Fixtures Coupling Or Mounting Means Patents (Class 174/61)
  • Patent number: 8097806
    Abstract: An electrical outlet box assembly includes an electrical outlet box and a cable protector. The outlet box includes a box interior for accommodating an electrical fixture and an electrical cable terminated to the fixture. The outlet box includes a mounting tab having a threaded aperture therethrough. The mounting screws are insertable through the aperture of the mounting tab. The cable protector is positioned adjacent the mounting tab for separating the mounting screw from the interior of the box for preventing contact between the mounting screw and the cable terminated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Lalancette, Yves Boucher, Ian Rubin de la Borbolla
  • 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: 8058570
    Abstract: A mounting tray for a supporting and electrical component relative to an opening in a wall can include a rear wall that defines an opening. A side wall can extend outwardly from the rear wall and collectively define a pocket with the rear wall. An outer flange can extend around the side wall from a first location at the side wall to a second location at an outer perimeter. The outer flange can slope at a non-orthogonal angle from the first location to the second location. The outer perimeter of the outer flange can be offset inboard of the opening in the wall in an installed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Denis Solan
  • 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: 7973516
    Abstract: Methods and devices for connecting a current source to a target storage device via a transmission cable extendable and/or retractable via a conduit that may be repositioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Aerovironment, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Joseph Flack
  • 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: 7956284
    Abstract: An in-ceiling cabling enclosure for supporting communications network equipment and cables interconnecting the network equipment including a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls extending between the front wall and the rear wall creating a volume inside the enclosure. An access door assembly is pivotally connected to either the rear wall or the two side walls. The access door assembly pivots through an arc of ninety degrees between a first position opening the enclosure and a second position closing the enclosure. An equipment mount plate is attached to an interior portion of the access door assembly, and opposed equipment mount rails are removably attached to the equipment mount plate. The equipment mount rails are adapted to receive the network equipment and to secure the network equipment to the access door assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Rey Bravo, Brett A. Swett, Mark A. Vogel
  • Patent number: 7939769
    Abstract: Contemplated device, assembly and methods include a sensor feed through assembly that protects and seals a set of wires. The assembly has a body, a first seal, a second seal and a cover. The wires thread through a first opening on the body through a second opening of the first seal and exit orthogonally between the first seal and the second seal. The cover tightens the entire assembly and secures the wires between the two seals. The entire unit can be coupled to other pressurized vessels under different temperatures and pressurized environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Jetseal, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Douglas Hudlet, Rex Reum
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110048759
    Abstract: A mounting assembly and method are provided for mounting an electrical fixture to a ceiling structure. The mounting assembly includes a mounting plate and a cover plate overlying the mounting plate. The mounting plate includes a plurality of strengthening ribs and a plurality of fastener holes for receiving fasteners to mount the mounting plate directly to the ceiling support structure. The mounting plate has a dimension to overlie the support structure and a portion of an electrical box mounted adjacent the support structure to define an open area of the electrical box. Mounting bolts extend downwardly from the mounting plate for attaching to a bracket which supports an electrical fixture such as a ceiling fan. The mounting bolts and the bracket supporting the electrical fixture are cantilevered with respect to the ceiling support. The mounting assembly can be used as a retrofit and mounted over an existing ceiling substrate with screws that can pass through the ceiling substrate into the ceiling support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. KORCZ, Mahran H. AYRTON
  • 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: 7888597
    Abstract: A fixture box for a light fixture or the like is disclosed. An input port accessible from the exterior of the housing is provided to receive and terminate an incoming electrical power source cable. An output port accessible from the exterior of the housing is also provided to provide electrical power to another fixture. A light fixture port accessible from the interior of the housing provides an electrical connection between the incoming power and the light fixture. Enclosed hot, neutral and ground buss portions are provided to make electrical connections and provide electrical power between the input port to the output port and to the fixture port. The fixture box also lowers labor costs due to the quick termination of the Q-CEB to the snap in connection at the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Aslan Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Charles A. Libby, II, Robert A. Libby, Kyle Mason, David E. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 7881678
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a radio frequency (RF) device for communicating on a wireless network. The device includes an antenna coupled to an RF circuit. The device further includes a body housing the RF circuit and the antenna. The device yet further includes a support member extending from the body. The support member is configured to be coupled to an object. The support member is prevented from moving laterally and vertically relative to the object when coupled to the object. The support member and body are configured to allow the body and the antenna to rotate about an axis when the support member is prevented from moving laterally and vertically relative to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Thomas Menden, Timothy Gamroth, Jerel Scott Jamieson
  • Publication number: 20110005800
    Abstract: An assembly includes a mud ring and a detachable cover. The mud ring includes a planar surface including slots for mounting the mud ring to a utility box. The mud ring also includes a raised portion comprising side walls and end walls, the raised portion being elevated with respect to the planar surface. The detachable cover is connected to the raised portion by at least one hinged mechanism, the hinged mechanism being configured to be broken away from the mud ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Joey D. Magno, JR.
  • Patent number: 7850556
    Abstract: In a bicycle equipped with front derailleur and rear derailleur controlled each by a corresponding electrical actuator, there is provided an intermediate connecting unit, mounted underneath the crank case of the bicycle, having an input and two outputs connected to the two electrical actuators of the derailleurs. The connections can be permanent or detachable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 7842884
    Abstract: A device and method for mounting electrical boxes (1) in preexisting drywall (4) using a mounting bracket (3). To use, a holding wire (14) having a stop (15) on one end is placed through a screw hole (9) of a cover (2) which is attached the electrical box. Then the electrical box and cover are placed sideways through a wall hole (7) in the drywall. Next the electrical box is lowered behind the wall so that conduit (8) may be connected to the electrical box. Then a mounting bracket (3) is secured to the cover and electrical box with holding clips (11) and screws (12) using the holding wire to keep the mounting bracket and cover centered with the wall hole. A standard switch or outlet cover may then be installed to cover the mounting bracket. An additional novel feature of the present invention is a stop strap (17) which may be attached to conduit above a top plate (10) of a wall to bold the conduit in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Richard A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100288526
    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: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Mark H. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7816604
    Abstract: A recessed low voltage mounting assembly including a low voltage mounting bracket and a trim plate for installing a low voltage electrical component in either old work or new construction. Two options are provided for mounting the assembly to the wall. In new construction, two captive fasteners in the mounting bracket are available to be driven into a stud or other framework of the building. In an old work situation, rotatable flags are provided for securing the assembly to the wall. Adjustment screws for rotating and tightening the flags are accessible through apertures in the trim plate. The assembly recesses the low voltage component behind the wall surface, thereby enabling placement of low voltage devices in close proximity to the wall and mounting assembly. A second embodiment provides a one-piece version of the low voltage mounting assembly in which the trim plate is integral with the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7795533
    Abstract: An in-ceiling cabling enclosure for supporting communications network equipment and cables interconnecting the network equipment including a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls extending between the front wall and the rear wall creating a volume inside the enclosure. An access door assembly is pivotally connected to either the rear wall or the two side walls. An equipment mount plate is attached to an interior portion of the access door assembly, and opposed equipment mount rails are removably attached to the equipment mount plate. A cable slack management tray extends between the opposed equipment mount rails, and the slack management tray has a surface adapted to support and maintain the position and the contour of cable bundles located in the enclosure. A thermal management system is also disposed in the housing to provide efficient exhaust of hot air generated by active equipment in the enclosure to the space outside of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Rey Bravo, Brett A. Swett, Mark A. Vogel
  • Patent number: 7786379
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for connecting a housing of an electrical fixture to an electrical junction box, in which a plate attached to the housing includes a locking member having an engager at a first end moveable relative to the plate between a first position and a second position. A locking post adapted for connecting to an electrical junction box includes a receiver for engaging the engager. The locking post secures the housing to the electrical junction box upon moving the locking member to the second position to engage the engager with the receiver of the locking post. A method of attaching a housing for an electrical fixture to an electrical junction box is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Gardenia Industrial Limited
    Inventors: Allan Kwong, Chen Xiao Chen
  • Patent number: 7723613
    Abstract: An enclosure (302), an electronic device (300) that includes the enclosure, and a method (600) for forming the enclosure. The enclosure can include a first enclosure portion (304) and a second enclosure portion (306). The first enclosure portion can include a first wall (410), which can include a first side (412) and at least a second side (414). In one arrangement, an angle (?) between the first side and the second side is not greater than 70°. The second enclosure portion can include a second wall (420), which can include a third side (422) and at least a fourth side (424). In one arrangement, an angle between the third side and the fourth side is not greater than 70°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Slipy, Kevin D. Page
  • Patent number: 7689088
    Abstract: A wall mount chassis includes circuitry for telecommunications signals. The chassis includes a rear wall mountable to a vertical wall, and first and second sides. Each side includes a hinged cover. Each cover includes an access window for viewing an opposite side of the cover. On one side of the chassis is positioned signal converter cards for converting between optical and electrical signals. On an opposite side of the chassis are positioned one or more electrical power cards providing an access location for power to the circuitry. A CPU card can also be provided on the same side as the power card. An interior of the chassis includes a back plane positioned between the converter cards and the power and CPU cards wherein the back plane is perpendicular to the converter cards and power and CPU cards. A cable spool is positioned adjacent one of the sides for cable management. Cable clips are provided for securably retaining one or more cables adjacent each of the first and second sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon P. Clark, Loren J. Mattson
  • Publication number: 20100065296
    Abstract: An electrical outlet box assembly includes an electrical outlet box and a cable protector. The outlet box includes a box interior for accommodating an electrical fixture and an electrical cable terminated to the fixture. The outlet box includes a mounting tab having a threaded aperture therethrough. The mounting screws are insertable through the aperture of the mounting tab. The cable protector is positioned adjacent the mounting tab for separating the mounting screw from the interior of the box for preventing contact between the mounting screw and the cable terminated therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Lalancette, Yves Boucher, Ian Rubin de la Borbolla
  • Publication number: 20100044065
    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: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7667137
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting an electrical outlet box on studs. A longitudinal strip is provided with a first end and a second end. The strip has a first double 90° bend offset which is located a first predetermined distance from the first end. A second double 90° bend is offset a second predetermined distance from the second end of the strip. A bendable planar sheet extends from the longitudinal strip and has a main body and a protrusion formed at its distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Donald Beckman
  • Patent number: 7667136
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-cutting electrical outlet box. The electrical outlet box is self cutting, allowing the box to be installed through an existing building surface. The box includes teeth or cutting members to assist in self-cutting. The box also includes features to assist in placement and securement of the box to a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Charles E. Whipple
  • Publication number: 20100032181
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an installation construction for an electrical box which comprises a mounting fastener and a mounting aperture on an electrical box; the mounting fastener is of a thin fastener shape with a defined thickness, and is disposed with a construction for securing onto a wall face; the mounting aperture is located on a bottom face of the electrical box, and has a depth dimension which corresponds with the thickness of the mounting fastener, and a transverse cross-sectional shape and dimension which correspond with a transverse cross section of the mounting fastener; an interlocking construction is disposed between the mounting fastener and the mounting aperture, the electrical box can be secured in place by directly inserting the mounting aperture to the mounting fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: BEIJING HAILIN AUTO CONTROL EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhijun Zhang, Haiqing Li
  • Patent number: 7640699
    Abstract: There is provided a flashing panel mount adapted for an air conditioning unit which is located about an exterior of a building. The panel mount features a generally rigid panel that is attachable to the building. The panel mount further features a hood member which extends outward from the panel. A plurality of panel apertures is formed through the hood member and is configured to extend through the panel. Each of the panel apertures are sized and configured to accommodate a respective one of the air conditioning lines extending from within the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: William J. Gilleran
  • Patent number: 7622671
    Abstract: A junction block includes attaching brackets projected from the upper wall and lower wall of a block body. The block body is attached to a body panel through the attaching brackets. The attaching bracket to be pulled is provided with a recess 15b and/or a hole 15a for inducing rupture. When a wire harness derived from the block body is pulled in a vehicle width direction during recovery of the junction block, the block body is ruptured-separated from the attaching bracket at the recess 15b and/or hole 15c. In such a configuration, the block body can be rupture-separated only during recovery of a junction box body without being ruptured-separated owing to vibration/shock during vehicle running to improve recovery workability and recycling property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Yamamoto, Masatoshi Egawa
  • Patent number: 7622674
    Abstract: A wire harness leading-out opening is provided at a junction between an electric connection box and a bottom surface cover which constitute an electric connection box. A cylindrical wire harness leading-out guide is provided on the periphery of the wire harness leading-out opening, and is formed in a way that the both circumferential ends of a half-cylindrical body formed on the electric connection box and a half-cylindrical body formed on the bottom surface cover are coupled to each other. In the inner circumference of a circumferential junction between the peripheral walls of the two half-cylindrical bodies, a concave portion is provided to accommodate a loose portion of an armoring member wrapped around the outer circumference of the wire harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Kanamaru, Makoto Nakayama, Tarou Inoue
  • Patent number: 7595447
    Abstract: In a dual-sided mounting bracket for electrical junction boxes, wherein the mounting bracket comprises first and second stud coupling members and first and second junction box receiving members adjacent the respective stud coupling members, and an offset portion interposed between the first and second junction box receiving sections, and wherein each junction box receiving section has two expansive sides and two lengthwise extending edges and is adapted for mounting an electrical junction box or electrical junction boxes to a given one of the expansive sides of such junction box receiving section, each junction box receiving section has two flanges, each extending along a given one of the lengthwise extending edges of such junction box receiving section and projecting from the other one of the expansive sides of such junction box receiving section, so as to project away from an electrical junction box or electrical junction boxes mounted to the given one of the expansive sides of such junction box receiving s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Peter A. Vrame
  • Patent number: 7592542
    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: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Fabworks, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph R. Gerardo
  • Patent number: 7576285
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular wall plate system accommodating N-wiring devices within a wall box. N is an integer greater than or equal to one (1). The system includes a left-end cap configured to be mounted to an exterior portion of a left most wiring device of the N-wiring devices disposed in the wall box, the left-end cap including a left-end cap finish surface. A right-end cap is configured to be mounted to an exterior portion of a right most wiring device of the N-wiring devices disposed in the wall box, the right-end cap including a right-end cap finish surface. N-1 alignment couplers are disposed between each of the N-wiring devices. The N-1 alignment couplers are configured to align adjacent ones of the N-wiring devices at least in two-dimensions. Each of the N-1 alignment couplers includes a coupler finish surface. N-wall plates are configured to cover each of the N-wiring devices. Each of the N-wall plates includes a wall plate finish surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald R. Savicki, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090166053
    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: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joey D. Magno, JR., Andrew C. Cole, James Michael Baker
  • Patent number: 7531744
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring box that includes a wiring device interface portion having a substantially planar member configured to accommodate a structural member on a first side and a rim portion extending from a perimeter of the planar member from a second side thereof to form an enclosed volume. The rim portion has a rim width approximately equal to a width of a sheet of drywall. The wiring device interface portion also includes a plurality of fastener apertures. A fastener storage structure includes a plurality of fastener storage holders extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first side of the planar member. The fastener storage holders and the planar member are configured to accommodate the structural member therebetween. Each fastener storage holder includes a fastener holder opening accessible from the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Rohmer
  • Publication number: 20090025954
    Abstract: A switchgear cabinet including covering parts and at least one cabinet door mounted on a cabinet carcass by hinges and having a door frame including two vertical profiled elements and two horizontal profiled elements as well as corner pieces joining the profiled elements. In order to simplify the structure and assembly of the switchgear cabinet, hinge receptacles on which the hinges are mounted are supplied on or in the corner pieces of the same side of the door frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Stock, Juan Gutierrez, Sven Michael Laurosch, Marc Hartel
  • Publication number: 20090025953
    Abstract: An electrical box is disclosed, wherein the electrical box includes a mounting system that facilitates a repositioning of the electrical box on a mounting structure without a complete removal of fastening devices from the mounting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: W.P. Troder
  • Patent number: 7476802
    Abstract: A programmable logic controller or programmable automation controller assembly that can be used in harsh environments. A plurality of user-configurable housings are used to accommodate a customer's desired functionality design. A two-board design is featured to enable electronics in the controller assembly. The two-board design includes an active board that houses a majority of electrical components in the controller assembly, and a wiring hub that is used for wiring terminations. A mechanism is provided for a field-removable labeling system that withstands harsh environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Fairmont Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Cane, Brian M. Callahan, James R. Iocca, Steve D. DiBona, Andres Lebaudy
  • Patent number: 7449632
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a wall switch with a current control safety module, includes a bottom seat, a triple-conductors assembly, a press-button assembly, a top cover, and a current control safety module. The current control safety module is structurally independent of other parts of the switch and operates via a fuse with a pre-set safety current threshold. The current control safety module makes an open circuit via a blown fuse when the current goes beyond the pre-set threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Huei Fa Wang
  • Patent number: 7439443
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for an electrical box that includes: a base plate having substantially planar top and bottom surfaces, a first side, a second side, a first end, a second end, a plurality of mounting screw apertures and an opening for receiving an electrical box; a first flange and a second flange connected to the first and second sides, respectively, of the base plate by a first flange neck and a second flange neck, wherein each flange has a top and a bottom flange surface, wherein the flange necks extend from the top surface of the base plate; a wall connected to the first end having a substantially flat outer wall surface and a pair of opposing ends, wherein the wall extends from the bottom surface of the base plate; and a tab connected to each opposing end of the wall, wherein the tabs are substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7435902
    Abstract: An electric meter base bracket apparatus and system. Embodiments include a meter bracket installed between studs of a dwelling or structure. The bracket includes several holes to install the bracket to the studs as well as feed-through holes for wiring to the dwelling. Bolts are included on the bracket to attach directly to the meter base. A hole can be cut through the siding so that the meter base and the bracket can connect. An alternative embodiment of the meter base bracket includes a pair of L-brackets that can be co-arranged to form an upper bracket and an additional pair of L-brackets arranged generally parallel to the first pair forming a lower bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Edward Thornton, Mickey Eugene Britain
  • Publication number: 20080223598
    Abstract: A communications enclosure apparatus for use in a power line communications network, including a box, the box including a connection mechanism to connect the box to a standard interface of an electricity device, and the box including a water proofing system to provide the communications enclosure with all environment functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Burd
  • Patent number: 7425680
    Abstract: A ceiling lamp junction box assembly is composed of a base and an outer shell combined of two half portions that interlockingly combine to enclose electronic components contained therein. In addition, a protective plate is placed in a recess defined in the bottom of the outer shell to protect the electronic components and the outer shell during installation of the junction box. A dovetail portion present on the outer surface of the outer shell combines with a slot defined in the base to help improve rotational stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Pynco, Inc.
    Inventors: James N. Seib, Anton Lepitsch, Anthony J. Parker
  • Patent number: 7394020
    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: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Fabworks, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph R. Gerardo
  • Patent number: 7381892
    Abstract: An electrical outlet box and/or assembly is attachable to the wall stud. The assembly in one embodiment includes an outlet box having a perimetrical side wall, a back wall and open front face defining a box interior. The assembly may also include a communications frame or a ceiling light box. A mounting bracket is integrally formed with the box and extends from the side wall. The mounting bracket includes, integrally formed therewith, an attachment structure for directly securing the bracket to the stud and positionally fixing the bracket without the use of additional securement hardware. The bracket may be a U-shaped member having a planar face abutting the face of the stud and a pair of spaced apart arms extending therefrom for engagement with opposite sides of the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, John Charles Archer
  • Patent number: 7361833
    Abstract: A pan-style electrical outlet box used to secure an electrical fixture such as a light or a ceiling fan to a ceiling joist. This shallow box has a generally planar back wall bounded by a perimeter sidewall extending therefrom. Also extending from the back wall but in an opposite direction are a plurality of mounting brackets that form a joist receiving channel therebetween. Each mounting bracket is integrally molded with the box and is also configured with at least one joist engaging device so as to engage the joist and hence temporarily hold the box thereto. This permits the installer to use both hands when subsequently permanently affixing the box to the joist, such as via the fasteners supplied with the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7351910
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly adapted to receive two different types of fasteners, such as screws and nails. The electrical box assembly has a base with an outer edge. A wall extends outwardly from the outer edge of the base that forms a cavity therein. A first fastener support on the wall is adapted to receive a first fastener. A second fastener support on the wall is adapted to receive a second fastener, wherein the first and second fasteners are different types of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Francesco Magisano, Rocco Di Serio
  • Patent number: 7315458
    Abstract: A fixing mechanism for functional extension cards is disclosed, which can be fixed by fixing bolt thereof to the mechanical frame of a computer system having at least a first positioning hole and a second positioning hole, and to a bayonet board of the functional extension card. The fixing mechanism includes a fixing body, a spindle hole, a fixing portion, an operating portion and a first restricting portion. The body is installed on the frame by the fixing bolt to resolve the problems of the functional extension card slanting and loosening from the frame by the restriction effects respectively provided by the first restricting portion and second restricting portion of the body. The present invention is easy to operate and install to enable the functional extension card to be easily assembled into and disassembled from an extension slot of a computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Linger Lin
  • Patent number: 7312395
    Abstract: An adjustable electrical outlet box assembly for mounting a duplex receptacle or similar electrical device within a wall. The adjustable box assembly includes a metal outlet box and a bracket that can slide 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 the stud it is secured to and thereby adjust the face of the outlet box so that it is substantially flush with the wall surface. The bracket portion of the adjustable box assembly, which may be simply stamped and formed from sheet metal, provides a front plate for securing to the front of a stud and a side plate having widely spaced 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7307214
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for securing an electrical fixture to a ceiling in an airtight fit. The mounting assembly includes a pair of box members connected by a bridge. A flange is provided coplanar with the bridge and extending outward transversely around the periphery of the box members. A channel is provided between the bridge and box members and mounting fasteners are frictionally held within temporary storage receptacles in the mounting assembly. The mounting fasteners are removed from the temporary storage receptacles and secured through the bridge to secure the mounting assembly to the beam. The flange provides a sealing surface for sealing against air infiltration around the periphery of the electrical box. Duct seal may be applied around the periphery of the cables at the knockout areas to provide an airtight seal for the electrical cables entering the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz