Unit Includes Receptacle For Receiving Plug Having Spaced, Longitudinally Engaging, Prong-like Contacts Patents (Class 439/650)
  • Patent number: 6422781
    Abstract: A spacer coupler for ganging together two or more wall outlets by coupling the outlets together in a spaced manner. The outlets are fastened to the spacer coupler by spear connectors on the spacer coupler which are inserted into complimentary holes in the wall outlets. The spacer coupler can be used with existing communication cable receptacles and face plates to form a pleasing and easily accomplished ganging of the receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ofcharsky, Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 6379164
    Abstract: A wiring system for providing electrical service to a structure allows all electrical service ports to be wired in series. The electrical service ports consist of a junction box in electrical communication with a receptacle. The functionality of the receptacle is determined solely by a processor, which is preconfigured (i.e., preset or preprogrammed) to determine the functionality of that specific electric receptacle. Thus any receptacle, in electrical communication with any junction box in the wiring system, where the junction boxes are wired in series, could be a switch, a switched outlet, a switched light or the like without the necessity of wiring a particular junction box in a manner to provide that receptacle's functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald G. Cash, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6361333
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved electrical junction box wherein the electrical wires from a building's electrical system are terminated by connection to a set of terminal strips and lugs in a secure area of the junction box housing rather than directly on an electrical receptacle device that is mounted on and connected to the junction box housing. In accordance with the instant invention, an improved electrical junction box provides at least one set of plug-and-play electrical terminals into which electrical receptacle devices plug directly, without any need for additional hard wiring, stripping, pig tailing, or the like. In a preferred embodiment of the instant invention, all electrical wires terminate in a secure, non-confined area of the junction box, thereby reducing the hazard of electrical shock as well as the risk of electrical fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald G. Cash, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6353180
    Abstract: A fire-rated, poke-through floor fitting preferably for use in a three inch diameter bore within a floor. The fitting has an electrical receptacle that is sized to fit within the three inch bore. The receptacle preferably has two pairs of electrical outlets coupled to the electrical receptacle along with four voice/data jacks. The fitting provides a high number of electrical outlets and voice/data jacks, while maintaining a relatively low profile and easy accessibility. Each pair of electrical outlets can be separately connected to different power sources or each pair can be connected to the same power source. The bus bars of the receptacle can have various configurations, including non-overlapping orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph V. DeBartolo, Jr., Peter A. Czerner, Nelson Bonilla, Alfred N. Goodman
  • Patent number: 6350131
    Abstract: An electrical connector according to the present invention includes an insulative housing (10) defining two rows of passageways (101) therethrough, a spacer (30) attached to the bottom of the housing, and a plurality of first and second terminals (11, 12). The spacer defines two rows of passageways (301) therethrough, corresponding to the two rows of passageways within the housing. Each first and each second terminal is bent at a right angle at a middle portion thereof, and such terminals are respectively received in each of the two rows of passageways of both the housing and spacer. Each first and each second terminal includes an upper contact portion (111, 121), a lower contact portion (112, 122) and a connecting plate (110, 120) formed between the upper and the lower contact portions. Each upper and lower contact portion respectively includes a pair of contact strips (111, 121, 112, 122) facing each other, for resiliently engaging with terminals of exterior devices (5, 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yueh-Shan Shih
  • Patent number: 6307152
    Abstract: A fire-rated, poke-through floor fitting preferably for use in a three inch diameter bore within a floor. The fitting has an electrical receptacle that is sized to fit within the three inch bore. The receptacle preferably has two pairs of electrical outlets coupled to the electrical receptacle along with four voice/data jacks. The fitting provides a high number of electrical outlets and voice/data jacks, while maintaining a relatively low profile and easy accessibility. Each pair of electrical outlets can be separately connected to different power sources or each pair can be connected to the same power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Nelson Bonilla, Rajiv D. Katwala
  • Patent number: 6281438
    Abstract: An integral wall plate and power receptacle are provided for flush mounting on an electrical box or support. In that the wall plate and receptacle are made of insulating material the grounding of the wall plate is not required. The power receptacle includes a number of chambers into which contacts are selectively placed. Identification tabs on the contacts and keyways on the walls of the chambers limit insertion of the contacts to selected chambers and orient the contacts. The wall plate provides a smooth transition from the receptacle to thinned edges which receive mounting fasteners. An insert covers the base members and retains the contacts in their respective chambers while providing a smooth finished look to the wall plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Desilets, Leonard C. Rathbun, Joseph Spanedda, Hakki M. Tansi
  • Patent number: 6200159
    Abstract: A multi-deck electric outlet assembly, which includes a base, a body mounted on the base, the body having a series of steps raised one above another at one side, and a landing at the topside thereof, the steps each having a sloping riser, multiple electric socket units respectively installed in the landing and the risers of the steps and respectively connected to a circuit board at the base, and a power cable inserted through a wire hole on the base and connected to the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Jonie Chou
  • Patent number: 6179669
    Abstract: Disclosure is a molded female receptacle for receiving a male plug. The receptacle includes a pair of a female connector member of electrical conductor material with each connector member including a first end with an insertion slot and a second end with crimping means for attachment to conductor wires. A generally rectangular body member of molded insulating material encases the first and second female connector members that are attached in parallel to a two-wire conductor. The molded body member has first and second ends and four sides, with the body member first end having a pair of rectangular apertures, each in register with an insertion slot of a female connector member embedded within the body member. The two-wire conductor extends from two opposite sides of the generally rectangular molded body member near the second end thereof. The first and second ends of the molded body member may be oriented at 180, 135 or 90 degrees relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas Shiaw-Cherng Chiang
  • Patent number: 6164996
    Abstract: A corner-sitting power strip is provided for overcoming the disadvantages of the existing power strips. Briefly, the present invention is able to operate like a typical power strip and is further configured to sit snugly on a corner. While electrical plugs of appliances and equipment are coupled with the multiple receptacles of the power strip, a base face of the strip housing snugly pushes against one side of the corner, and another base face of the same housing snugly pushes against another side of the corner. At the same time, the dimensions of the housing is designed such that electrical cords of inserted plugs are channeled out from the power strip in a generally parallel fashion either projecting upward against one side of the corner or projecting downward against the other side of the corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Jeff Yu
  • Patent number: 6114623
    Abstract: A fire-rated, poke-through floor fitting preferably for use in a three inch diameter bore within a floor. The fitting has an electrical receptacle that is sized to fit within the three inch bore. The receptacle preferably has two pairs of electrical outlets coupled to the electrical receptacle along with four voice/data jacks. The fitting provides a high number of electrical outlets and voice/data jacks, while maintaining a relatively low profile and easy accessibility. Each pair of electrical outlets can be separately connected to different power sources or each pair can be connected to the same power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Nelson Bonilla, Rajiv D. Katwala
  • Patent number: 6095850
    Abstract: An electric adapter with a display unit capable of indicating various electrical parameters of an electric appliances is disclosed. The adapter includes a housing, a plug, an outlet socket, a control circuit and a display unit. The adapter is electrically connected between an electric socket and the electric appliance. When the electric appliance works, the control circuit detects various electrical parameters of the electric appliance and then displays the electrical parameters on the display unit. The electrical parameters includes present time, voltage value, current value, watt, kilowatt-hour, apparent power value, power factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel Liu
  • Patent number: 6045399
    Abstract: A combination outlet strip includes a casing and a plurality of outlet strip units connected in series and mounted in the casing, each outlet strip unit having a bottom shell, a top shell covered on the bottom shell, and three bus bars mounted in between the bottom shell and the top shell, the bus bars each having a coupling hole and a stud at two opposite ends outside the top and bottom shells, and a plurality of clamping strips for receiving the blades/grounding prongs of electric plugs, the outlet strip units being connected in series by fastening the studs of the bus bars of one outlet strip unit to the coupling holes of the bus bars of another outlet strip unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Tsung-I Yu
  • Patent number: 6045374
    Abstract: An electrical wiring connector having a generally rectangular flat base lying in a first plane; a generally rectangular cover matable with the base, the cover having a top and side walls, the base and cover when in mating relation defining an enclosed space; at least two openings in the cover, one opening in each of at least two of the side walls adjacent to the base; a plurality of separate, flat conductive strips carried by the base, each conductive strip having at least two ends, each conductive strip extending along a separate path between each of the at least two openings, each separate path traversing multiple planes; and a plurality of first terminals on respective ends of each conductive strip, each first terminal lying in a second plane parallel to the first plane, is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Salvatore Candeloro
  • Patent number: 6042426
    Abstract: A multi-user services module (10) includes a housing portion (12) with a hemispherical configuration. The hemispherical housing portion (12) is integrally molded to a depending cylindrical housing portion (14). The cylindrical housing portion (14) is fitted into an opening in a conference table (19) or the like. Power receptacles (20) and data receptacles (22) are molded and installed in the hemispherical housing portion (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Norman R. Byrne
  • Patent number: 5998734
    Abstract: An electrical outlet assembly includes an electrical receptacle having a body with a face. At least one female plug is associated with the face, and at least two exposed terminals are associated with each plug. Each exposed terminal is connected with and carried by the body. A cover is separate from and removably coupled with the electrical receptacle and substantially entirely covers at least one exposed terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Pent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron R. Kerestan, Frank Roe
  • Patent number: 5888105
    Abstract: A multi-station female blade receptacle stamping has female blade receptacles. Each receptacle is three sided, having a longitudinal opening. There is a flat side and curved side. The metal is resilient so that the curved side releases from the plastic when molded into a multi-outlet receptacle. In the multi-outlet receptacle, each female blade receptacle is supported against unwanted flexure and biased against a received blade, providing full surface contact on one side of the receptacle. The sides of the female blade receptacle do not fatigue in use. The multi-station female blade receptacle is economical of metal and adapted for automated crimping. The structure of the receptacle enables one size receptacle to serve blades of various widths and thicknesses. Molding multi-station female blade receptacle stampings into a multi-outlet receptacle saves crimping of multiple parts and can be effected in prior art molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Heyco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Brown, Suzanne V. Hickey
  • Patent number: 5855064
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a power supply system with modularized and integrated cable interface configuration for providing power from an external power source to a plurality of subsystems in a personal computer. The power supply system includes a power cable for connecting the power supply system to the external power source. The power supply system further includes an output (O/P) cable having a first end and second end, the O/P cable including a plurality of cable groups wherein each of the cable groups including a subsystem plug module on the first end for connecting to a corresponding PC subsystems. The power supply system further includes an integrated PC receptive module for providing an interface with the O/P cable. The O/P cable further including an integrated O/P cable plug module on the second end for plugging the O/P cable into the integrated receptive module, wherein the integrated O/P plug module being in electric connection to each of the cable groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Shu-Ching Chang
  • Patent number: 5848915
    Abstract: An offset power strip (22) comprising a zigzag housing (24). A plurality of socket members (26) are placed in a staggered arrangement into a front face (28) of the zigzag housing (24). A facility (30) is for connecting all of the socket members (26) to a power supply, so that all of the socket members (26) can be used to accommodate transformer plugs (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventor: Mark J Canizales
  • Patent number: 5833357
    Abstract: The present invention improves upon existing trouble lights by providing a multi-purpose trouble light having a handle upon which are positioned two electrical receptacles suitable for engagement with standard electrical plugs of the type having two flat male blades and a cylindrical male pin positioned in a standard triangular configuration. The electrical plugs are inserted into the receptacles in the handle inverted with respect to each other. A first and second female terminals and a ground terminal are positioned within the trouble light. The first and second female terminals, each having two channels, are positioned within the handle so that each male blade of the two electrical plugs is received within one of the channels. The third terminal provides a ground connection for the cylindrical male pins of the electrical plugs. This efficient and compact terminal configuration enables two electrical receptacles to be provided in a compact and conveniently-sized handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Lin Chien Ting
  • Patent number: 5812683
    Abstract: A headphone jack extended outlet which amplifies and splits the output signal from a single conventional headphone jack to power multiple headphone jacks. The extended outlet includes a conventional headphone plug that inserts directly into the headphone jack of a sound system and includes multiple headphone jacks for powering multiple headsets. The extended outlet further includes circuitry which amplifies the output signal received from the sound system to a level sufficient to power multiple headsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventors: Thomas F. Parker, Thomas J. Nook
  • Patent number: 5763826
    Abstract: A fitting, adapted to fit in a hole formed in a fire-rated floor, to enable activated wires to be connected thereto and therethrough for activation as an outlet. The fitting includes a receptacle which includes a plurality of bus bars adapted to connect and isolate current inputs to enable the fitting to accommodate multiple power plugs for multiple electronic devices. The receptacle further includes plug blade retention contacts adapted to firmly grip, retain, and provide positive contact and connection between plug blades and receptacle outlets. It further includes grounding contacts and wires adapted to effectively ground electronic equipment. The fitting further includes a service head adapted to extend substantially flush with the top of a carpet, to prevent unsafe obstruction of the carpet, and sliding plates adapted to automatically and positively cover receptacle outlets to prevent electrical shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Raceway Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman Castellani, Harcharan S. Bagga
  • Patent number: 5679023
    Abstract: A dual-port electrical cable female connector head primarily useful for branch circuit extension of and for fixture tapping into a relocatable wiring system, the female connector head of the invention is located at one end of a length of electrical cable which carries one or more circuits and into which lighting fixtures or other electrical loads are to be tapped at predetermined locations of the wiring system by connection to tapping ports formed in respective female connector heads. A male connector head joined to the length of cable at the other end thereof connects to a branch circuit port formed in a female connector head of an adjacent length of cable in the wiring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: NSI Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Ormand Gilbert Anderson, Jr., William Wade Marder
  • Patent number: 5649839
    Abstract: A power center for using ON-OFF switches to control power availability for individual receptacle outlets is disclosed. The molded-in receptacle apertures and podded contact strips provide significant space, cost and efficiency improvements over existing power centers which use stand-alone, off-the shelve receptacle parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: Jeff Yu
  • Patent number: 5601455
    Abstract: A quadruplex receptacle where all four receptacles can be connected in common to a single electrical cable or by severing the connecting links on its line bus it can be divided into two duplex receptacles each fed by a single cable. A feed-through arrangement can be used with either arrangement of the line bus. The neutral bus surrounds the line bus, both supported and electrically insulated from one another by a series of tabs and columns in the cavity within a housing. A ground bus extending into the cavity from a rear cover provides an isolated ground. Mounting apertures in the housing and cover permit mounting to a support surface, to a standard gang gem outlet box, or by means of an adapter plate to a number of mounting devices. A box can be placed about the cover to provide a portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Harcharan S. Bagga
  • Patent number: 5582522
    Abstract: A modular power outlet system employing a starter module for connection to a source of electrical power, an outlet strip module containing a plurality of power outlets, an inline passthrough coupler module for electrically connecting two or more outlet strip modules, and an inline crossover module for switching circuits to which power outlets are connected, and an end cap module for terminating an outlet strip module is disclosed herein. In a single circuit embodiment of the system, each power outlet is connected from the same electrical circuit. In a first two circuit embodiment of the system, power outlets in an outlet strip module alternate between the two circuits. A plurality of outlet strip modules can then be electrically connected using an inline passthrough coupler module. In a second two circuit embodiment of the system, each power outlet in an outlet strip module is connected to the same electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Walter A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5572406
    Abstract: An electrical receptacle assembly with an enhanced heat dissipation arrangement includes a housing having a front side with plug contact receiving openings and a rear side spaced from the front side, a circuitboard mounted in the housing between the front and rear sides thereof and spaced from the rear side, a plurality of varistors mounted to the circuitboard and disposed between the circuitboard and the rear side of the housing, and a mounting bridge fitted over the exteriors of the rear side and top and bottom ends of the housing for mounting the housing to an outlet box and providing a heat sink for dissipating from the housing heat generated by the varistors. The varistors are mounted to the circuitboard in the housing on the front side thereof opposite to the rear side where the electrical components are mounted to the circuitboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Ward E. Strang, Carol Z. Howard, Thomas M. McDonald
  • Patent number: 5501614
    Abstract: A device for raising aquarium fish is a combination of a water tank and a receptacle assembly (4). The water tank has an upper opening, a lid for closing the upper opening and provided with an illumination mechanism and a filtration mechanism (3), and a fastening portion at notch (3c). The receptacle assembly is for supplying electricity to the illumination and filtration mechanisms and has a fastened portion for engagement with the fastening portion of the water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Nisso Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiro Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 5482478
    Abstract: An improved AC power plug structure is provided. The AC power plug consists of an outer housing, base and conductor structure which utilize differently positioned connection methods. The base and the outer housing are firmly assembled together, while the conductor wires within the base are separately routed so the conductor wires cannot be pulled from their connection with the wire terminals. Further, a pair of special built-in safety fuses are located inside the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Nan W. Liao
  • Patent number: 5460542
    Abstract: A receptacle, adapted to enable activated wires to be connected thereto and therethrough for activation thereof, which includes a plurality of bus bars adapted to connect and isolate current inputs to enable the receptacle to accommodate multiple power plugs for multiple electronic devices. The receptacle further includes plug blade retention contacts, adapted to firmly grip, retain, and provide positive contacts and connection between plug blades and receptacle outlets. It further includes grounding contacts and wires adapted to effectively ground electronic equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Raceway Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman Castellani, Harcharan S. Bagga
  • Patent number: 5443400
    Abstract: A multi-station stamped metal conductor in a multi-outlet receptacle enables the simplified molding of the receptacle with less parts and wire connections. The conductor has articulated stations coinciding with the individual outlets, each station having a female receptacle with an appropriate pin or blade opening. The conductors are easily held in position for molding of the receptacle. Each conductor requires only a single crimped conductor wire serving all of the stations. The molding may be done without change to prior art molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Heyco Stamped Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Brown, Suzanne V. Hickey
  • Patent number: 5443390
    Abstract: A MIDI/joystick breakout box is described which incorporates a shielded connector, a shielded cable, and a terminal block including a circuit board with an extensive ground plane surrounding the joystick connections and shielding the MIDI circuitry on at least three sides. The terminal block is a housing which acts as a radiation shield. The housing or terminal block may be made of an injected molded plastic material containing electrically conductive strands of metal or the housing may be plated or painted on its interior surfaces with an electrically conductive material to form a shielding layer which may then be further connected to the ground plane of the electronic circuit board contained within the terminal block housing. The terminal block provides connectors for MIDI-In, MIDI-Out MIDI-Thru and a pair of joystick interface connectors which allows the capability to connect both MIDI devices and two joysticks to the audio adapter card simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines, Corp.
    Inventors: George D. Kokkosoulis, Jorge E. Muyshondt, Bruce J. Wilkie
  • Patent number: 5429518
    Abstract: A socket terminal has a shell, two electrodes, a ground and at least one socket member. The shell has a base and a cover which is mounted on the base. The base has a first side which defines two grooves for receiving the electrodes and a second side which defines a channel for receiving the ground. The base further defines at least one aperture. The socket member has a casing which has a disk-shaped shaft formed thereon whereby the disk-shaped shaft is received in the opening defined in the cover so that the casing is pivotable between a first position and a second position. Two conductive strips each has a first end received in the casing and a second end disposed below the casing. A grounded strip has a first end received in the casing and a second end disposed secured to the casing by means of a screw with a relatively large head. The head of the screw is inserted through the aperture defined in the base and is further engaged with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Ken C. Chen
  • Patent number: 5425659
    Abstract: A module for use in a multiple electrical outlet strip, and the strip itself, are provided which are easy to assemble, in which the components are positively held in place, and which may be constructed of a wide variety of materials. The module includes first and second integral molded plastic components which receive positive, negative, and ground bus bars within them, the bus bars being positively held in place by projections formed on the first and second molded components. The ends of the bus bars are connected to electrical wires. The first and second module components are held together by screws. The electrical outlet receptacles formed by the module are inserted into receiving openings in the top part of a casing for an electrical outlet strip. The top and bottom portions of the casing normally are of metal. The module is held to the upper portion of the casing by screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: SL Waber, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Banks
  • Patent number: 5376757
    Abstract: An electrical harness element comprises a multi conductor cable with power supply conductors and a signal conductor. At intervals along the cable, connectors in the form of sockets are fixed. The power supply conductors are continuous along the length of cable, but the signal conductor is interrupted at each socket by a series relay. The relay can be controlled by an electrical circuit, which is typically part of a sensor device which plugs into the socket. A number of the harness elements can be connected end to end as well as in branch configurations and are connected to a central computer. The relays are used to assist the central computer in addressing the sensor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: CSIR
    Inventors: Michael J. C. Marsh, Werner Bremer
  • Patent number: 5350310
    Abstract: A socket terminal including a shell, a pair of electrodes linked to the mains power supply and at least one pair of conductive strips for connecting a pair of leads of a device to the pair of electrodes. The pair of conductive strips in a casing rotatable between a first position and a second position relative to the pair of electrodes. The pair of conductive strips contacts the pair of electrodes when the casing in the first position. In a first embodiment, each electrode is a linear strip. Thus, the conductive strips disengage from the electrodes when the casing is in the second position. In a second embodiment, each electrode consists of a linear strip and at least one ear transversely projecting from the linear strip. Thus, the pair of conductive strips engages with the pair of linear strips of the electrodes when the casing is in the first position. The pair of conductive strips engages with the pair of ears when the casing is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Inventor: Ken-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 5336114
    Abstract: A copper blade securing structure of tail female receptacles mainly uses a flexible fastening mechanism to combine a housing and an insertion portion, forming a firm connection and rigidly grasping wires. Besides, with the aids of notches and protrusions, the conductor wires of light bulb series can be firmly set inside the receptacle, without the trouble of faltering copper plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Ming Y. Wang
  • Patent number: 5334052
    Abstract: A telephone connecting socket to be fixed in a wall for a connecting plug of a telephone to fit in a hole in the socket having a front cap, a body and a rear cap, the front cap covering a front portion of the body and the rear cap covering a rear half portion of the body, the front cap having an opening normally closed up with a shield elastically pushed by a coil spring, the body having an inner socket with a hole for the connecting plug of a telephone to fit therein by passing through the opening in the front cap with the shield pushed open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Ma Chi Electric Apparatus Ent. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao-Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 5266039
    Abstract: An electrical outlet receptacle includes a thermoplastic cover and a thermoset base between which are captively mounted line and neutral contact/terminal assemblies and a grounding strap assembly in enhanced electrically isolated relation. The grounding strap assembly is equipped with quadruple wipe grounding contacts positioned to make wiping contact with a ground pin of an inserted plug before the plug blades can contact jaws of the contact/terminal assemblies. Formations molded in the cover underside provide guidance for and promote alignment of the insertions of the plug blades and pin. Tapered pockets molded in the cover underside are positioned to controllably engage the ends of BWPI terminated line and neutral wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Scott A. Boyer, Ralph L. Graves
  • Patent number: 5246378
    Abstract: A unitary jack assembly to facilitate monitoring, testing, maintenance, and installation of audio and visual systems as well as telecommunication systems which utilize coaxial cables for signal transmission. The jack assembly comprises a unitary housing having two coaxial jacks extending outwardly from the front thereof which are electrically connected to two corresponding coaxial connectors extending outwardly from the rear of the housing. A third coaxial jack extends outwardly from the front of the housing and is electrically connected to one of the other two coaxial jacks. A switch is carried within the jack assembly housing and is normally electrically connected to the first and second coaxial jacks and is further adapted to ground the signal in one of the jacks when the other jack has an electrical plug inserted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Trimm, Inc.
    Inventor: Aurel Seiceanu
  • Patent number: 5236374
    Abstract: An extension cord with multiple receptacles having an electric wire with a first end, a second end, and a male plug coupled to the first end and a method for forming same. A fuse is coupled to the wire. Multiple receptacle blocks are coupled to the wire at spaced intervals along the wire. One of the receptacle blocks is coupled to the second end of the wire. Each of the receptacle blocks has several pairs of slots for receiving male plugs of items to be powered by the extension cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventors: Thomas R. Leonard, Edward J. Munson
  • Patent number: 5207599
    Abstract: An electric socket comprises an insulative housing having two cavities formed therein, an elongate generally pantile shaped terminal plate in each cavity, and a helical spring element secured snugly against each terminal plate. The prongs of an electrical plug can be inserted between the terminal plates and spring elements in respective cavities, wherein the blade type prongs are firmly wedged between associated spring elements and terminal plates so as to be in reliable electrical communication therewith. The housing can be further provided with a third, central cavity having a similar spring element disposed therein and a grounding plate of conforming curvature secured to a lower portion of the spring element. An additional rod type prong on an electrical plug can be inserted into the central cavity between adjacent turns of the spring element whose pitch distance is less than the diameter of the prong and received through a cooperating aperture on the grounding plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: Chien-Lin Chung
  • Patent number: 5192226
    Abstract: A cable assembly comprised of a connector assembly having a male D-miniature connector, an output adapter having two female D-miniature connectors, and a coaxial cable connected between said connector assembly and said output adapter to electrically connect said female D-miniature connectors to said male D-miniature connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: Tsan-Chi Wang
  • Patent number: 5139445
    Abstract: A modular test adapter includes a housing, a pair of modular telecommunications jacks mounted with the housing and eight electrically continuous test circuits connecting the jacks. Each test circuit provides an electrical connection between one of the wire termination pins on one of the jacks with a corresponding pin on the other jack. A third electrical access is provided on each circuit by means of an electrical contact pad. The housing defines openings in a pair of parallel sides for providing access to the plug openings of the jacks and defines radially oriented spaced apart recesses along curved end surfaces on the housing for providing access to the contact pads. The adapter includes a detachable plug cord that also functions as a carrying strap for the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: The Siemon Company
    Inventors: Randall J. Below, John A. Siemon
  • Patent number: 5137462
    Abstract: An adapter for interconnecting receptacle contact sections of opposing connectors includes a housing and a plurality of contacts contained therein and having first and second pin contact sections extending in first and second arrays from first and second mating faces of the adapter matable with the receptacle contact sections of the connectors. A pair of side walls extend along two opposing sides of the first array to leading edges, and a plurality of latching ledges extend inwardly from the leading edges to latch behind corresponding latching surfaces along outer surfaces of one of the connectors, while being matable with the other connector without latching thereto, facilitating disassembly, all without requiring modification to the connectors. The side walls deflect outwardly as the latching ledges pass over side surfaces of the one connector until latched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel T. Casey, Lahman D. Lambert, II
  • Patent number: 5137474
    Abstract: An improved alternating current electrical socket structure includes a main enclosure in which are installed two lateral mounting blocks and one central mounting block; each mounting block has matching notch sections and tower sections, such that when the aforesaid lateral and central mounting blocks are aligned conductor strips can be positioned and securely held within the socket structure by the surfaces formed by the notch and tower sections of the lateral and central mounting blocks. The resulting configuration at the same time enables formed folds in the conductor strips to serve as tight receptacles in which the flat pins of an alternating current plug can be inserted tightly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: Chin C. Lin
  • Patent number: 5131868
    Abstract: A power distributor device comprising a metal body for supporting a number of coaxial connectors of various dimensions, wherein the inner end of the pin of one connector of greater size exhibits a central recess into which are opening holes extending through the side wall of the recess and adapted to receive the inner ends of the pins of the other connectors, the recess communicating with the outside through a passage-way in the wall of the supporting body which permits the insertion into said recess of a means for electrically connecting said inner ends of the pins of the whole of the connectors, the invention being usable with multicoupling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Tekelec Airtronic
    Inventor: Gerard E. E. Forterre
  • Patent number: 5104332
    Abstract: A prewired electrical distribution member of the type utilized along movable partitions or similar modular furniture near the bottom edges thereof for distributing electrical energy and having like connectors at opposite ends thereof for connection to like member of an adjacent member is disclosed. Each member includes an elongated rigid central portion having a connector for receiving at least one electrical outlet centrally located therealong and flexible end portions permanently attached thereto. The flexible end portions enclose a plurality of conductors arranged in generally single file vertical alignment and have the connectors permanently fixed to their respective free ends. The connectors have both end and side terminal openings and are uniquely adapted to engage one another in any of an end to end, side to side, or end to side manner for effecting connections at corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Group Dekko International
    Inventor: Phillip A. McCoy
  • Patent number: 5075615
    Abstract: A recharging mount for cordless rechargeable electric razors which plugs directly into an electric power receptacle and provides a stand in which the electric razor can be stored and recharged. The recharging mount has a pair of opposite facing storage cavities, each of which is capable of receiving and supporting the razor for recharging, and each of which has an electrical terminal which is connected to an external connector plug for providing recharging power to the electric razor when the razor is seated therewithin. The opposite facing storage cavities of the recharging mount enable the mount to be utilized with electric power receptacles which have a normal or an inverted orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: Theodore C. Dantis
  • Patent number: RE34977
    Abstract: A prewired electrical distribution member of the type utilized along movable partitions or similar modular furniture near the bottom edges thereof for distributing electrical energy and having like connectors at opposite ends thereof for connection to like member of an adjacent member is disclosed. Each member includes an elongated rigid central portion having a connector for receiving at least one electrical outlet centrally located therealong and flexible end portions permanently attached thereto. The flexible end portions enclose a plurality of conductors arranged in generally single file vertical alignment and have the connectors permanently fixed to their respective free ends. The connectors have both end and side terminal openings and are uniquely adapted to engage one another in any of an end to end, side to side, or end to side manner for effecting electrically insulating housing partially open at one end connections at corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Pent Assemblies, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip A. McCoy