Outlet Box Patents (Class 439/535)
  • Patent number: 7825336
    Abstract: An electrical device box which houses both high and low power devices, such as power and data receptacles, is disclosed. A detachable divider is inserted into the device box to separate the interior of the box into two separate chambers, one for housing the high power device and its corresponding wiring and a second chamber for housing the low power device ant its wiring. The divider is shaped such that one of the chambers has a greater volume than the other chamber and its orientation within the box can be reversed to selectively determine which of the two chambers has the greater volume. Additionally, the electrical box and divider are sizable to accommodate single-gang, double-gang, or larger, configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: David M. Peck
  • Patent number: 7825335
    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: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher A. Carbone, Dale A. Drechsler, Thomas L. Scanzillo
  • Patent number: 7824189
    Abstract: A junction box is provided for electrically connecting a photovoltaic (PV) module to a power distribution system having a mating connector. The junction box includes a housing having a mounting side configured to be mounted on the PV module. The housing includes a mating interface and an opening extending into the housing through the mounting side. The housing is configured to mate with the mating connector of the power distribution system at the mating interface. An electrical contact is held by the housing. The electrical contact includes an integrally formed, one-piece body. The body of the electrical contact includes a base, a mating end extending from the base, and a PV module end extending from the base. The base of the body of the electrical contact is held within the opening of the housing such that the mating end extends along the mating interface for engagement with the mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Edwin Lauermann, Daniel Eugene Stahl
  • Publication number: 20100267278
    Abstract: Outlet assemblies are provided that include a faceplate having a planar exterior surface, one or more receptacles, a flatrim, and an electrical box. The faceplate is connected to the flatrim (with the one or more receptacles disposed between the faceplate and flatrim). The faceplate, receptacle(s), and flatrim are installed into the electrical box such that the exterior surface of the faceplate is flush with the outer wall that surrounds the electrical box. The flatrim is adapted to be interchangeably connected to, for example, two receptacles or a single receptacle, without having to damage and/or repair the surrounding wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Jair Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7816603
    Abstract: A capsule housing has at least three housing sections, extends along an axis, and has a substantially tubular-shaped frame. The housing sections are connected together on the front side thereof and they surround a receiving chamber on the inside. The inside has an electric circuit device. The receiving chamber has a smaller transversal cross-section than the respective cross-section in the region of the second and the third housing section in the region of the first housing section which connects the second and the third housing sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventor: Andrzej Nowakowski
  • Patent number: 7816604
    Abstract: A recessed low voltage mounting assembly including a low voltage mounting bracket and a trim plate for installing a low voltage electrical component in either old work or new construction. Two options are provided for mounting the assembly to the wall. In new construction, two captive fasteners in the mounting bracket are available to be driven into a stud or other framework of the building. In an old work situation, rotatable flags are provided for securing the assembly to the wall. Adjustment screws for rotating and tightening the flags are accessible through apertures in the trim plate. The assembly recesses the low voltage component behind the wall surface, thereby enabling placement of low voltage devices in close proximity to the wall and mounting assembly. A second embodiment provides a one-piece version of the low voltage mounting assembly in which the trim plate is integral with the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Publication number: 20100261374
    Abstract: A wall-mounted HDMI conversion device has a plate, a circuit board, and a plate fixture receiving the circuit board therein and having a slotted hole and an opening. The plate is mounted to a hole on a wall and has a jack on a front side. The circuit board has an HDMI connector and a network socket set mounted on both sides thereof. The HDMI connector penetrates through the slotted hole and is exposed beyond the jack on the plate and the network socket set is exposed beyond the opening of the plate fixture. A conversion circuit is mounted on the circuit board to convert between HDMI signals and network signals. The present invention is mounted on a wall, transmits signals through network cables received inside the wall, thereby having network cable organized conveniently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Tsung-Chin Hung
  • Patent number: 7810277
    Abstract: A lawn edging strip includes imbedded conductors which can be used to conduct low voltage electricity to allow the lawn edging to double as a lighting strip. The lawn edging product enables solderless connection of one or more low voltage lights at points along the length of the edging using a light socket body with a plug adapted for insertion into holes formed in the strip to expose embedded conductors. Adjacent sections of lawn edging may be connected together physically and electrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Alf Operating Partners, Ltd.
    Inventor: John Fakhari
  • Patent number: 7812255
    Abstract: A Chicago-style plenum-type electrical junction box provides an air impermeable barrier between a box support structure and a junction enclosure. The junction box includes a base plate and a peripheral wall, the peripheral wall extending from the base plate such that the base plate and peripheral wall define the junction enclosure. The base plate preferably includes a series of fastener knockouts so as to provide an air impermeable barrier. The fastener knockouts are selectively removable for exposing a series of fastener-receiving apertures. The fastener-receiving apertures receive a series of fasteners for sealing the fastener-receiving apertures when fastening the junction box to the box support structure thereby providing an air tight barrier between the box support structure and the junction enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Barton L. Garvin
  • Patent number: 7804026
    Abstract: An enclosure for wiring devices such as switches and receptacles is provided. A housing member has a main front chamber, a main rear chamber and a central dividing wall separating the front chamber from the rear chamber. The housing has an open front leading to the front chamber. The rear chamber is divided into a plurality of electrical feed ports through which electrical power is provided to and may be taken from the enclosure. The feed ports each have an open back providing access to the ports but not to the main front chamber. A front plate member sized to completely cover and seal the open front of said front chamber is permanently attached to the housing to make a fully enclosed factory sealed enclosure in the front chamber. The front chamber contains a wiring device. Hot, neutral and ground busses extend between and interconnect the feed ports. These busses have segments extending through the dividing wall and connected to a wiring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Aslan Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Libby, Charles A. Libby, II, Kyle Mason, David E. Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20100240249
    Abstract: An electrical wiring system for use in an AC electrical power distribution circuit including a plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires having termination ends disposed within a device box. The system includes a plug connector device configured to terminate the plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires. The system additionally includes an electrical wiring device including at least one AC electric circuit element and at least one electrical interface operatively coupled to the at least one circuit element. The electrical wiring device also includes a receptacle, wherein the receptacle is configured to receive the plug connector device such that electrical continuity is established between the AC electric circuit element and the plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires when the plug connector device is inserted into the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: APPLIED TECHNOLOGY AND SOLUTIONS
    Inventors: Russell E. Kruse, Russell L. Bryant
  • Publication number: 20100240250
    Abstract: A wall plate assembly including a wall plate with an integrated USB module. The assembly includes a USB connector and printed circuit board formed together on the wall plate as an integral whole. By placing USB extender circuitry directly on the printed circuit board, rather than in a separate housing, the present assembly can maintain its bus-powered attributes without the bulk of a separate extender housing. A quick-connect coupling enables fast electrical connection and disconnection with a complementary quick-connect coupling on a USB wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Jennifer Dawn Crotinger, Timothy Kerby, Gary Michael Hess
  • Patent number: 7799991
    Abstract: A power distribution box has a holder with inner, deflectable lock arms for securing bus bars within the holder. When the bus bars are correctly and completely installed within the holder, engaging portions of the lock arms are received in apertures of the bus bars and the lock arms are in a locked position. A cover can fit over and properly seat on the holder. The cover has projections that slide behind the lock arms and retain the lock arms in the locked position, preventing further movement. The projections each include a blocking surface. If one or more of the bus bars are not correctly and completely installed in the holder, the related latch arms are in a deflected, unlocked position. The blocking surface of a corresponding projection abuts against the deflected lock arm and prevents proper and complete assembly of the cover onto the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Joseph Advey
  • Publication number: 20100218802
    Abstract: In summary, the present invention relates to a junction box for a conductor board, in particular for a solar module, comprising: a base carrier with at least one opening area, and at least one contact device, wherein the at least one contact device is arranged in the interior of the base carrier such that at least one electrical conductor is insertable into the junction box through the at least one opening area along an insertion direction and contactable with the at least one contact device, wherein the at least one contact device comprises at least one contact element with at least one resilient terminal contact spring and at least one terminal element, and wherein by application of a force parallel to a direction of force relative to the terminal element, the at least one terminal contact spring is resiliently displaceable such that the at least one electrical conductor is arrangeable at least partially between the at least one terminal element and the at least one terminal contact spring, as well as to a
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicants: Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd., Yamaichi Electronics Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Quiter
  • Patent number: 7785139
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus and means to address the problem of attempting to utilize two large power plugs with transformers, converters and/or 90 degree plugs simultaneously with one duplex power receptacle. This invention discloses a duplex power receptacle in a ground-up and ground-down configuration, such that two conventional large three prong power plugs with transformers, converters and/or 90 degree plugs can be used simultaneously. This configuration can be utilized while still maintaining many of characteristics of the conventional duplex power receptacles such as the left and right orientation of the neutral and hot conducting busses. By maintaining the characteristics of the conventional duplex power receptacle one knowledgeable in the art can install this invention without having to be retrained in a method of installation and a conventional wall outlet box and cover plate will accommodate this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Mechanical Answers LLC
    Inventors: Raymond Q. Draggie, Scott D. Maxwell, Marian D. Maxwell, Charles A. Lemaire
  • Patent number: 7785138
    Abstract: An access point device and system that offers Wi-Fi access and is easily integratable into its environment is provided. The access point device and system is advantageously well suited for integrating operative aspects of a Wi-Fi access point in a wall using, for example, standard switch and outlet boxes and/or standard wall plates. The access point device and system can advantageously be well suited for incorporating a wiring structure such as, for example, a 110 block or the like, suitable for use in connecting to a wired network. Further, the access point device and system may beneficially permit the integration of complementary connections within the access point including, for example, data, voice, video, CATV or other like connection types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Bonnassieux, Mark E. Martich
  • Patent number: 7786391
    Abstract: A ballast housing having a rolled edge lead wire exit for providing protection and strain relief to lead wires extending out from the housing. Grommets are not required in order to provide protection and strain relief to lead wires exiting the housing. The housing includes a lead wire opening having rolled upper and lower edges. The housing includes a lid including the rolled upper edge and a can including the rolled lower edge. The rolled upper edge is vertically aligned with the rolled lower edge but horizontally misaligned with the rolled lower edge. As a result, the rolled upper edge is positioned away from the rolled lower edge a distance that is horizontally shorter than the diameter of the lead wire. Additionally, the lead wire opening has a vertical diameter that is shorter than the diameter of the lead wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Van Pelt, JC Kelley
  • Patent number: 7780470
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring system for use in an AC electrical power distribution circuit including at least one first AC power conductor disposed between an upstream AC power element and a device box and at least one second AC power conductor disposed between the device box and a downstream AC power element. The at least one first AC power conductor and the at least one second AC power conductor are routed into an interior portion of the device box and accessible via a front open face of the device box. The system includes a connector device including a connector housing having a plurality of connector contacts disposed therein. The plurality of connector contacts are coupled to termination structures configured to couple the at least one first AC power conductor and the at least one second AC power conductor to corresponding contacts of the plurality of connector contacts. An electrical wiring device includes a device housing having a front portion and a rear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: John Benoit, Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., Richard Weeks
  • Patent number: 7780459
    Abstract: An electric junction box has a binding band fitting hole, and two through holes through which a binding band for securing wire harnesses which are arranged along a lower face of a bottom wall of the binding band fitting hole are provided on the bottom wall so as to be positioned at both sides of the wire harnesses. When the wire harnesses are secured, a tip end of the binding band is inserted into one of the two through holes from a lower side of the bottom wall, the tip end of the binding band which has been exposed to an upper side of the bottom wall is U-turned in a downward direction to be inserted into the other of the two through holes, and then, the tip end of the binding band which has been exposed to the lower side of the bottom wall is locked to a lock part provided at a base end of the binding band, thereby to secure the wire harnesses to the lower face of the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Yamamoto, Edwin Martinez, John Paul De Jesus
  • Patent number: 7767905
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for power distribution improve and can standardize electrical connections between electrical cables and the multitude of electrical switches, receptacles, and fixtures of known technology. The invention can include modular hardware components such as junction boxes, electrical devices, adaptors, a/b switches, etc. that simplify both installation and inspection requirements at the job site. Optional color coding can facilitate proper wiring of the components. The invention allows field wiring to be completed more quickly and accurately thereby advantageously reducing associated costs and increasing safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Mark H. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7759576
    Abstract: A low voltage mounting device for installing low voltage components on a wall or ceiling. The low voltage mounting device includes a round frame member and a plurality of wings that are rotatable with respect to the frame member. The rotatable wings are fixed on the end of fasteners that extend through the frame member and are rotatable with respect thereto. An outward extending flange on the frame member enables flush mounting to the wall or ceiling surface. A low voltage component may be mounted directly to the frame member. The low voltage mounting device enables direct installation to the drywall and does not require mounting to a stud or other frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7754967
    Abstract: A system for accessing an electrical wiring network from opposing sides of a wall. The wall includes at least one structural support and a wall surface. The system includes an electrical box having a perimeter wall and two open sides. The open sides are located at opposing ends of the perimeter wall, thereby defining a passageway through the electrical box. Additionally, the system includes a pair of frames coupled to the electrical box at the open sides, and one or more electrical outlets coupled to each frame. Each outlet includes a body that includes a first connector matable with a second connector. The second connector includes a plurality of integrally formed leads having distal ends that are directly connectable to an electrical power supply distribution network such that when the second connector is mated with the first connector electrical power can be supplied to each outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Technology and Solutions
    Inventors: Russell E. Kruse, Russell L. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7749018
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring system. The system includes a plug connector device that is configured to terminate a plurality of wires. A portion of the plurality of wires are configured to transmit electrical power provided by an electrical power distribution system. An electrical wiring device is configured to provide the electrical power to a load. The electrical wiring device includes a receptacle disposed therein. The receptacle is configured to receive the plug device, such that electrical continuity is established between the electrical wiring device and the plurality of wires when the plug device is inserted into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: John Benoit, Gerald R. Savicki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7750238
    Abstract: An electrical junction box includes a box body provided with a first groove; an attachment bracket provided with a second groove; and a lower cover provided attached to the bottom surface of the box body. When the attachment bracket is properly mounted on the box body, the first and second grooves are arranged to form a single continuous third groove. A protrusion is provided on the lower cover and fits to the third groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Kanamaru, Makoto Nakayama, Tarou Inoue
  • Patent number: 7744407
    Abstract: Disclosed is a modular circuit system for use in a wiring system. The modular circuit system includes a circuit box and a fitting. The circuit box includes fitting prong receptacles that are in electrical communication with ground, neutral and hot wires from the wiring system. The fitting includes a plurality of prongs configured for insertion into the fitting prong receptacles of the circuit box. The insertion of the fitting prongs into the fitting prong receptacles places the fitting in electrical communication with circuit box. The modularity of the circuit box and fitting permit the exchange of various fittings into the circuit box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Blurton Jerry
  • Patent number: 7741562
    Abstract: A wall plate assembly including a wall plate with an integrated USB module. The assembly includes a USB connector and printed circuit board formed together on the wall plate as an integral whole such that USB extender circuitry is situated directly on, or is formed as part of, the printed circuit board. A quick-connect coupling enables fast electrical connection and disconnection with a complementary quick-connect coupling on a USB wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Lastar Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Dawn Crotinger, Timothy Kerby, Gary Michael Hess
  • Publication number: 20100151725
    Abstract: The invention relates to a receptacle (1) particularly suitable for wiring one or more solar cells (81). The receptacle (1) comprises a housing (10) and a connecting shaft (60) that can be separately closed by a cover (63). The receptacle (1) is raised from the back side of the solar panel (80).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: HUBER+SUHNER AG
    Inventors: Thomas Grimberg, Hanns Watrinet, Max Göldi, Sylvère Leu
  • Patent number: 7736174
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device having a body and a cover coupled to the body including a receptacle face structure which forms an interior region with at least one reflective surface. At least one light emitting device is disposed in the interior region which is configured to emit illumination into at least one neutral opening and a hot opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Vikramsinh P. Bhosale, Joshua P. Haines
  • Patent number: 7736175
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a electrical wiring system that includes a plug connector having a plurality of plug contacts configured to terminate a plurality of wires. The system also includes an electrical wiring device having a cover member, a body member, a ground strap assembly disposed between the cover member and the body member, and a receptacle formed in a rear portion of the body member, the receptacle being configured to accept the plug connector. The ground strap assembly is configured to conform to at least one body member feature such that a distance from the ground strap assembly to a major rear surface of the body member is less than a predetermined distance. The receptacle includes a plurality of receptacle contacts configured to mate with the plurality of plug contacts when the plug connector is inserted into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., John Benoit
  • Publication number: 20100139760
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connection and junction box (1) for a photovoltaic solar module (24), which box in a mounting state, is put on the solar module (24) with open contact clamp(s) (22), and the contact clamps are actively closed for contacting the flexible flat conductor band(s) (28). Preferably, the actuating the contact clamp(s) (22) is automatically carried out by means of a device between two housing parts (2, 50), when putting on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Stefan Giefers
  • Patent number: 7732709
    Abstract: A housing is disclosed for accommodating electrical components having a housing lower part, having a conductor feed opening and having a housing cover for covering the housing lower part. In at least one embodiment, the housing is intended to provide the possibility of very convenient fitting and dismantling. The conductor feed opening is provided for the purpose of being delimited by the housing lower part and the housing cover in the closed state of the housing. This obviates the need for the careful threading-in operation when installing a cable on an electrical component in the interior of the housing. In addition, the housing cover delimiting the conductor feed opening is provided with first guide elements, which are provided for engaging in the housing lower part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Puri, Joachim Seidl
  • Patent number: 7723614
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an explosion proof enclosure by providing expandable or extendible enclosure wall, side, top, or bottom sections which allow the explosion to be contained internally without the enclosure erupting or the enclosure bursting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Konstandino Zamfes
  • Patent number: 7722389
    Abstract: A shock-proof electrical wiring system includes a connector device having a connector housing. A plurality of connector contacts are disposed substantially inaccessible to a user within the connector housing. The plurality of connector electrical contacts are connected to a termination arrangement. The termination arrangement is configured to be connected to the portion of the plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires. An electrical wiring device includes a housing assembly that has at least one set of user-accessible receptacle openings disposed in a front major surface thereof in operative alignment with at least one shutter assembly configured to move from a closed position to an open position only in response to engaging a set of plug blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: John Benoit, Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., Richard Weeks
  • Patent number: 7723613
    Abstract: An enclosure (302), an electronic device (300) that includes the enclosure, and a method (600) for forming the enclosure. The enclosure can include a first enclosure portion (304) and a second enclosure portion (306). The first enclosure portion can include a first wall (410), which can include a first side (412) and at least a second side (414). In one arrangement, an angle (?) between the first side and the second side is not greater than 70°. The second enclosure portion can include a second wall (420), which can include a third side (422) and at least a fourth side (424). In one arrangement, an angle between the third side and the fourth side is not greater than 70°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Slipy, Kevin D. Page
  • Patent number: 7713084
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring system that includes a plug device having a plurality of wires configured to be connected to an electrical distribution circuit. An electrical wiring device includes an input receptacle and at least one electrical element. The input receptacle is configured to receive the plug device to thereby establish electrically a continuous path between the at least one electrical element and the plurality of wires when the plug device is inserted into the input receptacle, the electrical wiring device including no external terminal connection elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Weeks, John Benoit
  • Patent number: 7714225
    Abstract: A modular power supply particularly adapted for mounting to standard junction boxes in a system to provide a solid state lighting system compatible power signal. One embodiment of a modular power supply for mounting to a junction box according to the present invention includes a housing holding internal electronic components and a first extension integral to the housing for mounting to a junction box. The extension has an opening to the interior of the housing with primary wires passing from the interior of the housing through the extension. The first extension is positioned so that the power supply is capable of being mounted to the mounting surface of a junction box when the power supply is at different orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: SloanLED, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Sloan, Bruce Quaal
  • Publication number: 20100112851
    Abstract: A connection and junction box for a photovoltaic solar module having flexible flat conductor band protruding from the surface of the solar module, wherein the connection and junction box has an insertion mouth at its side facing the solar module in mounted state, for at least one flexible flat conductor band of the solar module, and comprises a housing for attaching on the solar module, and a connection device for the flexible flat conductor band, positioned in the housing, the connection device has an electrical contact clamp, which is closed when putting the box on the solar module, and thereby catches and contacts the flat conductor band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Stefan Giefers
  • Patent number: 7705239
    Abstract: A junction device includes a junction device main portion configured for attachment to an electrical enclosure and a modular device portion electrically coupled to the junction device main portion and configured for electrical coupling to an inner junction of the electrical enclosure. At least one conductive pass-through electrically couples the inner junction of the electrical enclosure to an outer junction of the electrical enclosure. The outer junction is enclosed by an outer enclosure that is configured to engage the electrical enclosure thereby surrounding the outer junction to prevent degradation of a coupled external high-voltage conductor and to provide fire protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Currents Corp.
    Inventors: Doug Gates, Steve Carle
  • Patent number: 7700875
    Abstract: An electrical box extender with a grounding strap which includes an extender having a perimeter wall section and an integral bendable grounding strap connected to the wall section, wherein the grounding strap extends from the wall section and has a remote end that includes a spade or lug connector for attaching to a ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Lalancette
  • Patent number: 7696432
    Abstract: In a mounting structure of an electrical junction box, the electrical junction box is vertically mounted on a wall surface along a vertical direction in a state where mating faces of an under case member and an upper case member are set in the vertical direction. Each of the under case member and the upper case member has a pair of left and right locking projections provided therein. A bracket including a backside plate part and a pair of case hook parts provided upright from both sides of the backside plate part is disposed along the vertical direction on the wall surface. The electrical junction box is slidingly inserted from above along the backside plate part in the vertical direction until both pairs of locking projections of the under case member and the upper case member are locked to the pair of case hook parts. Thus, the electrical junction box is mounted on the wall surface by use of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Nakayama, Katsuya Hashimoto, Hirofumi Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7697268
    Abstract: A universal power distribution system is provided for routing electrical circuits within a building structure to comprehensively provide electrical power to the building in ceiling configurations, wall-mounted configurations, raised floor configurations and in office furniture configurations. The system components for all of these configurations have common plug connectors that are engagable with each other so as to be readily usable in a wide variety of applications. The system is readily adaptable to form virtually any conventional circuit configuration found within conventional hard-wired systems yet is formed simply through the routing of the cables through the building cavities and interconnection is accomplished merely by plugging components together rather than through labor-intensive manual wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Johnson, Harold Wilson
  • Publication number: 20100084155
    Abstract: An adjustable variable ring for electrical junction boxes including a base frame having a guide tab; a sliding insert having a box shaped frame, the sliding insert being configured to slide in and out of the base frame. A ratchet mechanism having a ratchet plate on the base frame including a plurality of steps, and a ratchet spring installed on an inner wall of the box shaped frame including an angled end tab and an angled mid tab protruding from the box shaped frame for engaging one or more of the plurality of steps. The sliding insert is configured to slide in and out of the base frame by disengaging the mid tab from the one or more of the steps by pressing on the end tab, and locks in the base frame by engaging the mid tab with the one or more of the steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Afshin Jafari
  • Patent number: 7683256
    Abstract: A protective insert for wires in a junction box is formed by a lockable cover having a frame with an opening and a pivotable cover for covering the opening. The frame is sized to rest on an inner lip of the box, which lip normally holds a lid for the box. The lid rests on the lockable cover. The cover may be pivoted open for access to wires in the junction box and may be pivoted closed, and locked, to protect the wires from theft or vandalism. The lockable cover is held down on the lip preferably by chains fixed to the frame with stakes fixed to a free end of the chains, and by pounding the stakes into the ground at the bottom of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Francisco J. Chumacero
  • Publication number: 20100055974
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a patch panel. The patch panel has a bracket having a panel interface having a front surface and a back surface substantially parallel to each other, at least one opening in the panel interface extends from the front surface to the back surface, at least one mounting member on the front surface of the bracket, at least one mounting member on the back surface of the bracket, a first pair of opposing edges and a second pair of opposing edges, the first pair and second pair of opposing edges are formed perpendicular to the panel interface. The patch panel also has a patching module having a number of connection elements, such as jacks, on a front side of the patching module and a number of connectors, such as insulation displacement connectors, on a back side of the patching module, wherein each connector is associated with one of the connection elements on the front side of the patching module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack K. Merrow, Billy F. Schoonover, Roy Hauner
  • Patent number: 7671275
    Abstract: An electrical connection box includes a box body. The box body has a top wall and a side wall. The top wall is inclined to a horizontal plane and has an edge portion arranged at a lower side in an inclination of the top wall. The side wall is connected to an edge portion of the top wall. A drainage channel is provided along the edge portion of the top wall. A drainage port is provided at an edge of the drainage channel. The drainage port is placed at a position spaced from the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Kubota
  • Patent number: 7666005
    Abstract: A connector assembly for a planar vertical printed circuit board includes a housing having a pair of parallel space planar vertical side walls defining an open-topped vertical chamber in which the printed circuit board is mounted. First electrical connectors mounted on the vertical end edges of the printed circuit board include body portions that extend outward beyond the vertical edges of the side walls, which extending body portions contain access openings affording communication with first connector contacts in electrical engagement with the printed circuit board. Protective side cover members are fastened to the housing side walls to partially enclose the extending connector body portions, which cover members contain openings opposite the connector body access openings. The cover members contain ventilation openings for cooling the printed circuit board, and the housing includes a mounting foot arrangement for mounting the printed circuit board assembly on a support rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Weidmuller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Heggemann, Jens Oesterhaus, Matthias Boensch, Matthias Niggemann, Michael Lenschen, Stephan Fehling, Torsten Diekmann
  • Patent number: 7667136
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-cutting electrical outlet box. The electrical outlet box is self cutting, allowing the box to be installed through an existing building surface. The box includes teeth or cutting members to assist in self-cutting. The box also includes features to assist in placement and securement of the box to a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Charles E. Whipple
  • Patent number: 7659476
    Abstract: A telecommunications cabinet including a frame arrangement having an inner frame and an outer frame. The frame arrangement of the telecommunications cabinet being constructed to withstand particular-rated seismic events while still providing the needed thermal cooling capacity to maintain proper equipment operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunication, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Hruby, Timothy Haataja
  • Patent number: 7654864
    Abstract: When a predetermined rupture load is applied to a mounting bracket formed on an attachment part, a rupture develops in the mounting bracket, and the attachment part can be separated from a base part by this rupture. The mounting bracket, in which a slit extending in a direction intersecting a loading direction of a rupture load is formed, includes a rigid portion disposed at one side of the slit and a breakable portion disposed at the other side of the slit which is breakable because of the presence of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Ishiguro, Fumiyoshi Ohashi, Norio Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7645159
    Abstract: A quick-connector or replaceably attaching at least one electrical component to an electrical box without a need for screws and its method of use. The connector includes a panel and an apparatus. The panel is pivotally connected to the electrical box. The apparatus replaceably attaches the at least one electrical component to the panel without the need for the screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventors: Robert M. Tuniewicz, Gilbert D. Talamo