For Interfitting With Uninterrupted Support Rail Or Uninterrupted Contact Patents (Class 439/121)
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Patent number: 6231205Abstract: A display case 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. Shelf supports are designed to make electrical contact with the internal conductors when engaged in a vertical member. A light fixture, disposed on the underside of a shelf is electrically coupled to the shelf supports thereby completing an electrical circuit for energizing the light fixture.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1998Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Powerwall, Inc.Inventors: Bruce M. Slesinger, Thomas L. Collom
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Patent number: 6164988Abstract: An adapter with an adapter housing, which can be fixed in place on the bus bars of a bus bar system and which receives terminal contacts, which can be connected in an electrically conducting manner with the bus bars. An equipment holder for fastening electrical installation equipment can be connected in various positions with the adapter housing. The equipment holder has holding elements and the adapter housing has receiving elements for the holding elements of the equipment holder. Continuous adjustability between the equipment holder and the adapter housing is achieved because the holding elements of the equipment holder are designed as support strips, which can be inserted into receiving elements of the adapter housing which are embodied as receiving grooves, or as edge strips, and which are continuously displaceable along and fixable within the receiving elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Hans Wagener
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Patent number: 6146158Abstract: A self-adjusting shelf mounted interconnect is disclosed including a bus connector having a series of electrical contacts to engage respective conductive strips of a first electrical bus that runs along a shelf carrying gondola. The self-adjusting interconnect is mounted below a shelf so that when the shelf is removably attached to the gondola, the contacts of the bus connector are automatically mated to the conductive strips of the electrical bus, whereby information transmitted from a remote computer to the first electrical bus can be transmitted to a second electrical bus that runs along the front of the shelf and to a particular one of a plurality of electronic price tag modules that are coupled to the second electrical bus to receive and display the information transmitted from the remote computer.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Tagnology, Inc.Inventors: Sergio Peratoner, James Hayes
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Patent number: 6113401Abstract: An arrangement in connection with a current take-off device of a contact rail system, comprising an adapter portion arranged to be connected to be removable electrically and mechanically to a contact rail, and conductors arranged inside the adapter portion and connected by means of slit edge connectors to contacts providing an electric connection for the adapter portion and the contact rail, by means of which conductors the current is conveyed from the adapter portion to an electrical apparatus to be connected thereto. To ensure an electric contact, at least one wall portion is arranged to a cover portion of the adapter portion at each slit edge connector, which wall portion is arranged to press the conductor into a slit of the slit edge connector when the cover portion is put in place.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1997Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Nordic Aluminium OyInventors: Eero Nieminen, Esko Vaisanen, Risto Jaakkola
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Patent number: 6059582Abstract: An adaptor box for mounting a fixture to a low voltage lighting track having a channel-form cavity retaining wire busses has a one piece, molded housing with opposite side walls joined by upper, lower and rear walls providing a front opening cavity. A mounting head upstands from the upper wall and is formed with opposed mounting ears. A contact receiving through-passageway having a front, contact insertion opening extends from the housing cavity, vertically through the mounting head between the ears, the upper wall being recessed so that the housing is open at a front and at a top, adjacent the front. A one-piece molded insert has a contact separating rib and a releasable, rotation preventing latching tab portion connected together by a transverse, resilient web hinge. A pair of contacts terminating fixture wires extend through the passageway with free ends exposed for electrical connection to the busses.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: W.A.C. LightingInventor: Meng-Feng Tsai
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Patent number: 6056561Abstract: An adapter and track arrangement in which the track includes a metal casing, an insulator strip mounted inside the casing and having two opposed inside flanges, and two metal conducting strips bilaterally mounted within the insulator strip between the inside flanges and flat top wall of the insulator strip; the adapter includes a first shell, a second shell covered on the first shell to hold electric wires and electric contacts at the ends of the electric wires, a third shell covered on the second shell, and a latch mounted in the third shell and operated to lock the adapter, the latch having two spring arms, which are deformed when the latch is forced down to unlock the adapter, or automatically return to their former shape to force the latch into the locking position to lock the adapter when the latch is released from the user's hand.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1999Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Inventor: Shan Chaing Lin
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Patent number: 6033239Abstract: An improved connector is disclosed for a track lighting system in which a light fixture is physically and electrically connected to a track. The track is elongated and defines a central longitudinal passageway. A voltage bus, a neutral bus, and a grounding element are disposed within the central longitudinal passageway. Means disposed above the central longitudinal passageway define a pair of opposing channels. The connector comprises a housing and a flange extending from the housing. The flange is received within an end of the central longitudinal passageway of the track by way of an interference fit, and the flange has electrical contacts for engaging the voltage bus, the neutral bus, and the grounding element disposed within the central longitudinal passageway. The connector further includes a tongue extending from the housing spaced apart from and generally parallel to the flange and having edge portions which engage the opposing channels of the track in an interference fit.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Inventors: Risto Jaakkola, Eero Nieminen, Esko Vaisanen
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Patent number: 6004005Abstract: A track lighting fixture in which decorative lamp housings are adjustably positionable along a fixture track, and which provides for several angular adjustments of each decorative lamp housing. Each decorative lamp housing comprises a common outer housing in which different interchangeable decorative inserts can be interchangeably inserted. In first and second embodiments, each track lamp fixture has a power supply housing for an enclosed power transformer and power supply which is attached to the fixture track. A support element of the power supply housing is rotationally mounted relative to the power supply housing and supports a decorative lamp housing thereon, such that the support element and decorative lamp housing can be rotated to different angular positions. In the first embodiment, the power supply housing comprises a cylindrical shaped housing, and in the second embodiment, the power supply housing comprises a rectangular shaped housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Hubbell, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Demshki, Jr.
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Patent number: 5921790Abstract: An arrangement in connection with a current take-off device of a contact rail system, comprising an adapter portion arranged to be connected to be removable electrically and mechanically to a contact rail, and conductors arranged inside the adapter portion and connected by means of slit edge connectors to contacts providing an electric connection for the adapter portion and the contact rail, by means of which conductors the current is conveyed from the adapter portion to an electrical apparatus to be connected thereto. To ensure an electric contact, at least one wall portion is arranged inside the adapter portion, next to each slit edge connector, which wall portion is arranged to turn the conductor into an inclined position with respect to the plane of a slit of the slit edge connector when the conductor is being pressed into the slit edge connector.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Nordic Aluminium OYInventors: Eero Nieminen, Esko Vaisanen, Risto Jaakkola
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Patent number: 5876224Abstract: The invention resides in a connector having a body extending in a lengthwise direction along a central axis. The body has a first portion defining at least one conductor engaging surface and having a second portion with at least one tracking engaging member extending therefrom. The at least one tracking engaging member being rigidly, nonmovably connected to the body. The body further has means for locking it to a track by causing the at least one tracking gauging member to wedge against a corresponding surface associated with the track.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Framatome Connectors USA Inc.Inventor: Christopher G. Chadbourne
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Patent number: 5855485Abstract: An adapter is provided for making a mechanical and an electrical connection between a light fixture and a plurality of differently configured tracks of different track lighting systems. By utilizing the adapter of the present invention, a light fixture may be mechanically and electrically connected to differently configured tracks manufactured by different manufacturers.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1997Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Inventor: Anthony G. Patti
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Patent number: 5788518Abstract: An adjustable connector is used for positioning a track lighting fixture in a track lighting system. The adjustable connector releasably locks a track lighting fixture housing to an adapter. The adapter is connected to a track of the track lighting system. The adjustable connector includes an arcuate mount fixed to the track lighting fixture housing. A lock is releasably secured to the arcuate mount to secure the arcuate mount to the adapter to determine the selected position of the housing. Release of the lock allows the housing to be moved into another selected position. The lock secures the position of the lighting fixture housing relative to the track at a selected vertical position and a selected horizontal position simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1997Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Juno Lighting, Inc.Inventors: Peter F. Wachter, Donald L. Kuball
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Patent number: 5624276Abstract: A securing and contacting adapter. (2) for a connector block in telecommunication technology having a front-sided engaging means consists of an elastic, electrically conducting material and has a first contacting and securing section (10) as well as a second contacting and securing section (14). The first contacting and securing section (10) has a securing element (12) for producing a releasable connection with the connector block, the securing element (12) being arranged at a distance from the upper end of the first contacting and securing section (10). The second contacting and securing section (14) is provided with a securing element (20) to produce a releasable connection with a receiving arm of a carrier profile rail.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1995Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Assignee: Quante AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hans-Dieter Otto, Norbert Gaertner, Helmut Schlafhorst, Frank Kaufhold
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Patent number: 5603622Abstract: A track light mounting arrangement includes a plurality of tracks fastened to locating frames, a plurality of electric boxes slidably coupled to the tracks to hold a respective lamp assembly, a plurality of sliding switches respectively coupled to the electric boxes and moved forward to turn on the respective lamp assemblies or backward to turn them off. Circular distribution boxes may be installed for coupling tracks radially by connecting devices, so that a plurality of track lights can be electrically connected and arranged in all directions.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1995Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: Taiwan King Prince Co., Ltd.Inventor: Acer Lin
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Patent number: 5522704Abstract: A track mounting fixture for an electric fan includes a sliding member adapted to be mounted in a track lighting fixture and constructed to retain an electric fan. Contact members on the sliding member contact conductive strips within a channel on the track member and supply power to the fan at any desired position along the channel length. The fan position may be adjusted easily by sliding the sliding member along the channel and by pivoting the fan about a joint on the sliding member.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1994Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Inventor: Mallard Casteel
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Patent number: 5474460Abstract: A power interconnect system for electronic assemblies, for providing electrical connections between a power supply and a remote electrical conductor element, such as a power bus bar. An electrically insulating block is connected to a bus bar, and holds captive a power coupling connector element for engaging and connecting the bus bar to a power supply. The power coupling connector element includes a conductive end and an insulative end to prevent the supply from shorting out or shocking a maintenance person in contact with the insulative end even when the system is powered up. The conductive end has a larger diameter than the insulative end and the entire power coupling connector element is held captive within the block of insulating material when mounted to a power bus bar, to prevent the power coupling connector element from becoming loose within an electronic assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1994Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: EMC CorporationInventors: Paul Tirrell, Larry Pignolet, Lee Spechts
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Patent number: 5348485Abstract: A vertical stringer or rail system is provided for use with an electronic price display system in a store, warehouse or other application. A vertical rail is made of an insulating material and is of substantially constant cross section along its extent, with ridges along each edge. A channel in the front face of the rail carries a plurality of exposed conductors, and the channel and edges are keyed. Snap-on connectors fit to the rail, and due to the keying it is impossible to snap the connector on backwards. The snap-on connectors each have a flat cable running to a shelf rail at the front of a shelf, and electronic price display labels lie within the shelf rail. U-shaped snap-on cable clamps provide clamping of the flat cable to the vertical rail nearby to the snap-on connectors, and the cable clamps are captive to the flat cable so they are not easily misplaced. Because the snap-on connectors and clamps may be snapped on at a multitude of locations they can easily accommodate shelves at varying heights.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1993Date of Patent: September 20, 1994Assignee: Electronic Retailing Systems Int'l Inc.Inventors: George T. Briechle, David H. Lubowe, Alfred D. Dobras
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Patent number: 5340322Abstract: Low voltage cable lighting system including a flat cable comprising two bare, ribbon shaped conductors which are plached on each side of and bonded to an insulating interlayer, and a multitude of low voltage bi-pin lamps which are distributed along the cable with each of their contact pins resting against the surface of one of the ribbon conductors, each lamp being secured in place by means of a mounting clamp which contains means for maintaining a stable contact pressure between the contact pins and the ribbon conductors.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1993Date of Patent: August 23, 1994Inventor: Peder U. Poulsen
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Patent number: 5336097Abstract: An electrical power distribution system is provided with an elongate track and a plurality of power tap assemblies that are engageable with the track. The power tap assemblies may be moved to any desired location along the track. Power may be fed into the track through one of the assemblies and taken out of the track through another of the assemblies. Receptacles may be mounted to one or more of the power tap assemblies. A latch system can hold the power tap assemblies in (1) a fully inserted, electrically engaging orientation and (2) an electrically disconnected orientation wherein the components are still supported on the track. The components employ spring terminals which establish electrical contact through a surface-to-surface butt engagement with a conducting member. Mechanical key systems are provided for preventing improper mounting of the components on the track and for preventing the connection of more than one power in-feed to the track.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1993Date of Patent: August 9, 1994Assignee: RHC/Spacemaster CorporationInventors: Lawrence J. Williamson, Jr., Donald C. Smith, Charles R. Snyder
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Patent number: 5110300Abstract: Apparatus for distributing electic current, especially in a low voltage track lighting system includes: (i) a cable in the form of a rigid rod having coaxial conductors and male and female couplings at its opposite ends allowing the cable rod to be connected end-to-end with other similar cable rods, and the inner conductor having a spring loaded contact at one end; (ii) a coupling unit which may be used to connect rotatably one cable rod to another cable rod or an appliance, the unit having relatively rotatable housing parts defining respective male couplings at the opposite ends of the unit, and contacts arranged to project axially at the opposite ends, the contacts being connected by a flexible braided conductor and urged apart by a coil spring; and (iii) a coupling including a track with a channel having a connector carried by an inner wall and side walls with inturned flanges, a connector (which may be a cable rod or coupling unit) with a screw threaded end through which a contact projects, and a nut whicType: GrantFiled: June 24, 1991Date of Patent: May 5, 1992Assignee: GTE Rotaflex LimitedInventor: Terence A. Woodgate
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Patent number: 4975071Abstract: An adapter for mounting a lamp fitting on a lighting track comprises a hollow body member, a head which can be slid along the track and a pair of resilient contact strips. An electrically insulating separator maintains the contact strips in spaced apart relationship in the body member and respective pairs of grooves formed in the head hold the contact strips so that bowed sections of the contact strips press against supply rails which extend along the side walls of the track.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1989Date of Patent: December 4, 1990Assignee: Thorn Emi plcInventors: Lou Bedocs, Michael C. Eksteen
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Patent number: 4968262Abstract: A connection device (10) comprising a body (12, 14), which has at least one outlet hole (30), one insertion part (16) as well as a rotatable and axially displaceable contact and locking bar (18) and is designed to be placed in a substantially C-shaped current rail having a logitudinal hole. The contact and locking bar has three phase conductor pins and a neutral conductor pin designed to cooperate with phase and neutral conductors disposed beside the longitudinal hole of the current rail. The contact and locking bar (18) is pivoted and axially displaced by means of an operating arm (38) provided with an eccentric. The operating arm is retained in a pulled down fastened position by means of a sliding lid (32), which cooperates with a built-in switch (34) of the connection device.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1989Date of Patent: November 6, 1990Inventors: Harald Widell, Jan Widell, Nils-.ANG.ke Bergman
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Patent number: 4959019Abstract: An electric connection box includes a pair of upper and lower cases connected together to provide a casing, one of the upper and lower cases having an electrically insulating housing. A wiring assembly is accommodated within the casing and includes an electrically insulating plate and a plurality of bus bars mounted on the insulating plate. External connection terminals are electrically connected to the bus bars and have respective contact portions received within the insulating housing. In one example, each of the external connection terminals includes a base portion, a plurality of contact portions formed on one lateral edge of the base portion, and a bus bar-gripping portion formed on the other lateral edge of said base portion. The base portion is fixed to the case, with the contact portions extending into the housing. When the wiring assembly is covered or enclosed by the covers, the bus bar-gripping portion is press-fitted relative to the bus bar.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1989Date of Patent: September 25, 1990Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Eiji Shimochi
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Patent number: 4828505Abstract: The present invention relates to a track lighting system comprising a lighting fixture, a powered track having electrical conductors, and a two-piece device for electrically and mechanically connecting the light fixture to the powered track. The two-piece device includes a housing having contacts for engaging the track conductors, a transformer connected to the contacts, and a connection for receiving a jack-type connector to which the light fixture is electrically and mechanically connected. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving connection includes a spring member for electrically and mechanically engaging a tip portion of the jack connector and an annular wire terminal for forming part of an electrical circuit with a second conductive portion of the jack connector.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1988Date of Patent: May 9, 1989Assignee: Electrix, Inc.Inventor: Haim Shwisha
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Patent number: 4776809Abstract: A low voltage distribution system comprises a two-conductor track of which one conductor is an outer conductor formed by its casing and the other conductor is an inner copper strip held by insulation. An adaptor can be fitted anywhere along the track and interlocked by closing pivoted members so that portions displace resilient arms outwardly to interlock lips of the adaptor with lips of the track. A fully rotatable contact assembly includes a center contact inside a sleeve contact as well as a lamp bracket which rotates as one with the contact assembly so that wires to the lamp never get twisted. For ease of mounting, a fixing device comprises a rotatable member which can be mounted to a support by a center screw and having a slot or opening to receive a connecting piece which is slidably connected to the back of the track casing by undercut tongue and groove.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1987Date of Patent: October 11, 1988Assignee: Light Source Electrical Equipment LimitedInventor: Stephen Hall
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Patent number: 4773869Abstract: An electric wall unit which is engaged by sliding a plug to the inner end of a passage in a wall outlet.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1987Date of Patent: September 27, 1988Inventors: Nancy M. Smart, Ricky B. Smart
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Patent number: 4768964Abstract: The device comprises a rail (2) inside which two insulating support elements (10) are longitudinally disposed. Said support elements (10) are provided with projecting portions (10a) housing respective wires (11) provided with mutually facing contact surfaces (11a). The latter slightly project with respect to the projecting portions (10a) so that they can come into contact with contact elements (16) extending from a connection shank (13) and substantially flush therewith. The connection shank (13) is part of an adaptor (3) to which a safety low-tension-operated utilization unit can be connected and is engageable with rail (2) through a longitudinal opening (4a).Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1987Date of Patent: September 6, 1988Assignee: Teknolit S.r.l.Inventor: Guido Zucchini
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Patent number: 4750899Abstract: A connector is positioned at any selected location along an elongated electrical source in order to provide an electrical outlet where desired. The electrical source has a slot extending along its length, and a lengthwise extending electrical contact within the slot which is engaged by a connector contact on a contact member on the connector when the contact member is inserted in the slot. The contact member is shaped so that the connector contact is held in engagement against the lengthwise extending contact. The connector is a two-piece unit, with a contact unit including the contact member and a clamping unit which engages against the upper surface of the electrical source to hold the connector unit in a desired position. Bolts are provided to draw the clamping unit and the contact unit together to provide clamping at a desired position along the electrical source. The clamping unit includes outlets for providing electrical power to an appliance.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1985Date of Patent: June 14, 1988Inventor: John Scarimbolo
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Patent number: 4749358Abstract: Bar carrying electrical conductor is joined at one end to a coupling module adapted to be engaged on a rail and carrying electrical contact pieces designed to contact with conductors running along the rail, thereby ensuring: (a) the mechanical junction between the rail and the bar, and (b) the electrical connection between the conductors of the rail and the conductors of the bar. A connecting module and a hook are mounted on the bar, and both are adjustable along the bar. The connecting module has contact elements engaging conductors in the bar and a socket so that when an object to be lighted is suspended from the hook its plug can be inserted into the socket for an electrical connection through conductors in the bar to a source of electrical energy in the rail.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1987Date of Patent: June 7, 1988Inventor: Christian B. Soleanski
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Patent number: 4690474Abstract: An electric wall unit which is engaged by sliding a plug from the peripheral edge of a wall outlet to the inner end of a passage in the wall outlet.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1986Date of Patent: September 1, 1987Inventors: Nancy M. Smart, Ricky B. Smart
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Patent number: 4688869Abstract: An electrical energy distribution system is formed as a track having a multitude of parallel insulating strips and interspersed conductor bars with gaps between adjacent conductor bars to receive conductive blades of outlets or jumper cables for receiving power from the system as well as fixedly supporting a set of blades for power input to the system. As thus configured, the system is modular and may be assembled without the need of tools or specially trained electricians.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1985Date of Patent: August 25, 1987Inventor: Steven M. Kelly