LEVITON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140239817 | System and Method for Occupancy Sensing with Enhanced Functionality - A system and method are disclosed for providing fail-safe operation of a lighting system. A lighting level detector is used to obtain a baseline lighting level for a low-intensity light. If the detector measures less than the baseline level when an occupancy sensor determines the space is unoccupied, a high-intensity light is energized and an indication is provided to a user that the low-intensity light has failed. A method is also disclosed for daylighting operation of a lighting system. An occupancy sensor can have Wi-Fi functionality to enable remote configuration of the sensor. A line voltage occupancy sensor can include an interface with low voltage devices. An occupancy sensor can include an integral interface to enable an external control system to override the sensor's normal logic under emergency conditions. An occupancy sensor can include an active temperature compensation feature. An occupancy sensor can also incorporate an automatically adjustable coverage area. | 08-28-2014 |
20140132084 | CONTROLLABLE ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLE WITH ROUTED ANTENNA - A controllable electrical receptacle is disclosed. The electrical receptacle includes a housing having a pair of sockets suitable for receiving electrical plugs. The receptacle includes an antenna disposed beneath a cover portion of the receptacle. The antenna is configured to receive wireless signals from an occupancy sensor or other controller and to control power to the sockets based on the received signals. The antenna is also configured to transmit wireless signals. The antenna may be routed around the sockets to minimize interference caused by metal components of the receptacle. The antenna may be sandwiched between a pair of non-metal layers of the housing to avoid direct exposure to the environment while maintaining a desired performance. In one embodiment the antenna is a wire member received within a routing groove formed in a portion of the housing. The routing groove includes features for retaining the wire member in the groove. | 05-15-2014 |
20140092503 | PROCESSOR-BASED CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING DEVICES - Circuit interrupting devices are provided. One circuit interrupting device includes a fault sensor configured to output a sensor signal; a voltage sensor configured to sense a reference voltage; and a controller configured to determine an occurrence of an actual fault based on the sensor signal and the reference voltage. The circuit interrupting device further includes an amplifier configured to receive the sensor signal and the reference voltage and output an amplified signal; an analog-to-digital converter configured to receive the reference voltage and the amplified signal and output respective digital signals corresponding to the reference voltage and the amplified signal; and a line interrupt assembly configured to interrupt current flow through a conductive path when a characteristic of the sensor signal exceeds an actual fault threshold. | 04-03-2014 |
20140039713 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FAIL SAFE OPERATION OF LOW VOLTAGE OCCUPANCY SENSORS - A system and method are disclosed for providing fail-safe operation of an occupancy sensor so that a load associated with the sensor will be energized in the event that the sensor malfunctions. Short voltage pulses are applied to a signal line by an occupancy sensor. A load control device recognizes the pulses as an indication that the sensor is in a healthy condition. If the load control device does not recognize the voltage pulses, it assumes the sensor is faulty and energizes the load (light) associated with the monitored space. The voltage pulses are different from the normal signals sent by the sensor to the load control device that indicate an “occupied” condition of the space. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 02-06-2014 |
20130342687 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEFINING AN AREA OF INTEREST OF AN IMAGING OCCUPANCY SENSOR - A system and method are disclosed for adjusting a field of view of an image sensor to correspond to an outer dimension of a monitored space. The image sensor may be part of an occupancy sensor configured to sense movement within the space and to adjust lighting in the area accordingly. The occupancy sensor includes an image sensor coupled to a processor, an input device for adjusting the field of view in a plurality of dimensions. By knowing the height at which the sensor will be mounted above the space, a user can employ the input device to adjust the field of view of the sensor so that when the sensor is mounted the field of view corresponds to at least one outer dimension of the monitored space. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed. | 12-26-2013 |
20130294059 | LED LIGHT FIXTURE - LED light fixtures and methods of manufacturing same are provided. In one embodiment, a LED fixture assembly includes at least one cover configured to be disposed in a fluorescent light troffer, the at least one cover including at least one first cavity and a second cavity; at least one LED lamp module disposed in the first cavity; and a driver module disposed in the second cavity such that the driver module is visibly concealed and electrically coupled to at least one LED lamp module. Various embodiments of LED lamp modules have also been provided and are configured to provide light via direct and/or indirect lighting methods. | 11-07-2013 |
20130207528 | OCCUPANCY SENSOR WITH UNIVERSAL MOUNT - An occupancy sensor may include a plurality of user-selectable mounting features that enable the sensor to be mounted to building structure in a variety of ways. The sensor may include: a nipple for engaging a connector associated with the building structure; one or more key hole slots for engaging fasteners associated with the building structure; and one or more flat side surfaces for engaging corresponding flat surfaces of a mounting plate associated with the building structure. A spring on the flat side surface may lock the sensor to the mounting plate. The nipple may be removable to allow the sensor to be flush mounted to the building structure. The sensor may also include a user-adjustable lens that enables a user to make discrete adjustments of the field of view of the sensor according to present levels. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed. | 08-15-2013 |
20130181617 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SPACE VACANCY SENSING USING GAS MONITORING - A system and method are disclosed for using gas detection techniques to determine if a room is vacant or occupied, and to activate, dim or deactivate lighting based on a detected occupancy status. The system and method may monitor a concentration of a first gas using a gas sensor such as a CO | 07-18-2013 |
20130162168 | TIMER-BASED SWITCHING CIRCUIT SYNCHRONIZATION IN AN ELECTRICAL DIMMER - Timer-based switching circuit synchronization in an electrical dimmer is provided. The energizing of a switching circuit in a dimmer is synchronized with an AC wave to facilitate providing by the dimmer electrical power to a load. The synchronizing includes starting a timer having a predetermined timeout, responsive to receipt of a zero-crossing signal. Responsive to receipt of a subsequent zero-crossing signal prior to reaching the timeout, the timer is restarted, and responsive to expiration of the timeout, a switching circuit is energized at a predetermined firing angle with respect to the zero-crossing signal to supply electrical power to the load. | 06-27-2013 |
20130162167 | THRESHOLD-BASED ZERO-CROSSING DETECTION IN AN ELECTRICAL DIMMER - Threshold-based zero-crossing detection is provided. A power phase threshold detector detects when absolute value of a voltage level of the electrical power rises above a non-zero voltage threshold and outputs a zero-crossing signal to a controller to indicate occurrence of the zero-crossing. Delaying the zero-crossing signal to the point when the absolute value of the voltage level of the electrical power rises above the non-zero voltage threshold ensures completion of the zero-crossing of the power phase prior to signaling the controller. The controller provides signals to a switching circuit for controlling switching of electrical power to a load based on the zero-crossing indications. | 06-27-2013 |
20130135828 | MODULAR WIRING SYSTEM - In at least one embodiment, there is an electrical device comprising a functional module comprising a housing having a front face and a back face, and at least three arcuate blades extending out from the housing. At least one of the arcuate blades has a locking section. The functional module can be used in a wiring system comprising at least one wiring module. The wiring module can include a housing having a front face and a back face and at least one opening for receiving at least one of the at least three arcuate blades. The disclosure can also include a wiring module which can be used separately from the functional module wherein the wiring module includes a housing having at least one movable arm. Inside the wiring module is a plurality of contacts disposed in the housing, wherein these contacts are configured to couple to electrical wiring. | 05-30-2013 |
20130029514 | MODULAR WIRING SYSTEM - In at least one embodiment, there is an electrical device comprising a functional module comprising a housing having a front face and a back face, and at least three arcuate blades extending out from the housing. At least one of the at least three arcuate blades has a locking section. The functional module can be used in a wiring system comprising at least one wiring module. The wiring module can include a housing having a front face and a back face and at least one opening for receiving at least one of the at least three arcuate blades. The disclosure can also include a wiring module which can be used separately from the functional module wherein the wiring module includes a housing having at least one movable arm. Inside the wiring module is a plurality of contacts disposed in the housing, wherein these contacts are configured to couple to electrical wiring. | 01-31-2013 |
20130002164 | LED LIGHT FIXTURE - Light emitting diode (LED) light fixtures and methods of manufacturing LED light fixtures are provided. In one embodiment, an LED light fixture comprises a housing having a back surface, a first end portion, and a second end portion. The LED light fixture further comprises a support strip attached to the back surface of the housing adjacent to the first end portion. The support strip has at least one lamp holder configured to physically support a first end of an LED lamp. Also, the LED light fixture includes a power supply strip attached to the back surface of the housing adjacent to the second end portion. The power supply strip has at least one receptacle configured to physically support a second end of the LED lamp. The at least one receptacle is further configured to provide electrical power to the LED lamp. | 01-03-2013 |
20120257316 | ELECTRICAL LOAD CONTROL WITH FAULT PROTECTION - Electrical load controls are provided which include an electrical switch assembly and a fault protection device within a common housing. The switch assembly includes an actuator, and is responsive to actuation of the actuator to switch ON or OFF electricity to the load. The protection device automatically responds to a fault condition by overriding the switch assembly by automatically blocking electrical connection between phase input and output terminals and neutral input and output terminals of the load control. The actuator includes a single external interface element. In one embodiment, actuation of the actuator switches ON or OFF electricity via control of the fault protection device, and in another embodiment, movement of the interface away from the housing exposes within the housing an internal user interface for the fault protection device. | 10-11-2012 |
20120250193 | RESET LOCKOUT WITH GROUNDED NEUTRAL TEST - One embodiment relates to a fault circuit interrupter comprising at least one grounded neutral sensor and at least one test circuit configured to test the grounded neutral sensor. A further embodiment can also include at least one fault circuit which is configured to detect a current sent from the grounded neutral sensor. The device can also include a line side phase line, a line side neutral line, and a test line coupled to the line side neutral line and extending from a first region on the line side neutral line to a second region on the line side neutral line, with the grounded neutral sensor being positioned between the first region and the second region on the line side neutral line. This test circuit can comprise a switch, such as a manually operatable switch or it can comprise any one of solid state circuitry, a transistor, and/or a silicon controlled rectifier. The device can also include a differential sensor and at least one second test circuit configured to directly test differential sensor. The device can also include a processor in communication with any one of the above test circuits, wherein the processor is configured to initiate a self-test. At least one embodiment of the invention can also include a process for testing a fault circuit. This process includes creating a simulated grounded neutral fault, determining whether the simulated grounded neutral fault is correctly detected, and then indicating a result of the test to a user. | 10-04-2012 |
20120178311 | LAMP SOCKET HAVING A ROTOR - A socket assembly includes a rotor, a housing, and first and second conductors. The rotor includes a channel formed therein and defines an axis of rotation. The channel has a length about perpendicular to the axis of rotation and defines first and second ends. The housing receives the rotor such that the rotor is rotatable about its axis of rotation between first and second positions when secured therein. The housing includes a notch. The channel of the rotor aligns with the notch of the housing when in the first position such that first and second lamp pins can be received through the notch of the housing arid into the channel of the rotor. The first conductor has first and second ends each disposed on opposite sides of the rotor. The first end of the conductor contacts the first lamp pin when the rotor is in the second position and the second end of the conductor contacts the second lamp pin when the rotor is in the second position. The second conductor is electrically isolated from the first conductor when the rotor is in the first position and is in electrical communication with the first conductor when the rotor is in the second position. | 07-12-2012 |
20120170292 | ILLUMINATED RECEPTACLE - The present invention relates to an illuminated receptacle. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the receptacle preferably includes a body, a cover for coupling to said body, said cover having one or more sockets for receiving a plug, a tamper resistant (TR) platform associated with each of the one or more sockets, each of the TR platforms being disposed between the body and the cover, each of the TR platforms including a cavity and an aperture extending thru said platform in said cavity, a slider disposed within each of the cavities of the platform and aligned with the openings of a respective socket, and a light source disposed within each of the apertures formed in the platforms, the light sources operatively coupled to electrical power for generating light to illuminate said slider, the light sources being positioned to directly transmit light to the sliders. | 07-05-2012 |
20120069507 | WALL MOUNTED PROGRAMMABLE TIMER SYSTEM - A timing device is disclosed which is for controlling electronic devices and which is mounted in a wall switch box. This timing device comprises at least one controller, at least one transceiver in communication with the controller, at least one interface; and at least one cover plate. This device can also include at least one key coupled to the cover plate for interacting with the interface when said cover plate is inserted onto said at least one interface. | 03-22-2012 |
20110290625 | Universal Box System - A universal electrical box which comprises a body having at least one opening for receiving an electrical device. There is also at least one opening for receiving electrical wiring from building wiring. The device can also include at least one mounting bracket coupled to the body, and at least one frame configured to be coupled to the at least one body. In addition there is at least one duplex electrical mounting plate configured to couple to the at least one frame. In this case, the duplex electrical mounting plate is configured to receive a duplex electrical device. In addition, there is at least one sealing gasket configured to be coupled to the body between the at least one frame and the body. This design allows for a universal configuration which allows for multiple different types of electrical devices to be coupled to the enclosure. | 12-01-2011 |
20110279932 | CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING SYSTEM WITH REMOTE TEST AND RESET ACTIVATION - The present disclosure relates to a circuit interrupting device and system capable of being tested and reset from remote locations, and in particular to circuit interrupting devices and system capable of being tested and reset from remote locations. A remote monitoring device can also be included which can be used to control an actuation device which is capable of controlling a circuit interrupting device. Alternatively the remote monitoring or control device can be used to control the device directly | 11-17-2011 |
20110258112 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHARGING A VEHICLE - A system and method for charging a vehicle, including receiving electricity via a wall box mounted electrical receptacle or a plug-in receptacle electrically connected to an electrical energy source; establishing a connection between a communication module of the wall box mounted electrical receptacle or the plug-in receptacle and a communications network; receiving electrical energy source data; and controlling the charging of an electrical storage device of the vehicle by automatically controlling the charging based on the electrical energy source data. | 10-20-2011 |
20110228552 | FACEPLATE GUIDELIGHT SYSTEM - A faceplate lighting system and method for illuminating a faceplate that provides substantial illumination of the faceplate to provide a guidelight or nightlight effect for environments without providing electrical power to or through the faceplate itself. The faceplate comprises an assembly including: a clear or translucent or transparent outer faceplate, and, a lightpipe membrane disposed beneath the clear or translucent or transparent outer faceplate. A wall-mounted electrical device is configured to include a light source(s) integrated within the device itself, to provide light under certain operating conditions. The light source is disposed in a manner such that when the faceplate assembly is overlayed onto a surface-mounted electrical device, the clear lightpipe membrane is aligned to directly receive light from the electrical device light source(s). The lightpipe membrane incorporates light pipe features that distribute received light across the surface of the faceplate. Alternately, the faceplate for a wall-mounted electrical device comprises a single plastic lightpipe having a first translucent or transparent surface that is exposed when overlayed onto the wall-mounted electrical device, and receiving light from the wall-mounted device for illuminating the exposed surface without transmitting electrical power to or through the faceplate itself. | 09-22-2011 |
20110205698 | MODULAR WIRING SYSTEM WITH LOCKING ELEMENTS - A wiring system includes a wiring module and a functional module. The wiring module in at least one embodiment includes elongated holes or openings which are configured to engage or lock with prongs on a functional module to create a lockable connection. The wiring module and the functional module form both a physical and an electrical connection. In another embodiment, there is an adapter which is configured to connect the wiring module and the functional module or unit together. | 08-25-2011 |
20110149453 | FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER DEVICE - In one embodiment, there is a fault interrupter device comprising at least one sensor comprising at least one first transformer having at least one outer region forming an outer periphery and at least one inner hollow region. There is also at least one second transformer that is disposed in the inner hollow region of the at least one first transformer. The transformers can be substantially circular in configuration, and more particularly, ring shaped. In another embodiment there is a rotatable latch which is used to selectively connect and disconnect a set of separable contacts to selectively disconnect power from the line side to the load side. The rotatable latch is in one embodiment coupled to a reset button. In at least one embodiment there is a slider which is configured to selectively prevent the manual tripping of the device. | 06-23-2011 |
20110124221 | LAMP SOCKET HAVING A ROTOR ASSEMBLY - A socket assembly includes a rotor assembly, a housing, and at least one electrical contact. The rotor assembly has an axis of rotation and defines a channel having a length about perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The rotor assembly is adapted to receive at least one lamp pin within the channel from an edge of the rotor assembly. Each of the at least one lamp pin defines a longitudinal axis. Each of the axis of each of the at least lamp pin is about parallel to the axis of rotation when each of the at least one lamp pin is received from the edge of the rotor assembly to within the channel. The housing is adapted to receive the rotor assembly such that the rotor assembly is rotatable along its axis of rotation therein. The housing defines a notch adapted to receive each of the at least one lamp pin when each of the axis of each of the at least one pin is about parallel to the axis of rotation. The rotator assembly is rotatable to at least first and second positions and the channel of the rotor assembly aligns with the notch of the housing when in the first position such that each of the at least one lamp pin is received through the notch of the housing and into the channel of the rotor assembly. A least one electrical contact is disposed within the housing and an electrical contact of the at least one electrical contact is adapted for operative engagement with a lamp pin of the at least one lamp pin. The electrical contact is operatively disengaged from the lamp pin when the rotor assembly is in about the first position and operatively engages the lamp pin when the rotor assembly is rotated at least substantially to the second position. | 05-26-2011 |
20100323540 | MEHTOD AND APPARATUS FOR GROUNDING AND MOUNTING A HIGH AMPERAGE SINGLE POLE CONNECTOR - A combination grounding/mounting connector and method for mounting an electrical receptacle adapted to receive an electrical current carrying cable connector to a panel. The combination grounding/mounting connector device includes a first portion passing through an aperture formed in the receptacle and the panel for engaging a device for securing the electrical receptacle to the panel, the first portion accommodating connection to an electrical ground; and, a second portion providing an electrical ground connector when the first portion is connected to an electrical ground. | 12-23-2010 |
20100314226 | DUAL LOAD CONTROL DEVICE - An electrical control device comprising a housing configured to be at least partially mountable within a single-gang electrical box; and including at least first and second switches disposed at least partially within the housing, each the at least first and second switches configured as providing a respective first and second input to the electrical control device and, the electrical control device being configured to be wired to a respective first and a second electrical load. A communications device disposed at least partially within the housing is configured to wirelessly transmit a control signal to control at least one additional electrical load. | 12-16-2010 |
20100295568 | SELF TESTING FAULT CIRCUIT APPARATUS AND METHOD - A self testing fault circuit interrupter device comprising a fault circuit comprising at least one line monitoring circuit, at least one line interrupting circuit and at least one fault detector circuit which is configured to selectively operate said at least one line interrupting circuit when a fault is detected. This fault circuit also includes at least one test circuit configured to initiate a self test on the fault circuit and at least one timing circuit for controlling the time period for a self test being performed on said at least one self test circuit. The timing circuitry can be in the form of external circuitry which comprises a transistor which controls the discharge rate of a timing capacitor. The timing capacitor is present to prevent any false triggering of a fault circuit. A fault circuit test condition does not stop until the capacitor is fully discharged. By controlling the timing capacitor discharge rate, the triggering of an SCR is not delayed too much in the presence of an external fault because during the presence of this external fault the test cycle is considerably shortened in time based directly upon the size of the external fault. The testing circuit can include a microcontroller which can be programmed to perform a self test across at least two different half cycles of opposite polarity. The determination of the timing of the self test is based upon timing performed by the microcontroller in combination with zero crossing circuitry. | 11-25-2010 |
20100226053 | DETECTING AND SENSING ACTUATION IN A CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING DEVICE - A circuit interrupting device configured to cause electrical discontinuity along a conductive path upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition is disclosed. The device includes a fault sensing circuit detecting the predetermined condition and generating a circuit interrupting actuation signal, and a coil and plunger assembly actuatable by the circuit interrupting actuation signal so that, upon detecting the predetermined condition, the plunger will move in a fault direction from a non-actuated to an actuated configuration a distance sufficient to cause disengagement of at least one set of contacts from each other to cause electrical discontinuity along the conductive path; and a test assembly causing the plunger to move in a test direction, from a pre-test configuration to a post-test configuration, a distance insufficient to disengage the at least one set of contacts from each other. Analogous methods of testing the circuit interrupting device are also disclosed. | 09-09-2010 |
20100213962 | BALLAST AND WIRING LAMP FIXTURE TESTER - Apparatus and methods for testing a light fixture power circuit are therefore provided. The light fixture power circuit may energize a fluorescent lamp by providing power at first and second power terminals. The lamp holder may include a lamp pin guide for guiding the tube's contact pins toward the first and second power terminals. The apparatus may have probes that simulate the tube's contact pins. The probes may be robotically inserted into the lamp holder in a manner that is similar to the manner in which the contact pins would be inserted. This may eliminate the requirement to use fluorescent tubes to test the light fixture power circuit. The apparatus may include circuitry for testing the impedance of the light fixture power circuit at the first and second power contacts. | 08-26-2010 |
20100176138 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING ELECTRICAL DEVICES - There is a commercial wiring system and method for wiring, which is designed to increase the speed of installation of wiring devices. In one embodiment of the invention there is a bracket which is designed to receive an adapted wiring box. This bracket has tabs for fixing to a wiring box to form an electrical box. The bracket can be coupled to another bracket that is adjustable in length and includes at least two legs, with a first leg being slidable in position in relation to a second track. A first set of tracks in the first assembly is designed to receive the second set of tracks in the second assembly in a telescoping or nested manner. The adjustable electrical box assembly can include a box section, a mounting plate and a mud ring or plaster ring. | 07-15-2010 |
20100134932 | Circuit interrupting device with reset lockout and reverse wiring protection and method of manufacture - Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices, that include reverse wiring protection, and optionally an independent trip portions and/or a reset lockout portion are provided. The reverse wiring protection operates at both the line and load sides of the device so that in the event line side wiring to the device is improperly connected to the load side, fault protection for the device remains. The trip portion operates independently of a circuit interrupting portion used to break the electrical continuity in one or more conductive paths in the device. The reset lockout portion prevents the reestablishing of electrical continuity in open conductive paths if the circuit interrupting portion is non-operational, if an open neutral condition exists or if the device is reverse wired. Methods for ensuring a reset lockout state before shipment are provided. | 06-03-2010 |
20100120274 | MODULAR WIRING SYSTEM WITH LOCKING ELEMENTS - A wiring system includes a wiring module and a functional module. The wiring module in at least one embodiment includes elongated holes or openings which are configured to engage or lock with prongs on a functional module to create a lockable connection. The wiring module and the functional module form both a physical and an electrical connection. In another embodiment, there is an adapter which is configured to connect the wiring module and the functional module or unit together. | 05-13-2010 |
20100081339 | LAMP SOCKET HAVING A ROTOR ASSEMBLY - A socket assembly includes a rotor assembly, a housing, and at least one electrical contact. The rotor assembly has an axis of rotation and defines a channel having a length about perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The rotor assembly is adapted to receive at least one lamp pin within the channel from an edge of the rotor assembly. Each of the at least one lamp pin defines a longitudinal axis. Each of the axis of each of the at least lamp pin is about parallel to the axis of rotation when each of the at least one lamp pin is received from the edge of the rotor assembly to within the channel. The housing is adapted to receive the rotor assembly such that the rotor assembly is rotatable along its axis of rotation therein. The housing defines a notch adapted to receive each of the at least one lamp pin when each of the axis of each of the at least one pin is about parallel to the axis of rotation. The rotator assembly is rotatable to at least first and second positions and the channel of the rotor assembly aligns with the notch of the housing when in the first position such that each of the at least one lamp pin is received through the notch of the housing and into the channel of the rotor assembly. A least one electrical contact is disposed within the housing and an electrical contact of the at least one electrical contact is adapted for operative engagement with a lamp pin of the at least one lamp pin. The electrical contact is operatively disengaged from the lamp pin when the rotor assembly is in about the first position and operatively engages the lamp pin when the rotor assembly is rotated at least substantially to the second position. | 04-01-2010 |
20100055974 | VOICE AND DATA PATCH PANEL HAVING A BRACKET FOR STRUCTURED WIRE ENCLOSURES - The present disclosure is directed to a patch panel. The patch panel has a bracket having a panel interface having a front surface and a back surface substantially parallel to each other, at least one opening in the panel interface extends from the front surface to the back surface, at least one mounting member on the front surface of the bracket, at least one mounting member on the back surface of the bracket, a first pair of opposing edges and a second pair of opposing edges, the first pair and second pair of opposing edges are formed perpendicular to the panel interface. The patch panel also has a patching module having a number of connection elements, such as jacks, on a front side of the patching module and a number of connectors, such as insulation displacement connectors, on a back side of the patching module, wherein each connector is associated with one of the connection elements on the front side of the patching module. | 03-04-2010 |
20100007447 | MISWIRING CIRCUIT COUPLED TO AN ELECTRICAL FAULT INTERRUPTER - The disclosure relates to an electrical fault interrupter comprising at least one electrical fault sensor which is configured to detect an electrical fault condition, at least one miswiring circuit configured to detect the improper connection to the electrical fault sensor, and at least one circuit interrupter which is configured to open at least one circuit in the presence of an electrical fault or a miswiring condition. In at least one embodiment, one end of the miswiring circuit is coupled to a ground line. | 01-14-2010 |
20090296288 | BI-DIRECTIONAL GFCI - A bi-directional fault circuit interrupter comprising a first connection interface, a second connection interface, at least one fault circuit, and at least one switch which is movable from at least one first position to at least one second position to selectively electrically connect the fault circuit to either the first connection interface or the second connection interface. There are also a plurality of conductors configured to electrically connect the first connection interface to the switch and the second connection interface to the switch. | 12-03-2009 |
20090273866 | FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER WITH BI-DIRECTIONAL SENSING - A bi-directional fault circuit interrupter system having mis-wiring protection via numerous different poles. There are at least three different transformers wherein at least two of the transformers are differential transformers and at least one transformer is a neutral transformer. There is also at least one actuator which is used to switch the switches back and forth to selectively connect the electrical current to the fault circuit. | 11-05-2009 |
20090260966 | ELECTRICAL CONTROL DEVICE - An electrical device is disclosed for use in a wall box having a series of buttons that can either be rocker buttons or push buttons. These buttons can be supported by springboards formed integral with a support board. The springboards are for biasing the series of buttons. Much of the device is housed within a housing formed at a first end by a body and a second end by a strap coupled to the housing. The strap extends beyond the body, wherein this strap can be used to dissipate heat from the device. Inside of the housing can be at least one circuit board which has switches, which can be used to receive instructions from a plurality of buttons. In one embodiment, a plurality of light pipes are adapted so that they are housed at least partially inside of these buttons. At least one portion of the light pipe can be formed as a shaft and adapted to extend out from this housing and down to a light emitter disposed on the circuit board. In at least one embodiment, this light pipe can also include at least one actuator which is used to contact an associated springboard when a button is acted on. This movement causes the springboard to contact an actuator on a TAC switch which then results in an associated set of instructions being sent to the circuit board. | 10-22-2009 |
20090255821 | CONTINUOUS PLATING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH MASK REGISTRATION - A continuous plating system with mask registration is disclosed herein that uses drums and rollers with protruding pins which engage with guide holes in a masking belt and a lead frame. Through engagement with the pins the masking belt is keyed to the lead frame as the lead frame passes through a plating solution tank. | 10-15-2009 |
20090244911 | ROTATABLE LAMPHOLDER WITH SECURING ELEMENTS - A lamp holder device for holding a light, the device comprising a body and a plurality of contacts disposed in the body. There is at least one rotatable top rotatably coupled to the body. In addition, there is at least one spring clip disposed in and secured to the body. The spring clip is for selectively securing a light to the spring clip when the light is inserted into the body and further secures the light to the body when the at least one rotatable top is rotated. | 10-01-2009 |
20090213698 | WALL MOUNTED PROGRAMMABLE TIMER SYSTEM - A timing device is disclosed which is for controlling electronic devices and which is mounted in a wall switch box. This timing device comprises at least one controller, at least one transceiver in communication with the controller, at least one interface; and at least one cover plate. This device can also include at least one key coupled to the cover plate for interacting with the interface when said cover plate is inserted onto said at least one interface. | 08-27-2009 |
20090212967 | Circuit Interrupting System with Remote Test And Reset Activation - The present disclosure relates to resettable circuit interrupting devices and system and methods capable of being tested and reset from remote locations, and in particular to circuit interrupting devices and system capable of being tested and reset from remote locations. A remote monitoring device can also be included which can be used to control an actuation device which is capable of controlling a circuit interrupting device. Alternatively, the remote monitoring or control device can be used to control the circuit interrupting device directly. | 08-27-2009 |
20090207535 | ARC FAULT DETECTOR - An arc fault detector, as a stand alone device or in combination with a circuit interrupting device such as a ground fault interrupter (GFCI), protects from potentially dangerous arc fault conditions. The device utilizes a line side or load side series connected inductance having an air or magnetic core to generate the derivative di/dt signal of the arc current in the conductor. The derivative signal is fed to an arc fault detector where it is analyzed for the presence of arcing. The device can have two series connected inductors inductively coupled to each other such that the signal from one inductor is inductively coupled into the other inductor for coupling to the arc fault detector. | 08-20-2009 |
20090189542 | DIMMER SWITCH - A switching device includes a paddle actuator biased to a rest position and configured to pivot relative to a housing to a depressed position to engage an air-gap switch disposed within the housing. The air-gap switch is configured to change a first state of a load connected to the switching device upon engagement by the paddle actuator. The paddle actuator is defined by a pair of opposing long sides and a pair of opposing short sides and has at least one slot defined therein parallel to the pair of opposing short sides thereof and centrally disposed between the pair of opposing long sides thereof. A rocker actuator is disposed in the at least one slot defined in the paddle actuator and is configured to pivot relative thereto to engage at least one switch. The at least one switch is configured to change a second state of the load connected to the switching device upon engagement by the rocker actuator. | 07-30-2009 |
20090150356 | Method For Discovering Network of Home or Building Control Devices - The present disclosure relates to a method for discovering, identifying, and cataloguing devices on a network, particularly, devices included in a home automation or building control network. In embodiments, a node information table is populated with generic entries representing potentially-discoverable devices on the network. The table is traverse iteratively and potential devices are queried in turn to determine the type and capabilities of each potential device in the network. Device responses stored in the node information table, replacing generic entries with updated entries representative of actual network devices. Additionally, device responses may be used as a basis for subsequent queries to network devices. After device queries are completed, any remaining generic node information table entries are removed from the table, thereby only entries corresponding to positively-identified network devices remain in the table. | 06-11-2009 |
20090128264 | Fault circuit interrupting device with symmetrical inputs - There is disclosed a circuit interrupting device with symmetrical inputs comprising a first input configured for connection to a power source or a load circuit and a second input configured for connection to a power source. There are a plurality of electrical conductors extending from the first and second inputs and a third input configured for connection to a load provided by a user. There is also a first set of transformers comprising at least one differential transformer and at least one neutral transformer connected to detect leakage current in a load circuit coupled to the first set of terminals. There is also a second set of transformers comprising at least one additional differential transformer and at least one additional neutral transformer connected to detect leakage current in a load circuit coupled to the second set of terminals | 05-21-2009 |
20090102677 | RF ANTENNA INTEGRATED INTO A CONTROL DEVICE INSTALLED INTO A WALL SWITCH BOX - A remote control electrical device which can communicate with a remote control device. The electrical control device is adapted to fit into a housing which fits into a wall mounting. The remote control electrical device can comprise a control circuit disposed in the housing, a transmitter disposed in the housing, a receiver disposed in the housing wherein said transmitter and said receiver are in communication with the control circuit. There is also a support plate having an inside face facing into the housing and an outside face facing away from the housing body. The support plate is coupled to the housing, wherein there is also an antenna disposed on the outside face of the support plate. This antenna does not receive any power-line AC frequencies or DC, instead it is capacitively coupled to the rest of the electrical components and disposed on the outside face of the support plate. | 04-23-2009 |
20090057303 | MODULAR WALL HOUSING UNIT FOR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS - The disclosure relates to an electrical component connection device which includes a first housing in the form of a wall box and a second housing for inserting into the first housing in a telescoping manner. The second housing is for receiving and holding at least one electrical component such as a receptacle or a switch. The housing and the second housing can be coupled together via a plurality of connection elements. The housing can have a first set of connection elements, while the second housing can have a second set of connection elements. These connection elements may include a ratcheted section and a plurality of slotted sections disposed on each side of the ratcheted section. This ratcheted section on the housing can comprise a plurality of teeth each having a sloping front face facing a front edge of the housing and a flat face facing a back edge of the housing. The second set of connection elements may include a plurality of teeth, each having a sloping front face facing a front edge of the second housing and a flat back face facing a back edge of the second housing. | 03-05-2009 |
20090052162 | COMBINATION DEVICE INCLUDING A GUIDE LIGHT AND AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT - There is disclosed a combination electrical device comprising a housing wherein there can be at least one light and at least one sensor disposed in the housing. The light serves as a guide light wherein the sensor is for determining the presence or absence of light. Inside the housing can be face terminals which extend up to a user accessible interface in the form of apertures for receiving prongs of a plug. The housing can include an additional housing for receiving a circuit board coupled to the light and the sensor. In addition, there can be a translucent cover for covering the light and the sensor. In at least one embodiment, the translucent cover can extend along at least one fourth of a length of a front face of the housing. In another embodiment, the translucent cover can extend along at least one third of a length of a front face of the housing. In still another embodiment, the translucent cover can extend along one half of a length of the housing. | 02-26-2009 |
20090046406 | OVERVOLTAGE DEVICE WITH ENHANCED SURGE SUPPRESSION - An overvoltage device that is formed from a MOV device that is coupled in parallel with a spark gap. This device is coupled upstream from electronic components to protect these components from damage. For example, in one embodiment, the overvoltage device is coupled to a fault circuit interrupter such as a GFCI, across the phase and neutral lines to protect components of the GFCI from an overvoltage condition. In one embodiment the overvoltage device is formed as an MOV physically coupled to a spark gap wherein the MOV and the spark gap are electrically coupled across the phase line and the neutral line in parallel. | 02-19-2009 |
20090040667 | CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING DEVICE WITH AUTOMATIC TEST - Resettable circuit interrupting devices having self-test and non-resettable or limited resettable power interrupting systems are provided. The permanent power interrupting system activates when a circuit interrupting device is no longer capable of operating in accordance with applicable standards governing such devices or the device is no longer capable of operating in accordance with its design characteristics. | 02-12-2009 |
20080237010 | ELECTRICAL CONTROL DEVICE - An electrical device is disclosed for use in a wall box having a series of buttons that can either be rocker buttons or push buttons. These buttons can be supported by springboards formed integral with a support board. The springboards are for biasing the series of buttons. Much of the device is housed within a housing formed at a first end by a body and a second end by a strap coupled to the housing. The strap extends beyond the body, wherein this strap can be used to dissipate heat from the device. Inside of the housing can be at least one circuit board which has switches, which can be used to receive instructions from a plurality of buttons. In one embodiment, a plurality of light pipes are adapted so that they are housed at least partially inside of these buttons. At least one portion of the light pipe can be formed as a shaft and adapted to extend out from this housing and down to a light emitter disposed on the circuit board. In at least one embodiment, this light pipe can also include at least one actuator which is used to contact an associated springboard when a button is acted on. This movement causes the springboard to contact an actuator on a TAC switch which then results in an associated set of instructions being sent to the circuit board. | 10-02-2008 |
20080207046 | MODULAR WIRING SYSTEM WITH LOCKING ELEMENTS - A modular wiring system comprising a functional unit and a wiring unit. There is also a system for coupling the functional unit to the wiring unit in a rotational manner. This system can be formed from at least one locking prong comprised of electrically conductive material. When the functional unit is coupled to the wiring unit, the locking prong is both electrically and physically coupled to the functional unit at a first end and to the wiring unit at a second end. Alternatively, or in addition, the system for coupling the functional unit to the wiring unit in a rotational manner can include at least one flange coupled to the functional unit and at least one flange coupled to the wiring unit. These flanges operate such that when the functional unit and the wiring unit are coupled together, they are rotated to form a locking connection between the flange on the functional unit and the flange on the wiring unit. | 08-28-2008 |