Other

Westinghouse Electric Corporation

Norman R. Byrne

Byrne, Norman R.

Gerald N Vander Till

Norman R Byrne

Timothy John Warwick

Randell E Pate

Roger D Burdi

Aaron G Lautenbach

Timothy J Warwick

Daniel P Byrne

Robert L Knapp

Bruce K Boundy

Nickolas J Morrow

Peter J Maher

Paul J Martus

Roger J Barr

John Miner

Matthew J Simms

Yiqi Wang

A tamper resistant electrical outlet maintains its electrical contacts in a non-energized state until an object is inserted into an outlet opening for a different electrical contact. In this way, an object contacting the electrical contact behind one contact opening will not be subjected to electrical current unless another object is simultaneously inserted sufficiently far into another outlet opening. Insertion of an object, such as the prong of an electrical plug, into either outlet opening will move an actuator, thereby moving a respective live contact toward the electrical contact that is associated with the other outlet opening. Although the electrical outlet does not preclude objects from being inserted into its outlet openings and engaging the associated electrical contacts, only by simultaneous insertion of two different objects (such as two prongs of an electrical plug) into the different outlet openings will the electrical contacts become energized.

Tamper resistant electrical outlet

A plug-in power distribution unit is readily installable, removable, and replaceable by skilled or non-skilled persons. The units include one or more conventional electrical power plugs for engaging a conventional wall outlet or the like, and one or more proprietary electrical power connectors for engaging with a compatible connector of a modular electrical power system. Optionally, multiple circuits may be accommodated by the plug-in power distribution unit.

Plug-in power distribution unit for modular electrical systems

An electrical plug provides protection against electrical surges with a replaceable surge protector cartridge that is readily removable and replaceable along an exterior of the plug. Surge protector circuitry in the cartridge can absorb an electrical surge received at the plug from an electrical mains source, and the electrical plug can maintain electrical continuity from plug prongs to an electrical cord both before and after the surge protector has absorbed an electrical surge.

Electrical plug with replaceable surge protector

A modular electrical system with electrical and/or data outlets provides an unobtrusive power and/or data source that can be routed along a floor, a table or other work surface in a work area. The modular system includes a plurality of electrical wiring modules, a plurality of junction modules each having multiple outputs, and a plurality of electrical power or data units connected to the junction modules and to surfaces in the work area. Optionally, a modular floor runner system is assembled together from rigid floor runner modules interposed with junction modules, with one or more flexible branch extensions selectively coupled to any desired junction module. The floor runner modules and junction modules include housings that protect electrical wiring held internally, while being minimally intrusive for use in walking areas. Optionally, a table mounted modular electrical system is connectable to a floor runner system, and vice versa.

Modular electrical system

An electrical power or data system includes an electrical power or data supply cord and an intermediate power or data cord, a first electrical power or data outlet receptacle disposed between the supply cord and the intermediate cord, and a second electrical power or data outlet receptacle at a distal end of the intermediate cord. The first electrical power or data outlet is positionable below a work surface, while the second electrical power or data outlet is mountable to the work surface. At least one of the electrical cords may include a self-retracting cord section.

Electrical power distribution system

Electrical plug with fuse

A wireless electrical power transmission system includes a panel having a recessed area for receiving a wireless power transmitter, such as an electric field resonant transmitter. The panel has a first outer surface and a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, with a thickness defined between the first and second outer surfaces. The recessed area is formed in the first outer surface, and the recessed area has a depth that is less than the thickness of the panel. Electrical wiring is coupled to the wireless power transmitter and passes through an opening formed in the panel, which opening is accessible from the recessed area, and the electrical wiring is in communication with an electrical power source.

Surface-mounted resonators for wireless power

A system and method are provided for managing electrical power consumption by individual electrical circuits in a building. The system includes a power control device in electrical communication with a multi-circuit power infeed and a multi-circuit power output, each of which includes at least two electrical conductors on separate circuits. The power control device includes respective electrical switches associated with the conductors of the power infeed and power output, an electronic communications module, and a computer processor in communication with the switches and the communications module. The processor is operable to open and close the electrical switches independently, in response to an occupancy signal and/or a trigger or scheduled event stored by the power control device. When a period of non-use is detected or anticipated, the power control device de-energizes one or more circuits, to limit unnecessary energy consumption within the system. A receptacle-level power control is also disclosed.

Electrical energy management and monitoring system, and method

A docking station for mechanically supporting and electrically communicating with an electronic device, such as a portable phone, computer, media player, or the like includes a housing with upper and lower housing surfaces, a device mount pivotably coupled to the housing, and an electrical and mechanical connector on the device mount. The upper housing surface defines an opening through which the connector extends. The opening in the upper housing is sized and shaped to correspond to an upper portion of the device mount, which has arcuate surfaces that remain in close proximity or contact with surfaces defining the opening in the upper housing, to limit or preclude the intrusion of contaminants into the housing regardless of the position of the device mount relative to the housing.

Docking station for electronic devices

A low voltage power receptacle assembly is adapted for providing access to low voltage power in compact spaces. The low voltage power receptacle assembly includes a circuit subassembly that is operable to transform a line voltage input, such as about 110V to 220V AC, to a lower voltage output, such as about 2V to 12V DC. Electrical input conductors receive and convey the line voltage from a power source to the circuit subassembly, while electrical output conductors convey the lower voltage output from the circuit subassembly to a low voltage power receptacle that may be spaced some distance from the circuit subassembly. The low voltage power receptacle is mountable in different housings, faceplates, and the like, to accommodate different mounting styles and locations.

Low voltage power receptacle

An access-restricted electrical receptacle is configured to permit proper access to energized electrical contacts within the receptacle by a corresponding and properly-aligned plug, and to substantially limit or prevent improper access by foreign objects. The receptacle includes a receptacle body that defines a shutter cavity and a ramped slide surface, a face portion coupled to the receptacle body and defining a plurality of outlet openings to the shutter cavity, and a shutter that is movable in the shutter cavity between an unblocking position and at least one blocking position. The face portion defines a ramped return surface spaced from the ramped slide surface, and the shutter includes contact surfaces that engage the slide surface and the return surface during operation. Optionally, the ramped surfaces may be formed in either or both of a side wall or a base wall of the receptacle body and the face portion.

Access-restricted electrical receptacle

An electrified desk and space dividing panel assembly which includes an electrical raceway at the bottoms of the panels, an electrical service trough at back edge of the desk, and an electrical upfeed arrangement which interconnects the electrical power and communication circuits in the raceway with terminal blocks and receptacles in the service trough. The electrical upfeed arrangement, in addition to the electrical cables, includes a housing having telescopically engaged sections which enables the housing to lock to both the service trough and a baseboard cover on the raceway, while simultaneously adjusting the housing to the height of the service trough above floor level. A cover for the service trough includes two or more independent lid assemblies, each of which is mountable in one of four different orientations.

Growing community of inventors

Grandville, MI, United States of America

Gerald N Vander Till