Adjustable Patents (Class 174/57)
  • Patent number: 8592682
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Kenneth C. Booth, Miguel Chapa, Bradley Fulghum
  • Patent number: 8536454
    Abstract: A housing system for covering a receptacle mounted on a board includes a base, a first flap and a second flap. Each of the first and second flaps has a proximal end, a distal end and an intermediate portion between the proximal and distal ends. Each of the first and second flaps is mounted to the first and second opposing walls of the base such that each of the first and second flaps pivotally moves about a connection point with each of the first and second opposing sidewalls at the proximal end of each of the first and second flaps, between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the intermediate portions of each of the first and second flaps are a first distance from each other and the distal ends of the first and second flaps are a second distance from each other. The second distance is greater than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Mingchang Wang, Qingqiang Guo
  • Patent number: 8477481
    Abstract: A ballast for a florescent or HID lamp includes a housing enclosing florescent or HID lamp ballast electronic components; a plurality of lead wire extending from a side of the housing; and a ballast plate mounted to a housing lower side. The ballast plate is shaped as a planar member having ballast plate sidewalls and includes an adapter plate bottom opening disposed on the ballast plate; and a retainer retaining the ballast plate to the housing. The retainer is secured to the ballast plate, and the ballast plate directs the wire from the side of the housing through the adapter plate bottom opening. An adapter plate front opening is formed on the ballast plate and receives the plurality of lead wire extending from the side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventors: Kanghong Zhang, Brandon Yuan
  • Patent number: 8471145
    Abstract: A terminal box has a box body that has a shape of a box having an opening on one surface, has a body-side hinge structure on an end thereof, and accommodates therein an output-cable connecting unit, and a cover that has a cover-side hinge structure forming a hinge structure with the body-side hinge structure, that is pivotally supported by the hinge structure an end thereof so as to pivotally open or close the opening of the box body. The hinge structure has an attitude holding structure that holds an attitude of the cover at a position where the cover is at a predetermined angle with respect to the box body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Issei Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8450609
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Christopher Clifton, Dean L. Jones, Philip S. Mitchell, David Myers, James M. Pruett
  • Patent number: 8389855
    Abstract: A system for mounting a pair of signal-receiving devices recessed within a building surface includes a base housing having an inner chamber and positionable behind a building surface and/or furniture surface. A front has a first opening, and a wall has a second and third opening. A secondary housing is positionable adjacent the base housing and has an interior space. A first aperture is positionable in communication with the second opening. A second aperture is positioned in spaced relation from the base housing's wall. A first signal receiver is positionable within the interior space and is connectable to a first signal carrier. A second signal receiver is positionable within the inner chamber and has a second connector positionable adjacent the third opening and connectable to a second signal carrier. A base housing cover plate is positioned to cover at least a part of the base housing first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Gary Dean Plankell
  • Patent number: 8378213
    Abstract: A support bracket article for enabling the adjustable positioning of an electrical box enclosure relative to the bottom of a framing member, and the supporting thereof in an interior wall section of a wall system under construction. The article is able to guide the adjustable positioning of the electrical box enclosure. It is also able to accommodate the supporting and adjustable positioning of the electrical box enclosure in a variety of framing studs and wall systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fabworks, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph R. Gerardo, Steven Lee Purves
  • Patent number: 8347491
    Abstract: An adjustably mounting electrical device with one or more fixed yokes located perpendicularly to a face of the electrical device, one or more moveable yokes located perpendicularly to the face of the electrical device, and one or more adjustment screws inserted through the one or more fixed yokes and threaded into the one or more moveable yokes, the one or more adjustment screws capable of moving the one or more moveable yokes perpendicularly to the face of the electrical device. The system may comprise mounting flanges that may have threaded hubs or the system may further comprise an electric device having front and back shells moveable on a track in response to depression of a button allowing for movement of the back shell so that the electric device may be mounted having its front face coplanar with a front wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn, Nathaniel A. Falendysz, Marcus J. Shotey
  • Patent number: 8350154
    Abstract: A wall plate comprising a housing defining a wall plate perimeter, a pair of mounting members integral to the housing, at least one mounting flange having an aperture and being removably secured to the pair of mounting members, and a mounting screw for securing an electrical device to the at least one mounting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael J. Shotey
  • Patent number: 8324503
    Abstract: A home theatre cable and cord organizing apparatus including a cable and cord storage compartment having a mounting flange, a power strip receiving port, a removably attachable access plate composed of a material to which paint will adhere, and a plurality of mounting clips. The mounting flange in cooperation with the mounting clips allow for easy installation once an appropriately sized hole is created. With the storage compartment secured in place, the user has an opening from which to access and manage all necessary connection cables and power cords. Once all connections are made, the access plate can be removably attached to the storage compartment providing an aesthetic concealment of the connection cables and power cords until the user needs access at a later time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Pastoriza, Daniel Lozano
  • Patent number: 8295036
    Abstract: An expandable power and data center (300) is adapted to be mounted within a slot (304) of a work surface (302). The power and data center (300) includes a stationary housing (306) and a carriage (328). The carriage (328) includes socket areas where power receptacles (338) and data ports (340) can be inserted. A top surface (330) of the carriage (328) and a top surface (350) of a frontal cover (348) form a pressure area (360). With the carriage in a closed position (328), a user can exert a downward pressure on the pressure area (360), causing the carriage (328) to move to an open position. A damper (368) restricts the speed at which the carriage (328) moves between the closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Norman R. Byrne
  • Patent number: 8288651
    Abstract: A weatherproof power inlet box and mating plug wherein the inlet box and mating plug are asymmetrical, positively latched and include more robust elements and a visual indicator of the status of the interconnect. Also included is a thermostat that trips to prevent overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth Smith
  • Patent number: 8283562
    Abstract: An electrical interface assembly configured to be supported within a wall of a mobile structure. The electrical interface assembly includes a frame having spaced apart inner and outer supports. Panels including electrical connectors are removably supported by the inner and outer supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Christopher Clifton, Dean L. Jones, Philip S. Mitchell, David Myers, James M. Pruett
  • Patent number: 8253016
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn
  • Patent number: 8242364
    Abstract: Implementations of an electrical cover plate assemblies feature a frame having at least one adapter plate recess in a finished surface, the adapter plate recess comprising an electrical device aperture and at least one adapter coupling aperture through the frame such that the electrical device aperture is recessed with respect to the finished surface, at least one adapter plate configured to couple directly to the frame, and a door hingedly coupled to the adapter plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Richard L. Cleghorn, Jeffrey P. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 8193445
    Abstract: A safety shutter for a power receptacle includes two identical sliding blocks engaged with each other and two biasing members. Each sliding block has a base and a platform extending from the base with a slanted surface. The slanted surfaces are disposed below the holes of the receptacle. The biasing members are helical torsion springs disposed at the end of the sliding blocks. The platform of each sliding block is disposed above the base of the other sliding block so the shutter normally blocks access to the conductors inside the receptacle. When two prongs of a plug are inserted into both holes, the prongs push on both slanted surfaces, causing the shutter to open. When a foreign object is inserted into only one hole, only one sliding block is moved by the foreign object and the base of the other sliding block still blocks access to the conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Bingham McCutchen LLP
    Inventor: Cheng-li Li
  • Patent number: 8193444
    Abstract: A conduit box includes a first rear wall and a second rear wall spaced apart form the first rear wall to form a stair-stepped rear wall of the conduit box. The conduit box also includes a top wall, bottom wall, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The top and bottom walls have a substantial ā€œLā€-shape. The second sidewall has a length that is greater than the length of the first sidewall. The conduit box also include a rear sidewall extending from the first rear wall to the second rear wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Big Sky Eight, LLC
    Inventor: Lee Michael Rodenberg
  • Patent number: 8110742
    Abstract: A temporary protective cover for an electrical box having an open front end. In some embodiments of the invention, the cover is constructed for attachment directly to a circular type electrical box and includes a circular plate of plastic having a pair of flexible wings for use in securing the cover to the electrical box and a pair of punch-outs for use in securing the cover to the electrical box. In some other embodiments of the invention the cover is constructed for attachment to a circular plaster ring which can be attached to a commercial type circular electrical box and include a pair of flexible wings for use in securing the cover to the plaster ring and a pair of punch-outs for use in securing the cover to the plaster ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Carlo Compagnone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8084687
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly is provided for enabling an electrical box to be rapidly installed into a metal framework that supports an interior wall of a building. The assembly includes a supporting member which is attached to the metal framework, and an electrical box of square design having paired outwardly directed flanges. The flanges are positioned to fit into receiving brackets on the supporting member, thereby enabling the electrical box to engage the supporting member by a simple downward sliding motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: James P. Thurman
  • Patent number: 8076578
    Abstract: An adjustable outlet box assembly for mounting a receptacle or similar electrical device within a wall. The adjustable box includes an outlet box and a bracket that slides with respect to the box. An adjustment screw, accessible from the front of the assembly, can be rotated to move the box with respect to a stud to which the outlet box is secured thereby allowing adjustment of the outlet box face so that it is flush with the wall surface. The bracket provides a front plate for securing to the front of a stud and a side plate having ears for securing to the side of a stud. The adjustment screw engages straps that are bent outwards from the side plate to enable the bracket to slide with respect to the outlet box as well as a rearwardly located integral flange to which the adjustment screw is introduced upon tightening thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8076577
    Abstract: This invention pertains to an adjustable cover for an electrical outlet box. The cover is configured having a generally planar mounting plate with a collar surrounding an opening through this mounting plate. An extension sleeve moves within this opening and adjacent the collar. At least one fastener is located adjacent the opening and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The fastener operates a locking device that engages wedges against the extension sleeve when the fastener is in the locked position and disengages wedges against the extension sleeve when the fastener is in the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joey D. Mango, Jr., Andrew C. Cole, James Michael Baker
  • Patent number: 8071877
    Abstract: A box for accommodating an electric connection box is provided. The box includes a lower cover which has a plurality of walls for surrounding a space to accommodate the electric connection box toward a predetermined insertion direction, and an upper cover. The plurality of walls includes: a first wall which extends along the insertion direction; second and third walls which extend from the first wall in a direction intersecting the insertion direction and faces each other; a fourth wall which extends from the first, second and third walls at a deep side of the insertion direction so as to support the electric connection box; and a fifth wall which extends from the second and third walls along the insertion direction, and is substantially parallel to the first wall so as to press-sandwich the electric connection box by the first and fifth walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Nakayama, Shinichi Hamaguchi, Yutaka Sekiuchi
  • Patent number: 8063302
    Abstract: An electrical mounting device for securing an electrical component or fixture on a wall. The mounting device includes a front plate with an opening therein and a rearward extending portion surrounding the opening. The rearward extending portion may be in the form of a peripheral wall with an open back or a peripheral wall with a rear wall defining an enclosure therein. Bosses with oversize apertures are provided in the plate for accommodating mounting fasteners. Clamp arms are secured rigidly to the ends of the mounting fasteners. The peripheral wall is dimensioned slightly less than the diameter of a standard size hole-saw. The clamp arms can be adjusted to a retracted position for insertion on a wall or to an extended position for securing the electrical mounting device to a wall. The electrical mounting device significantly reduces the time required for mounting an electrical component on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8053671
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Kenneth C. Booth, Miguel Chapa, Bradley Fulghum
  • Patent number: 8044300
    Abstract: A two-gang low voltage bracket that enables rapid mounting of one or two low voltage electrical components to a wall. The two-gang bracket includes a front plate with an opening therein and a circular peripheral wall surrounding the opening and extending from the rear surface of the plate. Mounting fasteners extend through oversize holes in the plate and include clamp arms rigidly secured to their ends. The circular peripheral wall is of a diameter that is slightly less than the diameter of a standard size hole-saw. The clamp arms can be rotated to either a retracted or extended position. The peripheral wall is provided with open areas or recesses to fully accommodate the clamp arms when retracted thereby enabling the peripheral wall and clamp arms to pass easily within the wall opening created by the standard size hole-saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8013243
    Abstract: An adjustable depth cover plate assembly includes a top plate and an adjustable sleeve to compensate for different spacing between the outer surface of a wall and the front side of an electrical box. The adjustable cover plate is positioned on the electrical box with the end of the sleeve abutting the electrical box. Mounting screws of an electrical wiring device pass through an opening in the top plate of the cover plate into the electrical box whereby the cover plate is captured between the wiring device and the electrical box. The length of the sleeve of the cover plate is adjustable by providing frangible score lines or telescoping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Kenneth Moehle, Mahran Husain
  • Patent number: 7994436
    Abstract: A base unit suitable to improve easy exchangeability of a function unit in a dual wiring system is provided. The base unit is mounted in a wall surface of a structure, and connected to both of an electric power line and an information line previously installed in the structure. The base unit has a module port, which is detachably connected to a module connector of the function unit to simultaneously establish both of supplying the electric power from the base unit to the function unit, and making a signal transmission between the base unit and the function unit, thereby enabling the function unit to provide at least one of functions for supplying electric power from the electric power line, outputting information from the information line and inputting information into the information line when connected with the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Yamamoto, Takeshi Ueno, Kazufumi Oogi, Kenichi Yoneyama, Hideshi Hamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7956285
    Abstract: A floor stand is disclosed for mounting an electrical box at a location above a floor between two wall studs. The floor stand has an elongate sheet metal body and at least one mounting arm attached to the body. In one embodiment, the mounting arm is bendable from a position extending lengthwise of the body to a position in which it extends generally laterally outward from the body for attachment to one of the wall studs. In another embodiment, the two mounting arms are detachable from the body and re-attachable in the stated second position. An optional cable-containment section for connection to the box-mounting section of the floor stand is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Brandon Michael Tally, Andrew C. Kamm
  • Patent number: 7935886
    Abstract: An adjustable variable ring for electrical junction boxes including a base frame having a guide tab; a sliding insert having a box shaped frame, the sliding insert being configured to slide in and out of the base frame. A ratchet mechanism having a ratchet plate on the base frame including a plurality of steps, and a ratchet spring installed on an inner wall of the box shaped frame including an angled end tab and an angled mid tab protruding from the box shaped frame for engaging one or more of the plurality of steps. The sliding insert is configured to slide in and out of the base frame by disengaging the mid tab from the one or more of the steps by pressing on the end tab, and locks in the base frame by engaging the mid tab with the one or more of the steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Orbit Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Afshin Jafari
  • Patent number: 7923635
    Abstract: A mounting bracket is provided for supporting an electrical box to a support structure. The mounting bracket includes a mounting base for coupling to the electrical box, and a body member extending perpendicular to the mounting base and extending against the back wall of the electrical box. The body member includes a support member and extension member that can be folded outwardly from the back wall of the electrical box to contact an opposing wall and support the electrical box. In another embodiment, the mounting bracket includes a front plate with a central opening for receiving an electrical box and a pair of extension members that extend in a rearward direction with respect to the electrical box. The support members can include an extension member that can be folded outwardly to contact an opposing wall surface to support the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Steven J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7915528
    Abstract: A weatherproof outlet enclosure is provided for connections between a number of electrical outlets and various electric loads comprising: at least one rectangular slider plate for replacing existing receptacle face plate in a gentle sliding way; a base plate for mating with a predetermined number of the slider plates which lock into place by a single click stop, and a cover having a hinged attachment to one of the side walls of the base plate and a latching connection with an opposite location of the side walls from the hinged attachment, the cover in its a lower latched position enclosing the electrical outlets leaving passages for up to four cords leading from the electric loads connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Wenzhou MTLC Electric Appliances Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lidong Ni
  • Patent number: 7902457
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for supporting an electrical box or other electrical device to a wall stud is adapted to contact an opposing wall to resist movement of the bracket. The bracket includes a front plate and a support plate extending perpendicular to the front plate and having a length to engage the opposing wall. The extension plate is integrally formed with the support plate and can be folded to an outward extended position to increase the effective length of the stabilizing plate to accommodate wall cavities of different depths. The extension plate includes fold lines so that an end portion can be bent to shorten the effective length of the extension plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7897869
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling over a standard electrical wall outlet for providing a handy and neatly stored retractable extension cord disposed in such apparatus. Such apparatus further includes a regular outlet disposed on a cover portion of the apparatus. Such apparatus mounts closely adjacent such standard wall outlet. The retractable extension cord assembly has a twist lock receptacle that can be used with compatible electrical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Timothy L. St. Clair
  • Patent number: 7897870
    Abstract: A cable routing assembly for rapidly providing a portal for routing cables through a wall. The assembly includes a low voltage bracket and a scoop member. Rotatable flags are provided on the low voltage bracket to enable rapid mounting to the wall. The scoop member includes a cover plate and a shield with a cable opening therein projecting from one side of the cover plate. A fastening arrangement is provided to enable rapid securing of the scoop to the low voltage bracket and the wall. The assembly provides several mounting options for providing an attractive cable portal in a wall. The cover plate can be mounted to the low voltage bracket with the shield projecting outward from the wall or inward through the low voltage bracket and can be rotated to position the cable opening upward or downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7880086
    Abstract: A convertible electrical device cover including a base and an adapter coupled as an assembly and configured to accommodate an electrical device. When the convertible electrical device cover is placed in an operative position over the electrical device the adapter may be located between the electrical device and a rear of the base. In particular implementations, a portion of the adapter may be located behind the yoke of the electrical device. The adapter may be movably coupled to the base. A method for installing a convertible electrical device cover is also disclosed including placing the convertible electrical device cover in an operative position over an electrical device so that an adapter may be located between the electrical device and a rear of a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 7878357
    Abstract: A case is formed with a box main body and a cover. This box includes a locking member for keeping the box main body and the cover attached to each other, and a pair of temporarily locking members for absorbing a rattle generated between the box main body and the cover. The locking member is mounted on the center of a sidewall of the case. The temporarily locking members are mounted on both ends of the sidewall between which the locking member is interposed. The temporarily locking members are temporarily locked together simultaneously with an engagement of the locking member, and unlocked by bending the sidewall when the locking member is disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masaoki Yoshida, Hiroyuki Sahara, Manabu Matsumoto, Akihiro Fuseya
  • Patent number: 7858878
    Abstract: The present invention includes a housing for hanging or mounting a wire and a device in a corner between two walls of a building. The housing includes an angular back plate. The angular back plate is bifurcated at an acute angle and the backplate further includes an angular raised portion which is similarly bifurcated at an acute angle and positioned in mating relation with the angular back plate. The raised portion is recessed from top, bottom and side edges of the angular back plate. The raised portion has planar front portions in angular relation to each other and enclosing the raised portion. The back plate is mounted to a corner defined by the wall frames using back plate holes. The angular raised portion mates with a building material affixed to the building wall frame. One of the planar front portions of the angular raised portion defines a hole for passing the wire therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Garavuso, James Michael Dodd, Tom Babich
  • Patent number: 7847199
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a poke-through assembly for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defines a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The poke-through assembly includes at least one intumescent member, a base plate and an intumescent enclosure. The intumescent member is disposed at least partially between the floor of the first working environment and the ceiling of the second working environment. The base plate supports and is disposed below the intumescent member for limiting the expansion of the intumescent member toward or into the second working environment. The intumescent cover supports the intumescent member and circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the intumescent member, wherein expansion of the intumescent member is impeded by the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Robert K. Jolly
  • Patent number: 7817405
    Abstract: The portable electrical distribution enclosure is a chassis made of anodized aluminum. The chassis has a bottom panel and two side panels. The two side panels extend parallel to each other and at right angles from the bottom panel, making the chassis rectangular. The enclosure further includes high density polyethylene front and rear panels with legs extending below the bottom panel. The front and rear legs insure that the chassis is off the ground to permit air to flow under the chassis and into vents to cool the chassis during use of the portable electrical distribution enclosure. There is also a high density polyethylene top with at least one handle. The high density polyethylene can withstand high impacts or collateral damage from surrounding environment, weather, or marine applications. Additionally, it is lightweight and nonconductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventors: Barry Neumann, Carmelo Balbi
  • Patent number: 7804026
    Abstract: An enclosure for wiring devices such as switches and receptacles is provided. A housing member has a main front chamber, a main rear chamber and a central dividing wall separating the front chamber from the rear chamber. The housing has an open front leading to the front chamber. The rear chamber is divided into a plurality of electrical feed ports through which electrical power is provided to and may be taken from the enclosure. The feed ports each have an open back providing access to the ports but not to the main front chamber. A front plate member sized to completely cover and seal the open front of said front chamber is permanently attached to the housing to make a fully enclosed factory sealed enclosure in the front chamber. The front chamber contains a wiring device. Hot, neutral and ground busses extend between and interconnect the feed ports. These busses have segments extending through the dividing wall and connected to a wiring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Aslan Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Libby, Charles A. Libby, II, Kyle Mason, David E. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 7795544
    Abstract: An outlet box assembly for installation within a concrete floor, or any other type of poured flooring, includes a housing for accommodating a receptacle assembly with an electrical power and/or data receptacle as well as the wiring connected to the receptacle and the receptacle assembly has a self adjusting attachment ring that accommodates the tapered inner walls of the housing and the receptacle assembly accommodates either a standard electrical outlet or a multimedia outlet with connections for power and one or more of voice data and audio video data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: David M. Peck
  • Patent number: 7781675
    Abstract: A network cabinet is provided comprising a door comprising first and second opposing lateral sides. A hinge lever is rotatably connected to the door and a retractable hinge pin is connected to the hinge lever and is positioned closer to the first lateral side of the door than the second lateral side. A lever stop is also connected to the door and is associated with the hinge lever. The lever stop prevents retraction of the hinge pin from an extended position with the second lateral side of the door in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Samuel J Adducci, Jonathan D Walker, Brendan F Doorhy
  • Patent number: 7767905
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for power distribution improve and can standardize electrical connections between electrical cables and the multitude of electrical switches, receptacles, and fixtures of known technology. The invention can include modular hardware components such as junction boxes, electrical devices, adaptors, a/b switches, etc. that simplify both installation and inspection requirements at the job site. Optional color coding can facilitate proper wiring of the components. The invention allows field wiring to be completed more quickly and accurately thereby advantageously reducing associated costs and increasing safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Mark H. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7744407
    Abstract: Disclosed is a modular circuit system for use in a wiring system. The modular circuit system includes a circuit box and a fitting. The circuit box includes fitting prong receptacles that are in electrical communication with ground, neutral and hot wires from the wiring system. The fitting includes a plurality of prongs configured for insertion into the fitting prong receptacles of the circuit box. The insertion of the fitting prongs into the fitting prong receptacles places the fitting in electrical communication with circuit box. The modularity of the circuit box and fitting permit the exchange of various fittings into the circuit box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Blurton Jerry
  • Patent number: 7737360
    Abstract: An enclosure apparatus comprises a single receptacle comprising a patch member connected to electrical equipment in a remote location and at least one communication device. The communication device may comprise a microprocessor for processing data received from the electrical equipment in the remote location. The enclosure apparatus is often used in connection with building automation equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: James F. Wiemeyer, Jack D. Tison, Andrew J. Stroede, Scott R. Hartman
  • Patent number: 7718893
    Abstract: A power distribution system has an electrical box configured to attach a power cable, a plaster ring releasably mounted to the box and one or more electrical devices installed into the ring. A pre-wired ground extends from a first end physically and electrically connected to a ground terminal on the electrical device. The plaster ring is movable between a closed position proximate the box and an open position distal the box. The pre-wired ground is configured as a lanyard so as to support the plaster ring as a wiring platform in the open position for connecting wires between the power cable and the electrical device or devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: ProtectConnect
    Inventors: Steve Purves, Dennis L. Grudt, John Karns
  • Patent number: 7709733
    Abstract: A system for mounting a pair of signal-receiving devices recessed within a building surface includes a base housing having an inner chamber and positionable behind a building surface. A front has a first opening, and a wall has a second and third opening. A secondary housing is positionable adjacent the base housing and has an interior space. A first aperture is positionable in communication with the second opening. A second aperture is positioned in spaced relation from the base housing's wall. A first signal receiver is positionable within the interior space and is connectable to a first signal carrier. A second signal receiver is positionable within the inner chamber and has a second connector positionable adjacent the third opening and connectable to a second signal carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Dean Plankell
  • Publication number: 20100084155
    Abstract: An adjustable variable ring for electrical junction boxes including a base frame having a guide tab; a sliding insert having a box shaped frame, the sliding insert being configured to slide in and out of the base frame. A ratchet mechanism having a ratchet plate on the base frame including a plurality of steps, and a ratchet spring installed on an inner wall of the box shaped frame including an angled end tab and an angled mid tab protruding from the box shaped frame for engaging one or more of the plurality of steps. The sliding insert is configured to slide in and out of the base frame by disengaging the mid tab from the one or more of the steps by pressing on the end tab, and locks in the base frame by engaging the mid tab with the one or more of the steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Afshin Jafari
  • Patent number: 7683257
    Abstract: Implementations of an electrical cover plate assemblies feature a frame with a finished surface and at least one adapter plate recess in the finished surface. The adapter plate recess includes an electrical device aperture. An adapter plate couples with the frame at the adapter plate recess and is sized to fill the adapter plate recess substantially from its extents at least approximately to an edge of the electrical device aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Richard Cleghorn, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Edgar W. Maltby, Lincoln Jolley
  • Patent number: RE41661
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly including a box having a base wall perimetrically bounded by a sidewall extending therefrom forming a housing adapted to receive an electrical component. The sidewall having an upper portion and a flange extending outwardly in a transverse direction from the upper portion. An electrical component attachment point is disposed adjacent the sidewall upper portion and adapted for securing an electrical component to the box. The flange is perimetrically bounded by a collar extending outwardly therefrom. A securement device disposed on the box for securing the box to a support structure is provided. A frame is further provided which is in telescopic engagement with the collar and movable relative thereto. The frame has an abutment surface for abutting against a facing surface. An adjustment device is provided for moving the frame relative to the box and urges the abutment surface against the facing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh