Haworth Mfg., Inc.

Robertshaw Controls Company

Haworth, Inc.

Ditmar K Tillmann

Harold R Wilson

Richard G Haworth

Anthony C Cairo

Gene I Insley

A switchable power tap wherein there is provided a housing mounting therein three electrically conductive members or plates. These three plates define the electrical outlet portion of the power tap, which outlet portion in the preferred embodiment comprises a conventional electrical receptacle. The power tap also includes an electrical inlet portion which is defined by three electrically conductive prongs adapted to create a plug-like engagement with a power block. Two of the prongs are permanently electrically connected to two of the conductive plates. The third prong is part of a switch structure and is slidably supported on but in continuous electrical engagement with a conductive guide member, the latter being electrically connected to the third conductive plate. This slidable, and hence switchable, prong can be selectively positioned in any one of several different positions, three in the disclosed embodiment, so that when the power tap is plugged into the power block, the switchable prong is electrically engaged with a selected one of the three different electrical circuits provided in the power block, depending upon the preselected position of the switchable prong.

Switchable receptacle unit

A panel-type wall system wherein each panel has a pair of electrically connected power blocks disposed adjacent the lower corners thereof. The opposed power blocks of adjacent panels are electrically joined together by a flexible electrical connector which plugs into adjacent power blocks. The power blocks and connectors define an electrical system which extends longitudinally throughout the series of connected panels. The electrical system is preferably a five-wire system to provide three different available circuits at each power block. Each power block is provided with several connector portions for permitting electrical power to be tapped therefrom. Different types of power-taps can be plugged into the power blocks. More specifically, the power-taps include a receptacle unit which can be selectively plugged into either or both sides of each power block, and a light-fixture plug which can also be plugged into each power block. Each of these power-taps has a simple manually actuatable switch associated therewith so the power-tap, when plugged into the power block, can be electrically joined to any selected one of the three circuits. The power-tap also provides a visual indication as to which circuit has been selected.

Power panel system with selective multiple circuits

A raceway structure for association with a wall panel so as to enclose and confine power and communication cables which extend longitudinally along the wall panel and longitudinally throughout several series-connected such panels. The raceway structure utilizes a pair of side covers which removably attach to the wall panel and cooperate to define a raceway for enclosing therein electrical terminals and communication cables. The raceway structure has access openings for providing convenient access to the electrical terminals, such as by permitting an electrical receptacle, power feed, or communication cable to be positioned therein or passed therethrough. The side cover has a closure integrally hinged thereto for closing the access opening when use of same is not desired, with the closure being swingable into an open position within the raceway while remaining integrally attached to the cover when use of the opening is desired, whereby different openings can be selectively utilized when desired and then closed again when use of the opening is not desired.

Raceway structure for power panel

A hinged electrical connector for connecting the electrical terminals of adjacent wall panels. The connector is provided with two relatively rigid housing parts which, adjacent their outer ends, are provided with a plug-like connector portion adapted for releasable engagement with a similar connector portion associated with the electrical terminal on the wall panel. The adjacent inner ends of the housing parts each have an integral tubular hinge portion, which hinge portions angularly slidably interfit in telescopic relationship displaced about a hinge axis which is spaced outwardly from the physical structure defining the connector.

Electrical connector for power panel system

A plug in igniter unit for an igniter system for a fuel burning apparatus having at least one electrical receptacle, the plug in igniter unit being provided with a housing having an electrical igniter therein and at least one terminal member electrically interconnected to the electrical igniter and projecting from the housing so as to be adapted to be received in the receptacle for electrical interconnection thereto. The terminal member has opposed ends respectively being operatively interconnected to the igniter and being adapted to be plugged in the receptacle and being twisted between the opposed ends thereof to define a twisted section thereof. The housing has a body portion provided with a chamber passing therethrough and receiving the twisted section whereby the opposed ends of the terminal member extend outwardly from the body portion in opposite directions. A potting compound is disposed in the chamber to secure the twisted section of the terminal member to the body portion.

Growing community of inventors

Holland, MI, United States of America

Ditmar K Tillmann