Outlet Box Patents (Class 439/535)
  • Patent number: 8866012
    Abstract: A sensor system includes a wiring harness including at least one wire, a grommet, a nugget, a sensor, and a harness sleeve, wherein the grommet includes at least one passageway configured to receive the wire and the nugget includes at least one terminal molded into the nugget and coupled to the wire. A mineral insulated cable may be coupled to the sensor and to the terminal and the harness sleeve may define at least one cavity configured to receive the nugget and at least a portion of the grommet. The harness sleeve may be coupled to the mineral insulated cable and may include a first crimp coupling the harness sleeve to the grommet. The harness sleeve may also include a second crimp coupling the harness sleeve to the nugget.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Stoneridge, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Engelbach, Robert J. Sparks, Tim Murphy, Jeffrey T. Norris, Michael L. Heston
  • Patent number: 8853533
    Abstract: The invention relates to a contact-making and connection arrangement on the basis of film conductors introduced in a housing, wherein ends of the film conductors have a contact-making section and at least partly lie one above another. According to the invention, a double-sided self-adhesive or adhesive-coated conductive nonwoven material is situated between the contact-making sections facing one another, said material mechanically and electrically connecting the ends of the film conductors. Furthermore, the housing is embodied such that it is divided in the plane of the film conductors that have been introduced or are to be introduced, wherein the housing parts form half-shells and, in at least one half-shell, stamp-like projections are provided which lead to a deformation of the contact-making layer in such a way that a reduction of the electrical contact resistance of the connection occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Few Fahrzeugelektrikwerk GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: André Jenrich
  • Patent number: 8847085
    Abstract: A power device suited for being assembled in a chassis and connected with a plug is provided. The power device includes a housing, and a receptacle, a spring clamp, a position limiting element disposed on the housing. The plug is removably connected to the receptacle. The spring clamp has a moving end. The position limiting element is located between the spring clamp and the receptacle. The position limiting element and the moving end of the spring clamp are linked together to move between a first position and a second position relative to the housing. When the plug connects to the receptacle, the position limiting element is interfered with the plug and the spring clamp simultaneously so that the spring clamp is constrained at the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: FSP Technology Inc., 3Y Power Technology (Taiwan), Inc.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hsuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20140273618
    Abstract: A junction box adapter enabling the control of power is described. The junction box adapter comprises a plurality of connector elements adapted to receive contact elements of an electrical component which enables the control of power; and a coupling element adapted to receive an alignment member of the electrical component; wherein the plurality of connector elements are provided in predetermined locations for receiving predetermined contact elements of the electrical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: John Joseph King
  • Publication number: 20140270675
    Abstract: A switch pack holds rows and columns of connector plugs and permits collective coupling of the plugs into ports. The switch pack includes a housing having a front face with front openings and a rear face with rear openings. An internal frame forms channels between the front openings and the rear openings, each channel holding a respective connector plug. One or more locking members releasably snap lock to the frame. Each locking member includes at least one blocking edge which extends into a channel and blocks removal of the channel's plug via the rear opening. A release tool for the switch pack includes a first wall with first tabs and a second wall with second tabs, connected to the first wall by a third wall. Each of the first and second tabs protrudes into a channel of the first and second rows of channels to depress a plug latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventor: Zhao Yu
  • Patent number: 8835758
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an enclosure body, a mounting apparatus, a securing apparatus, and a connector. The connector defines an engaging hole. The mounting apparatus includes a receiving housing and a first elastic member mounted in the receiving housing. The securing apparatus includes a sliding member mounted to the receiving housing and an engaging member. The engaging member is secured between the receiving housing and the sliding member. The engaging member is engaged in the engaging hole in a first position. The connector is received in the receiving housing and the first elastic member is compressed between the receiving housing and the connector in the first position. The connector moves out of the receiving housing from the first position to a second position when the sliding member slides relative to the receiving housing, to drive the engaging member to disengage from the engaging hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Yi Li, Yi-Hung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8835744
    Abstract: A solar cell module having a solar cell panel with strings of electrically-coupled solar cells arranged in a row includes one or more lead wires that electrically couple the strings and a junction box. The one or more lead wires are arranged such that they do not overlap with each other and such that one or more of the lead wires includes a portion that overlaps and does not electrically connect to interconnector of a string. The lead wires include an interconnector connection part connected to a respective string interconnector, and the interconnector connection parts of the lead wires are arranged in a straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sanghwan Park
  • Publication number: 20140248794
    Abstract: A connector cage includes a bezel, having a plurality of slots formed therein, and a cage structure including upper and lower sides and multiple partitions extending between the upper and lower sides to define receptacles for receiving cable connectors. Multiple tabs protrude out of at least one of the sides in locations at which the tabs fit into the slots in the bezel, and are folded over the slots so as to secure the cage structure to the bezel. The cage may also include multiple snap-on spring subassemblies, each spring subassembly secured to a front end of a respective partition and comprising leaves that bow outward to contact the shells of the connectors that are inserted into the receptacles adjacent to the partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: MELLANOX TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Nimer Khazen, Rafi Lagziel
  • Patent number: 8816198
    Abstract: An electrical box has a back portion with a back wall and various side walls. Coupled to the back portion is a sliding ring portion having various side walls. The sliding ring portion is slidably mounted on the back portion such that there is an extended position with a first depth and a collapsed position with a second depth where the first depth is greater than the second depth. Prior to installation, the electrical box would be in the collapsed position in order to minimize the space occupied by the electrical box. When installed, the electrical box would be used in the extended position, such that the full depth of the electrical box can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard L. Cleghorn, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Iven Dieterle, Marcus J. Shotey
  • Patent number: 8809699
    Abstract: A junction box of a solar cell array/solar module, having a plurality of solar cells connected in multiple strings and including a separate top part mechanically connected to a bottom part, and in one of the bottom and top parts, first contact elements, some being connected in the installed state to solar cells and two of which are connected to a connecting cable of the solar cell array, and in another one of the bottom and top parts, interconnected second contact elements electrically contact first contact elements in the installed state and join them are situated there, and an actuator for releasing the mechanical connection between the bottom and top parts, for completely separating the top and bottom parts and for disconnecting the contact between the first and second contact elements and a control unit assigned to the actuator at the input side for generating an actuator control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Karsten Funk
  • Patent number: 8802979
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant self-contained receptacle (TRSCR) provides two sets of contacts for connecting two separate cables in a daisy-chain configuration. A TRSCR is configured for insertion into a single bore hole and is compatible with both metal-clad (MC) and non-metal sheath (NMS) cable. A base providing two sets of contacts, each having hot, neutral and ground contacts, can couple to two doors so that each set is covered. A ground contact can include an extended clip for connection to the metal clad of an MC cable. A door can be configured to receive an MC cable or a NMS cable; or a universal door can be provided. Thus, a TRSCR is configured to provide a separate entry and a separate strain relief for each connected cable. A TRSCR can be coupled to a floor ring when installed in flooring, or an adapter collar when installed in a stone surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: David J. Ziobro
  • Patent number: 8797174
    Abstract: An extension cord with environmental condition sensing ability has a plug for connecting to a power source, and includes a main body, a sensor unit, and a current control unit. On the main body, there are provided a first socket group and a second socket group, which are electrically connected to the power source via the plug. The sensor unit is electrically connected to the second socket group for sensing an environmental condition and thereby generating a signal. The current control unit and the sensor unit together form an electric circuit, and the current control unit receives the signal generated by the sensor unit and turns on or cuts off electric current being supplied to the second socket group according to the received signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Far East University
    Inventor: Yu-Gang Chen
  • Patent number: 8794997
    Abstract: A wall outlet type USB hub with independent charging function includes a mounting case and a combined USB hub and socket unit. The mounting case includes a rear case portion for mounting on a wall and a front case portion assembled to a front opening of the rear case portion. The combined USB hub and socket unit includes a housing member held in the mounting case via retaining means and having multiple openings; a printed circuit board located inside the housing member and having a power module and a hub module; multiple data transfer ports electrically connected to the hub module and aligned with the openings on the housing member; and a power connector electrically connected to the power module. The wall outlet type USB hub matches general wall outlet's cover plate specification and can replace existing AC wall outlet to enable both data transmission and DC power supply functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Kyohaya Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Jane Pin Tin
  • Patent number: 8785775
    Abstract: The present invention provides a waterproof box which can improve water performance and work efficiency, and can reduce space. When washing water hits in the lower surface (33h) of first waterproof portion (33) of an upper cover (15), spay is generated. At this time, an outer surface (30b), which is formed in a tapered shape, of first waterproof portion (30) abuts on an inner surface (33g), which is formed in a tapered shape, of the first waterproof portion (33). Further, the outer surface (30b) engages with the inner surface (33g). As a result, the inlet of a minute path (27) is closed. Even if water leaks, force of the water is reduced because the water enters in a groove (33b or 35a). The water in which force of the water is reduced falls down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kunihiko Takeuchi, Hiroaki Yamada
  • Publication number: 20140199883
    Abstract: Generally disclosed is an intermediary apparatus for an electric wall outlet and an electric device. Plugs are arranged on the apparatus so that a wall cannot conflict with the cord of the electric device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Medley
  • Patent number: 8771008
    Abstract: An electrical power outlet having an outlet box and an electrical connector insert attached to the outlet box. The electrical connector insert has a frame and a powerpole connector assembly attached to the frame. The powerpole connector assembly has a plurality of powerpole connectors. The electrical power outlet includes a face plate that is attached to the frame of the electrical connector insert. The faceplate has an opening through which the powerpole connectors protrude. In one embodiment, the plurality of powerpole connectors has four powerpole connectors arranged in two columns, wherein each column has two powerpole connectors. The opening in the face plate is substantially rectangular in shape. In a preferred embodiment, the face plate is configured as a Decora® style face plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Premier Manufacturing Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Black, Robert A. Love
  • Patent number: 8772649
    Abstract: An electrical box and frame assembly for mounting an electrical component such as a duplex receptacle in a shallow wall cavity. The electrical box assembly includes a box member, a receptacle frame adapted to receive an electrical component, and a trim plate. Rotatable flags on the box member provide ease of installation to a wall in old or new work situations. The box member includes sidewalls of a narrow depth to enable mounting within a shallow wall cavity. The receptacle frame nests substantially within the cavity of the box member and the trim plate secures over the receptacle frame and is mounted to the box member. An outer sidewall on the receptacle frame includes bosses thereon for securing a duplex receptacle in a sideways orientation with respect to the box member and wall cavity thereby enabling the electrical box and frame assembly to be mounted in a shallow wall cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Publication number: 20140179157
    Abstract: Devices in the form of flush-mounting plates are disclosed which are adapted to connect, for example, one or more receptacles to an electrical box that is disposed inside of a wall. Such flush-mounting plates include a back side that is adapted to be connected to the electrical box through a set of screws disposed through corresponding apertures located in the flush-mounting plate and electrical box, and a front side that is adapted to be connected to the one or more receptacles and a cover plate having a planar exterior surface. The one or more receptacles are positioned between the flush-mounting plate and the cover plate, such that the cover plate, one or more receptacles, and flush-mounting plate are connected to the electrical box in a manner that the exterior surface of the cover plate is substantially flush with an outer wall that surrounds the electrical box. In addition, the cover plate may be connected to the flush-mounting plate through a set of magnets or mechanical means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Jair Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8759676
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly for concrete poured floors. The electrical box assembly includes a concrete can with an open end and a plurality of hubs with integral sockets for connection of electrical conduit thereto. Plugs are provided for closing off unused sockets. The electrical box assembly includes a mounting bracket for installation on the open end of the can, a duplex receptacle, a back plate and a cover plate. The back plate provides a seal between the mounting bracket and the cover plate. Removable threaded blanks are included for sealing the openings in the cover plate in order to gain access to the plug-ins on the duplex receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8748743
    Abstract: A junction box includes a cable connecting box including an insulative box and a wire connecting module assembled to the insulative box. The insulative box has a receiving cavity, a bottom wall under the receiving cavity, a plurality of walls surrounding around the receiving cavity, at least a supporting portion located in the walls, a locking slot defined between the supporting portion and one of the walls, and a resilient locking portion received in the locking slot. A cover covers the cable connecting box and comprises a latching portion protruding outwardly from a side of the cover to lock with the resilient locking portion in the locking slot. In this arrangement, the junction box is convenient for users service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xue-Yuan Xiao, Hong-Qiang Han, Zi-Qiang Zhu
  • Patent number: 8729388
    Abstract: An electrical assembly includes a wiring device and an insert clip or attachment member that can be preassembled to provide quick connection to an electrical box, mud ring or other support structure having an aperture with a dimension to receive the clip member. The clip member couples to the mounting screws of the wiring device and is snapped into an aperture or recess in a mud ring. The clip has outwardly projecting tabs engaging the mud ring and inwardly extending tabs engaging the mounting screws. The tabs allow the mounting screws to be pressed into the clip in a sliding manner and allow the clip to snap into the aperture in the mud ring. In another embodiment, the attachment member has a substantially C-shape having an open side that can slide onto a pair of projections on an inner edge of a mud ring for supporting the electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Mahran H. Ayrton, Richard J. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20140118891
    Abstract: A Network Interface Device (NID) line module that includes a module housing configured to receive, in one or more cavities, a removable plug component containing a bridging contact. The line module has a subscriber wire contact connected to a plurality of subscriber wires and a provider wire contact connected to a plurality of provider wires. The bridging contact contacts the subscriber wire contact and the provider wire contact making an electrical connection between the subscriber wire contact and the provider wire contact when the removable plug component is installed in the module housing. When the removable plug component is removed and detached from the one or more cavities on the module housing, the electrical connection between the subscriber wire contact and provider wire contact is broken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Alexander Crane, Christian Shane Duran, John Austin Keenum, Rodger Alan Tenholder
  • Patent number: 8710366
    Abstract: A terminal assembly has a terminal box including a divider extending in a front-to-rear direction of the terminal box and dividing the terminal box into a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being larger than the second chamber and a terminal block mounted in the first chamber configured to have a plurality of contacts mounted onto the terminal block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Seth E. Rosen, Lino S. Italia, John M. Beck, Darryl A. Colson
  • Patent number: 8708736
    Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a detachable power cable interface box (PCIB) for coupling AC power to a rack-level power infrastructure is described. The detachable PCIB includes a body section and a terminal disposed within the body section. The terminal may be coupled to an AC power source. A wiring block may also be disposed within the body, and the modular wiring block may be coupled to the terminal. The wiring block may arrange power input from the AC power source into a pre-determined output configuration corresponding to a detachable interface. The system may also include the detachable interface, and the detachable interface may be configured to couple with an integrated connector of the rack-level power infrastructure. The detachable interface may be common to all types of AC power sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Edmond I. Bailey, Kunrong Wang, Richard S. Mills, John Stuewe
  • Patent number: 8710367
    Abstract: A gangable electrical box includes an adjustment assembly for adjusting the position and angle of an electrical device mounted in the box. The adjustment assembly includes independently adjustable leveling members coupled to opposite end walls of the box. A side member is slidably coupled to a side wall and extends between the end walls. The side wall engages the leveling members and is adjustable with the adjustment of the leveling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hubell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Mahran H. Ayrton
  • Patent number: 8704090
    Abstract: An in-floor electrical floor-box assembly includes a rectangular or nearly square metallic housing and a non-metallic riser with integral flange assembly having a rectangular flange that mates with the rectangular housing and an integral cylindrical riser for providing access to the electrical components through a round cover and finish flange. A low-voltage divider assembly separates cables carrying different voltages within the riser to reduce interference between the cables and any one of a variety of sub-plates having different configurations for accommodating a variety of multi-service or single service electrical functionality can be incorporated with the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher A. Carbone, Dale A. Drechsler, Thomas L. Scanzillo
  • Patent number: 8702446
    Abstract: Devices in the form of flush-mounting plates are disclosed which are adapted to connect, for example, one or more receptacles to an electrical box that is disposed inside of a wall. Such flush-mounting plates include a back side that is adapted to be connected to the electrical box through a set of screws disposed through corresponding apertures located in the flush-mounting plate and electrical box, and a front side that is adapted to be connected to the one or more receptacles and a cover plate having a planar exterior surface. The one or more receptacles are positioned between the flush-mounting plate and the cover plate, such that the cover plate, one or more receptacles, and flush-mounting plate are connected to the electrical box in a manner that the exterior surface of the cover plate is substantially flush with an outer wall that surrounds the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Jair Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8702447
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an electrical extension sockets, and more particularly to a detachable electrical extension sockets having plurality of individual electrical extension sockets which are detachable with one another. Each of the electrical extension sockets is having male and female connectors. The male and female connectors are arranged in such a way to compliment each other to form extension. In addition, each electrical extension socket is provided with a printed circuit board (PCB) to replace wires for connection for delivering electricity from a power supply to a power plug connected from an electrical appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Teik Hock Lau
  • Patent number: 8697990
    Abstract: A power conditioner assembly includes: first and second brackets and a power conditioner. Each bracket includes a rear portion adapted to attach to a rear portion of an equipment rack and a front portion that extends frontwardly. The power conditioner includes a housing having a rear panel, a first side panel mounted to the first bracket and a second, opposed side panel mounted to the second bracket. The power conditioner is mountable to the brackets in a plurality of orientations including: a rearward orientation with the rear panel oriented substantially vertically; and at least one angled orientation with the rear panel at an oblique angle to vertical. The brackets may also be adapted to attach to other mounting surfaces and/or other brackets may be provided for this purpose to provide additional mounting options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: WirePath Home Systems, LLC
    Inventors: David G. Moore, John Hatcher, Mark H. Linton
  • Publication number: 20140099821
    Abstract: The retractable universal electrical wall outlet is a wall outlet unit that is designed to include multiple ports for providing power to a variety of devices. The ports may include a telephone jack, a USB port, a DSL/LAN port, and a cable jack. The unit also incorporates therein a power switch, a safety switch, and a digital screen for displaying the amperage consumption and the temperature at the unit's location. A retractable member may be deployed to expose additional ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: ALI A. A. J. SHAMMOH
  • Patent number: 8690601
    Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a detachable outlet system for switching and changing outlets and switches with ease. The detachable outlet system comprises a receptacle, wherein a male adapter is secured to the receptacle. The detachable outlet system also comprises a gang box wired to comprise a female adapter, wherein the female adapter is positioned internal to the gang box. The gang box can further include a protective plate secured to the front of the gang box, and a spacer plate secured to the protective plate. The male adapter is then aligned with the female adapter of the gang box, and a user exhibits a pushing force to insert the receptacle into the gang box. Once the female and male adapters are matingly secured together in electrical communication, a faceplate can be positioned over the receptacle and secured into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Perritt
  • Publication number: 20140094056
    Abstract: A modular electrical receptacle wherein more than one of the modular electrical receptacles can be connected to form a larger receptacle connected to a single source of power. The modular electrical receptacle includes a housing having a front surface with a first and a second electrical outlet. The housing further includes a first tab extending from a first end and a second end extending from a second end for securing the modular receptacle to an in-wall electrical box. The housing further includes a power link, such as a conductive extension, for connecting directly to another module and providing the other module with access to the single source of power. The power link can be three links for connecting a positive line, a neutral line and a ground line to another module. The housing also includes a coupler for connecting the housing to a power link of another module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Chrestos T. Pyrros
  • Patent number: 8686287
    Abstract: A surface mount electrical box for mounting on walls with shallow wall cavities. The surface mount electrical box includes an outer frame with shallow sidewalls and a peripheral wall extending orthogonally from the sidewalls. Box sidewalls extend orthogonally from the peripheral wall and are closed by a back wall to form an electrical enclosure therein. Component connection points for an electrical component are included on the outer frame. A first fastening arrangement includes bosses on the outer frame for accepting fasteners therein for securing the surface mount box directly to the wall covering surrounding a shallow wall cavity. A second fastening arrangement includes apertures in the back wall for accepting fasteners therein for securing the surface mount box directly to the substrate underlying a shallow wall cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8678856
    Abstract: An electrical box is mounted on a wall stud, and a wiring panel is installed within the electrical box so as to partition the interior of the electrical box into a user inaccessible wiring compartment and a user accessible module compartment. A protective cover is attached to the wiring panel so as to protect the wiring panel during a makeup phase of wall panel installation and painting. After the makeup phase, the protective cover is removed from the wiring panel and a module having a user operable electrical function is mounted to the wiring panel within the user accessible module compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: ProtectConnect
    Inventor: Michael P. Gorman
  • Patent number: 8674219
    Abstract: An electrical assembly includes a wiring device and an insert clip member that can be preassembled to provide quick connection to an electrical box, mud ring or other support structure having an aperture with a dimension to receive the clip member. The clip member can couple to the mounting screws of the working device and can be snapped into an aperture in a mud ring to align the screws with the threaded holes in the electrical box. The clip has a U-shape with outwardly projecting tabs that engage the aperture in the mud ring and inwardly extending tabs that engage the mounting screws of the wiring device. The tabs allow the mounting screws to be pressed into the clip in a sliding or ratcheting manner and allow the clip to snap into the aperture in the mud ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Mahran H. Ayrton, Richard J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8664542
    Abstract: An electrical box and frame assembly for mounting an electrical component such as a duplex receptacle in a shallow wall cavity. The electrical box assembly includes a box member, a receptacle frame adapted to receive an electrical component, and a trim plate. The box member includes rotatable flags to enable simple wall installation in old or new work situations. The box member includes sidewalls and a back wall that form a mounting cavity. The sidewalls of the box member include a narrow depth to fit within a shallow wall cavity. The receptacle frame nests substantially within the cavity of the box member and the trim plate secures over the receptacle frame and is mounted to the box member. The receptacle frame secures the duplex receptacle sideways with respect to the box member and wall cavity thereby enabling the electrical box and frame assembly to be mounted in shallow wall cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8622755
    Abstract: There is provided a junction box unit that comprises a body to which a power integration unit is attached and a connector cover that positions a connector of a wiring harness with respect to the body. The connector cover comprises a holding portion holding the connector, a mounting portion attached to the body, and a main body to be accommodated therein. The mounting portion comprises an engagement projection and an engagement arm. The engagement projection protrudes from one end of the main body for locking engagement with a locking portion of the junction box body. The engagement arm includes an arm main body having one end continuing to an outer surface of the other end of the main body and a free end. A protrusion is provided at the central portion of the arm main body for locking engagement with the locking portion. When the protrusion is in locking engagement with the locking portion, the other end of the arm main body is positioned more outwardly of the body than the locking portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kunihiko Takeuchi, Fumiyoshi Ohashi
  • Patent number: 8613624
    Abstract: A wiring system includes a wiring module and a functional module. The wiring module in at least one embodiment includes elongated holes or openings which are configured to engage or lock with prongs on a functional module to create a lockable connection. The wiring module and the functional module form both a physical and an electrical connection. In another embodiment, there is an adapter which is configured to connect the wiring module and the functional module or unit together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfredo Arenas, Paul Endres, John Eder, Sunil Ganta
  • Publication number: 20130330961
    Abstract: A HomePlug having a panel replacement structure includes a HomePlug body and a panel. The HomePlug body has an operation side and a network port. The operation side has an insertion portion and a first coupling portion. The panel has an opening and second coupling portion. The second coupling portion can be coupled to the first coupling portion so as to allow the opening to correspond in position to the insertion portion. Changes in the appearance of the HomePlug are brought about by panel replacement. A heat dissipation vent is disposed at the junction of the operation side and an adjacent side, such that heat dissipation takes place at the adjacent side-neighboring portion of the heat dissipation vent when the panel is coupled to the operation side and covers the operation side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: ASKEY COMPUTER CORP.
    Inventors: JING-YI PENG, SHIH-PO LO
  • Publication number: 20130309900
    Abstract: A multi-socketed electrical conduit apparatus for providing power to the outside of a building when there is not an outdoor power socket available. The conduit apparatus includes a prewired conduit that passes through a wall. The conduit is rugged, flexible, and may include numerous elbows and extensions to navigate through studs, wires, and piping. A first socket of the conduit faces outside the building, while a second socket faces inside the building. Both sockets rest flush against both walls, giving the appearance of permanent fixtures. A cable operably joins an indoor power source with the second socket. The subsequent power transmits through the conduit, and becomes available to the first socket. The conduit may also be operable to transfer power wirelessly. In this manner, the outdoor socket may receive power from numerous indoor power sources rather than depending on an extension power cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin Ramsier, Jamey Gelina
  • Patent number: 8586855
    Abstract: A solar cell module having a solar cell panel with strings of electrically-coupled solar cells arranged in a row includes one or more lead wires that electrically couple the strings and a junction box. The one or more lead wires are arranged such that they do not overlap with each other and such that one or more of the lead wires includes a portion that overlaps and does not electrically connect to interconnector of a string. The lead wires include an interconnector connection part connected to a respective string interconnector, and the interconnector connection parts of the lead wires are arranged in a straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sanghwan Park
  • Patent number: 8569617
    Abstract: An encapsulation housing reducing piece has a first flange and a second flange. The second flange has a reduced cross-section compared to the first flange. An encapsulation housing shell extends between the two flanges. The encapsulation housing shell has a plurality of even zones. Rotation symmetrical shell surface sections are arranged between the even zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Beutel, Andreas Kleinschmidt
  • Patent number: 8563857
    Abstract: An old construction box that is combined with an adapter clip to securely anchor the construction box with an opening provided in a finished wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Lloyd Barnes
  • Patent number: 8558110
    Abstract: An electrical box including a peripheral wall defining an outer perimeter and having a first end opposite a second end along a central axis, a first opening in the first end, a second opening in the second end, a dividing wall located between the first opening and the second opening, and wherein the first opening is arranged to secure a first electrical device on a first side of a structural wall and the second opening is arranged to secure a second electrical device on a second side of the structural wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Gabor Budahazi, John Klein, Thomas A. Miserendino, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn
  • Publication number: 20130267116
    Abstract: A wall outlet type USB hub with independent charging function includes a mounting case and a combined USB hub and socket unit. The mounting case includes a rear case portion for mounting on a wall and a front case portion assembled to a front opening of the rear case portion. The combined USB hub and socket unit includes a housing member held in the mounting case via retaining means and having multiple openings; a printed circuit board located inside the housing member and having a power module and a hub module; multiple data transfer ports electrically connected to the hub module and aligned with the openings on the housing member; and a power connector electrically connected to the power module. The wall outlet type USB hub matches general wall outlet's cover plate specification and can replace existing AC wall outlet to enable both data transmission and DC power supply functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Jane Pin TIN
  • Publication number: 20130244478
    Abstract: An electrical box is mounted on a wall stud, and a wiring panel is installed within the electrical box so as to partition the interior of the electrical box into a user inaccessible wiring compartment and a user accessible module compartment. A protective cover is attached to the wiring panel so as to protect the wiring panel during a makeup phase of wall panel installation and painting. After the makeup phase, the protective cover is removed from the wiring panel and a module having a user operable electrical function is mounted to the wiring panel within the user accessible module compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: PROTECTCONNECT, INC.
    Inventor: Michael P. Gorman
  • Patent number: 8531310
    Abstract: An electric function module assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an electric switch box having a pair of electrical contacts adapted for slidable connective engagement with a respective pair of electrical contacts of a switch cover. The contacts of the switch cover are electrically connected to a function indicator to operate the function indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Cutler
  • Publication number: 20130210271
    Abstract: A combined stacked connector assembly is electrically connected to a printed circuit board and includes an H-shaped insulation support, a first connector module and a second connector module. The H-shaped insulation support has a first accommodating space and a second accommodating space vertically arranged with each other. The first connector module is detachably disposed in the first accommodating space and the second connector module is detachably disposed in the second accommodating space. By this arrangement, various connectors can be combined and stacked to form different kinds of stacked connector assembly, thereby reducing the expense of molds and the production cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Nai-Chien CHANG
  • Patent number: 8492651
    Abstract: A housing is used to accommodate electrical switching components. The housing includes a housing body, a cover, and a seal between the housing body and the cover. The cover is fastened to the housing body using fastening elements. A smooth transition is formed between the side parts of the housing body and the cover on the housing side having the seal. Thus a particularly easy to clean housing can be provided, wherein the housing meets the exceptional hygienic requirements that exist, for example, in the field of the food industry or in medical fields. In the housing as descried, soiling can no longer collect on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Rittal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Timo Schindler
  • Patent number: 8492650
    Abstract: A partitioned electrical junction box includes at least three partitioned junction box main bodies slidingly joined together to form a main cover, a lower cover and upper cover fitted into the main cover. The lower cover is fitted into a recess groove of the main cover, and the upper cover is fitted into an outside of the main cover. The three partitioned junction box main bodies respectively receive different functional components. First fitting parts are adjacently provided on any two of the partitioned junction box main bodies, and a first bracket is slidingly fitted into the first fitting parts simultaneously to join the two partitioned junction box main bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Nakayama, Tatsuya Tsubouchi, Hiroshi Sakurai