Wherein The Plug Is Combined With A Plurality Of The Receptacles Adapted To Receive Spaced-prong Plug Patents (Class 439/652)
  • Patent number: 6123585
    Abstract: A module for connecting actuators and/or sensors having a housing that can be mounted on a base and a contact unit with contact pins. To enable the connection of a round cable, at the same time maintaining a simple design and easy contacting, the proposed base has an accommodating element projecting beyond the housing with an accommodating aperture for a plug coupling of a round cable connection that can be brought into contact with a connector, with the connector having contact elements that can engage with the contact pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hussong, Michael Freimuth, Wolfgang Schatz
  • Patent number: 6113435
    Abstract: Wiring components of a relocatable wiring system having respectively identical male and female terminal housings used respectively in male and female ports of said wiring components, the relocatable wiring system formed of the respective wiring components having particular utility in above-ceiling air handling spaces for electrical connection of lighting fixtures inter alia. Each male port of each wiring component configured according to the invention includes a male terminal housing including latching structure preferably formed of a plenum-rated polymeric material, each male port having a male terminal housing which is identical to the male terminal housing in each of the other male ports. Similarly, each female port of each wiring component includes a female terminal housing formed of polymeric material with all of the female terminal housings being identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: NSI Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Ormand Gilbert Anderson, Jr., Holley Deanne Renfro
  • Patent number: 6113434
    Abstract: A power receptacle system is provided for allowing the connection with an increased number of enlarged plugs. The system includes a housing with at least a pair of outlets mounted thereon having a pair of spaced and parallel rectangular slits and a semi-circular aperture. The outlets each have the semi-circular aperture thereof situated adjacent to a side opposite a side which the semi-circular aperture of an adjacent outlet is situated adjacent to. As such, the system allows a plug with an associated enlarged transformer to be plugged within each of the outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: D. Frank Pate
  • Patent number: 6109958
    Abstract: A structure of a multi-functional uninterrupted power supply includes a body portion having one end provided with a control panel, two opposite sides each having a socket portion provided with three blocks, each of the blocks being provided with a receptacle, one of the blocks being a polygonal member arranged at an intermediate position of the socket portion and having a distance from a top of the body portion, a second one of the blocks being a rectangular member arranged at a corner of the socket portion, a third one of the blocks being arranged at another corner of the socket portion, and another end provided with at least a hook, the body portion having a top formed with a recess and a plurality of slots, and a plurality of fixing members engageable with the slots, whereby the cables connecting peripherals to a power supply and a host computer can be conveniently kept in order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Jenn-Bin Ke
  • Patent number: 6083053
    Abstract: Wiring components of a relocatable wiring system having respectively identical male and female terminal housings used respectively in male and female ports of said wiring components, the relocatable wiring system formed of the respective wiring components having particular utility in above-ceiling air handling spaces for electrical connection of lighting fixtures inter alia. Each male port of each wiring component configured according to the invention includes a male terminal housing including latching structure preferably formed of a plenum-rated polymeric material, each male port having a male terminal housing which is identical to the male terminal housing in each of the other male ports. Similarly, each female port of each wiring component includes a female terminal housing formed of polymeric material with all of the female terminal housings being identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: NSI Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Ormand Gilbert Anderson, Jr., Holley Deanne Renfro
  • Patent number: 6077086
    Abstract: A new electric outlet extention device for extending the location of the electrical sockets of an outlet. The inventive device includes an elongate member having opposite first and second ends, front and back surfaces, and opposite sides surfaces. The elongate member is telescopically extendible along its longitudinal axis extending between its first and second ends. Each of the side surfaces has a pair of electrical sockets that are located towards the first end of the elongate member. The back surface of the elongate member has an electrical plug extending therefrom and is located towards the second end of the elongate member. The plug of the back surface is electrically connected to the electrical sockets of the side surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Wilfred LaRoche
  • Patent number: 6054657
    Abstract: A socket device has an upper casing, a lower casing coupling with the upper casing, a copper plate disposed in an interior of the socket device, two conductive devices disposed in the interior of the socket device, and one or more switch devices inserted in the upper casing. The upper casing has a number of through holes, a number of receptacles, a number of upper clamp bars, and a number of upper separation plates. Each upper clamp bar has a distal notch. Each receptacle has two slots. The driven plate is inserted in the respective through hole. The lower casing has a number of lower clamp bars, and a number of lower separation plates. Each lower clamp bar has an end notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Jui-Chung Liao
  • 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: 6042425
    Abstract: A relatively simple assembly and an economical manufacture for the electrical connection of electrical elements arranged in a group, especially electromagnets of valve units, using a multiple-pin electrical bridge connection in which the electrical connection proceeds from contacts of a plug on the input side to contacts of a socket on the output side. The socket is constructed so as to complement the plug. A two-pin or two-pole connection is preferably disposed on the external surface of the electrical bridge connection for connecting electrical elements. All of the electrical connections in the connection element extend three-dimensionally in the form of conductor paths. The connection element (1) is constructed in one piece comprising a plug (2) that forms a first portion, a socket (3) that forms a second portion and a base (4) disposed between the first and second portions and through which the conductor paths are guided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rudolf Moller, Dirk Uhlmannsiek
  • Patent number: 6024588
    Abstract: A multi-socket computer adapter having a trapezoidal shell, a plug alternatively mounted in different orientations on the trapezoidal shell between two reversed directions by removal and reassembly for connection to a power output socket of a computer to receive power supply from the computer, and a plurality of sockets integral with the trapezoidal shell and connected in series to the lug for receiving computer peripheral apparatus, whereby when the computer is turned off peripheral apparatus joined to the adapter lose power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventors: I-Ching Hsu, I-Cheng Hsu
  • Patent number: 6006135
    Abstract: A system for connecting electrical leads having connector assemblies carrying electrical connectors to an implantable electrical device having a device housing containing electrical circuitry, including a first connector module fixedly mounted to the device housing, with a first set of electrical connectors coupled to the circuitry within the device housing and a second connector module, with a second set of electrical connectors engageable with the first set of connectors and a second set of connectors electrically coupled to the second set of connectors and engageable with the connectors on the electrical leads and a mechanism for retaining the second module on an outer surface of the device housing adjacent the first module while the second set of connectors engages the first set of connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, Andrew J. Ries, Thomas C. Bischoff
  • Patent number: 5957701
    Abstract: A device that can easily extend an existing wall socket that is obstructed by furniture or other items to allow access thereto includes an electrical outlet box having a sleeve extending from a side thereof and one or more female electrical receptacles on its exterior surface. A substantially flat base member having two planar sides is slidably extendible within the sleeve of the outlet box. The base component has an aperture for receiving a rotatable male plug component which allows the device to be rotated relative to the male plug component and extended horizontally or vertically as desired. Each male plug component is electrically connected to each of the female receptacles. The male plug component is plugged into a standard wall outlet, the outlet component is rotated and extended to a desired position and attached to a wall using an attachment means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth G. McMillin
  • Patent number: 5931702
    Abstract: An electrical outlet in-line tap with a cord securement mechanism for preventing separation of two electrically connected electrical cords while also able to provide electrical power to at least one additional electrical socket. A base member is provided with multiple electrical sockets. The tap provides an electrical power-in plug adapted to receive electrical power from a receptacle end of an electrical power supply cord. A cord securement device is provided including an eyelet in which to receive a loop of the power supply cord. The core securement mechanism also includes a hinged gate which allows passage of the power supply cord through the eyelet when the gate is up and which prevents passage of the power supply cord through the eyelet when the gate is down. Once electrical power is provided through the power-in plug, electrical devices connected to the electrical sockets on the tap receive power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Woods Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Phil Fladung
  • Patent number: 5904591
    Abstract: A power connector system including a first power socket connected to a power supply unit of a host computer, a control element, a plurality of second power sockets controlled by the control element to obtain power supply from the power supply unit of the host computer through the first power socket and adapted for providing power supply to peripheral equipment (such as speaker, modam, printer, scanner, etc.) connected thereto, and at least one third power socket connect to city power supply and adapted for providing power supply to a monitor, etc. separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Julian J. L. Shiau
  • Patent number: 5899774
    Abstract: A flat, surface mounted, flexible, multi-purpose wire has a plurality of flat elongated conductors spaced apart in a generally parallel relationship. Each of the flat conductors includes a plurality of copper layers. An adhesive material separates the flat conductors and an insulation layer surrounds the flat conductors and the adhesive material, with the adhesive material bonding to the insulation layer. A cross-sectional height of the flat conductors and insulation layer is such that the multi-purpose wire will blend in with the surface when painted or after wallpaper is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Robert Jay Sexton
  • Patent number: 5897399
    Abstract: A termination unit includes two termination pucks. A first termination puck (20) includes a plurality of first connectors (21). The first connectors (21) are of a first type. A main connector (22) of the first termination puck (20) is electrically connected to each first connector within the plurality of first connectors (21). A second termination puck (40) includes a first main connector (42) for connection to the main connector (22) of the first termination puck (20). The second termination puck (40) also includes a plurality of second connectors (44-49) that may be formed as wire receptacles. The second connectors (44-49) are of different connector type than the first connectors (21) on the first termination puck (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Keith E. G. Emery
  • 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: 5885109
    Abstract: An electrical adapter having a face panel with different blade and grounding prong insertion holes for receiving different electrical plugs, a track at its back side adapted to receive one of a set of plug members, a plug unit and a socket unit arranged at two opposite lateral sides so that a plurality of electrical adapters can be connected in series by plugging the plug unit of one electrical adapter into the socket unit of another, and an electrical circuit consisting of a voltage regulator, a voltmeter, a voltage stabilizer, a power switch and a surge absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventors: Chiu-Shan Lee, S. S. Chen Li
  • Patent number: 5857875
    Abstract: A multi-outlet electrical adapter having a plug unit at one side adapted for connecting to a power outlet socket of a computer mainframe, an electrical outlet adapted for receiving an electrical plug of an electrical cable of a computer peripheral equipment, and one receptacle unit disposed at a second side, the receptacle unit and the receptacle unit being so designed that a plurality of multi-outlet electrical adapters can be connected together by connecting the plug unit of one multi-outlet electrical adapter to the receptacle unit of another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventors: I-Ching Hsu, I Cheng Hsu
  • Patent number: 5844763
    Abstract: An electrical power outlet assembly having a housing supporting a plurality of electrical outlets each including an electrical plug receptacle. One of the outlets defines a pocket containing a portion of the casing of a field replaceable transient voltage surge suppression module (TVSS). The TVSS module is supported on the outlet assembly housing in plugging engagement with the plug receptacle of the one outlet which defines the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: Daniel R. Grace, William Ashline, Carlos Valente
  • Patent number: 5816860
    Abstract: An electrical receptacle for a plurality of plugs includes insulatively spaced conductive contact elements each including one of a pair of plug receptive forks, different forks extending in different and non-parallel directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Etco Incorporated
    Inventor: Stephen A. Blanche
  • Patent number: 5810624
    Abstract: A support block for supporting and interconnecting multiple electrical connectors to form a "two-fer" electrical circuit splitter includes a first portion with a first thickness forming a first surface for holding a male electrical plug and a second portion of a second thickness extending from the first portion and forming a second and a third surface for holding respective ones of a pair of female electrical plugs. An aperture is formed in the second portion and extends from the second to the third surface to allow electrical connections to be made between the pair of female plugs. Secure electrical connections can thus be made via cable passages of the male and the female plug, as well as between the two female plugs through the aperture positioned therebetween. A projection is formed on the block near the third surface which projection fits within and substantially covers the cable passage in the second female plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Charles S. Lamb
  • Patent number: 5807141
    Abstract: A flat, surface mounted, flexible, multi-purpose wire has a plurality of flat elongated conductors spaced apart in a generally parallel relationship. Each of the flat conductors comprises a plurality of copper layers. An adhesive material separates the flat conductors and an insulation layer surrounds the flat conductors and the adhesive material, with the adhesive material bonding to the insulation layer. A cross-sectional height of the flat conductors and insulation layer is such that the multi-purpose wire will blend in with the surface when painted or after wallpaper is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Jay Sexton
  • Patent number: 5788521
    Abstract: A modular surge protection system is provided having interchangeable power supply and surge protection modules connectable to a power distribution module the power distribution module provides surge protection for the power supply modules while independent surge protection is provided in the surge protection modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Henry Milan
  • Patent number: 5748424
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical plug receptacle which includes a housing including a cover having a primary wall and a perimetral wall respectively including a plurality of prong-receiving apertures, and a plate opposite to said primary wall, having a pair of prong projecting through holes and engaging with the cover so as to define an inner space of the housing, a conducting attaching set passing through the pair of prong projecting through holes from an inside of the housing and adapted for attaching the electrical plug receptacle to a wall receptacle, a retaining set encased in the housing, electrically connected to the conducting attaching set and corresponding to the plurality of prong-receiving apertures for retaining therein a plug of an electrical appliance, and a circuit encased in the housing and electrically connected to the conducting attaching set for protecting the electrical appliance when there is a surge voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Jerry Hung
  • Patent number: 5738548
    Abstract: A wall mounted receptacle with retractable extension cord including a housing with a primary mounting plug unit having a pair of prongs fixed to and extending perpendicularly from the housing for inserting within a conventional electrical receptacle. Further provided is a manual spool reel assembly and an associated extension cord wrapped thereabout thus being capable of being distributed and retracted manually. Also included is a spring-biased automatic spool retraction assembly with an unbiased orientation with the extension cord fully wrapped about the spool cylinder and a biased orientation with the extension cord fully extended exterior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Philip M. Rutulante
  • Patent number: 5708554
    Abstract: A power outlet box with special protection logic including a circuit having an on-off switch connected to the power input lead and a first fuse of relatively high rating protecting a first electrical outlet. A number of serially arranged outlets are connected to the power input lead through a selector switch which connects to one of a plurality of fusible links having lower ratings than the first fuse. The capacity of the outlets is controlled by the rating of the fuse selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Leonard Liner
  • Patent number: 5700158
    Abstract: A cord-reel assembly mounted within a wall and powered by an in-wall electric power line or an adjacent wall socket. The cord-reel assembly includes a reel rotatably supported within a housing and an extension cord wound on the reel. An electrical socket is located on one end of the extension cord. The extension cord unwinds from the reel to position the electrical socket at locations remote from the housing. In alternate installations, a cover plate jointly covers the cord-reel assembly and the adjacent wall socket. The cover plate also electrically couples the cord reel assembly to the wall socket. Additional features such as an on/off switch, surge protection and surge indicator may also be provided on the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventors: Gabe Neiser, Theodore Simon, Barry Schweiger
  • Patent number: 5700150
    Abstract: The apparatus is a stackable electrical outlet connector type extension cord reel comprising a body, means extending from the back of said body to secure it onto a duplex electrical wall outlet receptacle by contact with each one of the electrical contacts thereof, means to allow electrical connection of appliances or to carry additional reels on the frontal face of said body, a pulley revolvably positioned on said body and carrying a length of extension cord and provided with means to manually rotate said pulley to rewind said extension cord, a circular cover revolvably assembled on said pulley, the periphery of said cover being provided with an opening through which the extension cord exits the housing of the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: Aurele Morin
  • Patent number: 5674092
    Abstract: An adapter with incorporated components of a power supply for connection to a conventional power outlet, includes a casing having one end face which is formed with prongs for insertion into the power outlet. The casing accommodates contact sleeves which are in direct electric connection with the prongs and is formed with a socket-forming cavity for attachment of a plug. The socket has a bottom which is provided with bores in alignment with the contact sockets so as to form a continuous connection from the power outlet to the contact sleeves. The casing is further equipped with at least one additional terminal which is linked to a power supply or at least to components of the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Egston Eggenburger System Elektronik GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Wunderer
  • Patent number: 5658158
    Abstract: A modular surge protection system is provided having interchangeable power supply and surge protection modules connectable to a power distribution module the power distribution module provides surge protection for the power supply modules while independent surge protection is provided in the surge protection modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Henry Milan
  • Patent number: 5593316
    Abstract: A device for electrically connects a plurality of electrical devices with a source of electrical energy. The device includes a base, a primary power cord, a primary reel, the capability of receiving a plurality of separate conductors, and at least two secondary reels. The primary power cord is adapted for connection with the source of electrical energy. The primary reel is attached to the base and has the primary power cord at least partially wound thereon. The primary reel is biased in a first direction and rotatable in the opposite direction which permits extension and retraction of the primary power cord. Each of the plurality of separate conductors is adapted for electrical connection with the primary power cord and adapted for providing a remote source of electrical energy to the electrical device. Each of the secondary reels include one of the conductors at least partially wound thereon for effecting extension and retraction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Terry L. Lyons
  • Patent number: 5584729
    Abstract: An adapter for converting a single electrical outlet into a multiple electrical outlet. The adapter includes a housing having a front and a back, and two opposed sides extending between the front and back. Each of the sides of the adapter includes a pod having at least one electrical socket. Electrically conductive live and neutral buses are mounted within in the housing. The live and neutral buses each include respective prongs capable of being inserted into an electrical outlet. The live and neutral buses also each include a pair of electrically conductive strips, each supported by a respective one of the pods, such that a live and neutral strip extends along each of the two opposed sides of the adapter, adjacent the sockets, to electrically conductively engage the live and neutral prongs of electrical devices inserted into the sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Pacusma Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lionel T. V. Luu
  • Patent number: 5582180
    Abstract: A bifurcated electrical connector (14) includes a precordial lead connection site (18) and a limb lead connection site (16). A precordial connector (26) can be fitted into the precordial lead connection site (18) and a limb lead connector (32) can be fitted into the limb lead assembly connection site (16). The force required to separate the limb lead connector from the limb lead connection site is greater than the force required to separate the precordial lead connector from the precordial lead connection site. Additionally, a cover flap (75) covers the precordial lead connection site when the precordial electrodes are not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Physio-Control Corporation
    Inventors: George H. Manset, Neil McIlvaine, Randall D. Mills
  • Patent number: 5562488
    Abstract: A modular assembly for electrically coupling to a duplex wall socket having a pair of outlets. A first modular unit has a first set of electrical prongs for inserting into one of the outlets. The first set of electrical prongs power a large number of receptacles provided on the first modular unit. An aperture is formed within the first modular unit to expose the other outlet. A second modular unit having a second set of electrical prongs is plugged through the aperture into the second outlet. The second modular unit includes a reel mounted extension cord with additional receptacles on the end of the extension cord. When used together, the modular units matingly engage to provide a stabilized assembly with a large number of local and remote receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventors: Gabe Neiser, Theodore Simon, Barry Schweiger
  • Patent number: 5560981
    Abstract: A double molded product is produced by secondary molding a primary molded product with a resin, the primary molded product comprising a connector portion accommodating at least one wire and an inside-outside communication portion communicating the inside of a mold with the outside during a secondary molding. The inside-outside communication portion comprises at east one notch for respectively holding the wires extending from inside of the mold to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuya Ito
  • Patent number: 5486121
    Abstract: A low-cost electrical connector assembly (1) comprises a socket subassembly (12) removably attached to a distribution subassembly (10) in predetermined inter-position. The distribution subassembly (10) includes a bus housing (8) accommodating and retaining distribution blade buses (2, 3, 4) in predetermined positions, and a bus housing cover (9) removably secured on the bus housing (8) for further supporting and retaining said distribution blade buses (2, 3, 4). The socket subassembly (12) includes a socket housing (11) retaining socket buses (5, 6, 7) in predetermined positions. Each distribution blade bus (2, 3, 4) includes a connection end (22) and a terminal end (23), respectively, and formed from an integral metal bus strip which is folded to fit into the respective predetermined compartments (19) in the bus housing (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Vernon R. Miller
  • Patent number: 5460547
    Abstract: A port replicator is disclosed that provides for the efficient connecting and disconnecting of peripheral devices to a computer. A replicator port connector is provided on a portable computer that duplicates the pins of a other peripheral connectors on the computers. The housing of the port replicator is attached by spring clips to the computer which covers the other peripheral connectors replicated by the port replicator. The replicated connectors are then reproduced on the connector housing. Cables for peripheral devices can remain connected to the connector housing but be connected to and disconnected from the computer in a single action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Zenith Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Belt, Jeffrey Schindler, Norman Stobert
  • 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: 5383799
    Abstract: An multiple outlet adaptor for plug insertion into a conventional wall mounted outlet receptacle, having a main housing defining an interior space a pair of connector blades extending from the rear of the main housing, being spaced apart and arranged in a parallel relationship for insertion into a wall mounted outlet receptacle, a pair of bus carriers mounted within said main housing constructed to accept the connector blades of a conventional plug passing through a pair of apertures in each of the bus carriers, a pair of bus strips positioned for making electrical contact with connector blades inserted into the pair of apertures, a printed circuit board or a pair of tie bars disposed within the interior space housing for electrically connecting the pair of connector blades on the rear of the adaptor housing to the connector blades of a conventional plug inserted into the pair of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Inventor: Philip E. Fladung
  • Patent number: 5290178
    Abstract: A docking apparatus for connecting a portable computer to an expansion device, comprises an elongated flat bar having two unitary stop bars at two opposite ends thereof at right angles for holding a portable computer therebetween. The stop bars have dowels on back faces thereof respectively fastened in holes on an expansion device for positioning, the flat bar relative to the expansion device. The elongated flat bar has two output terminals on a back face thereof respectively connected to two input terminals on the expansion device, and a plurality of input terminals electrically connected to the output terminals for connecting the output terminals of a portable computer to the flat bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Hsi K. Ma
  • Patent number: 5238430
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved receptacle and in particular to one which mainly comprises a base, a cover adapted to be engage with the base, and three conducting plates firmly mounted between the base and the cover, whereby the conducting plates may be firmly mounted between the base and the cover and will never be short-circuited thus making it feasible for industrial utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: Hwan J. Wan
  • Patent number: 5232381
    Abstract: A multi-way multiple plug comprises a socket seat portion defined by a housing inside which at least a hot plate and a neutral plate are disposed. A plurality of outlet slot pairs are formed on at two opposite surfaces of the housing in association with the hot plate and the neutral plate to allow a number of external plugs to be simultaneously inserted into the outlet slot pairs from both surfaces to form electrical connections with the hot plate and the neutral plate. A plug portion which comprises a seat with at least a hot blade and a neutral blade secured thereon is mounted to the housing. Both the hot blade and the neutral blade have a snap-on type ratchet device to be firmly held by a support formed on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Tsung-I Yu
  • Patent number: 5211584
    Abstract: A multiple electrical receptacle unit adapted to be attached to a wall-mounted receptacle has a housing including a plurality of prong-receiving apertures penetrating the housing and a perimetric edge defining a wall-facing opening; a coupling means including a back plate which is integral with a plurality of pods as well as a plurality of spacers situated between the back plate and the pods, and a plurality of plugs having prongs projecting through the back plate for engagement in a wall receptacle. The coupling means is received within the perimetric edge of the housing to define a space between the plate and the housing, and the pods are within the housing adjacent to the apertures. Each pod encases a plurality of contact strips, and each strip is aligned with at least two of the apertures of the housing and is electrically connected to the prong of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: James Lee
  • Patent number: 5122082
    Abstract: A multiple electrical receptacle unit adapted to be attached to a wall-mounted receptacle has a housing including a plurality of prong-receiving apertures penetrating the housing and a perimetric edge defining a wall-facing opening; a coupling means including a back plate which is integral with a plurality of pods as well as a plurality of spacers situated between the back plate and the pods, and a plurality of plugs having prongs projecting through the back plate for engagement in a wall receptacle. The coupling means is received within the perimetric edge of the housing to define a space between the plate and the housing, and the pods are within the housing adjacent to the apertures. Each pod encases a plurality of contact strips, and each strip is aligned with at least two of the apertures of the housing and is electrically connected to the prong of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: James Lee
  • Patent number: 5094630
    Abstract: A multiple socket attachment for accommodating a plurality of cord plugs is made of a flat box-like receptacle containing four electrical conductors made of metal strips disposed in recess channels. The receptacle is provided with two longitudinal rectilinear channels and a plurality of transversal channels leading to slots through the lateral walls. Each longitudinal channel contains two superposed metal strips in spaced relationship and each transversal channel containing a plurality of transversal strips in adjacent relationship. Each conductor has an L-shaped leg extending through one face of the receptacle and consisting of prongs located to fit into conventional wall outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Jammet
  • Patent number: 5030116
    Abstract: A connector block for injectors for an internal combustion engine comprises a rod-like main stem section of a heat-resistant rigid resin having a connector portion for a wire harness and a required number of injector connecting portions disposed at predetermined intervals that are molded as integral parts thereof, and tab-like terminals are made exposed from the connector portion for a wire harness and the injector connecting portions, and bus bars are insert molded in the rod-like main stem section for effecting an electrical connection between the connector portion and injector connecting portions, whereby an electrical connection is effected between a wire harness and a group of injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignees: Sumitomo Wiring System, Ltd., Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Sakai, Mitsuhiro Fujitani, Yasuo Matsushita, Akira Nabeshima
  • Patent number: 5004435
    Abstract: A multiple socket attachment adapted to be inserted in a conventional wall outlet and to laterally receive prongs of appliance cord plug having a pair of transversal, parallel, conductive strips separated by insulating walls. Each strip is conductively connected to an L-shaped prong extending outside the attachment. The prongs are disposed on each side of the longitudinal axis of the attachment and suitably spaced to fit the wall outlet. The strips have lateral abutments to prevent translation movement and a clip member at each end to receive the prongs from the cord plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Jammet
  • Patent number: 4979907
    Abstract: An outlet strip assembly comprises a multiple receptacle mechanism which is formed of a single piece separate from the cover plate. The multiple receptacle mechanism receives three bus bars to establish a complete electrical connection for electrical plugs and power lines. The multiple receptacle mechanism is press-fitted to a base via a linking mechanism. A cover plate adapted to cover the multiple receptacle mechanism can be made of any suitable material and color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: James Lee
  • Patent number: 4952164
    Abstract: An outlet unit for installation in a power distribution system for modular wall panel units carrying four separate pairs of line and neutral conductors. The outlet unit includes a pair of line and neutral contacts, configured to receive two separate plugs for power cords, the line and neutral contacts of the unit being connected to respective first and second contacts that project through the rear face of the outlet unit. The four pairs of line and neutral conductors of the distribution system are contained in an insulating power block housing having openings aligned with each of the conductors therein to provide access to the conductors by the first and second contacts of the outlet unit. The openings of the housing of the distribution system are arranged in two symmetrical groups. The outlet unit has four insulating silos positioned on its rear face so as to enter openings of either the first group or the second group, depending on the orientation of the outlet unit when plugged into the outlet unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Ronald M. Weber, Jay L. French, John L. Himes, Jr., James H. Wise