterior surface thereof for providing access to a hollow interior of the electrical box. A cover formed from a resilient material is configured to extend over and conceal the at least one aperture. The cover includes one of an opening or a scored portion for creating an opening formed in an outer surface of the cover. The opening is configured to receive an electrical wire and portions of the cover forming the opening are configured to resiliently constrict about the electrical wire to prevent a flow of fluid through the opening and to secure a position of the electrical wire within the opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: ALLIED MOULDED PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: David L. Thornton, Thomas L. Elberson, Evan J. Geno
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Patent number: 9578748Abstract: In an embodiment, set forth by way of example and not limitation, an ambient energy powered electronic gasket includes an insulating gasket body adapted to engage a surface of a powered device, and an electronic circuit enclosed within the gasket body including a DC power supply powered by an ambient energy source related to the powered device with which it is engaged. The ambient energy source can be an AC power source, electromagnetic energy, mechanical, heat, chemical, fluid flow, etc., by way of non-limiting examples.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2013Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: ALPHA AND OMEGA, INC.Inventors: Donna Marie Auguste, David Edward Hayes, Klaus Dimmler
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Patent number: 9553438Abstract: An adjustable mud ring assembly is provided that includes a base plate, a movable ring, and an indexing screw configured to move the movable ring with respect to the base plate between a first position and a second position. The base plate has a junction box connecting portion, a support connecting portion, and a stationary ring. The base plate can have an offset distance (D2) between the junction box connecting portion and the support connecting portion where the offset distance is sufficient to allow the movable ring to move into stationary ring to the first position without protruding, at a lowermost point, into a junction box connected to the junction box connecting portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: HUBBELL INCORPORATEDInventors: Krzysztof Wojceich Korcz, Steve James Johnson
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Patent number: 9536686Abstract: A cover for switch is capable of mounting a frame thereon. A protruding portion, which protrudes from a mounting surface on which the frame is to be mounted, is provided with switch operation portions in the front face of the protruding portion. A first wall part, a second wall part and a third wall part are provided upright on the mounting surface, and have a first hole, a second hole and a third hole, through which projecting portions provided in the frame are inserted, respectively. A first raised claw and a second raised claw are provided on a protruding side positioned opposite to the first wall part and the third wall part, for the purpose of fastening a decorative cover for covering the switch operation portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventor: Taku Haraguchi
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Patent number: 9461390Abstract: An externally accessible component in an electronic device is described. The component may be installed within an enclosure without being properly aligned with an opening of the enclosure. A tool external to the electronic device may be inserted into the component and into a rear member located behind the component. The tool may actuate the rear member in a manner that actuates the component to move in a direction toward the opening, in order to align the component with the opening. A method of aligning the component is also described.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Matthew W. Blum, Stephen V. Jayanathan
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Patent number: 9362729Abstract: The present invention is directed to a weatherproof electrical box for protecting an electrical connection from the elements. The electrical box includes a housing comprising four side walls and a base forming an interior space, a pivotal cover that latches onto the housing, a circumferential flange extending outwardly from the upper end of the housing, and an outer flange. The outer flange can be releasably attached to corrugations on the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: PLY GEM INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: John M. Wade, Brent A. Dilonardo
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Patent number: 9318888Abstract: A through wall electrical device including a high voltage electrical box having a rear surface and a low voltage electrical box, an electrical receptacle or an electrical plug having a rear wall and positioned in the high voltage electrical box, and wherein the rear wall extends beyond the rear surface of the high voltage box.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Inventors: Jeffrey Baldwin, John Klein, Ryan Liebengood
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Patent number: 9258919Abstract: The invention described herein is a fire protection device in the form of an insert designed to be quickly installed in new or existing electrical boxes located in firewalls. This insert is comprised of a material designed to withstand high direct heat and serve as a barrier to the passage of direct heat or smoke and gases through firewalls rated under ASTM E-119. The insert features a flanged open end which overlaps any gaps between the existing electrical box and the wall. The back wall of the insert box may have either openings to permit wires to pass through to the electrical device or a plug-harness assembly which obviates the use of holes in the back of the insert box.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2014Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Inventor: Elmer Rose
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Patent number: 9231390Abstract: An expandable electrical enclosure system is presented where expansion collars can be serially added to an existing base box to increase the dimension of the enclosure in only the Z direction. A removable cover can be disconnected and connected as each expansion collar is added.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: ASCO Power Technologies, L.P.Inventor: Andrew L. Gardiner
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Patent number: 9136653Abstract: Power outlets adapted for installation within an enclosure are provided. Power outlets are provided having a safety interlock adapted to prevent the creation of a hazardous condition within the enclosure as a result of the continued operation of an electrical device within the enclosed space. The safety interlock may include current limiting circuitry and hardware, hazard sensing devices interconnected with such current limiting circuitry and hardware or other circuit breaker switches, and combinations of such safety interlocks. The power outlets may also be adapted for installation within a movable enclosure, such as, for example, a drawer.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2014Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: JTECH SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventor: J. Scott Dickey
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Patent number: 9018525Abstract: Systems and methods for providing electrical wiring devices having off-center installation capabilities are described. An electrical wiring device has at least one elongated mounting hole for accepting a mounting fastener in more than one location. For example, an electrical wiring device such as a single-gang, double 15A outlet device may have an installation ear at each of the upper and lower ends of the device, wherein each of the installation ears contains an elongate hole for accepting a fastener such as a screw in more than one position. Additionally, each installation ear includes include markings adjacent to the elongate holes to mark installation positions such as left, center and right that facilitate off-center installation.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventor: Marcus J. Shotey
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Patent number: 8975519Abstract: An electrical box assembly includes an electrical box and a primary bracket. The primary bracket includes a first end panel for securing to a first surface of a stud; a second end panel for securing to a second surface of the stud and in a substantially parallel orientation to the first end panel; and mounting panel, joined to a first surface of the electrical box and located between the first end panel and the second end panel, the mounting panel having a length corresponding to a first stud depth. The primary bracket also includes an adaptation panel, between the mounting panel and the rear panel, having a length corresponding to a difference between the first stud depth and a second larger stud depth. The adaptation panel is selectively manipulated to position the front panel and the rear panel to accommodate either the first stud depth or the second stud depth.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Lalancette, Marc-Antoine Veillette, Yves Boucher
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Patent number: 8963001Abstract: An electrical device cover assembly configured for mounting over an electrical device is described. The electrical device cover assembly comprises a base comprising an opening large enough to receive an electrical device. A lid comprising a lid face, a lid ring, and an expansion section between the lid face and the lid ring, the lid coupled to the base and comprising an inside surface and an expansion section, the expansion section expandable from a first depth to a second depth at least twice as deep as the first depth is provided. An expansion arm moveable between a first collapsed position when the expansion section is at its first depth and an second expanded position when the expansion section is at its second depth, wherein in the second position the expansion arm is in contact with and supports the lid at its second depth is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Kenneth C. Booth, Miguel Chapa, Bradley Fulghum
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Patent number: 8912439Abstract: An electrical outlet box installation in which there is no exposed cover plate, only the operative portion of the electrical component is visible at the wall surface. The operative portion of the component may be an electrical outlet, jack, switch, knob, or light, for example. The body of the electrical component is housed within the outlet box, also referred to as a junction box, with the open side of the outlet box being covered by a plate assembly having an opening that closely surrounds the operative portion of the component. The surface of the plate assembly is covered with wallboard mud, or other wall finishing material, which is blended into the surrounding surface of the wall so that only the operative portion of the component is exposed. The wall covering may also be paneling, stone, tile or similar materials.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Bocci Design & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Omer Arbel
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Patent number: 8907214Abstract: A method and structure of a system of electrical boxes including differing patterns of interference structures, such as ribs and/or grooves, to prevent identical boxes from being nested but permit non-identical boxes from being nested for more space-efficient storage of electrical boxes.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn
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Patent number: 8901419Abstract: A rising receptacle box assembly includes a receptacle assembly for housing receptacles and jacks. The receptacle assembly can move between a lowered position and a raised position. In the raised position, the receptacle assembly is substantially level with a work surface on which the rising receptacle box assembly is supported, so that the receptacles and jacks are easily accessible. In the lowered position, the receptacle assembly is lowered beneath the work surface so that inserted plugs and connectors are stowed away in a recess below the work surface. Raising and lowering of the receptacle assembly can be coupled to the opening and closing of a lid of the rising receptacle box assembly. The lid may include one or more cutouts so that cables associated with inserted plugs and connectors can pass through when the receptacle assembly moves to the lowered position.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: The Wiremold CompanyInventor: Marc Galasso
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Patent number: 8802983Abstract: A signal interface includes a support structure having a pivotally supported cover and side wings. A latching mechanism is provided to secure the cover to the side wings in both stowed and deployed positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Christopher Clifton, Dean Jones, Philip Mitchell, David Myers, James Pruett
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Patent number: 8785774Abstract: An electrical outlet box assembly for mounting an electrical device within a wall or floor. The assembly includes an outlet box, a sliding bracket, and a brace. The brace is mounted between two studs in a wall or joists in a floor. The outlet box may be positioned at almost any point along the length of the brace. Further, an adjustment screw, accessible from the front of the box, is integrated with the sliding bracket and outlet box such that rotation of the screw adjusts the location of the outlet box in relation to the sliding bracket. This adjustment permits a user to adjust the position of the outlet box so that it is substantially flush with the wall or floor surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 8736106Abstract: A mechanical outlet system is connected to an incoming power source through power entry cables. The cables connect to cable connectors which, in turn, connect to junction blocks. The junction blocks receive outlet receptacle blocks. The receptacle blocks can be of varying types of sockets, without requiring electrical modifications to the junction blocks.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Randell E. Pate, Timothy J. Warwick
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Patent number: 8710368Abstract: An adjustable box extender allows an electrical device to be aligned with a dry wall face. The adjustable box extender includes a fixed ring attached to an electrical box and an adjustable ring adjustably attached to the fixed ring. The adjustable ring includes rectangular top and bottom open back pockets. Rectangular blocks reside inside each pocket. Adjusting screws are held by the adjustable ring with screw heads exposed on the face of the adjustable ring, neither advancing nor retreating with respect to the adjustable ring, and free to rotate with respect to the adjustable ring. The screws engage threads in the blocks and advance and retreat the block out of and into the pockets when the screws are turned, thereby extending the adjustable ring away from the fixed ring to adjust for dry wall thickness. Electrical device screws sandwich the adjustable ring between the electrical device and the fixed ring.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Inventors: Bruce G. Phillips, Guy Hansen