The Whitaker Corporation

David K Eisentraut

Alan W Brownlie

Rodd R Ruland

David S Szczesny

Lee W Steely

Michael S Leonzo

Lisa A Smith

Bradford K Gauker

Jack W Critser

An electrical cable and organizer assembly (10) with an improved latch (50) is disclosed. The connector (20) includes contacts (16, 18) that are terminated to the conductors (22) of the cable (14), and a connector housing (20) that is overmolded so that it surrounds the entire end (30) of the cable and the leads of the contacts (16, 18). A plurality of these cables (14) and attached connectors (20) are arranged within side by side cavities (80) in an organizer (12) and releasable latched in place. The latch (50), a separate part attached to each connector, includes a convex surface ( 62 ) that latchingly engages an opening ( 90 ) in the top wall of the organizer. By depressing the convex surface (62) of the latch member (50) the cable and associated connector are released and can be removed from the organizer (12). The latch member includes an elastic beam (56) that allows sufficient deflection to release the latch while maintaining the beam within its elastic limit.

Electrical cable assembly with improved latch

A power receptacle 10 includes a housing 12 having a cover plate 46 therefore and securable thereto, an associated pair of receptacle contacts 70 mounted within the housing 12, the contacts 70 each having pair of arms 74 having openings 78 therethrough to define a beam receiving passage 80 completely through the receptacle contacts 70, means for directing a beam of light through the beam receiving passage and including at least a light emitting component 58, and means for detecting a beam of light passing through the beam receiving passage at least including a light receiving component 60, at least one of the components 58, 60 being electrically connected ultimately to a microprocessor. Upon entry of complementary blades 84 of a plug of an electrically powered device into the receptacle contacts, the beam receiving passage 80 is blocked, thereby breaking transmission of light between the emitter 58 and receiver 60, which is ultimately detected by the microprocessor.

Receptacle having an internal switch with an emitter and a receiver

Growing community of inventors

Hummelstown, PA, United States of America

David K Eisentraut