Supporting Means Comprising Face Plate Or Closure Member For Outlet Box Patents (Class 439/536)
  • Patent number: 6793524
    Abstract: A cover assembly for covering an outlet box. The assembly includes a cover plate and an insert piece having a middle member and two retention members. The cover plate defines a cover aperture which receives the middle member of the insert piece from a back side of the cover plate. The retention members of the insert piece abut the back side of the cover plate. The insert piece may define a connector aperture for receiving a cable connector and may include designation figures. The assembly may also include a strap defining mounting apertures for receiving snap-fit connector modules. The strap may define shelves along two opposed sides for receiving the retention members of an insert piece. The strap may also define tab slots for receiving tabs of the insert piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon P. Clark, David G. Coppock, Loren J. Mattson
  • Patent number: 6764322
    Abstract: A power plug receptacle having a safety cover comprises a plurality of sockets each provided with a rotary safety cover. A socket and a safety cover are coupled through inserting a pivot post into a pivot hole and engaging a guiding pin into a guiding slot. A torsional spring provided within the socket resiliently ejects the safety cover into a position where the socket holes and the safety cover holes are misaligned. Therefore, the socket is automatically sealed, achieving the protective functions against foreign intrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Tsung-I Yu
  • Patent number: 6761582
    Abstract: An easily-installed cover plate for hiding the face of sockets by covering an electrical outlet, including the face of the sockets. The cover plate is mounted over the receptacle and has apertures for plug blades. In the preferred embodiment, the cover plate is rectangularly shaped to cover a duplex receptacle, having apertures to receive plug blades and a center hole for receiving a screw which secures the cover plate over the duplex receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 6710828
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a supporting portion having a connecting end connected non-removably to a liquid crystal display panel, and an engaging end opposite to the connecting end, a base connected detachably to the engaging end of the supporting portion, and an engaging unit disposed on the engaging end of the supporting portion and the base for providing a releasable engagement between the supporting portion and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Peng Ma, Yu-Hsin Chuo, Chung-Cheng Hua
  • Patent number: 6692284
    Abstract: An improved electrical socket includes a plurality of socket apertures to receive the pins of plugs. The socket apertures can receive the pins of plugs of various designs from many countries of the world. There is a plastic cover to prevent access to the internal electrical contacts when the plug is not inserted, and the plastic cover holds the plug in position when it is inserted. The electrical socket comprises a face plate connected to a socket bracket. The socket bracket has a 3-pole connector to receive wiring from the main supply, and the faceplate has corresponding 3-pole pins for mating connection with the 3-pole connector when the face plate is attached to the socket bracket for easily change of the face plate. A circuit breaker on the electrical socket prevents damage to an appliance attached to the socket due to current leakage or shock current, and the user is warned when there is a heat overload. An improved electrical plug is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: NNB Electronic Technology Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Chwee Guan Koh
  • Patent number: 6679725
    Abstract: A connection box system comprising an anchor configured to be removably secured to a fixture for delivery of a signal to a consuming device. The anchor may have a first engagement mechanism. A connection box may be configured to house lines proceeding from a signal source and terminating in the connection box for connection to the fixture. A receiver may be configured in association with the connection box to receive and retain the anchor. The receiver may have a second engagement mechanism to engage the first engagement mechanism of the anchor when the anchor is inserted therein without the aid of tools. Likewise, a face plate may be attached to the electrical fixture or connection box using clips hidden behind the surface thereof, without the use of tools. The clips may contact and retain the face plate by connecting to one or several engagement regions on the back face of the face plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Quixemble, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent L. Kidman
  • Patent number: 6652314
    Abstract: A support member for a computer sub-assembly having a contact element, the contact element having an operative position in which electrical contact is made between the sub-assembly and the support member, characterized in that the contact element, in use, is biased resiliently towards the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Vincent Tournadre
  • Patent number: 6648678
    Abstract: Female and male terminals are provided on body casings of opposite ones of an electric connection box and an electronic unit so as to be electrically connected when combined together. The electric connection box and the electronic unit are connected together through hinge means, provided respectively on the two body casings, so as to be pivotally moved relative to each other in a combining direction, the two hinge means being formed by a pivot grooves and a pivot rods, respectively. The two hinge means, formed respectively by the pivot grooves and the pivot rod, can be engaged with and disengaged from each other with a one-touch operation. With this construction, any deflection will not occur in a positioning operation when combining the electronic unit with the electric connection box and therefore the male terminals can be positively fittingly connected to the female terminals, respectively, thus avoiding a half-fitted condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Keiichiro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 6623296
    Abstract: A plug socket includes an intermediate plug having an intermediate slit into which a terminal blade of an insertion plug is inserted and an intermediate terminal blade, a case part containing a main terminal blade-receiving element into which the intermediate terminal blade is inserted, and a mounting element for securing the case part onto a wall surface. The mounting element includes a recessed portion as a housing space for the intermediate plug, and a main slit is provided at the bottom face of the recessed portion for inserting the intermediate terminal blade. Accordingly, the intermediate plug arranged within the recessed portion is interposed to connect the insertion plug with the main terminal blade-receiving element. Therefore, such a socket can be provided that prevents breakage of the terminal blade-receiving element of the socket due to frequent insertion/removal of the insertion plug and allows for easy repair even if broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Nichido Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6616005
    Abstract: A faceplate assembly for mounting to various wall, floor or ceiling mounted electrical boxes, such as a telecommunications box, that is easily assembled and disassembled, and in which the wiring device receiving modules are readily interchangeable. The faceplate assembly includes a plate for covering the box, holes in the plate aligned with holes in the box for securing the plate to the box, at least one aperture in the plate, at least two modules adapted to fit in the at least one plate aperture, and either a blank face on the module or at least one opening in the module for accessing a wiring device receptacle in the box with a wiring device. Fasteners received in the plate openings secure the plate to the box. A module is inserted in the at least one plate aperture from the front side of the plate, allowing a module to be removed and replaced with another module without having to remove the plate from the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Raul G. Pereira, John J. Milner, Tracy H. Udelson, William G. Sobieski
  • Publication number: 20030032328
    Abstract: A support member for a computer sub-assembly having a contact element, the contact element having an operative position in which electrical contact is made between the sub-assembly and the support member, characterised in that the contact element, in use, is biased resiliently towards the operative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
    Inventor: Vincent Tournadre
  • Patent number: 6511343
    Abstract: An easily-installed cover plate for hiding the face of sockets by covering an electrical outlet, including the face of the sockets. The cover plate is mounted over the receptacle and has apertures for plug blades. In the preferred embodiment, the cover plate is rectangularly shaped to cover a duplex receptacle, having apertures to receive plug blades and a center hole for receiving a screw which secures the cover plate over the duplex receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 6468107
    Abstract: A shim for adjusting the fit of an electrical receptacle, switch, or the like with the exposed surface of the surrounding wall is disclosed. The shim (10) most preferably comprises a generally rectangular-shaped piece of rigid material having a large shimming and connecting surface defined by a central notched cutout opening (24) and mounting screw slot (22). Most preferably, the shim (10) is characterized by one large shimming surface (20) having a notched cutout (24) to fit a receptacle (50), switch or similar electrical fixture and mounting and adjusting slot in the connecting surface. This configuration provides a shimming surface (20) having increased shimming area, while providing a shim (10), which is easily installed. The mounting prong bevel (28) helps to lock in the mounting prong (52) keeping the shim (10) firmly in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventors: Susan Mabie Nice, Frank J. Posluszny, III
  • Patent number: 6468095
    Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle having safety features is provided. The plug includes a body, at least two conductors, and a skirt. The conductors extend from the body and are laterally surrounded by the skirt. The skirt is retractable into the body so that when the plug is used with a conventional receptacle, the skirt retracts into the body as the conductors are inserted the sockets of the receptacle, shielding a user from inadvertently touching the conductors. The plug further includes a toggle stop that locks the skirt into its fully extended position for using the plug with a safety electrical outlet assembly of the present invention. The safety outlet assembly includes a cover and a receptacle adapted to be secured to an electrical junction box. The receptacle has a receiver adapted to matingly engage the skirt on the safety plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Angelo Fan Brace Licensing, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jack Russell Kerr, Jr., Barton A. Pasternak
  • Publication number: 20020142650
    Abstract: A cover assembly for covering an outlet box. The assembly includes a cover plate and an insert piece having a middle member and two retention members. The cover plate defines a cover aperture which receives the middle member of the insert piece from a back side of the cover plate. The retention members of the insert piece abut the back side of the cover plate. The insert piece may define a connector aperture for receiving a cable connector and may include designation figures. The assembly may also include a strap defining mounting apertures for receiving snap-fit connector modules. The strap may define shelves along two opposed sides for receiving the retention members of an insert piece. The strap may also define tab slots for receiving tabs of the insert piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Gordon P. Clark, David G. Coppock, Loren J. Mattson
  • Patent number: 6435727
    Abstract: A wall connector for fibre optic cable includes a housing be accommodated in a wall opening. A first receptacle for a multi-fiber optic cable is disposed in the housing. A plurality of second receptacles for fibre optic cables are also disposed in the housing. Each of the second receptacles has a fiber optic cable connection to the first receptacle and is accessible via a forward face of the housing to receive a fibre optic cable connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Fiber Connections, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence H. Fingler, L. Scott Fingler, Geoffrey P. Laycock
  • Patent number: 6422898
    Abstract: An outlet cover assembly is described that provides a base portion with a face plate opening for two face plates that are removable from the base portion. One of the face plates has a jack opening for retaining a jack therein. A retaining hook assembly for the jack is provided by a first hook detail that located on the face plate and a second hook detail located on the cover panel. When the face plate is secured within the face plate opening, the first and second hook details become aligned opposite one another and are operable to selectively engage hook portions on the jack. Because each of the hook details are formed on separate components, neither component must be formed using a collapsible insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: John D. Harvey, Kenneth C. Simonson
  • Patent number: 6375495
    Abstract: A connector that provides support for analog, digital, and high frequency analog signals is presented. The various connector positions of the connector are spaced in a manner that minimizes the surface area of the front face of the connector such that it can be accommodated within the bracket dimensions of an ATX bracket along with a DVI connector. The number of connector positions included in the connector allow for a large number of audio and video signals to be communicated to and from an expansion card included in a personal computer chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: ATI International SRL
    Inventor: Colin Y. M. Szeto
  • Patent number: 6371801
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for fastening a plug into the edges of an opening of a case. In the arrangement of the inventions the plug includes, in connection therewith, fastening portions and grooves of varying depths for fastening the plug into the case opening. The arrangement also comprises a flexible element for arranging the plug into the case opening. The invention further relates to a plug to be arranged into the edges of an opening in the case. The plug includes, in connection therewith, fastening portions and grooves of varying depths for fastening the plug into the edges of the case opening, and a flexible element to be placed at the bottom of the deeper groove for arranging the plug into the case opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: KCI Konecranes International PLC
    Inventor: Ari Kiviniitty
  • Patent number: 6373944
    Abstract: An apparatus provides multiple telephone jacks for RJ11 and RJ45 connectors at an outlet box that has an installed telephone jack and holes to receive cover plate support screws. The apparatus includes a housing and a wiring board in the housing. The housing has an outlet box side and another side and generally has the shape of a rectangular parallelopiped with a minimal distance from the outlet box side to the other side to provide the appearance of a conventional outlet box coverplate with minimal protrusion into a room from the outlet box when installed. A telephone cord having a RJ11 or RJ45 plug connected to both ends of the telephone cord extends from the housing on the outlet box side to connect the installed phone jack to the multiple telephone jack apparatus. Further, surge protection circuitry, including an overcurrent protection device and a overvoltage protection device, is mounted on the wiring board to provide automatically resetting surge protection for the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Abacon Telecommunications, LLC
    Inventor: Roger L. Beavers
  • Patent number: 6366671
    Abstract: An apparatus provides multiple telephone jacks at an outlet box that has an installed telephone jack and holes to receive cover plate support screws. The apparatus includes a housing and a wiring board in the housing. The housing has an outlet box side and another side and generally has the shape of a rectangular parallelopiped with a minimal distance from the outlet box side to the other side to provide the appearance of a conventional outlet box coverplate with minimal protrusion into a room from the outlet box when installed. A telephone plug protrudes from the outlet box side of the housing to enable engagement with a jack mounted in the outlet box and includes a release lever to enable release of the plug from the jack. The housing has an access path to permit access to the release lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Abacon Telecommunications, LLC
    Inventor: Roger L. Beavers
  • Patent number: 6361361
    Abstract: An electrical outlet cover for enclosing an electrical outlet wall box which has enhanced stiffness and prevention of corner bending and/or twisting while employing a minimum amount of material for a maximum stiffness. It comprises a generally rectangular plate having electrical plug passages and upper and lower linear arrays of cored, rectangular stiffening ribs projecting outwardly from the back surface of the plate and positioned along each of an upper and a lower edge of the plate. It further has left and right linear arrays of cored, rectangular stiffening ribs positioned between the electrical plug passages and left and right edges of the plate which extend from the upper linear array to the lower linear array. A central linear array of stiffening ribs project are positioned between the electrical plug passages and extend from the left linear array to the right linear array. A reinforced opening for receiving a screw extend through the plate at the midpoint of the central linear array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis W. Henry
  • Patent number: 6309249
    Abstract: A faceplate light socket assembly for a light bank of the type used above vanity cabinets. The faceplate socket maintains a light bulb in substantially horizontal orientation perpendicular to the wall to which the light assembly is mounted. A pre-wired socket includes a spring clip which detachably retains the socket within a specially configured aperture of the faceplate. The aperture has an insertion slot to facilitate insertion of the spring within the aperture, a helical edge which gradually reduces the diameter of the aperture and a retaining notch to lock the socket in position. The helical edge biasingly compresses the spring clip upon rotation of the socket to maintain the socket within the aperture. An outer cylindrical surface of the socket is threaded for attaching a decorative sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Zenith Products Corp.
    Inventors: Kaveh Didehvar, William G Carõn
  • Patent number: 6297450
    Abstract: A replaceable wall plate is disclosed. It includes a replaceable portion and a wall plate portion. The wall plate portion is typically screwed to a wall to form the cover of a wall outlet whereas the replaceable portion is removably attached to the wall plate portion. The removable attachment scheme is preferably accomplished for the two portions using the methods of prong insertion, button coupling or channel sliding. The replaceable portion further contains built-in electronics such as a surge protection device. It is configured in the replaceable portion for protecting electrical devices plugged or connected to the receptacles of this wall outlet. Accordingly, the replaceable portion along with its built-in surge protection device could be replaced such as in the case of electronics failure after an abnormal electrical event, for example, a voltage spike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Jeff Yu
  • Patent number: 6293821
    Abstract: A power transfer device adapted for interconnection with the electrical system of a building includes a cabinet, a set of switches mounted to the cabinet, and a first set of wires for connecting the switches to an electrical distribution panel associated with the building electrical system. The power transfer device includes a terminal compartment associated with the cabinet, a set of power input terminals located within the terminal compartment, and a cover removably connected to the cabinet for alternatively preventing and permitting access to the terminal compartment. The cover is provided with a coupling arrangement adapted to be interconnected with the power input terminals, for selectively receiving an input member on one end of a flexible cord in electrical communication with a source of auxiliary power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Reliance Controls Corporation
    Inventor: David D. Flegel
  • Patent number: 6276962
    Abstract: A wall faceplate system comprises a plate of a rigid material with a top, a bottom and two side edges there between and an exposed front surface and an unexposed back surface. Edges around the periphery curve toward the back unexposed surface of the plate. The plate has three apertures which include two attachment apertures and one central aperture. The apertures are located on the vertical midline of the plate. The plate includes an indented area on the back unexposed surface of the plate being formed by the curved edges and the back surface. In addition there is a rectilinear diaphragm of elastomeric-like material, with the diaphragm having a hole. There is a means coupling the diaphragm to the back surface of the plate with the hole in the diaphragm axially centered in the central aperture of the plate for the passage and support of coaxial cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Raymond T. Gaines
  • Patent number: 6276961
    Abstract: An accessory panel for use in an internal bay of a computer is compatible with at least two disparate types of mounting arrangements for such panels. The accessory panel comprises a face plate, a mounting plate, and a sub-frame. The sub-frame includes a side plate and a rear plate. The mounting plate is fixedly coupled to the face plate. One or more bores are disposed along a surface of the mounting plate. The bores are arranged in a pattern that corresponds to a pattern of mounting-holes on a framework that surrounds a particular type of computer bay. The bores provide a means for mounting the panel in this type of computer bay through the use of fasteners. The side and rear plates are coupled to the mounting plate when the panel is installed in a computer bay that accommodates peripheral devices through the use of mounting rails. Once coupled, the mounting plate and the side plate provide a substantially smooth, coplanar area on which a mounting rail can be disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Iomega Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas S. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6200160
    Abstract: A faceplate or console unit for electrical or fiber optic cable connectors. The unit has a base wall with at least one connector opening for mounting a first connector in the opening so that, when mounted, the first connector is accessible to an outside mating connector. A protective hood surrounds a portion of the base wall. The hood extends a determined height above the base wall, and the first connector can be accessed by a mating connector from a direction that is clear of the hood. The hood is arranged to prevent objects near the unit from striking the outside connector and thus causing its connection with the first connector to be interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Avaya Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Leonard Hugh Drexler, David Louis Reed
  • Patent number: 6186826
    Abstract: A communication line adapter assembly is used for converting an existing wall phone mounting plate into a filtered outlet jack for use with DSL lines. The adapter has a housing that fits over the existing studs of a wall plate for a wall phone, and has a spring loaded latch which latches the assembly in position when the adapter housing is mounted over the existing studs. The latch holds the head of a stud from being removed by preventing sliding of the stud along the mounting slots in the direction for release. A filter is carried on the adapter housing, and a cover plate that replicates the positioning of the telephone wall mounting studs is mounted over the adapter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Communications Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Owen B. Weikle
  • Patent number: 6179634
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a floor box includes a ring, a cover, and a gasket. The ring is configured to support an electrical receptacle within an open upper end portion of the floor box. The cover has an access opening for providing access to the receptacle, and has an access door for closing the access opening. The ring, the cover and the gasket are configured for interconnection in installed positions in which a portion of the gasket is deflected into an annular configuration interposed radially between the ring and the cover. When the gasket is thus installed between the ring and the cover, the edge portion of the gasket establishes a seal that surrounds the access opening in the cover. Additionally, the cover has apertures for receiving fasteners that interconnect the ring, the cover, and the gasket in their installed positions. The access door is configured to overlie all of those apertures, and thereby to conceal all of those fasteners from view, when the door is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Charles H. Riedy, Dennis P. Revlock, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6160220
    Abstract: A terminal cover for electrical equipment has two pieces of substantially U-shaped elastic engaging piece section each with an outer edge thereof integrally connected to the terminal cover and the other edge in the inner side thereof coupled to that of the other one with a bridging piece section provided therein, counter claw sections are formed on the two pieces of elastic engaging piece section respectively, and the terminal cover is fixed to a frame of equipment by engaging the counter claw sections in recesses for engagement formed on the frame of the equipment respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumihiro Takimura, Kyoichi Yamamoto, Tsuyoshi Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 6132070
    Abstract: A structure for aligning a canopy for an exit sign with a standard wall-mounted electrical junction box. The structure is constituted of a separate plate which is adapted to be fastened to the back cover of an exit sign so as to form a mounting structure adapted for facilitating the attachment of the exit sign to a wall-mounted electrical junction box, and which incorporates slots adapted to be engaged by protuberances on the canopy for aligning the latter with the junction box in predetermined selective orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Vosika, Drusilla L. Underwood
  • Patent number: 6109959
    Abstract: A computer network wall outlet device adapted to be mounted in an apertured wall plate includes a face plate member and a body member which are releasably interconnected to one another. The face plate member, releasably mounted to an aperture in the wall plate, includes a socket aperture aligned with a socket of the body member, the socket having an array of electrical contacts. The body member also retains a printed circuit board having a plurality of electric connections for conductors of a network cable. The device permits maintenance of the printed circuit board without requiring disconnection of the outlet device from the network due to the releasable interconnection of the face plate member. Preferably, the socket and the electrical connections are on the same side of the printed circuit board. Moreover, the device further includes IDC connectors and a ground strap carried by the circuit board for connection to a shield of the cable. The device members may be formed from a metal plated plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Sapphire Networks, Limited
    Inventors: Malcolm John Burlinson, David Maurice Burlinson, Ian Clarke
  • Patent number: 6095670
    Abstract: A structure for mounting an exit sign to a standard wall-mounted electrical junction box. The structure is constituted of a separate plate which is adapted to be fastened to the back cover of an exit sign so as to form a mounting structure adapted for facilitating the attachment of the exit sign to a wall-mounted electrical junction box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Vosika, Drusilla L. Underwood
  • Patent number: 6056593
    Abstract: An electrical receptacle assembly includes a housing and a mounting bridge. The housing includes front and back covers adapted to mate together. The front cover has opposite forward and rearward sides and opposite top and bottom ends, and the back cover has opposite forward and rearward sides and top and bottom ends. The forward side of the front cover is a wall covering the same whereas the rearward side of the front cover is open. The forward side of the back cover is open whereas the rearward side of the back cover is a wall covering the same. The open forward side of the back cover is adapted to interfit with the open rearward side of front cover to provide them in a mated relationship with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Ward E. Strang, Carol A. Howard
  • Patent number: 6050849
    Abstract: A stand includes a housing with an upper portion to be mounted on a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, and a lower portion to be secured on a base. A display power connector is mounted on the housing and connects electrically the LCD panel to a power source. A display signal connector is mounted on the housing and connects electrically the LCD panel to a computer. A first hub power connector is mounted on the housing and provides a voltage output. A universal serial bus (USB) hub module includes a hub casing, a USB connector set mounted on the hub casing, a second hub power connector mounted on the hub casing, and a USB hub controller mounted inside the hub casing and connected electrically to the connector set and the second hub power connector. The hub module is mounted detachably on the housing such that the second hub power connector engages removably the first hub power connector for supplying the voltage output from the first hub power connector as operating power to the hub controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Lin-Yang Chang
  • Patent number: 6036536
    Abstract: An electrical outlet includes a switch plate having an outer side formed with a raised portion and an inner side formed with a socket body, the socket body being provided with three conducting members and a plastic protective cover, three wire self-locking devices including two bidirectional metal fixing members and a plastic cap, a fuse device, a current indicator mounted on the switch plate, a safety cover pivotally installed on the raised portion and provided with two hooks, whereby the outlet is safe in use and can be rapidly and easily assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Jin-Hsien Chiu
  • Patent number: 5961345
    Abstract: A faceplate system that removably mounts interchangeable connector mounting inserts. The system uses a faceplate frame having mounting rails with access notches and rectangular connector mounting inserts that have corner legs and spacer walls at their ends. The legs have ledge surfaces slidingly engage the under sides of the mounting rails, and the spacer walls slidingly engage the upper sides of the mounting rails. The legs gain access to the under sides of the rails through the rail notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Cabletron Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Finn, Michael Joseph, Norman J. Wainio, Michael Romm
  • Patent number: 5955701
    Abstract: A wall plate for a standard electrical outlet which is raised off the wall by about seven eighths of an inch and having on its front face a pair of recessed areas corrosponding to the upper and lower sockets of a standard wall outlet. The inwardly tapering walls of the recessed areas help guide an elecricl plug adaptor of similar outward shape as the recessed areas into the outlet. In this way a visually impared person or a person with poor muscle control can more easily insert a plug of an electrical appliance into an electrical wall outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventors: Phyllis L. Schockner, Ronald M. Schockner
  • Patent number: 5897395
    Abstract: A jack frame includes a jack frame block having a front surface, a pair of side surfaces and a top surface. The front surface has a plug opening with a plug axis along which a plug connector can be inserted to connect to the jack frame block. The front surface is dimensioned to be received in a jack opening in a face plate, and the inner periphery of the jack opening is defined in part by a pair of side walls and a top wall. The top surface of the jack frame block has a first surface portion that extends at a first angle relative to the plug axis of the plug opening in the block's front surface, and a second surface portion that extends at a second angle relative to the plug axis. Either the first or the second surface portion can be aligned with the top wall of the jack opening, so the frame block can be mounted on the face plate with a desired orientation depending on which one of the first and the second surface portions is aligned with the top wall of the jack opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Jaime Ray Arnett
  • Patent number: 5886299
    Abstract: This invention relates to an inlet valve assembly for central vacuum systems. In particular, this invention relates to an inlet valve assembly including an inlet face plate, a mounting plate, having a deformable mounting flange, and an electrical receptacle integrally formed with a high voltage wire. In some uses, the inlet valve assembly also can include a low voltage wire which can be used to complete a low voltage circuit to initiate a central vacuum motor. The mounting plate can accommodate the electrical receptacle in a temporary position and the inlet face plate can rear mount the receptacle into a locked position where the receptacle is securely attached to the inlet face plate. In this manner, the receptacle may be mounted to the inlet face plate even though one end of the high voltage wire is already wired into an electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Canplas Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: John Frederick Ward
  • Patent number: 5805071
    Abstract: A generally square mounting plate for attaching the cover of an audible-visual alarm to a backbox includes a plurality of openings along each side of the plate. The openings are configured and positioned to accommodate the mounting bolt placement of various standard backboxes, including 4-inch, international, single-gang and double-gang backboxes. Indicia are provided on the front of the plate to guide the installer in the correct assembly of the plate to the backbox to provide a desired orientation of a feature of the alarm, advantageously a strobe unit. The alarm generating components, e.g., a strobe unit and/or an acoustic transducer, may be carried either by the alarm cover or by the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Wheelock, Inc.
    Inventor: Inhong Hur
  • Patent number: 5741158
    Abstract: A communications outlet comprises a base which is mountable on an outlet box to permit interconnections with wires in the outlet box. The base has a mounting cage in which an electrical connector having insulation displacement terminals can be mounted after the wires are terminated to the terminals, and a support platform on which the connector can be seated during insulation displacement termination of the wires to the terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Carl Gene Reed, Terry Lee Pitts
  • Patent number: 5739465
    Abstract: A connector device including a tubular guide wall having front and rear open ends, a retaining portion for retaining a switch connection connector on an inner side of the tubular guide wall, and a retaining release unit for releasing the retaining of the switch connection connector by the retaining portion during the time when the switch connection connector and a switch connector are fitted together. With this construction, the reliability of the connection portion of the connector is enhanced, and the efficiency of the operation is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Isao Kameyama
  • Patent number: 5738540
    Abstract: A rotatable and interchangeable electrical plug for an electronic device which plugs directly into a receptacle. The electronic device comprises an enclosure with a socket for receiving the plug. The plug includes a detent which fits into one or more indents in the socket for determining the orientation of the plug. The plug can also be rotated in the socket to positions defined by the indents, which allows the orientation of the electronic device to be changed once plugged into the receptacle. In another aspect, the receptacle cover includes a safety catch which is engaged when the device is rotated to a lock position. In another aspect, the electronic device is fastened to a plate, the plate being received in a slot in the receptacle cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Michael Warnett Hetherington
  • Patent number: 5684467
    Abstract: A generally square mounting plate for attaching the cover of an audible-visual alarm to a backbox includes a plurality of openings along each side of the plate. The openings are configured and positioned to accommodate the mounting bolt placement of various standard backboxes, including 4-inch, international, single-gang and double-gang backboxes. Indicia are provided on the front of the plate to guide the installer in the correct assembly of the plate to the backbox to provide a desired orientation of a feature of the alarm, advantageously a strobe unit. The alarm generating components, e.g., a strobe unit and/or an acoustic transducer, may be carried either by the alarm cover or by the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Wheelock Inc.
    Inventor: Inhong Hur
  • Patent number: 5683166
    Abstract: An electroluminescent wall plate is provided with clips designed to couple with wall mounted electrical terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Robert S. Lutzker
  • Patent number: 5651696
    Abstract: A tap point unit which comprises a base plate having spaced apart left and right receptacle opening and a pair of vertically aligned circular openings for a coaxial connector mounting and a rectangular opening vertically aligned with the circular opening to mount a modular jack. The unit also includes a housing mounted to the base plate between the receptacle openings and having a pair of circular opening coaxially aligned with the pair in the base plate and a rectangular opening coaxially aligned with the rectangular opening. The tap point unit of the invention is CEBUS compliant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Michael T. Jennison
  • Patent number: 5645449
    Abstract: A low profile information outlet (1), suitable for mounting to a wall or floor, provides for connections to multiple connector styles and media types while maintaining appropriate minimum bend radii. A connectorized fiber optic cable (30) enters the housing (3) via cable entrance (7) and plugs into fiber optic receptacle (13). Fiber optic receptacle (13) snaps into a flange retention member (9). Connectorized copper cable (33) plugs into a recessed connector well (14) at an angle. The receptacles (13,25) and exterior connectors (45,48) are protected by the low profile housing (3) and the mounting surface (29). All cables (31,33) exit the housing (3) parallel to the mounting surface (29) to dress along the wall or floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: James Michael Sabo
  • Patent number: 5628650
    Abstract: A termination unit for telecommunication and data lines, including a front portion provided with an insertion opening, a frame, an electrical plug connector, a plug socket and contact elements for the lines. In order to simplify accessibility to the electrical plug connector of the termination unit, the front portion is adapted as one piece together with the frame and is provided with a removable access cover and that the electrical plug connector and the plug socket are disposed on the rear side of the removable access cover behind the insertion opening of a component unit disposed on the rear side of the front portion and connected to the plug connector with the plug socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Krone AG
    Inventors: Simon Jackson, Christopher Taylor