Abstract: A lockable electrical outlet socket closure plug includes a plug housing including an inner plate and a socket blade appended to the inner plate and adapted to extend into a blade receiver opening formed in the electrical outlet socket. The closure plug further includes a retainer for selectively retaining the plug housing in a mounted position on an electrical outlet socket and a controller mounted for movement in the plug housing and arranged normally to reinforce the retainer to cause the plug housing to remain in the mounted position on the electrical outlet socket.

Abstract: An electrical outlet cover and an electrical switch plate cover which enable the color of an electrical outlet or an electrical switch plate to be changed without replacing the electrical outlet or electrical switch.

Abstract: A nightlight having an outlet housing, a plurality of outlet housing prongs positioned adjacent to the outlet housing, a socket positioned adjacent to the outlet housing, the socket electrically connected to the plurality of outlet housing prongs, a bulb shade positioned adjacent to the outlet housing, the bulb shade having a width of approximately one or more inches, and a support arm removably connected to the outlet housing.

Abstract: A plug includes a disabling mechanism that, upon activation, resists removal of the shaft when inserted into a socket. The plug can also include an indicator that provides an indication that the disabling mechanism has been activated. The plug, which once inserted, changes the state of an electronic device in a substantially permanent manner.

Abstract: An improved PC/104 connector includes a pin by pin isolation mechanism to allow a standard PC/104 connector pin to transmit non-PC, vendor-specific I/O signals between stacked PC/104 modules.

Abstract: A locking jack cover system for preventing debris from entering input/output jacks. The locking jack cover system includes an instrument with an input/output jack, the input/output jack having a protrusion extending from an interior wall, a jack cover with a head portion and an insertion portion, the insertion portion being adapted for engaging the input/output jack, the jack cover being rotatable for selectively engaging the protrusion of the input/output jack.

Abstract: A plug for covering an opening of an electronic device includes at least two elongated members and at least one tab. The elongated members are sized and positioned to substantially fill or cover two or more openings of an electronic device. Preferably, the plug also includes two gripping wings to facilitate insertion of the plug into the openings and removal of the plug from the openings.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a dummy via is created in a circuit board. The dummy via is positioned and coupled to a portion of a transmission line. This portion of the transmission line is further coupled to a signal lead of a connector, which creates additional capacitance to lower the impedance of the connector.

Abstract: A terminal connector that protects a plurality of electrical lead terminals during the assembly and transportation stages of a motor assembly and provides an electrical connection for test equipment for testing the motor assembly is described. The terminal connector includes a plurality of electrical contacts extending from a top side of the connector, a plurality of second electrical contacts extending from a bottom side of the connector, and an opening extending through the connector. The plurality of second electrical contacts extend from a cavity that extends into the connector from the bottom side of the connector.

Abstract: A plug for covering an opening of an electronic device includes at least two elongated members and at least one tab. The elongated members are sized and positioned to substantially fill or cover two or more openings of an electronic device. Preferably, the plug also includes two gripping wings to facilitate insertion of the plug into the openings and removal of the plug from the openings.

Abstract: An engagement structure of a waterproof connector and a dummy plug includes: a connector housing having a plurality of terminal accommodation chambers, a plurality of rubber plug accommodation recesses formed therein and one wall portion having wire insertion and passing-through holes through; rubber plugs respectively inserted forcibly into the plurality of rubber plug accommodation recesses which are respectively formed with wire insertion and passing-through holes through which the wire is respectively inserted to pass; and a dummy plug sealing one of the wire insertion and passing-through holes of the plurality of rubber plugs. The dummy plug has a shaft portion which is inserted into the wire insertion and passing-through hole of the rubber plug to seal the wire insertion and passing-through hole of the rubber plug. The dummy plug further has a flange portion and engaging protrusions.

Abstract: An electrical plug cover for protecting the male prongs of an electrical plug from bending or breaking during storage or shipment, the electrical plug cover including a cover body, the cover body being constructed from a rigid material, the cover body having a plurality of hollow chambers therein for receiving the prongs of a male electrical plug, the electrical cover body having a tether connected thereto for attachment to an electrical cord having a male electrical plug connected thereto.

Abstract: An electrical connection box has upper and lower casings capable of being combined with each other, a wiring board located between the casings and having a plurality of independent electric circuits, and an insulating plate located between the upper casing and the wiring board. The upper casing is formed with a connector housing to be fitted with an external connector, and external connecting terminals coupled to the electric circuits and electrically connecting the electric circuits and the external connector or an L-shaped rib formed on the wiring board and capable of preventing the external connector from being fitted in the connector housing projects into the connector housing.

Abstract: A receptacle connector (1) comprises an insulative housing(10) defining a receiving space (11) for receiving a mating plug connector, a plurality of contacts (20) received in the housing, and a dust-proof cover (40). The receiving space further has an opening (12) adjacent to a front surface (50) of the housing for extension of the mating plug connector therethrough into the receiving space. The cover includes a board (41) for being lodged in the opening when the mating plug connector is not inserted in the connector for preventing dust from entering into the receiving space. The cover also includes a pair of fixed arms (43) extending from a rear side of the board and a spring portion (42) connected between the arms and first extending upwardly then forwardly toward the board. The spring portion further defines a recess (42c) in a free end thereof for receiving a tip of a tool to receive first a depressing force and then a forward force from the tool to remove the cover from the receptacle connector.

Abstract: An auxiliary vehicle light harness which includes headlight connector to connect to a headlight, a power connector to connect to a headlight plug, an auxiliary light connector to connect to an auxiliary light, and a switch to control power to the headlight and/or the auxiliary light. The harness may include a control module to direct power to the auxiliary light and/or the headlight upon receiving a signal from the switch. The harness may further include a seal to protect the harness circuit from developing a short.

Abstract: A PCMCIA connector includes an insulative header retaining contact elements therein and a shielding casing having a top panel attached to the header. The shielding casing has two side panels extending from the top panel for defining a primary space adapted to receive a type I or type II PCMCIA card. A raised section is formed on the top panel and has a top wall located above the top panel. Two side walls extend from the top wall and are connected to the top panel thereby defining a secondary space in communication with and substantially continuous with the primary space whereby the primary and secondary spaces together can accommodate a type III PCMCIA card. A dummy card is selectively received in the secondary space without interfering with insertion of the type I or type II PCMCIA card into the primary space. The dummy card includes a flat body receivable in the secondary space and defines a recess in which a panel is pivotally supported for selectively shielding the primary and secondary spaces.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes male and female connector bodies formed with a plurality of locking cavities in which electrical cables are disposed with the terminal ends thereof secured against removal from the cavities by lock arms within the cavities engaging catches of the terminal ends. A seal on the cables closes and seals the cavities in which they are installed. At least one of the cavities is unoccupied by a cable and is closed by a non-electrical locking plug. The plug has a catch that engages the lock aim of the unoccupied cavities in which it is installed to secure the plug against removal and carries a seal which engages and seals the unoccupied cavities.

Abstract: A filler module is slidably mountable in an otherwise unused slot of a multi-slot, multi-module electronic system housed in a casing. The filler module includes a relatively compact housing which engages an EMI gasket and an electric connector in an unused slot at the backplane of a shelf in the casing. The module also includes a non-conductive, rigid extension element which facilitates air flow between adjacent modules within the rack. The extension element may include electrically conductive strips which provide ESD protection during the insertion of the module through intimate contact with a grounded, resilient contacting surface. The module may also comprise a non-conductive bulkhead with pivoted latches which engage the casing to secure the housing to the backplane. In this way, a filler module is achieved in which EMI containment is accomplished in a modular fashion and air flow is maintained in the shelf independent of the number or position of used and unused slots.

Abstract: A host electronics device has slot for receiving an IC card. An IC protection or dummy card is provided for insertion into the slot. The card is a one-piece, substantially planar molded body. One end of the body receives a portion of the connector of the device in a manner such that a surface of the body exerts a frictional force on the connector. Portions of the body provide reinforcement for the slot.

Abstract: An electrical outlet includes a switch plate having an outer side formed with a raised portion and an inner side formed with a socket body, the socket body being provided with three conducting members and a plastic protective cover, three wire self-locking devices including two bidirectional metal fixing members and a plastic cap, a fuse device, a current indicator mounted on the switch plate, a safety cover pivotally installed on the raised portion and provided with two hooks, whereby the outlet is safe in use and can be rapidly and easily assembled.

Abstract: A storage caddy for storing a terminal end connector of a trailer light wiring harness including an electrically nonconductive base having a female receptacle therein and a laterally adjacent, elongate, male dummy plug for receiving complementally formed, electrically conductive, male and female electrical terminals, respectively, provided in the terminal end connector. Mechanism is provided for mounting the electrically nonconductive base on a vehicle adjacent the terminal end connector.

Abstract: A simple lockout device for electrical equipment equipped with recessed power blades is described. The device comprises a face-plate (12) having a threaded member (14) attached thereto and apertures suitable for accommodating the power blades of a piece of electrical equipment, an elastomeric nose (16) abutting the face-plate having a hole for passage of the threaded member therethrough and power blade apertures in registration with those of the face-plate, a block (20) having a recess (34) in its forward face for receiving at least a portion of the hose, a hole therein for receiving the threaded member and an integral extension (26) extending from its rear face.

Abstract: A safety cap for an electrical outlet, including a face plate having an opening, a rotatable mounting element including a disk positioned in the opening of the face plate, and at least one prong having one end attached to one side of the disk and extending substantially normal to the face plate, the at least one prong having a transversely extending member along one edge for fixing the face plate to the electrical outlet.

Abstract: A cover plate (100, 200) for accommodating a wide variety of different electrical outlets, switches and connectors is formed from a first layer of transparent material (120) that is laminated to a second layer of colored material (122) that is laminated to a third layer of metal (124). Prior to lamination of the third layer to the second layer, selected portions of the second layer are removed by machining or engraving. The engraved portion may be filled with paints that contrast in color to the color of the colored foil, providing selected areas with decorative and or informative information. The engraved portion is protected from wear and tear by encapsulation between the second layer (122) and the third layer (124).

Abstract: A safety cap for an electrical outlet having an adhesive section can be attached to a standard outlet cover. Alternately an outlet cover including two slidable plates including a spring or spring groove can be used to prevent access to the outlet by a child. An elongated member on one plate is used to contact a spring on the other plate. Alternately, the elongated member can fit into a spring groove to bias the plates apart into the closed position. Locking pins can be used to lock the plates onto an aperture at the base of a plug's power prong. Additionally, a recess around each electrical outlet can mate with a respective lip of a plug to provide an interlocking interface between the plug and outlet cover to prevent a child from being able to insert a metal object between the plug and the face-plate.

Abstract: A one-piece molded plastic fuse handling tool includes a pair of spring arms that diverge outwardly from a base portion to free ends defining a constantly widening gap between the arms. A pair of opposed fuse-gripping jaws are provided across the gap adjacent the free ends of the arms and another set of opposed fuse retaining seats are provided a location intermediate the jaws and the base portion. The jaws are closeable about a fuse by pinching the arms together enabling the fuse to be removed from its spring clip. Once removed, the fuse is secured to the tool by sliding it into the narrowing gap into position between the retaining seats. A block-out portion projects from the base portion and is configured for installation within the vacant fuse clip so as to disable the fuse clip to prevent inadvertent reinstallation of the fuse therein, while storing the fuse in adjacent proximity to the fuse clip.

Abstract: A cordless extension system generally includes an adaptor that enables manual electrical coupling between a conductive strip and a conventional duplex wall outlet when the adaptor is positioned over a face of the outlet. Removable outlet members are provided for selective placement along the conductive strip and are adapted for engagement with a conventional pronged plug. The cordless extension system may also provide strip connectors and strip safety guards.

Abstract: A protective covering system for trailer light connectors which will protect the trailer light connectors from exposure to rain, mud, dirt, road grime, and other adverse environmental conditions. The protective covering system is characterized by a body, a cap, and an optional holder. The body has a lower flexible portion with a slit for easily attaching and detaching the trailer light protective coveting system to the trailer, vehicle, or wiring harness such that the protective covering system can be covered by the cap when not in use. This will keep the inside of the protective covering system from being contaminated and allow it to be readily available for protecting the connectors on the trailer.

Abstract: A tearaway dummy plug (10) for electronic assemblies with power receptacles giving evidence of the assemblies use. A dummy plug made of a single injection molded piece having pin grips (20 and 22) for griping the prong and a base (18) shaped for a snug fit with the housing when installed in the power cord receptacle. A pull tab (12) for pulling the dummy plug out of the receptacle. A tearaway region (14 and 16) formed as a weakness in the dummy plug to break when the tab (12) is pulled to remove the dummy plug from the receptacle.

Abstract: An RJ-11 jack, or plug, is described that is self-locking and has a self-ejecting feature. In particular, an RJ-11 jack is constructed with a tang on the rear lower portion of the RJ-11 jack in such a way that the tang is coupled to a locking tab of the RJ-11 jack. When inserted into an RJ-11 receptacle, or housing, the tang is compressed as a result of contact with an inside wall of the RJ-11 receptacle. The locking tab of the RJ-11 jack locks the RJ-11 jack into position with the tang compressed. The RJ-11 jack includes a tool access opening such that a tool, like a small screwdriver, can be inserted to press on a release tab, which is connected to the locking tab. When pressed, the applied force pushes up on the release tab, thereby moving up the locking tab and releasing the RJ-11 jack. The resultant decompression of the tang causes the RJ-11 jack to eject.

Abstract: A cover for a communications port and an aperture at a surface of an electrical switching device includes a cover mechanism for covering at least the communications port and the aperture; and a plug having a proximate end attached to the cover mechanism and having a distal end for insertion within a recess of the communications port. Alternatively, an electrical switching device comprises separable contacts; a housing for the separable contacts including a surface having an aperture and a communications port with a recess; a cover mechanism for covering at least the communications port and the aperture; and a plug having a proximate end attached to the cover mechanism and having a distal end for insertion within the recess of the communications port.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a ribbon cable plug to a 3-in-1 printed circuit board connector. The ribbon cable plug mates with a signals section of the connector and an address section of the printed circuit board connector, adjacent the signal section, includes a plurality of pins that extend from the connector parallel to a line along which the ribbon cable plug is moved to mate the ribbon cable plug with the signals section of the connector. The pins, which have square cross sections, are received in circular sockets formed in one end to a body member of a retaining plug constructed of glass filled polyester. The sockets are sized so that the pins will deform portions of the retaining plug body member about the sockets and thereby clamp the retaining plug to the printed circuit board connector.

Abstract: A test system directed to apparatus for transmitting and receiving multiple telephone transmission signals over a single twisted pair. The system converts an analog signal from a local switching station to an 80 ksymbols/sec signal for transmission over a twisted pair by a line card. A remote terminal converts the 80 ksymbols/sec signal back into a conventional analog signal for use in conventional telephone, facsimile or other related equipment. The test equipment separately tests the entire system, the line card portion of the system, the remote terminal portion of the system, and the twisted pair.

Abstract: A safety cover for electrical outlets includes a center locking block which is attached to an electrical outlet by a screw, and which has grooves to receive elongate members integral with individual receptacle covers. Matching cross-sectional shapes of the grooves and members fit closely so that the elongate members are retained in the grooves. A flexible latching arm on the front of a receptacle cover engages the locking block to latch the cover in place; the latching arm is pressed aside with a fingertip to permit removal of the receptacle cover. One of the covers has prongs which engage openings in the receptacle to prevent the safety cover assembly from being rotated around the mounting screw.

Abstract: A pair of connector elements, one connector element having a locking arm, the other connector element having a hood for receiving the one connector element and a locking protrusion provided within the hood are locked in engagement of the locking arm with the locking protrusion when they are completely coupled with each other. When the connector elements are not used or before they are coupled with each other, a body for preventing the one connector element from being fit into the other connector element is inserted in the hood of the other connector element. The body has a locking arm to be engaged with the locking protrusion and a locking portion into which a dedicated jig for pulling out the body from the hood is to be inserted. Thus, in electrical wiring for e.g. an air bag for motor vehicles, it is prevented that when the pair of connector elements are to be coupled with each other, they are connected with a false current flowing through the one connector element and explosion happens in an inflator.

Abstract: A protecting cap is used for protecting a plurality of terminals disposed in a cylindrical portion of an electrical connector to be inserted in a mounting hole formed in a panel so that an open end of the cylindrical portion faces the mounting hole. The protecting cap is attached to the open end of the cylindrical portion. The protecting cap includes a lid portion covering the open end of the cylindrical portion of the connector and a pair of engagement members attaching the lid portion to the cylindrical portion of the connector. The lid portion has inclined faces so that the lid portion tapers in a direction away from the open end of the cylindrical portion. Since the protecting cap is tapered, it can be readily inserted into the mounting hole. Upon insertion of the distal end of the cap into the mounting hole, the connector can be guided to a normal position even when it is positionally offset relative to the mounting hole.

Abstract: An assembly for covering the face plate and receptacle head of a wall-mounted electrical outlet has a cover plate with front and rear sides, and a plurality of prongs that extend from the rear of the cover plate to engage the receptacle. The cover plate is sized to cover the face plate of the receptacle and the receptacle when the prongs are so engaged. The plate has a rearwardly extending flange so that its rear surface fits flush against the wall when the prongs engage the receptacle. The flange has a frontwardly extending section that with the front side of the plate creates a front cavity. The cavity has a depth to receive a wall covering to allow a smooth plane to be created between the covering and the front surface of the front flange section.

Abstract: The present invention is a holder for an electrical outlet safety cap. The holder includes a body having a prong receiving device therein for receiving the prongs of the electrical outlet safety cap to hold the safety cap when the electrical outlet is being used. The prong receiving device is electrically insulated from the outlet's source of electrical power.

Abstract: A plug for insulating electrical contacts of a male connector has a connector engaging portion for snugly coupling the plug to the connector and a head portion extending from the connector engaging portion. Bores extend axially through the connector engaging portion and only partially through the head portion, and snugly receive the contacts.

Abstract: A safety cover for sockets includes a cover body having a recess in a first side thereof and two spaced blades extending outward from the recess and being perpendicular to the cover body. The blades are adapted to engage with two slits of a socket. A clip extends from the cover body and pivotable at an end thereof adjacent to the cover body. The clip includes a pair of substantially L-shaped members each with a flexible distal end extending toward each other to define a passage having width slightly less than that of a wire of the plug, such that the safety cover clips on the wire of the plug when not in use. The distance between the L-shaped members is less than that between the blades. The cover body includes two cutouts to allow a pivotal movement of the L-shaped members into the recess. The recess has two spaced protrusions extending outward from a periphery thereof which is opposite to the cutouts to retain the L-shaped members when the clip is stored in the recess.

Abstract: A duplex plug for protecting conventional duplex electrical outlets, has dielectric caps connected by a flexible, generally S-shaped tether. Each cap has projecting prongs that fit the outlet receptacle, and the tether may have an aperture for deteachably securing it to a center mounting hole of the electrical outlet by means of a mounting screw. Use of the center mounting hole attachment is optional. The length and shape of the S-shaped tether are adapted to permit convenient biasing of a cap laterally away from one electrical receptacle.

Abstract: A female electric cord plug or wall outlet is provided for fastening to a male electric cord plug having at least one prong, where the at least one prong has a longitudinal axis and at least one dent, including at least one prong receiving opening having a longitudinal axis along which the prong receiving opening receives the at least one prong, a prong engaging mechanism in the form of at least one dent engaging member which can enter the prong member can exit the prong receiving opening and disengage the dent and where the dent engaging member includes a shaft positioned essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the prong receiving opening and a cantilever structure having two ends and attached at one end to the shaft to protrude laterally from the shaft, the shaft being positioned to pass adjacent to the prong receiving opening, the shaft being slidable relative to the prong receiving opening such that the laterally protruding cantilever structure enters and exits the prong receiving opening to

Abstract: A holder for securing receptacle plugs of electrical extension cords at selected positions. The holder has a base having an engagement portion extending therefrom to engage the receptacle plug to hold it, and a support engagement portion extending therefrom to engage a selected support structure to become affixed to that structure, or at least temporarily affixed thereto subject to removal.

Abstract: A method is taught whereby an ungrounded safety electrical receptacle or outlet is made incompatible with a three-pronged safety plug, thereby to warn the user that the receptacle is not grounded. The method employs various fillers to fill or otherwise block entry to the hole in the outlet that receives the grounding prong of the safety plug. Labelling of the receptacle employing the filler is included. The various fillers for use in the method are also claimed, as are labelling techniques.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for mounting a header assembly to a mounting surface of an electrical apparatus through the use of a vacuum-suction nozzle. The header assembly includes a dielectric housing adapted to be positioned adjacent the mounting surface. The assembly includes a plurality of terminals mounted in the housing. The terminals have tail portions for interconnection to circuitry of the electrical apparatus and pin portions projecting from the housing. A slip-off cover has a plurality of pin-receiving passages for receiving free ends of the pin portions of at least some of the terminals. The pin portions are interference-fit in the passages to allow the cover and the header assembly to be mounted together to the electrical apparatus and to allow the cover to be slid off the terminals after the tail portions of the terminals are interconnected to the circuitry of the electrical apparatus.

Abstract: An electric extension cord receptacle includes side recesses to aid in grasping the receptacle while removing electric plugs from the receptacle. Two safety flaps attached to the receptacle body by living hinges pivot to cover unused electric sockets in the receptacle. The hinges are undercut to create preferred fold lines to properly register plastic plugs on the safety flaps with receiving slots in the electric sockets.

Abstract: The present invention is a holder for an electrical outlet safety cap. The holder includes a body having a prong receiving device therein for receiving the prongs of the electrical outlet safety cap to hold the safety cap when the electrical outlet is being used. The prong receiving device is electrically insulated from the outlet's source of electrical power.

Abstract: A blocking member and a clamp as separate members, each a single, one-piece article. The blocking member has a canister form blocking element positionable in the clip which normally holds the fuse, and an arm extending therefrom. The blocking member also has fingers extending longitudinally of the canister to engage with the fuse clip, thus preventing vertical movement of the blocking member out of the fuse clip. The clamp is slidably fitted on the arm and moved to a locking position in which it prevents horizontal movement of the blocking element from the fuse clip. The arm and the clamp have holes that are aligned when the clamp is in locking position, for receiving an external locking means.

Abstract: An electrical plug device is disclosed for establishing an electrical connection when the device is inserted within an electrical outlet socket. The device includes a housing and a first blade which extends from the housing for establishing a first electrical connection with the outlet socket. A second blade is electrically insulated from the first blade with the second blade extending from the housing for establishing a second electrical connection with the outlet socket. A biasing device co-operates with at least one of the blades for biasing the first and second blades relative to each other such that the blades establish an interference fit within the outlet socket so that inadvertent removal of the blades from within the outlet socket is inhibited.

Abstract: A safety cover includes a one-piece body having an octagonal central section with two tabs extending outwardly therefrom. The tabs are offset from each other with respect to the central section top and bottom surfaces, and have a thickness that is essentially equal to one-half the thickness of the central section. Each of the tabs has a fastener-receiving hole defined therethrough, and adjacent tabs are coincident when one cover is adjacent to another cover. A fastener extends through the fastener-receiving holes and attaches one or both of the covers to a wall socket. Various fasteners can be used to ensure that unauthorized personnel will not be able to remove a cover from a wall socket once the cover is in place. The cover includes prongs that fit into the socket slots. One form of the cover includes a tearline between each tab and the body central section.