Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for modular electrical grid communications platform. In some implementations, a devices includes a housing that forms an interior space, and that includes an exterior surface, one or more pass-through regions that each define a through-hole between the interior space and the exterior surface, and a recess at the exterior surface that is capable of receiving a module. The device includes a printed circuit board disposed within the interior space of the housing. The devices includes a module that has at least one sensor and that is placed in the recess. The device includes electrical connections that each have a first end connected to the printed circuit board, and a second end that directly or indirectly contacts a corresponding component of the module.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed that allow easier coupling between high-density connectors. In one example implementation, the connectors on a computer board are mounted on flexible tabs extending from the computer board, the tabs having been formed by cutting slots on both sides of each of the tabs. A milled section within each tab makes the tab thinner, allowing it additional flexibility. In another example implementation, a pass-through connector is used as an intermediary between two mating connectors. The pass-through connector has internal pins with greater tolerance than the tolerance between the two mating connectors, allowing it easier alignment of pins for coupling. In yet another example implementation, mating connectors are coupled using a bundle of cables between the mating connectors that allows the coupling of multiple connectors, one at a time, reducing or eliminating the need to simultaneously couple multiple connectors.

Abstract: A micro-projection system applied to a portable electronic device, comprising an optical engine, a control module, and a flat cable. The optical engine projects an image. The control module provides at least one control signal to control the optical engine. The flat cable is detachably connected to the optical engine and the control module respectively. Wherein, the optical engine and the control module are configured in the portable electronic device separately, and the flat cable has a corresponding configuration state for connecting the optical engine to the control module.

Abstract: A power extraction device is an extraction device configured to extract electric power from a vehicle by being connected to a first connecting portion of the vehicle, the vehicle including a storage battery and the first connecting portion to which a plug is connected so that the first connecting portion is able to perform at least one of supplying of electric power to the storage battery and discharging of electric power accumulated in the storage battery to its outside. The extraction device includes: a second connecting portion to be connected to the first connecting portion provided on an outer peripheral surface of the vehicle; and a third connecting portion to which an external connection plug configured to connect an external device to the extraction device is connectable. The third connecting portion includes a connection surface to which the external connection plug is connected.

Abstract: The multi-socket power adapter includes a main housing unit and an extension unit mounted inside the main housing unit. The main housing unit includes a recess for the extension unit. A ribbon cable wound on a spool is housed inside the extension unit. The ribbon cable protrudes through the extension unit into the main housing unit to establish an electrical connection, which allows the extension unit to be used as a conventional extension cord. The extension unit includes a plurality of power plug sockets and a power switch for each plug socket so that power to each socket can be controlled. The main housing unit also includes a power switch and a power consumption monitor.

Abstract: The universal plug adaptor contains a face plate and a casing joined to the face plate. The casing contains a first track element, a terminal set, two platform elements, and a first sliding element in the casing. Each platform element has a first limiting piece for locking the first sliding element when it is pressured from a side. The platform elements, the first tack element, and the first sliding element engage with each other. The universal plug adaptor is able to prevent the hazard when only a prong is inserted and a prong is left outside the universal plug adaptor, and the first ground piece allows proper grounding to plugs conforming to German and French specifications.

Abstract: A method for selecting power from two or more circuits made from a multiple circuit duplex module comprising a chassis having an electrical chassis receptacle providing a plurality of connection points for the selection of power from two or more different circuits; a duplex element having at least one electrical duplex receptacle thereon to deliver power from one of the two or more different circuits to an external device in electrical contact with the at least one duplex receptacle; first conductor means for electrically connecting the at least one duplex receptacle to selected connection points in the chassis receptacle; wherein the duplex element is connectable to the chassis in different orientations, the orientation of the duplex element determining which one of the two or more different circuits is electrically connected to the at least one duplex receptacle.

Abstract: A transmission port module adapted to an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a casing whereon a containing slot is formed. According to an embodiment, the transmission port module includes at least one transmission port and a housing covering the at least one transmission port. The housing is installed inside the containing slot in a detachable manner, such that the at least one transmission port is hidden inside the casing as being not in use by detachment and installation of the housing. According to another embodiment, the transmission port module includes at least one transmission port and a rotational holder. The rotational holder holds the at least one transmission port and drives the at least one transmission port to rotate relative to the casing, such that the at least one transmission port is hidden inside the casing as being not in use by rotation of the rotational holder.

Abstract: The universal plug adaptor contains a face plate and a casing joined to the face plate. The casing contains a first track element, a terminal set, two platform elements, and a first sliding element in the casing. Each platform element has a first limiting piece for locking the first sliding element when it is pressured from a side. The platform elements, the first tack element, and the first sliding element engage with each other. The universal plug adaptor is able to prevent the hazard when only a prong is inserted and a prong is left outside the universal plug adaptor, and the first ground piece allows proper grounding to plugs conforming to German and French specifications.

Abstract: A method for selecting power from two or more circuits made from a multiple circuit duplex module comprising a chassis having an electrical chassis receptacle providing a plurality of connection points for the selection of power from two or more different circuits; a duplex element having at least one electrical duplex receptacle thereon to deliver power from one of the two or more different circuits to an external device in electrical contact with the at least one duplex receptacle; first conductor means for electrically connecting the at least one duplex receptacle to selected connection points in the chassis receptacle; wherein the duplex element is connectable to the chassis in different orientations, the orientation of the duplex element determining which one of the two or more different circuits is electrically connected to the at least one duplex receptacle.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle provide outlets and a cavity for receiving an insert. The insert connects to the electrical main through the receptacle and can provide additional functionality through the insert including emergency lighting, night lighting, gas detectors and charging connections.

Abstract: An electrical power supplying device for supplying electrical power to a group of electrical appliances located in an environment. The electrical power supplying device includes a power supply cord for plugging into a standard power receptacle by way of a supply power plug, and also a base housing portion having a 3D interior volume with a capacity for holding a plurality of power transformer modules associated with a group of electrical appliances located in the environment. A power-ring subassembly is supported within the base housing portion, and has a central aperture defining the boundaries of 3D interior volume, and adapted for supporting a plurality of electrical receptacles and one or more electronic circuits, which are electrically connected to the power supply cord.

Abstract: An electrical power supplying device for supplying electrical power to a group of electrical appliances located in an environment. The electrical power supplying device includes a power supply cord for plugging into a standard power receptacle by way of a supply power plug, and also a base housing portion having a bottom surface. A power-ring subassembly is supported on the base housing portion, has a central aperture defining the boundaries of a 3D interior volume, and is adapted for supporting a plurality of electrical receptacles and one or more electronic circuits, which are electrically connected to the power supply cord. The power-ring housing portion for covering said power-ring subassembly and having a set of plug apertures, aligned with said electrical receptacles, and allowing appliance power plugs associated with said electrical appliances to plug into said electrical receptacles.

Abstract: An electrical power supplying device for supplying electrical power to a group of electrical appliances located in an environment. The electrical power supplying device includes a base housing portion having a bottom surface and a 3D interior volume. A power-ring subassembly is supported within the base housing portion, has a central aperture defining the boundaries of the 3D interior volume, and is adapted for supporting a plurality of electrical receptacles and one or more electronic circuits, which are electrically connected to a power supply cord. A power-ring housing portion covers the power-ring subassembly and has a set of plug apertures, aligned with the electrical receptacles, and allows appliance power plugs associated with the electrical appliances to plug into the electrical receptacles. A power cord portal allows a group of electrical power cords associated with the group of electrical appliances to enter/exit the 3D interior volume in a bundled manner.

Abstract: A wall-mountable electrical power supplying device for supplying electrical power to a group of electrical appliances located in an environment. The wall-mountable device includes a power supply cord for plugging into a standard power receptacle by way of a supply power plug, and has a base housing portion having a bottom surface and a 3D interior volume. A power-ring subassembly is supported within the base housing portion, has a central aperture defining the boundaries of 3D interior volume, and is adapted for supporting a plurality of electrical receptacles and one or more electronic circuits, which are electrically connected to the power supply cord. A power-ring housing portion covers the power-ring subassembly and has a set of plug apertures allowing appliance power plugs associated with the electrical appliances to plug into the electrical receptacles mounted behind the plug apertures.

Abstract: A device configured to maintain an electric circuit in a fixed position during an overmolding process comprises a wire retainer configured to hold the electric circuit taut and in a fixed position while being molded within a molded item. The retainer has a first end and an opposite second end, and includes a first bushing defining a mounting hole for the molded item extending along a width axis. The built-in bushing includes front and back surfaces configured to be aligned and substantially co-planar with the front and back surfaces of the molded item. The device also includes a first securing member configured to secure a portion of the electric circuit to the retainer within the molded item, to hold the electric circuit in a fixed position within the molded item during the overmolding process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a modular utility connection system according to various aspects of the present invention include one or more utilities routed within a housing. The housing connects each of the routed utilities to a suitable preexisting source. The housing may also be linkably connected to one or more additional housings such that only a single housing need be connected to the preexisting source. The housing also comprises access points to each of the utilities allowing a user access to the utility via the housing rather than connecting directly to the source.

Abstract: A multifunctional connection cord having data and power interfaces for a personal computer and audio interface for an earphone is provided. A multifunctional connection cord of the present invention includes a stem; an audio plug mounted to protrude from one side of the stem for establishing audio signal lines with a multimedia device; a data/power connector mounted near the audio plug to protrude from the stem for establishing data lines and power charge lines with an external device; a USB connector electrically connected to the audio plug and the data/power connector through a cable by means of the stem; and a socket holder mounted on one side of the USB connector and having an audio socket for receiving an audio plug.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing having a front mating surface, a mounting surface, two opposite side surfaces, a plurality of conductive terminals secured in the housing, and at least one board lock secured in the insulative housing. A recess is formed in the mounting surface and defines a lower surface. At least one boardlock-receiving cavity is formed in the lower surface. Each board lock includes a body portion received in the recess and a pair of locking arms extending from two sides of the body portion and received in the boardlock-receiving cavity. The body portion defines an engaging surface coplanar with the mounting surface.

Abstract: A composite connector includes a base, a DisplayPort and an eSATA electrical connector. The base is provided with a first assembling hole and a second assembling hole. The DisplayPort is assembled in the first assembling hole and has a body. The front end of the body has an insertion opening. The bottom of the body has a plurality of conductive pins. The conductive pins extend to the outside of the base. The eSATA electrical connector is assembled in the second assembling hole and has a body. The front end of the body has an insertion hole. The bottom of the body has a plurality of conductive pins. The conductive pins extend to the outside of the base. Via the Displayport and the eSATA electrical connector, a transmission line for a displayer and an eSATA transmission line can be connected thereto.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an electrical receptacle and an electrical plug for mating with the electrical receptacle. The electrical receptacle includes a first port, a second port communicating with the first port. The second port can accommodate a standard B-type USB 2.0 plug. The first and the second ports can be combined to receive the electrical plug for high-speed signal transmission.

Abstract: A power adaptor equipped with multi-plug and multi-outlet comprises more than one different specification plug and more than one different specification outlet. The respective plugs can be pushed out of a body of the adapter via a rotary pillar. The rotary pillar is disposed in the center of an area defined by the different specification plugs and is rotatable relative to the respective plugs. The surface of the rotary pillar has helical grooves, each plug a flange toward a corresponding groove in the rotary pillar, and the flange can slide into and along the corresponding helical groove.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method of increasing the quantity of input and output connectors, which are available for the attachment to connection cables of electronic equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to an arrangement, such as a connector drawer, which is adapted to be installed in a selectively retractable and extendable mode in a laptop computer and which provides for a versatile structure facilitating a elective increase in the quantity of input and output connectors as may be necessitated by specific utilization of the electronic equipment or laptop computers, particularly in conjunction with the connection therewith of auxiliary operating devices or components.

Abstract: A wiring concentrator comprises a first terminal for a television signal distribution cable, a second terminal for a telephone network cable, and a plurality of third terminals for respective local area network cables, first, second and third connectors for respective active electronic units for processing television signals, telephone signals and local area network signals, respectively, and a printed circuit board connecting the first terminal to the first connector, the second terminal to the second connector, and each of the third terminals to each of the first, second and third connectors. A signal distribution unit comprises the above concentrator and at least one of the above active electronic units. A cabinet comprises a signal distribution unit and a DC electrical power supply unit.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a modular temporary lighting assembly and multi-outlet stringer that is particularly suited for building construction settings. The modular lighting assembly is formed by connecting a plurality of like-shaped stringers and a plurality of like-shaped multi-outlet receptacles. The assembly is formed by several sections, with each section including one stringer and one receptacle. Each stringer has a three-prong twist-lock plug at one end, and a three-port twist-lock outlet at the other. Each receptacle has a light socket, one male twist-lock plug, three female twist-lock outlets, and a mounting hook. The socket receives a light bulb and a removable protection cage. The receptacles are hung along the ceiling of the building and electrically connected by the stringers. The sections of the lighting assembly are connected in a single linear routing or a multi-branch pattern throughout the desired areas of the building.

Abstract: A power plug includes a connected unit, an assembled unit and a clamping mechanism. The connected unit has an insulative housing with a terminal open, and the insulative housing has a conductive terminal disposed therein. The assembled unit has an insulative casing and a movable body movably received in the insulative casing. The movable body has a first conductive pole and a second conductive pole. The assembled unit is installed in the terminal open of the connected unit. One of the first conductive pole and the second conductive pole is electrically connected to the conductive terminal, and another of the first conductive pole and the second conductive pole is projected outside the insulative casing. The clamping mechanism is disposed between the connected unit and the assembled unit.

Abstract: A terminal assembly for a personal computer integrates an S-video and a composite video terminal into a single socket on an electronic device. The socket includes inlets for separately carrying S-video and composite video signals. The socket can be connected to provide an S-video signal to another device using a standard S-video cable. Alternatively, the socket can be connected to provide a composite video signal using an adaptor that has two terminals: one for mating with the socket and coupling with the composite video inlets thereon, and the other for providing a standard composite video connection.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrical power outlet, especially for connecting, to the electrical circuit of a motor vehicle, an appliance or an accessory comprising a male plug which is the complement of the outlet, of the type comprising a body made of an insulating material which comprises a cylindrical container of vertical axis capable of accommodating the body which is the complement of the male plug, and which bears means for electrically connecting the outlet to an electrical power circuit of the vehicle, wherein the insulating body comprises a cavity for an illumination lamp, and bears means for electrically connecting the lamp to an electrical circuit of the vehicle.

Abstract: A connector is provided to couple a monitor to a computer. The connector includes an adaptor that includes a first port and a second port. The connector also includes a cable extending through the adaptor. The cable includes a first transmission channel, a second transmission channel, and a third transmission channel. The first transmission channel couples a first end of the cable and the first port and is configured to transmit power from a power supply to the monitor. The second transmission channel couples the first end of the cable and the second port and is configured to transmit Universal Serial Bus data between the monitor and the computer. The third transmission channel couples the first end of the cable and a second end of the cable and is configured to transmission video data between the monitor and the computer.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has an apparatus body into which one of first and second, different kinds of cards can selectively be inserted. The positions of connecting terminals of the first and second cards are different from each other. When one of the cards is inserted into said apparatus body, an electrical communication between the card and the apparatus body can be attained. The apparatus includes an apparatus body having connecting sections and an adapter which comprises a base portion, a connector member accommodated in the base portion for connecting the connecting terminals of the card to the connections sections of the apparatus body, and a unit for holding the connector member selectively at either one of two positions, in the base portion, in accordance with the kind of card.

Abstract: A universal electric adapter includes a casing injection-molded from plastics, the casing having a front face panel, two lateral receiving chambers, a middle receiving chamber, a locating groove inside the middle receiving chamber, a plurality of coupling flanges radially inwardly disposed around a rear open side thereof, a positioning projection radially inwardly suspended in the rear open side, and two locating grooves bilaterally disposed at the periphery thereof; two metal contact frames respectively installed in the lateral receiving chambers the metal contact frames each having a protruded contact strip; a grounding frame installed in the middle receiving chamber, the grounding frame having a contact base, and a locating flange fastened to the locating groove inside the middle receiving chamber; a plug member fastened to the rear open side of the casing, the plug member having a plurality of metal prongs adapted for fastening to an electric socket, a plurality of coupling grooves spaced around the perip

Abstract: An electric combination socket, which includes a socket body having a face panel, an upper round ground slot provided at the face panel on the middle at a top side, flat hot and neutral slots arranged in parallel at the face panel below the upper round ground slot for matching with the upper round ground slot to receive an electric plug from an electric home appliance, a flat ground slot provided at the face panel between the hot and neutral slots for matching with the hot and neutral slots to receive a computer power plug, and a coupling groove provided at the face panel around the hot and neutral slots and the flat ground slot for receiving the shell of a computer power plug, a ground terminal mounted in the flat ground slot, hot and neutral terminals respectively mounted in the hot and neutral slots, and a ground frame at a rear side of the socket body remote from the face panel, the ground frame comprising a top contact portion inserted into the upper round ground slot at the socket body, and a bridge por

Abstract: An interconnection system includes a hard disc drive (24) having a standard header connector (101, 30) that can be electrically connected to one type of computer housing connector (102) by use of a flat cable (104) or, alternatively, can be attached to an adapter (26) to enable the hard disc drive to be slidably inserted into a cavity (14) of a more advanced type of computer to be electrically connected to another type of computer housing connector (16), i.e., a card edge connector. The adapter (26) includes a housing (52) defining a number of passageways (58) receiving a receiving portion of a number of contacts (60) which are connected with contacts of the header connector (30) in which a portion of the housing (52) is exposed to an exterior with regard to the header connector, and a blade (54) receiving a tail portion (68) of the contacts (60) for connection with contacts of the connector (16).

Abstract: A plurality of power adapter embodiments which electrically couple an electrical system of a first vehicle with the power supply of second vehicle or an electrical or household appliance such as a VCR or vacuum cleaner. The power adapter, at first end, being mateable with a plurality of trailer wiring harness connector receptacles found at the rear of the first vehicle, at second end, being mateable with a cigarette lighter plug and a 100 volt AC style connector plug, while also having a third and fourth end connectable with battery cable clamps extending from an automotive jumper cable. The power adapter includes insulation displaced electrical conductors, wires, or a printed circuit board within the housing equipped with a fused 13.8 or 12 volt DC to 120 volt AC voltage converter circuit, and a visual diagnostic indicator such as an LED, visible at the housing, to confirm proper operation to the user.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) constructed to mate with a connector (1) of duplicate construction comprising: a front mating ring (3), multiple contacts (4) brushing respective concentric circuits (10) on a rotatable circuit board (9), said contacts (4) being connected to respective wires (16) of an electrical cable (17), a rear facing socket (28) receiving a front mating ring (3) of another, duplicate connector (1), and the front mating ring (3) and the rear facing socket (28) being connected electrically together.

Abstract: A plurality of adapter embodiments connect the electrical system of a first vehicle to the electrical system of a second vehicle, such as a vehicle in tow. The adapters have particular application for mating a four-way-flat harness connector of a trailer at one end, and at other opposite end, for mating a complex round harness connector with numerous terminals. The adapters are solid unitary structures formed with a covering material. Adapter molds are provided for fabricating the adapters. The molds include a series of interchangeable, removable mold inserts received within the mold body. Depressions are formed in the removable mold inserts in a configuration corresponding approximately to the shape of the adapter. The covering material is injected into the mold to thereby form the adapters.

Abstract: An interface module for a digitally programmable hearing instrument is detachably connected to the programming system by a cable and plug arrangement and has three large contact surfaces on an insertion module body that fits into a battery receptacle of the hearing instrument so that programming signals from the programming system can be fed to control the response of the hearing instrument. The interface module contains an electronic circuit unit that is detachable so that various interface circuits, such as a decoder, a processor, a level matching circuit, or an impedance matching circuit can be selectively included in the interface module. Each interface module can be color coded so that it can be associated with the proper left-ear or right-ear hearing instrument.

Abstract: An IC card data processing device, insertable into a standard memory expansion card slot of a computer, includes an outer main frame and an inner main frame to which the inner main frame is fixed. Within the inner main frame, first and second aligning mechanisms are provided respectively near an entrance and at a distal end of an IC card insertion path for aligning IC card inserted into the path. A slider, urged by springs toward the entrance end of the IC card insertion path, is moved toward the distal end by the inserted IC card. A link is connected between the slider and a card release button so that when the release button is pressed, the slider moves toward the entrance of the IC card insertion path to eject the card. A contact holder is fitted within an opening of the slider. The contact holder holds contacts for making an electrical connection with the IC card.

Abstract: A plurality of adapter embodiments connect the electrical system of a first vehicle to the electrical system of a second vehicle, such as a vehicle in tow. The adapters have particular application for mating a four-way-flat harness connector of a trailer at one end, and at other opposite end, for mating a complex round harness connector with numerous terminals. The adapters are solid unitary structures formed with a covering material. Adapter molds are provided for fabricating the adapters. The molds include a series of interchangeable, removable mold inserts received within the mold body. Depressions are formed in the removable mold inserts in a configuration corresponding approximately to the shape of the adapter. The covering material is injected into the mold to thereby form the adapters.

Abstract: A docking assembly including a guide housing (2) and camming assembly (38, 54 and 40) for mechanically interfacing a modular component (46) with a circuit board to thereby complete and protect multiple electrical connections therebetween. An interfacing connector (80) is also disclosed for providing an electrical and mechanical interface between a circuit board and a disk drive (82). The interfacing connector (80) allows high-density multiple electrical interconnections to the circuit board by the use of canted coil springs (100) for direct electrical contact with individual traces and/or contact pads on the circuit board. The interfacing connector (80) may also include a docking assembly (130) with guide channels (136) for guiding insertion of a circuit board to thereby insure the integrity of the electrical interconnections therebetween.

Abstract: An adapter for providing electrical access to individual circuits of a telephone circuit cable head is disclosed. The adapter has an elongated rectangular housing and is intended for placement between rows of receptacles of the cable head and protective plugs that mate with the cable head. Five sets of pins and sockets per receptacle are supported by the housing, with the pins for each set extending downward from a lower planar surface for engagement with sockets of the cable head and sockets for each set extending inward from an upper planar surface. Three sets of pins and sockets for each receptacle are connected to one another, providing uninterrupted electrical contact. The other two, coupled to tip and ring wires, are interrupted by a gap leaving pin and socket ends within the housing. These ends have wires joined to them, the wires extending outward for connection to test equipment. The wires in turn are coupled to a connector half for use with computerized test equipment.

Abstract: Modular apparatus for connecting the output terminals of one article of video equipment to the input terminals of a second article of video equipment, comprising first and second modular adapters and at least one modular connector cable. Each modular adapter comprises an insulated housing comprising a modular jack portion and either a coaxial connector portion or a twin-lead cable portion. A standard, six-position modular telephone jack is positioned in the modular jack portion. A male coaxial connector is positioned in the coaxial connector portion, while a 300 ohm twin-lead cable is positioned in the twin-lead cable portion. In one embodiment, the conductors of the modular jack are electrically connected to the solid central conductor and the conductive wire sheath of the coaxial connector, or to the wires of the twin-lead cable.