Abstract: An electric adapter with a display unit capable of indicating various electrical parameters of an electric appliances is disclosed. The adapter includes a housing, a plug, an outlet socket, a control circuit and a display unit. The adapter is electrically connected between an electric socket and the electric appliance. When the electric appliance works, the control circuit detects various electrical parameters of the electric appliance and then displays the electrical parameters on the display unit. The electrical parameters includes present time, voltage value, current value, watt, kilowatt-hour, apparent power value, power factor.

Abstract: A connection system for providing a consumer-friendly connection between an expansion card and a host device. The host device includes a male connection while the expansion card includes a female connection. The male and female connections are arranged in a pattern that allows a combination of keyed voltage connections between the host device and expansion card when the supply voltage of the host and operating voltage of the card are compatible. The male connection includes six different supply voltage combinations that include a first voltage only, a second voltage only, a third voltage only, a first and second voltage only, a second and third voltage only, and a first, second and third voltage combination. In addition, the female connection includes six different expansion card operating voltage combinations that include a first voltage only, a second voltage only, a third voltage only, a first and second voltage only, a second and third voltage only, and a first, second and third voltage combination.

Abstract: A connector assembly test block for simultaneously verifying the wiring of a plurality of pairs of electrically-conductive connectors in a connector assembly. The test block has a plurality of pairs of electrically-conductive contact members positioned for concurrent conductive contact with the pairs of connectors when the test block is interfaced with the connector assembly. The test block also includes an indicator device conductively connected to each pair of contact members. The indicator devices are responsive to a signal generated when energized. Each indicator device provides a perceptible indication verifying proper wiring of a pair of connectors when conductively connected to a pair of energized connectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector for use in a wiring harness for motor vehicles, and more particularly to a method for shifting a terminal, which is in an incompletely inserted state in a terminal accommodating chamber of a connector housing, to a completely inserted position thereof by use of an inserted position correcting jig.

Abstract: An electrical connector for configuring the supply voltage of rotary electric machines, particularly electric motors, having a plurality of electrical windings. The connector includes an electrical terminal block mountable in a bell housing of the rotary electric machine. The terminal block includes a socket having a plurality of female electrical connectors coupled to a corresponding plurality electrical windings. A male electrical connector having a plurality of jumper pins matably engageable with the female electrical connectors of the socket in a first and second configurations to electrically configure first and second winding portions of each electrical winding in parallel or in series. The connector also includes a visual electrical configuration indicator to indicate whether the male electrical connector and socket are in the first or second configurations.

Abstract: A mechanism for detecting an unlocked state of connectors is provided. An interfering portion for interfering with a slider which is not pushed in is formed on a mating component to which a component having first and second connectors is attached. The locking plate of the slider is provided with an inclined portion and a flat portion in a direction perpendicular to the connector engagement direction. The second connector is provided with an inclined surface corresponding to the inclined portion, a flat surface corresponding to the flat portion, and an insertion opening adjacent to the flat surface for accommodating the locking plate. When the flat portion is completely in contact with the flat surface, the length of the protruding portion of the slider is the same as the width of the clearance between the second connector and the interfering portion.

Abstract: A modular video signal matrix switcher is constructed with a midplane architecture. The functional components of the system include a power supply board, a controller board, one or two output boards, an optional control signal generating board, and one or more switching boards. These components are contained within a housing which has a number of non-dedicated board placement slots. The non-dedicated slots can receive any one of a switching board, an output board or a camera control signal generating board. Each type of board component is assigned a respective distinguishing color pursuant to a color coding system. The color coding system facilitates configuration management, assembly and maintenance operations.

Abstract: A connector housing for use in a wiring harness of motor vehicles, has a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers disposed along a length of the connector housing, the through-hole communicating through the width of those chambers, with a jig insertion hole having a connecting operation checking member therein, the jig insertion hole formed in a face of each of a first and a second opposite side wall of the connector housing, and an insertion position connecting jig inserted through the through-hole from the jig insertion hole in the face of the first opposite side wall toward the jig insertion hole in the face of the second opposite side wall whereby the connecting operation checking member of each of the jig insertion holes is removed so as to indicate completion of a correcting operation for electric terminals inserted into the plurality of chambers of the connector housing.

Abstract: There is provided a new and improved system for connecting electrical components in a mold with a molding press. The electrical components having electrical leads are connected to coded electrical connectors secured to the mold; and these electrical connectors are connected to detachable electrical cables which extend to and are detachably connected to coded connectors of a junction panel or box. The electrical connectors at the mold are color-coded as well as shape-coded as to pins or keys on the connectors; and likewise, the cables and the electrical connectors at the junction box are also similarly color-coded and shape-coded.

Abstract: A connector with a steering angle sensor includes a steering roll connector in which an inner cylinder as a rotating body is provided inside an outer cylinder concentrically therewith, a spiral cable is stored between the outer and inner cylinders, and one end of the cable is supported on the outer cylinder while the other end of the cable is supported on the inner cylinder. A disk is fixed on the inner cylinder concentrically therewith. A plurality of slits are circumferentially formed in an outer edge portion of the disk. A sensor portion including a light receiving unit and a light emitting unit which are disposed so as to be opposite to each other through the outer edge portion of the disk is provided in a column switch.

Abstract: An electrical power connection module adapted to indicate when a weld between a pin and a socket has occurred. The present invention provides a multiple pin plug wherein each pin mounted in the plug is attached thereto using a spring means. The biasing means is adapted to maintain the pin in a first position if a weld has not occurred, and a second position if a weld has occurred to thereby provide the user with a visual indication of the welded pin. Therefore, rather than requiring that an entire line replaceable unit be removed and replaced at substantial cost and delay, the present invention allows the user to quickly determine which pin has become welded, and to quickly disconnect the welded pin from the plug for removal of the plug and then subsequent removal of the welded pin.

Abstract: An electrical connection safety apparatus which eliminates the risk of fire or electric shock associated with current overload faults in electrical systems. The apparatus senses or detects the electrical current rating of electrical cords or connectors which are plugged into electrical outlets and disconnects power to the outlet and connector whenever the cord current rating is exceeded. Connector current rating is indicated by the length of connector prongs and the connector current rating is detected by a movable member within an electrical receptacle when the connector prongs are plugged into the receptacle. Circuitry monitors the load current delivered to the receptacle and connector and compares the load current to detected current rating. When a current overload occurs, power to the receptacle and connector is disconnected. The receptacle resets itself when the connector is unplugged.

Abstract: Disclosed is a card edge connector having mirror image latches which are integrally molded into the housing and which have horizontal latch manipulation platform members which extend outwardly from their body section. A stopper member is positioned outwardly from the latches to prevent overstressing when the latches are deflected. The horizontal latch manipulation has a central major slot and a peripheral secondary slot which are vertically aligned respectively with a vertical slot between the latch body and the stopper member and the top surface of the stopper member to allow for relatively easy molding of the latch. A separately molded finger engagement portion may be inserted into the central principal slot which the stopper member is received by the secondary slot when the latch is flexed. The finger engagement portion may advantageously be of a different color from the housing to make it easier to locate.

Abstract: To judge with certainty whether the condition of attachment of each metal terminal is proper, a method and apparatus are provided in which a thinned distal end portion of a lance check pin having guide portions contacts an inner surface of a lance flexing space. The lance check pin, when inserted into the lance flexing space, is kept in a proper posture by the guide portions. Therefore, misjudgment of the terminal position is avoided.

Abstract: A connector for detecting an incomplete insertion of a terminal is provided, wherein the connector causes a detecting accuracy of the incomplete insertion of the terminal to be improved when each of a detection of incomplete insertion and a detection of continuity of the terminal is performed. A guide groove is formed, into which an incomplete insertion detecting finger of an inspecting pin is inserted. The guide groove is formed at a space into which a resilient supporting piece is capable of bending when confronted by a terminal receiving chamber of a connector housing. A pick-up surface is provided for guiding at an opening of the guide groove. A straight portion is formed along the guide groove so as to protrude from the straight portion, which is lengthened at the tip of the resilient supporting piece. The straight portion is located a small distance apart from the guide groove in a direction toward the direction opposite of which the resilient supporting piece is capable of bending into.

Abstract: The present invention is a color coded system for associating each of a plurality of individual electrical connection ports of a transactional terminal with a particular cable designated for connection with a specific one of the ports. The system includes a device that has a plurality of electrical connection ports for receiving cables. The device has a recessed portion extending around the electrical connection ports. The recessed portion has a rim defining the boundary of the recess. The system also includes a color coded alignment strip that has a surface of colors arranged in ordered positions on the strip. The colors of the surface correspond to color coded cables. The color coded alignment strip is positioned and is aligned in the recess in a position that aligns the colors with the electrical connection ports that are to receive the color coded cables of the corresponding colors aligned with the electrical connection ports.

Abstract: A connector conduction tester includes a conduction testing section and a connector holding section which are arranged on a stand frame and an operating section for moving the conducting testing section towards the connector holding section, in which a conduction testing operation is carried out with testing pins of the conduction testing section abutted against terminals in a connector. In the tester, the stand frame has a spacer supplying hole which is confronted with a spacer inserting hole formed in a connector set in the connector holding section, and spacer pushing device located below the spacer supplying hole.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises a male member with conduits arranged in rows and in transverse lines and each designed to receive an electrical contact member. The electrical contact members are locked by a locking key mobile in the male member perpendicularly to the conduits and having slots corresponding to the rows. The key includes notches in the slots and disposed along the transverse lines. The male member and the key carry markers corresponding to the rows and to the transverse lines.

Abstract: A power detection and control unit detects the acceptable power voltage requirements of a removable system resource and either provides the acceptable power voltage to the removable system resource or provides no voltage to the removable system resource if no acceptable power voltage is available. The power detection and control unit has a detection circuitry and a logic circuitry to translate the acceptable power requirement signal into control signals that control the system power supply. In a first embodiment the detection circuitry consists of an A/D converter analog to digital converter, a resistor coupled to a predetermined power supply voltage, a resistor in the removable system resource coupled to ground, and a filtering capacitor coupled to ground. In a second embodiment, the detection circuitry includes a pattern imprinted on the casing of the removable system resource, a wiper circuit for applying onto the pattern and detecting from the pattern a power requirement signal.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to realize a branch connector apparatus in which a branch connecting operation can be correctly and quickly carried out in accordance with polarity without cutting a main conductor or removing an insulator of the main conductor or a branch conductor. The apparatus comprises a connector 13 and a housing 3 which is provided with a main conductor insertion hole in which a multi-core flat insulation sheath cable (main conductor) can be inserted, a branch conductor insertion hole in which an insulated wire (branch conductor) can be inserted, and a connector insertion hole. One of conductive contacts of the connector pierces the insulator of the main conductor to engage with the main conductor portion. The other conductive contact pierces the insulator of the branch conductor to engage with the branch conductor portion.

Abstract: A module is intended to be provided for the purpose of connecting a plurality of subscribers which has a simple structure and by means of which a cable can be made contact with in a simple, cost-effective and reliable manner. To this end, a bottom-part housing (1) is provided with a contact-making device which essentially comprises a guiding part (7), a line basket (9) and contacts (6) in the form of strips with contact tips (11). The line basket (9) can be latched in two vertical positions in the guiding part (7). The cable (5) provided with a form coding can be inserted in the line basket (9) in the upper preassembly position. When the line basket (9) is displaced into the lower position, the insulation of the cable (5) is penetrated by the contact tips (11) and at the same time contact is made with the line cores (3, 4) of the cable.

Abstract: In a connector terminal inspecting device for inspecting conduction of terminals (79) of a connector (39) having a housing (45) formed with a hood portion (41), which comprises: a connector reception member (29) for supporting the housing (45) of the connector (39) to be tested; and an inspection member (31) disposed movably toward and away from the connector reception member and having a plurality of conduction inspecting pins (67), in particular, the inspection member (31) is formed with a plurality of pin accommodating chambers (65) for accommodating the conduction inspecting pins (67) and further with an engaged inspection portion (63) engaged with the hood (41) of the connector (39) to be tested.

Abstract: A computer system includes a computer cabinet, a plurality of printed circuit boards housed within the computer cabinet, a processor secured to at least one of the printed circuit boards, a power supply cabinet remote from the computer cabinet, a power supply housed within the power supply cabinet and a signal interconnect unit, coupled to the computer cabinet and the power supply cabinet, for providing an electrical path between the computer cabinet and the power supply cabinet. The printed circuit boards and the slots into which they are inserted have corresponding color code labels. The purpose of this is to clearly identify the location of the slot which corresponds to the printed circuit board of the same color.

Abstract: An anti-theft sensor contact mechanism for an ignition system of an automotive vehicle has a sensor contact mechanism 24 which utilizes a non-conducting lever 46 to sense the physical presence of a lock liner 26 within a lock cylinder 28 of the ignition system and to depress a moveable contact 40 against a stationary contact 38 of the same metal for closing a path in an electrical monitoring, or sensing, circuit 32. When the lock liner 26 is removed, such as when tampered with during theft of the vehicle, the sensor contact mechanism 24 causes a break in an electrical path in the circuit 32 through movement of the moveable contact 40 to a non-contacting position with the stationary contact 38 so that a conventional alarm system may be triggered to sound an audible or visible.

Abstract: In a spacer detection structure of a connector having: an oval connector housing (2); a plurality of connector terminals (32) housed in the connector housing; and a terminal fixing spacer (4) engaged with the connector terminals when the connector terminals are fully inserted into the connector housing and formed with a curved base wall portion (5) along an oval shape of the connector housing, the curved base wall portion (5) of the terminal fixing spacer (4) is formed with a recessed portion (10) having a flat bottom surface (9) brought into contact with at least one detection plate (8) of a connector fixing jig (7) for inspecting whether the terminal fixing spacer is full inserted into the connector housing. Therefore, it is possible to securely inspect an imperfect insertion of the oval terminal fixing spacer (4) into the oval connector housing (2), without increasing the manufacturing cost of the connector fixing jig (7) of the inspection instrument.

Abstract: A retainer 20 is rotatably mounted on a connector housing 11. When the retainer 20 is pivoted toward the connector housing 11, engaging projections 25 engage terminal fittings 16 inserted into corresponding terminal fitting cavities 3. Each engaging projection 25 is formed with a push-out slanting surface 25b and a push-in slanting surface 25c, the slanting surfaces 25b and 25c being sloped inversely from each other. The retainer 20 is formed with an elastic member 26 for producing a spring force. The elastic member 26 renders such a force as to push back the terminal fittings 16 until shoulder portions 16b of the terminal fittings 16 pass the push-out slanting surfaces 25b, while rendering such a force as to push the terminal fittings 16 to their proper mount positions after the shoulder portions 16b of the terminal fittings 16 reach the push-in slanting surfaces 25c.

Abstract: An electrical connector has a flexible cable housed in a case, wherein one end thereof is attached to a rotating member and the other end is attached to a fixed member. The cable is wound around the rotating member and the fixed member to form loose windings of a plurality of turns. A rotation support member is installed in the case so that the rotation support member can rotate around the fixed member and the flexible cable is wound around a perimeter thereof several times. An elastic member connects the rotation support member and the fixed member and generates a returning force responsive to rotation of the rotation support member. Cable codes are formed on the flexible cable in order to indicate a rotation angle of the rotating member. A detection device is installed in the case and generates a signal representing the cable codes.

Abstract: A connector in which double engagement can be easily and positively verified even if an engagement pin has been damaged while being inserted into an engagement pin hole in a housing of the connector. The connector has an insertion engaging device provided with engaging pins for double engagement of a plurality of female terminals accommodated in terminal accommodating chambers which are longitudinally and laterally arranged in a connector housing. The insertion engaging device is provided on one outer peripheral surface of the connector housing, and the connector housing includes ascertainment holes penetrating through positions where fore ends of the engagement pins normally inserted into the engagement pin insertion holes are placed so that the presence of the fore ends of the engagement pins inserted into the engagement pin holes can be visually ascertained.

Abstract: Electrical connector assembly comprising a first housing member and a second housing member complementary to the first housing member, the second housing member having a series of passages in each of which a female electrical contact member is inserted. The first housing member includes a series of passages each adapted to receive a male electrical contact member, with the male electrical contact member having a contact part adapted to be inserted into a corresponding female contact member of the second housing member, a body including notches and elements for fixing an electrical conductor. The first housing member includes a face and a second projection on the face adapted to face towards the second housing member.

Abstract: A screw clamp type connector includes a first connector housing into which male terminals fit, a terminal protecting plate which is fitted into the first connector housing, a second connector housing into which female terminals fit and which is equipped with a locknut, and a simple clamp bolt. The terminal protecting plate is provided with a plane section having terminal support holes each corresponding in position to the terminal receiving holes of the first connector housing, and a pair of housing indicators each erected upright on both end sides of the underside of the plane section. An opening is formed in the central part of the plane section so as to receive the bolt holder formed in the central front part of the first connector housing.

Abstract: A card for indicating the relative positions of conductors to be connected to an appliance comprises a panel element independent of the appliance and representing a duplicate image of a portion of the appliance to which the conductors are to be connected. The panel element includes a plurality of openings provided therein, each of the openings being formed to frictionally retain one of the conductors at a location on the panel element corresponding to the exact location of the conductor when connected to the appliance.

Abstract: A unitary lampholder (10) including a lamp socket (12,14) as well as a multi-position switch which can take the form of a three-way, two circuit switch for operating a two filament lamp, a single circuit switch for operating a single filament lamp or arranged to permit the switch to be operated from a remote point. The lampholder has a bottom housing (14) and a top housing (12) which includes an access door (16) which is slidably and rotatably mounted to the remainder of the top housing by a guide member 54 which moves within slots (93,94) and permits the access door 16 to be rotated from a position on and perpendicular to the top housing axis to one parallel to that axis in which position it can be slidably moved towards the bottom housing. Upon slidably moving the access door towards the bottom housing, projections (160, 162) on the base of access door force insulated conductors (92,94) into the insulation displacing terminals (86,88) of the contacts (60,62) to make electrical contact therewith.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a female terminal metal fixture for a connector, in which a contacting pressure on an elastic contact piece can be precisely and easily measured. In the fixture, a box like fitting portion 2 is provided in its interior with an elastic contact piece 5. The piece 5 has a contact area 6 adapted to elastically contact with a male terminal metal fixture. The contact area 6 electrically contacts with the male fixture when it is inserted into the fitting portion 2. The portion 2 is provided with an inspection aperture 8 in its upper wall 7 above the contact area 6. Measurement of a contacting force on the elastic contact piece 6 and observation of a surface condition of the piece can be effected through the inspection aperture 8.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved XLR connector which automatically terminates at least two of the matable connecting terminals of the XLR connector when the XLR connector is not attached to another XLR connector. The XLR connector includes a spring-biased switching member which opens and closes depending on whether the XLR connector is attached to another XLR connector. According to a first embodiment of the invention, an internal resistor is provided in the XLR connector which has a resistance that matches the impedance of the signal lines coupled to the XLR connector. According to a second embodiment, two additional terminals are provided on the XLR connector which are coupled together through the switching member. Thus, the state of the XLR connector may be detected by detecting the potential difference between the two additional terminals.

Abstract: A connector terminal checking device includes a base, a conduction checking part rotatably supported by the base to check the conductive condition of a connector to be checked, an abutting part attached to the base to come into contact with a rear end of the connector mounted on the conduction checking part arranged in a conduction check position, a compression spring for urging the conduction checking part against a stand-by position and a solenoid for holding the conduction checking part in the conduction check position when checking the connector. In an initial state of the device, the solenoid is not energized, so that the conduction checking part is moved in the stand-by position by the compression spring. After the connector is inserted into the conduction checking part, it is pressed to the conduction check position by an operator. During checking, the solenoid is energized to maintain the conduction checking part in the conduction checking position.

Abstract: A connector inspecting device that positively determines whether a metal terminal has been correctly inserted into the housing of the connector includes a slider provided in a checker housing in such a manner that it is movable and urged toward a connector by a compression spring. The slider includes a lance check pin protruded toward the connector and an electrical contactor that is integral with the lance check pin. When the connector is at a "normal position," the lance check pin goes in a lance bending space provided for a lance, so that the electrical contactor is electrically connected to the metal terminal. In the case where the metal terminal is set at a "half insertion position," the lance check pin abuts against the lance, which prevents the contact of the electrical contactor with the metal terminal.

Abstract: An electrical connector, which comprises(a) a housing comprising a first part and a second part that can be moved relative to one another,(b) an electrical protection device carried by the first part and being electrically-connectable to a first electrical contact that extends within the housing,(c) a second electrical contact within the housing that has means for connection thereto of an electrical conductor,the first and second electrical contacts being arranged such that connection is made between them on closing the housing and connection between them is broken on opening the housing.

Abstract: A connector examining device, in which a retainer for attaching a terminal within a housing can be pushed into the housing simultaneous with an examination of a connector. When a lever is pulled up, a cam comes in contact with a trailing end surface of a detector portion. This allows the detector portion to slide toward a connector receiving portion. After the detector portion is in contact with the connector receiving portion, the connector receiving portion and the detector portion together are further displaced. At this time, a retainer pusher, fixed to a base pushes into the housing the retainer temporarily engaged with the housing of the connector held by the connector receiving portion. Thus, the retainer and the terminal within the housing are engaged with one another, and the terminals are engaged with the housing.

Abstract: Visually keyed connector (10) and plug assemblies (36) wherein the insulative housings (16,38) are formed of material of the same color only when the number and configuration of the terminal receiving cavities (22) of the connector and the contacts (42) of the plug have mating compatibility. The connector and plug assemblies have their mating faces (20,40) exposed to provide a visual indication of such compatibility.

Abstract: An electrical outlet for supplying electrical power to electrical devices comprising a hollow receptacle box having a central opening; a plurality of electrical receptacles disposed within the box, each receptacle having a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and a ground terminal coupled thereto, each terminal adapted to receive a terminal wire of a power cable, each electrical receptacle adapted to receive an external male connector plug of an electrical device, pairs of electrical contacts coupled to the receptacle box and adapted to receive respective male connector plugs through their respective external receptacles, a fuse coupled between each pair of electrical contacts and their respective positive terminals for discontinuing the conduction of electrical power, means for providing an indication when the maximum power rating is exceeded in each receptacle, and means for allowing a user to configure the receptacles to be active at all times or to be controlled with an external switch; and a receptacl

Abstract: A fluorescent tube is provided with markings at each end aligned with the base contacts and readily viewed from below allowing the pin contacts to be readily aligned with a fixture socket and thereby to facilitate installation of the tube into the fixture.

Abstract: A lighted adapter for use in an electrical system which includes a male connector and a mateable female connector connectable in a given line circuit. The connectors include complementary interengaging terminals. The adapter includes a housing having a female end for mating with the male connector and a male end for mating with the female connector. An electronic package is located within the housing and includes adapter terminals for engagement with the terminals of the connectors when the housing is mated between the connectors, whereby the electronic package is electrically coupled to the line circuit through the adapter. A light source is provided in the housing and coupled in the circuit therethrough. A light transmitting lens is associated with the housing and arranged in proximity to the light source to provide external viewing of a lighted condition of the light source and, thereby, a line circuit condition through the adapter.

Abstract: An electrode connector, for example a connector for electrocardiogram electrodes, has a connection head made from a material that is a good conductor of electricity, a contact member made from a material that is a good conductor of electricity and that is adapted to contact the connection head, a member for snap-fastening the connector to the connection head, an electrically insulative material protective cap at least partially enclosing the contact member and an electric cable comprising at least one electric conductor connected to the contact member. The electrode connector further comprises a device for detecting strain generating artefacts and comprising a strain sensor accommodated in the cap between at least part of the contact member and at least one interior area of the cap. At least one other electric conductor is connected to said strain sensor.

Abstract: A labelling device for electrical terminal blocks is characterized by a unitary labelling element including a base portion which can be connected with the insulated body of the block and a tag portion connected with the base portion in a swingable manner via a strap hinge. When the tag portion is folded to the closed position, it is connected with the base portion via a pin and aperture press-fit connection. The labelling device can be manufactured in a simple manner with a narrow design and reliably retained in the closed position, whereby it also functions to cover the access openings of the terminal block.

Abstract: A connector is constructed such that the front half portions of a pair of connector housings each accommodating a terminal are coupled with each other, and are locked and connected together by means of a pair of locking members. This connector comprises a detecting spacer locked and connected to one of the pair of connector housings by means of another pair of locking members and a lock-releasing portion provided on the other connector housing for releasing locking between the detecting spacer and the one of the pair of connector housings when the other connector housing is properly coupled with the one of the pair of connector housings.

Abstract: A separable electrical connector with a housing formed of electrically insulating material includes an external grounding terminal anchor positioned in a grounding strip groove on the surface of the housing. The groove, in the form of an open-sided recess, receives and positions a suitably dimensioned grounding strip of electrically conductive material. The strip is coupled to the anchor by a screw fastener which engages mating screw threads formed in the anchor. One or more display surfaces surrounded by upstanding protective wall surfaces are formed on the exterior surface of the housing for the display of identifying indicia, and the base surf ace of the external grounding strip groove may be used as a display surface, if desired, in the absence of a grounding strip. The grounding terminal anchor may be made of electrically conductive material so that an anchored conductive grounding strip will be coupled to the housing both electrically and mechanically.

Abstract: An electrical plug connector adapted for connection with individual insulated wires of an electrical conduit comprises a housing having a plurality of elongated chambers each in line with a coupling element fixed in the housing. Each coupling element includes an elongated bifurcated jaw section having opposed inner knife edges that extend within an elongated chamber. A movable block within each housing chamber includes a first hole for receiving the end of an insulated wire to be terminally attached to a coupling element and a second hole for receiving a tool adapted to move the slider block within its chamber toward the jaw section of a coupling element so that the insulated wire previously placed within the slider block will move between the knife edges of the jaw section to provide an electrical contact. When each slider block is locked into its wire contacting position, the housing is closed and the connector is ready for use.

Abstract: A method or system, and the appropriate structural components therefor to allow for readily identifying which particular coded load side conductors of a ballast feed which particular lamp sockets and thus lamps of an advertising sign illuminated by florescent lamps. Coded markers indicative of particular coded load side conductors of the ballast are placed on or adjacent each lamp socket within the open interior of the sign to allow for the quick identification of the sign wiring circuitry without the need to remove lamps or an excessive number of wire raceway covers. In a preferred embodiment, the coded markers are durable, inexpensive to manufacture, readily attachable, readily changeable yet cannot inadvertently be dislodged, and are viewable from generally any angle once a translucent display panel of the sign has been moved to expose the sockets, lamps and adjacent raceways within the interior of the sign.

Abstract: A new and improved electrical receptacle comprising a light permeable housing, electrical outlets mounted in the housing, and illuminating means disposed interiorly of the housing. In an alternatively preferred arrangement, a stand pivotally attached to the receptacle housing is adapted to elevate the receptacle thereby affording protection against short circuits due to excessive moisture on the floor. In yet another alternatively preferred arrangement, a second pivotal attachment on the housing is effective to prevent the inadvertent disconnection of electrical cords plugged into the housing.

Abstract: An electrical connector with visual display connecting an information bus to a computer in an information processing system including electronics mounted within a connector body and coupled to the information bus, the electronics monitoring information flowing through the information bus and providing output signals in response thereto and visual display circuitry mounted in the connector body and connected to receive the output signals from the electronics and provide a visual display in response thereto indicating the flow of information through the bus.