Particular Electrical Wiring Feature Patents (Class 312/223.6)
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Patent number: 6848369Abstract: A workstation and a power and telecommunication arrangement therefor which together define a work area and, more specifically, to an improved workstation which includes a console supported on a worksurface or table and housing one or more electrical power receptacles and/or communication receptacles and the cabling associated therewith, and an elongate and flexible raceway assembly which provides an enclosed conduit for feeding power and communication cabling into and out of the console and which is capable of distributing such cabling along a series of interconnected workstations.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2000Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventors: Steven Jay King, Harold R. Wilson, Charles J. Saylor, X. Shawn Yu, Clifford Wayne Nelson, Robert Clare Wayner, Barry Lee Andersen, David E. Emery
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Patent number: 6817684Abstract: An accessory for fitting work station auxiliary components (14-19) below a work surface (13) which has at least one profile (12) adapted to be fixed below a work surface (13) wherein said profile (12) extends horizontally along the surface (13) and includes at least one attachment element (20-26) for joining the auxiliary components (14-19) to the profile (12), wherein the location of the auxiliary components (14-19) along said profile (12) is interchangeable, and wherein the profile (12) and the at least one attachment element (20-26) are joined using snap-engagement fasteners (28-30)Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Leonardo S.r.l.Inventor: Carlo Cattaneo
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Patent number: 6814417Abstract: A switchgear cabinet that has a frame stand with vertical frame profiles. According to this invention, a lateral casing is attached on at least one side of the frame stand to two vertical frame profiles that are assigned to the side. A mounting wall is arranged at a distance from the lateral casing while facing the interior of the switchgear cabinet. A cable installation space is formed between the mounting wall and the lateral casing, and the mounting wall is detachably fastened to the frame stand by retaining elements. This invention increases the number of possible ways of installing cables in a switchgear cabinet of this type. Thus, according to this invention the mounting wall is arranged between the vertical frame profiles of the side of the frame stand. An edge cable feedthrough is formed between at least one of the vertical sides of the mounting wall and the assigned vertical frame profile.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Rittal GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Marc Hartel
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Patent number: 6814009Abstract: A novel pillar is provided. The pillar having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, an outer skin, an extruded support structure disposed within the outer skin, with the support structure including multiple cells arranged along the longitudinal axis for support of longitudinal loads, and a tension bar disposed at least partially within the extruded support structure. The outer skin and extruded support may include structural plastic, and the extruded support structure may be separately insertable into the outer skin. However, in an alternative embodiment the outer skin and extruded support structure are co-extruded as a single monolithic piece.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Mario Acevedo, Hirokazu Goto, Brian Kim
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Patent number: 6811039Abstract: A detachable device of a cable management arm. The device includes a detachable plate, a bracket, and a retaining member combining with the cable management arm between a computer rack and a component drawer. The detachable plate includes engaging members integrally formed thereon. The bracket includes a positioning hole, and assembling holes adapted to receive the associated engaging members. The retaining member is pivotally mounted to the detachable plate. The retaining member includes a protrusion adapted to extend into the positioning hole of the bracket, and an elastic member adapted to maintain a retaining relationship with an assembled position or a disassembled position defined in the positioning hole of the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: King Slide Works Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ken-Ching Chen, Chun-Chiang Wang, I-Ming Tseng
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Publication number: 20040189157Abstract: An apparatus for retrofitting an enclosure with a cabinet for digital service access equipment allows digital access equipment disposed in the cabinet to be accessible for coupling to other equipment disposed in the enclosure. The apparatus comprises a bracket, a wireway, and a fastener. The bracket is configured to attach to a substantially vertical surface of the enclosure. The attachment of the bracket to the enclosure provides a support for the cabinet. The wireway enables an interior of the enclosure to be coupled to an interior of the cabinet if the cabinet is attached to the bracket. The fastener attaches the cabinet to the bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: Nokia Inc.Inventor: Russell D. Adams
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Patent number: 6795312Abstract: A circulation path, a radiator and a reserve tank which can remove air bubbles from the fluid passageway, constitute parts of a closed circulation path, and are formed by joining a flow path wall-forming radiation board on which curved surfaces as flow path walls are formed, with a flat plate-like flow path wall-forming radiation board as another curved surface by welding or the like. Therefore, the efficiency of heat exchange of a cooling apparatus for electronic equipment can be improved, removal of air bubbles from the flow passageway and reduction in size, weight and thickness is made possible without causing air lock.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Narakino, Kyo Niwatsukino, Kazuyuki Kasahara, Masashi Hirose, Yoshimitsu Aizono
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Patent number: 6792877Abstract: An electrical raceway assembly for use with a table-top structure. The raceway assembly includes an elongated raceway and a locking element. The locking element includes a first end detachably engaged to the raceway, and an opposite second end having a locking lever movable between a locked position for quickly engaging the raceway to the structure and a released position for quickly releasing the raceway from the structure. The elongated raceway has a length, a transverse base and a pair of opposite upstanding sidewalls extending along the length to define at least one open channel configured for retaining electrical wires. The raceway is engageable to the table-top structure in either a first position, wherein the raceway extends above the upper surface, or a second position, wherein the raceway extends beneath the lower surface. The raceway is further engageable in either a forward facing orientation or a reversed orientation.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Ditto Sales, Inc.Inventors: David R. Gutgsell, Scott Schwinghammer, Burton L. Siegal
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Patent number: 6788532Abstract: An apparatus (e.g. a portable computer) is provided which includes a peripheral device (e.g. a hard disk) and a bracket. The bracket maybe configured to rigidly attach the peripheral device to the apparatus. Further, the bracket may be configured to guide the peripheral device into electrical contact with the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Myeong Kyoo Yang, Joung Sea Park, Dong Joon Choi
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Patent number: 6768635Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a hidden keyboard, especially for small size electronic devices with a display screen (such as PDAs, mobile phones, etc), provides a keyboard coupling design to allow a retractable keyboard retreated and hidden inside a device body of the electronic device when not in use, and pulled out for data entry when in use.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Inventec Appliances Corp.Inventors: Cheng-Shing Lai, Hao Pan
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Patent number: 6754081Abstract: A friction hinge system for a laptop computer is provided. The system allows the computer display to move easily from a closed condition toward various operating angular positions while providing a greater torque for maintaining selected angular orientation. The system includes two or more bands wrapped in the same direction about a common shaft as well as a stop features for limiting the angle of rotation of each band relative to the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventors: Edward Rude, Yury Karfiol, Douglas Collins
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Patent number: 6752477Abstract: A work station that includes a mobile cabinet and a storage compartment. The storage compartment rests on top of the cabinet and is secured to the cabinet. The storage compartment projects beyond a periphery of the topside of the cabinet. The storage compartment includes a bottom, sidewalls and a lid. The bottom may be secured to the topside of the cabinet. The sidewalls extend upwardly from the bottom on three sides. The lid has a front from which extends a front side. The lid may be hinged to two opposing ones of the sidewalls and be swung between an open position and a closed position. Between the lid and the cabinet is a surface with an opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Systemax Inc.Inventor: Mark Goldberg
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Patent number: 6746502Abstract: An electronics assembly includes a chassis and a panel mounted on the chassis. The panel has an air filter on a surface of the panel which is retained in position on the panel by one or more retaining elements (80), for example plastics rivets, that can be operated to allow release of the air filter from the panel. The air filter can be changed very quickly during maintenance of the assembly without the need to switch the assembly off during changing of the air filter.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Andrew John Yair, John David Schnabel, Sean Conor Wrycraft, Stephen Paul Haworth
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Patent number: 6741474Abstract: An electrical device with a revolvable display panel. The electrical device comprises a housing, a guidance means, a sliding means, and a revolving means. The housing has a plurality of housing walls. One of the housing walls contains an opening. The guidance means is set inside the housing close to the opening. The sliding means is guided by the guidance means to slide into an inside position and an outside position of the housing. The revolving means has a display panel and is pivotally connected to the sliding means. When the sliding means is in the inside position, the sliding means with the display panel of the revolving means is situated inside the housing. When the sliding means slides into the outside position, the sliding means with the display panel is situated outside of the housing, thus the display panel can revolve to change an angle of the display panel.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Micro-Star Int'l Co., Ltd.Inventors: Po-Wen Hung, Te-Ming Hsu
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Patent number: 6732660Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a workstation kit includes a support column having a partially open end, an easily accessible interior cavity, and a number of openings in the column's outer surface allowing utilities to be run within the column to the workstation. The support column has a plurality of holes around its periphery allowing the easy addition of a variety of workstation components in a number of different configurations providing a workstation with high modularity. Another component of the workstation kit is a cap defined by a vertical cavity and attaching to a partially open end of the support column allowing utilities to be run into the column and additionally providing a handle. An accessory includes a retractable privacy screen which attaches to the column. Methods for reconfiguring a workstation kit and for wiring a workstation are provided. Additionally, methods for attaching and detaching a retractable privacy screen are provided. Finally, a method of moving a workstation is provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Paul Dame, Toren Orzeck
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Publication number: 20040075371Abstract: A display case assembly system includes several closed frame tubes, each closed frame tube including two closed frame tube longitudinal ends, at least one closed frame tube longitudinal end including a fastener receiving structure; several laterally breakable frame tubes, each breakable frame tube including a breakable frame tube mounting section having a fastener port; at least one fastener fitted through the fastener port in one of the mounting section and into one of the fastener receiving structures in one of the closed frame tube longitudinal ends, so that at least one breakable frame tube is fastened to one closed frame tube longitudinal end; a breakable frame tube cover section with snap engagement structures for snap engagement with the mounting section to form a composite tube concealing the at least one fastener; and a panel mounted and extending between the closed frame tube and the breakable frame tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2002Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventor: Jim S. Latchinian
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Publication number: 20040070319Abstract: A furniture unit such as a desk is provided with a slidably mounted storage drawer located under a work surface of the desk. The storage drawer is sized to support at least a laptop computer and a standard-sized alphanumeric computer keyboard. Additionally, a rear portion of the drawer supports a power and data module providing an AC power outlet and a phone and/or a data outlet for the computer. A front edge of the drawer folds down extending the drawer bottom and includes a wrist support pad for use with the computer keyboard. The furniture unit may also be supplied with a rotatable carousel storage unit located under the work surface, especially under the corner work surface of an L-shaped desk. The carousel storage unit includes one or more circular shelves rotatably mounted beneath the work surface and at least one pair of wire supports mounted to an protruding above each circular shelf. The wire supports provide lateral support for a row of books, binders and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventor: Grover L. Miller
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Patent number: 6712433Abstract: A workstation system includes, as a “core” element, a self-standing service trunk that can be used in association with free-standing desks placed adjacent the trunk, or desk structures that are physically connected to the trunk. The trunk has a top that provides a generally horizontal storage support surface above desk height, and the trunk incorporates power and communication cable troughs for delivering power and communication services from an input location on the trunk to an output location accessible from a desk associated with the trunk.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: TK Canada LimitedInventors: John Hellwig, Geoffrey Milligan, Steve Verbeek, Lorie Marangoni, Genadij Makarewicz, Terry Woodside, Stefano Lio, Zoran Baic, Jonathon Loudon, Dakota Kasdorf, Paul Kruger
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Publication number: 20040052047Abstract: The present invention relates to the efficient distribution of equipment for communication modules in a communication networking environment. Where a plurality communication devices serves a networking function, economy of cost and space are obtained by providing equipment and functionality for the individual computing devices from a centralized location such as a base station thereby enabling a simpler and less expensive design for the individual communication devices. The individual computing devices may thereby be made much smaller effecting savings in space at an Internet service provider location. Savings are also obtained by reducing the total number of components required and by reducing the total power consumption of the totality of the hardware in the network. Equipment most amenable to removal from the individual units and centralization in a base station include the main power supply, backup power supply, cooling fans.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventor: Kirk M. Bresniker
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Patent number: 6694566Abstract: This invention relates to a two-piece grommet adapted for holding a cable in an aperture, such as in a desk or work surface so as to absorb any strain imposed on the cable and to provide an attractive covering for the hole drilled to pass the cable. The grommet consists of two portions. The first portion comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a circular lip. The second portion comprises a cap having an extended flange and adapted to frictionally fit into the cylindrical sleeve and against the lip. The cap has an aperture cut into it through which the cable passes. A pivotal tab is connected under the cap to close the aperture when no cable passes therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Douglas A. J. Mockett
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Patent number: 6678155Abstract: The present invention relates to the efficient distribution of equipment for communication modules in a communication networking environment. Where a plurality communication devices serves a networking function, economy of cost and space are obtained by providing equipment and functionality for the individual computing devices from a centralized location such as a base station thereby enabling a simpler and less expensive design for the individual communication devices. The individual computing devices may thereby be made much smaller effecting savings in space at an Internet service provider location. Savings are also obtained by reducing the total number of components required and by reducing the total power consumption of the totality of the hardware in the network. Equipment most amenable to removal from the individual units and centralization in a base station include the main power supply, backup power supply, cooling fans.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1999Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventor: Kirk M. Bresniker
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Patent number: 6663199Abstract: A housing for devices to be disposed along trunking, projecting from a wall includes a frame which is attached to the wall to form the housing for the device, an opening along one side which adjoins the trunking and a canopy which extends from the frame in corresponding relationship with the opening to cover the trunking locally and transversely. The canopy has a mobile part provided with two parallel arms which are slidably mounted inside the frame so that the mobile part of the canopy can be located relative to the frame telescopically in a series of predefined stable positions corresponding to different widths of trunking.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignees: Legrand, Legrand SNCInventor: Yvon Buard
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Publication number: 20030226478Abstract: A modular structure for furniture includes a tubular post formed by a pair of channel-bars disposed so that one faces the other and secured to each other by a base plate and a cross-bar. A series of longitudinal grooves, namely internal grooves made in the inner walls of the channel-bars, and external grooves made on the outer walls of the channel-bars. A support leg extends diagonally from an upper part of the post and is connected to the post by means of a connection member engaging one of the external grooves of the post. The cross-bar is formed by a “U”-shaped bar with an open side turned upwards, so as to form a channel closed at top by a cover element. The base plate and the cross-bar are connected to the post by means of connection pegs engaging the internal groove of the post. A bracket for supporting a working surface is fastened at bottom of the cross-bar by a clamp. A pair of counter-facing sides are joined to the post with a snap fit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Applicant: METAL WORK S.r.l.Inventor: Bruno Nicoletti
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Patent number: 6655643Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting and protecting flex circuits are provided. A flex circuit cabling wallet has a first cover, a second cover, and a fold line that is coupled to the first and second covers. The first cover includes a latching mechanism. The second cover includes at least one latch tab. The latch tab is configured to create a releasable bond with the latching mechanism. When the releasable bond is engaged, the first cover, fold line area, second cover, and latch tab enclose the base of a flex circuit. In at least one embodiment, a cable fastener is also provided. The cable fastener attaches to the first cover of the flex circuit cabling wallet, thereby segregating the flex circuit from cables.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Bradley S. Hoyl, Michael N. Gish, Maurice Robertson
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Patent number: 6657123Abstract: A power distribution cabinet for containing electrical components and associated circuitry includes a panel adapted to provide an interface for the distribution of power from a high voltage source to low voltage applications. The panel includes several outlet receptacle housings, wherein the housings are each L-shaped and disposed contiguously in a vertical series on the front of the cabinet each at a 45-degree angle. Collateral damage to the power distribution center can be minimized wherein a damaged single housing can be replaced without disturbing the remaining housings or outlet receptacles, thereby maintaining the operability of the power distribution center. The housings each comprise several weep slots disposed at the hydraulically lowest point of each of the housings so that condensation that forms on an inner surface of the housing is collected and drained through the weep slots thereby preventing any moisture damage to the interior circuitry and electrical components.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Tampa Armature Works, Inc.Inventor: Marshall R. Moore
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Patent number: 6647900Abstract: A folding table or desk includes a table top, a pair of spaced apart legs, and a wire management structure pivotably mounted between the legs. The wire management structure includes a front panel assembly having an opening, and an access member is pivotably mounted to the front panel assembly for movement between an open position, a closed position and a collapsed position. The front panel assembly can be folded against the underside of the table top and the access member can be pivoted to its collapsed position relative to the front panel assembly, and the legs are foldable over the wire management structure to provide a compact envelope for the folded components of the table assembly. The front panel assembly includes a cross brace member which is engageable with the legs when the wire management structure is in its operative extended position, to impart rigidity to the table assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.Inventor: Andrew J. Kopish
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Patent number: 6643124Abstract: A portable computing device is equipped with multiple display panels. The display panels and hinged, jointed or otherwise disposed to rotate or slide with respect to one another in a transition from a compact configuration to an expanded configuration. In a basic embodiment three output screens take a form of a triptych for which an input panel forms a base. The output panels are deployed with a bend when opened and images angled in towards an observer. The display panels comprise a main panel and two auxiliary panels. In a variation a forth display panel is rotatably or foldably joined to the central display panel so that a total of four display panels may be deployed in a hub and petal configuration. The side panels may be eliminated from the four panel embodiment so that the input panel and two remaining display panels form a vertically orientable triptych with the input panel serving as base.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2000Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Inventor: Peter J. Wilk
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Patent number: 6629505Abstract: A conference table includes a work surface having one or more central openings. A utility distribution system is positioned below the central opening on a support channel. The support channel defines separated wireways for communicating separated utilities along the support channel. The utility distribution system further includes a plurality of W-shaped utility modules positioned on beams of the support channel below the central opening. The utility modules set end-to-end in an arrangement that facilitates initial installation and later retrofit or repair. The table is supported on legs that define a vertical wireway space, and further include a repositionable divider configured to selectively subdivide the vertical wireway space into subwireways of different cross-sectional sizes for accommodating different cross-sectional sizes of utility conduit bundles. A removable double-pivoted door is releasably supported to cover the opening and to provide easy access to the opening from either side of the tabletop.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Jeffrey P Cronk, Ting-Wen Nieh, Kevin S. Wilson, Robert L. Stewart, James B. Lowell
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Patent number: 6629615Abstract: An organizing apparatus for medical instruments includes an elongated substantially rigid support member having opposite ends, a releasable attachment member depending downward from each of the opposite ends for detachable attachment to opposite side edges of a substantially planar support surface, and an elongated line holder mounted on a top surface of the support member and having a plurality of resilient holding members defining line receiving and holding areas between adjacent holding members.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Inventor: Andrew Kim
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Patent number: 6598949Abstract: A flexible and economical data transmission pedestal having a cover section and a base section, with the base section comprising two asymmetrical parts, a front and a rear. Removing the cover and the front part allows full access to the connections between service lines and a cable. The three piece pedestal also allows any piece to be easily replaced if damaged or a whole new pedestal may easily be placed around cable and service line connections on a mounting plate, all without interrupting customer service.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Marconi Communications, Inc.Inventors: Gerald Frazier, Jerome A. Maloney, Lawrence Dolan, Matthew Leschinger
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Publication number: 20030127027Abstract: An electrical raceway assembly for use with a table-top structure. The raceway assembly includes an elongated raceway and a locking element. The locking element includes a first end detachably engaged to the raceway, and an opposite second end having a locking lever movable between a locked position for quickly engaging the raceway to the structure and a released position for quickly releasing the raceway from the structure. The elongated raceway has a length, a transverse base and a pair of opposite upstanding sidewalls extending along the length to define at least one open channel configured for retaining electrical wires. The raceway is engageable to the table-top structure in either a first position, wherein the raceway extends above the upper surface, or a second position, wherein the raceway extends beneath the lower surface. The raceway is further engageable in either a forward facing orientation or a reversed orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2001Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventors: David R. Gutgsell, Scott Schwinghammer, Burton L. Siegal
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Patent number: 6589308Abstract: A console for enclosing one or more component elements of a computer system is disclosed. The console includes a cabinet structure which defines an interior space configured to receive one or more component elements of the computer system. The cabinet defines an inlet port and one or more discharge ports. The inlet port is fitted with a fan on the interior surface of a sidewall forming the cabinet. Releasably mounted on the external sidewall which defines the inlet port is a filter positioned to filter air prior to its introduction into the interior space of the cabinet through the inlet port. The filter is adapted to be slidably removed from its association with the cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Angelo Gianelo
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Patent number: 6578498Abstract: A furniture accessory kit is designed to support portable computers in office partition systems of the type having slat wall panels on which detachable office amenities, such as paper trays, etc. can be hung. A horizontal shelf accessory supports a portable computer thereon, and includes a connector that detachably mounts the shelf to an associated slat wall panel in a cantilevered horizontal orientation. The shelf has a wire trough to mange wiring associated with the portable computer. A sleeve-shaped accessory unit with a hollow interior for retaining computer accessories therein is configured to be hung on the slat wall panel directly above the shelf. A wire management device to retain wires associated with the portable computer is configured to be hung on the slat wall panel near the shelf and the accessory unit. A security devices for securing the portable computer to the slat wall and which is configured to be hung on the slat wall panel near the shelf and the accessory unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Gregg R. Draudt, William C. Stewart, Andrew H. Carlson, Russell P. Whitaker, Mark D. Swets, Joseph D. Ruedinger
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Patent number: 6564723Abstract: A desk providing a work surface and having a top, a bottom, a perimeter edge, and a U-shaped channel disposed below the top of the work surface adjacent the perimeter edge. The U-shaped channel includes a vertical member extending downwardly from the work surface proximate the perimeter edge, a bridge member, and a back member extending upwardly from the bridge member and spaced from the vertical member. A plurality of legs are attached to the bottom of the work surface to support the work surface a predetermined distance above a floor. The desk may be fitted with a return rotatably attached to at least one of the plurality of legs such that the return can be rotated under the work surface when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignees: Thornberry Furniture, Ltd, Harbor Steel & Supply Corp.Inventor: Robert J. Shapton
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Patent number: 6565166Abstract: Molded plastic wall and floor mount cabinets include integral preformed electrical wire pathways, electrical boxes for mounting power receptacles or switches, junction boxes for housing interconnecting wiring, and lighting component areas. Both the wall and floor mount cabinets include a plastic primary structure that may either be a unitary molded box-like structure or a combination of top, bottom, rear, front, and side members that are then connected together.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2000Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Inventors: Thomas Bulk, Kevin Sheahan
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Patent number: 6540312Abstract: A cable holding matrix and method for managing large numbers of telecommunications cables within a confined space. The cable holding matrix comprises a support member and two pluralities of aligned posts protruding from a surface of the support member and intersecting each other at an acute angle. The posts are spaced such that cables may be guided between two neighboring posts in the second plurality, bent around one of those neighboring posts, and positioned between two neighboring posts in the first plurality.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Telica, Inc.Inventor: James J. Lane
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Patent number: 6533373Abstract: A cable conduit for a switchgear cabinet, having a rack assembled from rack legs, at least a part of which have several profiled sides on an inside facing an interior, which extend at an angle with respect to each other and to a diagonal line of the rack and have a row of fastening receivers, wherein the cable conduit has a U-shaped profiled receiving section with a base leg and two lateral legs and can be closed by a cover section, which can be locked on the lateral legs. A dependable attachment of the cable conduit with an optimal cable reception space is achieved because the base leg of the profiled receiving section is matched to at least a portion of the contour defined by the profiled sides of the inside of a frame leg, or the profiled sides of the insides of two frame legs which are connected with each other, and can be connected with the profiled sides.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Rittal Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Wolfgang Reuter, Matthias Müller, Martina Köhler, Heinz Schmitt
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Patent number: 6527406Abstract: A modular furniture system is provided having vertical members with internal conductors. The conductors are coupled to a source of low voltage electrical power such that adjacent vertical members are of differing electrical polarity. Support members for use in the modular furniture system are designed to make electrical contact with the internal conductors when engaged in a vertical member. An electrical device, such as a light fixture, may be coupled between a pair of brackets engaged in vertical members of opposite polarity, energizing the electrical device. Embodiments are provided for use in merchandising displays and office partition systems.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1998Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Powerwall, Inc.Inventors: Bruce M. Slesinger, Thomas L. Collom, Frank Neidhardt
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Patent number: 6520605Abstract: A equipment mounting metal plate to be attached to a wall comprises a receiving shelf for placing a lower face of an electronic equipment case, a mounting base plate from which the receiving shelf is projected, and a fixing part for fixing the electronic equipment case to the receiving shelf. The equipment mounting metal plate is provided with an upper and a lower fitting pieces for fitting equipment extension metal pieces which install a second electronic equipment case in front of the wall overlaid on the first electronic equipment case. Additional installation of the electronic equipment case is conducted by attaching the equipment extension metal pieces to the upper and lower fitting pieces and attaching a second equipment mounting metal plate having the same structure to the equipment extension metal pieces. Thus, a plurality of the electronic equipment cases can be overlaid and installed in front of the wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd.Inventors: Masaru Nunokawa, Kimitoshi Fujii
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Patent number: 6515227Abstract: An enclosure for use in a cable management system includes an outer shell having a generally rectangular shape and defining an interior space. The outer shell includes a bottom wall and a sidewall, with the sidewall defining a sidewall opening for access to the interior space. The bottom wall includes a curved portion adjacent to a first edge. A tray positioned within the interior of the enclosure includes a curved portion positioned adjacent to a first edge of the tray. The first edge of the bottom wall and the first edge of the tray are positioned adjacent to each other such that the curved portion of the bottom wall and the curved portion of the tray together form a first radius control structure positioned adjacent to the sidewall opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura LimitedInventors: Gaines N. Massey, George A. Walker
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Publication number: 20030020381Abstract: An accessory (10) for fitting auxiliary components (14-19) for a work station below a work surface (13) foresees at least one profile (12) and/or profile sectors (11) capable of being fixed below said surface (13) and at least one attachment element (20-26) for said auxiliary components (14-19), where said profile (11, 12) and said at least one attachment element (20-26) have additional snap-engagement means (28-30).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventor: Carlo Cattaneo
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Patent number: 6490981Abstract: A support member for use with an article of furniture has cable management capabilities. The support member comprises an elongate leg member defined by a wall to form an elongate inner cavity therein. Preferably, the leg member has a substantially circular lateral cross-section. The wall has a slot therethrough providing access to the inner cavity. The slot has first and second ends where each end of the slot is spaced from its respective end of the elongate leg member. An access panel is hingedly attached to the support member to cover only an intermediate portion of the slot. The access panel is moveable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the access panel limits access to the inner cavity through the intermediate portion of the slot. In the open position the access panel allows access to the inner cavity along the entire length of the slot.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2001Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Valley Design Enterprises, IncorporatedInventors: Loren L. Isensee, Joseph S. Bettin
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Publication number: 20020171335Abstract: Furniture drawer that can be mounted in a furniture carcass such that it can be pulled out, characterised by a device (12a, 12b; 12a′, 12b′) for transmitting electrical energy to at least one chargeable current storage means arranged in or respectively on the drawer (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventor: Wolfgang Held
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Patent number: 6478444Abstract: A furniture unit has a plurality of mutually delimited furniture compartments, which in particular are designed as display cabinets. At least one lighting member can be installed as required in each furniture compartment. Rod elements of a predetermined length are provided to carry the electrical current and are affixed within the furniture unit. Furthermore, mountings are provided whereby the rod elements can each be completely retained within a furniture compartment. Connection elements provide an electrical connection between rod elements of different furniture compartments. The connection elements are designed as flexible conductors in some regions and may be 1:n branches (n=2, 3, etc.). The mountings are so arranged and designed that the rod elements are essentially fixed at both ends, it being possible for the connection elements to be connected at any time, as necessary to the ends of the rod elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: USM Holding AGInventors: Alexander Schaerer, Stephan Kuenzi, Fritz Fluehmann
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Publication number: 20020153812Abstract: A workstation system includes, as a “core” element, a self-standing service trunk that can be used in association with free-standing desks placed adjacent the trunk, or desk structures that are physically connected to the trunk. The trunk has a top that provides a generally horizontal storage support surface above desk height, and the trunk incorporates power and communication cable troughs for delivering power and communication services from an input location on the trunk to an output location accessible from a desk associated with the trunk.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Applicant: TK Canada LimitedInventors: John Hellwig, Geoffrey Milligan, Steve Verbeek, Lorie Marangoni, Genadij Makarewicz, Terry Woodside, Stefano Lio, Zoran Baic, Jonathon Loudon, Dakota Kasdorf, Paul Kruger
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Patent number: 6464310Abstract: A partition is provided for routing fiber optic communications cables into a high-density cross-connect cabinet. The partition provides improved access to the communications cables and the cable connections. The partition further permits a plurality of fiber optic communications cables entering the cross-connect cabinet at the same location to be strain-relieved at different levels of the cabinet. In a preferred embodiment, the partition includes a baseplate and a plurality of routing panels depending outwardly from the base plate at longitudinally spaced apart and laterally spaced apart locations. From the uppermost routing panel to the lower most routing panel, each routing panel is preferably located at an increased distance from the forward edge of the base plate. Each routing panel includes an arcuate portion for transitioning the fiber optic communication cables into the cross-connect cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Jennifer D. Burns, Carrie L. Gordon, Monique L. Cote
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Publication number: 20020145367Abstract: A flexible and economical data transmission pedestal is disclosed. The pedestal has a cover section and a base section, with the base section comprising two asymmetrical parts, a front and a rear. Removing the cover and the front part allow full access to the connections between service lines and a cable. The three piece pedestal also allows any part to be easily replaced if damaged or a whole new pedestal may easily be placed around a cable-service line connection, all without interrupting customer service.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventors: Gerald Frazier, Jerome A. Maloney, Lawrence Dolan, Matthew Leschinger
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Patent number: 6460951Abstract: A telecommunications enclosure box for compactly supporting and housing components that provide communicative connection of remote multimedia equipment. The enclosure box includes a base, a front door, pairs of first and second mounting brackets, and pluralities of first and second securing elements. The pairs of first mounting brackets and second mounting brackets are adapted to support various components on the base for communicative connection of remote multimedia equipment.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Robert C. Baxter, William G. Sobieski, Dale D. Martin, Steven O. Fournier
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Patent number: 6457422Abstract: A grommet assembly for an article of furniture, such as a desk or credenza, which allows for an attachment to a hutch while also providing for the passage of wiring through the furniture surface on which the hutch is supported. The grommet assembly includes a grommet that line a hole formed in the edge of the furniture worktop. A lug projecting upwardly from the grommet above an upper surface of the worktop is adapted for attachment to a hutch supported on the worktop. The grommet defines wiring passageways within the hole, which accommodate wiring through the hole between spaces above, below, and outward, such as laterally, of the desktop. A removable top cover mountable to the grommet covers at least a portion of the hole at the upper surface of the worktop, and a removable side cover mountable to the grommet covers at least a portion of the hole at the edge surface of the worktop.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Jofco, Inc.Inventor: Gregory Mark Saul
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Patent number: 6455776Abstract: A wire management grommet has a plate which is removably supported by support means in an aperture of a work top so that it can be at least partially rotated about an axis defined by the support means out of a plane of the work top and removed and replaced in an inverted operative position in which bevelled side walls of the aperture and plate respectively define substantially parallel side walls of wire receiving channels.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1999Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Peter Milne Furniture Makers Ltd.Inventor: Peter Milne