| LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120030937 | CABLE TAMPER PREVENTION - Apparatuses, devices, systems, and methods are provided for prevention of tampering with cables and associated systems. In one aspect, an anti-tamper adapter is provided that can inhibit or prohibit cable tampering for existing cables. In a further aspect, dummy plugs or blocking plugs can employ disclosed anti-tamper adapters to facilitate blocking ports or outlets that are intended to remain undisturbed for a period of time. The provided embodiments can economically and flexibly facilitate cable tamper prevention in a wide array of cable technologies. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20110320056 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT WITH METERING AND COMMUNICATONS - An apparatus includes an electric vehicle supply circuit, and a communication interface coupled to the electric vehicle supply circuit. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be adapted to function as a node for a mesh network. In other embodiments, the communication interface may be adapted to communicate with a utility collection point using substantially the same protocol as the utility collection point. In yet other embodiments, the apparatus may be adapted to control the wireless communication interface in response to the state of the electric vehicle supply circuit. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110285310 | LIGHTING CONTROL FAILSAFE CIRCUIT - A system may include a switch arranged to control a lighting load, a processor arranged to control the switch, and a failsafe circuit arranged to monitor the processor and actuate the switch if the processor fails. The failsafe circuit may have a time constant, and may be arranged to actuate the switch if the monitor signal does not include a pulse during a period of time equal to the time constant. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110284730 | LIGHT SENSOR KNOB - A system may include a housing, a light sensor, and a knob protruding from the housing and configured to rotate between angular positions about an axis. The knob may be configured to receive light from directions generally perpendicular to the axis, and the light sensor may be arranged to receive the light received by the knob. A method may include installing a light level control device having a light sensor, and adjusting the field of view of the light sensor by rotating a knob on the light level control device. The light sensor may be arranged to receive light from different angles in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the knob. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110284726 | MULTI-FUNCTION LIGHT LEVEL SETPOINT CONTROL - A system may include a light sensor, an actuator having a range of motion, and a circuit adapted to establish a light level setpoint in response to the light sensor and the actuator. The circuit may be adapted to perform a first function when the actuator is in a first region of the range of motion and a second function when the actuator is in a second region of the range of motion. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110282509 | OCCUPANCY BASED SWITCHING WITH ADVANCE NOTIFICATION - A system may include an occupancy sensor and an interface to couple the occupancy sensor to equipment that may perform a power reduction operation in response to the occupancy sensor. Another system may include an occupancy sensor and a switch to control power to equipment in response to the occupancy sensor, where an advance notification is sent to the equipment before the switch interrupts power to the equipment. In one embodiment, the switch may interrupt the power after a time delay from when the advance notification is sent. In another embodiment, the switch may not interrupt the power until a response to the advance notification is confirmed. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110279933 | CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING DEVICE WITH RESET LOCKOUT - 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. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110278922 | Bi-Level Switching With Power Packs - An electrical power pack may include a first power switch and a cycle control to cycle between the first power switch and a second power switch. An electrical power pack may include a first power switch and a delay element to delay an operation of the first power switch. A power pack system may include a first power switch to operate in response to a constant-on control and a second power switch to operate in response to an automatic control. A power pack system may include a first power switch to operate in response to a manual-on control, and a second power switch to operate in response to an automatic-on control. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110275239 | HIGH SPEED DATA COMMUNICATIONS CABLE HAVING REDUCED SUSEPTIBILITY TO MODAL ALIEN CROSSTALK - A communications cable for use with a communications connector having eight contacts arranged in a series. The cable has first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth wires configured to be connected to first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth contacts, respectively, of the series. The fourth and fifth wires are twisted together to form a first twisted wire pair (“twisted pair”). The first and second wires form a second twisted pair. The third and sixth wires form a third twisted pair. The seventh and eighth wires form a fourth twisted pair. The twisted pairs extend alongside one another and are arranged such that the first twisted pair is closer to the second and third twisted pairs than to the fourth twisted pair, and the second twisted pair is closer to the first and fourth twisted pairs than to the third twisted pair. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110263151 | TAMPER PREVENTION SYSTEM HAVING A SHROUD TO PARTIALLY COVER A RELEASE MECHANISM - Apparatuses, devices, systems, and methods are provided for prevention of tampering with cables and associated systems. In one aspect, an anti-tamper adapter is provided that can inhibit or prohibit cable tampering for existing cables. In a further aspect, dummy plugs or blocking plugs can employ disclosed anti-tamper adapters to facilitate blocking ports or outlets that are intended to remain undisturbed for a period of time. The provided embodiments can economically and flexibly facilitate cable tamper prevention in a wide array of cable technologies. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263149 | CABLE TAMPER PREVENTION - Apparatuses, devices, systems, and methods are provided for prevention of tampering with cables and associated systems. In one aspect, an anti-tamper adapter is provided that can inhibit or prohibit cable tampering for existing cables. The provided embodiments can economically and flexibly facilitate cable tamper prevention in a wide array of cable technologies. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110261511 | ELECTRICAL DEVICE WITH REMOVABLE COVER - In one embodiment, a system includes an electrical device and a removable cover, where the electrical device and the removable cover are adapted to enable the removable cover to pivot into an installed position on the electrical device. In another embodiment, a system includes an electrical device having a pushbutton, and a cover adapted to be removably attached to the electrical device, where the cover includes an opening for accessing the pushbutton, and where the pushbutton includes a sub button and a cosmetic cap adapted to be removably attached to the sub button. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259722 | ELECTRICAL DEVICES WITH REMOVABLE ACTUATOR FRAMES - In one embodiment, a system may include an electrical device, an actuator for the electrical device, and an interchangeable frame configured to be removeably attached to the electrical device and to hold the actuator. The frame may be adapted to pivotally engage the electrical device. In another embodiment, an electrical device may have an interface adapted to enable a frame to be attached to and removed from the electrical device, an opening in the electrical device, a subactuator arranged to actuate a switch in the electrical device through the opening, and to engage an actuator on the frame when the frame is attached to the electrical device, and a first rim disposed about the opening. The subactuator may include a second rim arranged to overlap the first rim. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259721 | ELECTRICAL DEVICE WITH SUBROCKER AND REMOVABLE ROCKER - In one embodiment, a system includes an electrical device, a frame adapted to be attached to and removed from the electrical device without removing the electrical device from an installed position, a rocker pivotally attached to the frame, a switch disposed within the electrical device, and a subrocker arranged to enable the rocker to actuate the switch. In another embodiment, an interchange kit includes a frame adapted to be attached to and removed from an electrical device without removing the electrical device from an installed position, and a rocker pivotally attached to the frame. The rocker may be adapted to engage a subrocker on the electrical device. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259720 | ELECTRICAL DEVICE WITH ACTUATOR SUPPORT AND VIEWING WINDOW - In one embodiment, a system may include an electrical device having an indicator light source, an actuator having a window, a viewing piece arranged to be visible through the window, and a light guide arranged to guide light from the light source to the viewing piece. The viewing piece may have a receiving portion arranged to receive light from the light guide, and the width of the receiving portion may be substantially larger than the width of the light guide. In another embodiment, a system may include an electrical device having a first support member, and an actuator having a second support member. The actuator may be adapted to move along a path of motion from a retracted position to an extended position, and the first and second support members may be adapted to support the actuator in the extended position with forces that are substantially balanced along the path of motion. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259635 | ELECTRICAL DEVICE ALIGNMENT SYSTEM - An electrical device may include first and second mounting portions arranged at opposite ends of the electrical device and adapted to mount the electrical device to an electrical box, and an alignment feature adapted to align the electrical device with an adjacent electrical device by contacting the adjacent electrical device as the electrical device slides toward the adjacent electrical device. An adapter may include first and second mounting portions adapted to be attached to first and second mounting portion of an electrical device, and an alignment feature adapted to align the electrical device with an adjacent electrical device by contacting the adjacent electrical device when the one or both of the electrical device and the adjacent electrical device are slid laterally while mounted to an electrical box. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259634 | ELECTRICAL DEVICE MOUNTING ADAPTER - In one embodiment, an adapter may include first and second mounting portions adapted to be attached to first and second mounting portions of an electrical device, and first and second spacers arranged to space the first and second mounting portion of the electrical device away from a building surface when the electrical device is mounted to an electrical box. In another embodiment, an adapter may include a ring to surround a body of a standard electrical device, and first and second slots to receive first and second mounting portion of the standard electrical device. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110246977 | CONTROL SYSTEM CODE INSTALLATION AND UPGRADE - A system including multiple control system devices. The control system devices include a processor; a memory coupled to the processor and configured to store code for the control system device; and a communication interface coupled to the processor. A control system device is configured to receive updated code corresponding to at least one of the control system devices, and configured to transmit the updated code to the corresponding at least one of the control system devices. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110216546 | LAMPHOLDER WITH OCCUPANCY SENSOR - An electrical device is described having surface mounting structure for mounting the electrical device in one of at least three different mounting patterns. In one embodiment, the electrical device is a lampholder having an occupancy sensor. In this embodiment, the occupancy sensor defines a coverage area and an un-coverage area when the lampholder is mounted to a surface, such as a ceiling, via the surface mounting structure; and, the surface mounting structure includes four sets of keyholes enabling the lampholder to be mounted to fasteners on the surface in one of a plurality of different mounting patterns for positioning the un-coverage area in a desired location, such as, for example, opposite the closest entry point to a room. The coverage area corresponds to a detection field of the occupancy sensor. Motion in the detection field is detected by the occupancy sensor. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110203828 | WIRING DEVICE AND COVER PLATE SNAP-ON ASSEMBLY - An installation of a wiring device configured to receive a cover plate which snaps on to a wiring device such as a switch or receptacle. With this invention, openings for threaded fasteners in the face of the cover plate are eliminated. In an embodiment, the cover plate has an opening sized to accommodate a wiring device and supports, on opposing side walls of the opening, at least one protrusion. The protrusions on the cover plate are located to detachably engage corresponding protrusions on the wiring device as the cover plate is pressed onto the wiring device. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110181296 | ARC FAULT DETECTOR WITH CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER - There is here disclosed a method and apparatus for detecting the occurrence of arcing of a conductor by monitoring the current on an AC power line. The signal detected is split and directed along four separate paths to generate four signals having separate characteristics which represent the current in the line. A first path is for a signal representative of the current flowing in the line. A second path is for a signal having a pulse for each occurrence of a positive step change in current that is significant and has a di/dt value above a predetermined value. A third path is for a signal having a pulse for each occurrence of a negative step change in current that is significant and has a di/dt value above a predetermined value. A fourth path is for a signal having a voltage level representative of the broadband noise signal on the line. Using at least one of five different methods in combination with one of three input signals, a reference signal designated as “SINE” is generated. The SINE signal generated in combination with a CURRENT input is used to produce a control waveform “DELTA”. DELTA can be represented as a relative value or as an absolute difference between the SINE and the CURRENT. Each occurring half cycle of the DELTA signal is analyzed by, for example, a micro-controller for specific identifiable characteristics found to indicate the presence of arcing. Upon the detection of arcing, an output signal can be generated to activate a circuit interrupting mechanism, sound an audio alarm and/or alert a central monitoring station. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110172839 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT WITH TIMER - An EVSE system includes an electric vehicle supply circuit, and a timer adapted to automatically control the electric vehicle supply circuit. The timer may be adapted to enable and/or disable the electric vehicle supply circuit at one or more predetermined times. The timer may be coordinated with a scheduling system such as a calendar utility on a computer or portable communication device such as a smart phone. The system may include a user interface for the timer. The user interface may include an embedded server such as an embedded web server to enable a user to program the timer through the Internet. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110169447 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT - An electric vehicle charging system includes a portable housing having an integral holder to hold a connector for an electric vehicle supply circuit. An electric vehicle supply equipment enclosure includes an integral chamber to store all or part of a cord. A mounting bracket for an electric vehicle supply equipment enclosure covers an open portion of the enclosure. A method for facilitating use of an electric vehicle includes providing a prewiring kit for the electric vehicle. An electric vehicle supply equipment enclosure includes an integral disconnect switch. An electric vehicle supply circuit includes a grounding monitor circuit having automatic test functionality. Another electric vehicle supply circuit includes a contact monitor circuit to monitor the state of one or more of the contacts. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110156911 | OCCUPANCY-BASED CONTROL SYSTEM - A system including an assembly; a sensor substantially encapsulated in the assembly and configured to sense an environment associated with the assembly to generate an occupancy signal; a wireless transmitter substantially encapsulated in the assembly; and a controller configured to transmit a remote control command with the wireless transmitter in response to the occupancy signal. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110156610 | PHASE CONTROL WITH ADAPTIVE PARAMETERS - A method for determining a limit of a phase control power range includes applying a first gate pulse to a switch at a first firing angle near the limit of the power range, sensing the conductive state of the switch after the first gate pulse, and determining the limit of the power range in response to the conductive state of the switch. If the switch remains conductive after the first gate pulse, the first firing angle may be used as the limit of the power range. If the switch does not remain conductive after the first gate pulse, the limit may be determined by repeatedly incrementing the firing angle, applying a gate pulse to the switch at the incremented firing angle, and sensing the conductive state of the switch after each gate pulse until the switch is conductive after a gate pulse. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110147037 | INTERCHANGEABLE DECORATIVE BEZEL FOR WIRING DEVICE - A wiring device capable of changing an aesthetic feature via a removable frame. The wiring device includes a front facing perimeter base having at least one opening. The wiring device also includes a removable bezel having a front face and a back face, the back face of the removable bezel surrounding at least a portion of the front facing perimeter base. The back face of the removable bezel includes a shielding wall for shielding ambient light from a sensor positioned on the front face perimeter base. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110143585 | HIGH SPEED DATA COMMUNICATIONS CONNECTOR WITH REDUCED MODAL CONVERSION - A plug including first, second, third, and fourth pairs of contacts connected to first, second, third, and fourth wire pairs, respectively. The first pair of contacts is positioned between first and second contacts of the third pair of contacts, the second pair of contacts is positioned alongside the first contact, and the fourth pair of contacts is positioned alongside the second contact. A first and second capacitive coupling member each including a sleeve and contact member are spaced from the plug contacts. The second wire pair extends through the sleeve of the first coupling member and the contact member of the first coupling member is electrically connected to the wire connected to the second contact. The fourth wire pair extends through the sleeve of the second coupling member and the contact member of the first coupling member is electrically connected to the wire connected to the first contact. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110133656 | INTENSITY BALANCE FOR MULTIPLE LAMPS - A compensation system includes first and second sensors to determine the intensities of first and second fluorescent lamps, a compensator to control the intensity of the first lamp, and a controller to adjust the intensity of the first lamp to about the same intensity as the second lamp. The lamps may be coupled in series, and the compensator may be arranged to divert current around or way from one of the lamps. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110118890 | INTELLIGENT METERING DEMAND RESPONSE - A system and method for real-time power management are provided. The system can include one or more lights, one or more light controllers, one or more meters to detect power demand of a building, and a central controller to modify the light output of the lights responsive to the detected power demand. The system can interface with other utility controls to manage the total power demand of the building on a real-time basis. The light controllers can provide individual metering of the lights for use by the central controller. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110115460 | ELECTRICAL SWITCHING MODULE - A module including a case; an electrical switching device configured to control power to a load; and a controller coupled to the electrical switching device. The electrical switching device and the controller are substantially encapsulated by the case. Functionality of the module can be exposed through a communication interface in the case. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110115448 | ELECTRICAL SWITCHING MODULE - A module including a case; an electrical switching device configured to control power to a load; and a controller coupled to the electrical switching device. The electrical switching device and the controller are substantially encapsulated by the case. Functionality of the module can be exposed through a communication interface in the case. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110109297 | PARALLEL AC SWITCHING WITH SEQUENTIAL CONTROL - Parallel switches arranged to transfer power between an AC power source and a load may be individually operated during different portions of the AC waveform. In some embodiments, the switches may be operated during alternate cycles of the waveform to cause the individual switches to sequentially conduct the entire load current. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110104923 | FLUORESCENT LAMPHOLDER - A fluorescent lampholder with a top portion for supporting a fluorescent lamp and a base portion with a wire opening located on the bottom surface of the base that receives wires without exposing the wires to the exterior surface of a fixture. The lampholder is capable of supporting various types and/or sizes of fluorescent lamps such as “tall”, “medium” and “small” T-8 fluorescent lamps as well as other types and/or sizes of fluorescent lamps. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110099803 | METHOD OF IMPROVING ISOLATION BETWEEN CIRCUITS ON A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD - A method of improving electrical isolation between a first circuit and a second circuit sharing a common substrate having an effective dielectric constant greater than that of air. The first and second circuits are spaced apart and separated from one another by an intermediate portion of the substrate. The method includes removing a portion of the intermediate portion to replace the portion removed with air thereby reducing the effective dielectric constant of the intermediate portion. By reducing the effective dielectric constant of the intermediate portion, electrical isolation between the first and second circuits is improved thereby reducing crosstalk between the first and second circuits. In particular implementations, the method may be used to reduce alien crosstalk between adjacent communication outlets in a patch panel. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110090667 | ELECTRICAL COMPONENT ENCLOSURE - A system, including an enclosure and a module, where the module is disposed in the enclosure such that a tab of the enclosure is disposed in a slot of the module; and the module is configured to rotate about the slot. The enclosure can also be configured to receive modular mounting structures. The enclosure can also include multiple panels that create a smaller opening. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110090042 | WIRELESS DEMAND RESPONSE SYSTEM - A wireless demand response endpoint includes a power switch and a wireless receiver to control the power switch in response to a wireless demand signal. The wireless demand signal may be transmitted at the same premises as the endpoint. One or more wireless endpoints at the premises may be configured to respond to the wireless demand signal. The wireless demand signal may be transmitted automatically, manually, or in other modes. Power switching may be on/off, dimming, etc. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110085774 | FIBER OPTIC ADAPTER PLATES WITH INTEGRATED FIBER OPTIC ADAPTERS - Structures, devices and methods are provided for creating fiber optic adapter plates with integrated fiber optic adapters. In one aspect, fiber optic adapter plates having integrated fiber optic adapter subassemblies are formed from a moldable plastic. For example, a molded plastic fiber optic adapter plate can include a molded plastic adapter back plate having a plurality of integrated fiber optic adapter subassemblies and one or more attachment mechanisms that facilitate locating and attaching an adapter front plate having a corresponding plurality of integrated fiber optic adapter subassemblies on the adapter front plate. Advantages provided by integrating fiber optic adapters into the molded plastic assemblies include superior mechanical strength, manufacturing cost reductions and adapter placement flexibility among other advantages. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110067988 | ELECTRICAL SWITCHING COMPONENT - An apparatus including an electrical switching device to control current to a load and a second case arranged to substantially encapsulate the electrical switching device. The electrical switching device includes a first case; a plurality of contacts disposed in the first case; and an opening in the first case disposed to expose the contacts. The second case is arranged to duct a blast from the opening of the first case of the electrical switching device. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110062933 | FULL CYCLE AC POWER CONTROL - A method includes selectively applying full cycles of AC power to a load. The cycles may have first and second states such as full on and full off states. The cycles may be arranged in groups in a pattern. The pattern may have a length that is shorter than a perceptible response time of the load. Different patterns may be used for different power levels. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110062896 | DIGITAL WIRING DEVICE - A digital wiring device including a user interface panel, a digital display, and a paddle including a transparent portion to reveal the digital display and an opaque portion to cover the user interface panel. The paddle rotates from a first closed position to a second open position. A digital “schedule-at-a-glance” may be provided so that a user can quickly assess a schedule of events. The digital wiring device may include a back light to illuminate the digital display. The paddle may be operatively associated with the back light. A battery may provide an electrical current to power the digital wiring device in a battery backup mode, and the back light may be disabled based on the mode. The user interface panel may be used to schedule events or otherwise configure the digital wiring device. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110037323 | AUTOMATIC SWITCH CONFIGURATION - A system including an input and a controller. The input is configured to receive a switch signal from multiple different types of switches. The controller coupled to the input and can determine the type of the switch by an analysis of the switch signals received from the switch through the input. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110028011 | TAMPER-RESISTANT ELECTRICAL WIRING DEVICE SYSTEM - A tamper-resistant electrical receptacle includes a cover defining a set of cover apertures; and a slider defining an aperture therein and being movable between a first position blocking the set of cover apertures and a second position not blocking the set of cover apertures, wherein when an object probes at least one and fewer than all of the set of cover apertures, the slider is constrained in the first position. When a set of prongs is inserted simultaneously through the set of cover apertures, the prongs contact a slider surface that is oriented substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the set of prongs such that the slider is urged from the first to the second position. When in the second position the slider aperture aligns with at least one of the set of cover apertures to enable the set of prongs to contact the receptacle contacts. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110024154 | SLIDE MECHANISM - A system including a plate; at least one guide coupled to the plate; and a slide coupled to the at least one guide. The slide includes a first arm constrained by the at least one guide; and a second arm coupled to the first arm. The slide can be moved along the at least one guide. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110012433 | WIRELESS OCCUPANCY SENSING WITH PORTABLE POWER SWITCHING - A portable switching device may include a wireless receiver to receive a wireless signal from an occupancy sensor, and a power switch to control power to a load in response to the wireless signal. In some embodiments, the wireless signal may include an occupancy signal that indicates the occupied state of a monitored space. In other embodiments, the wireless signal may include a detector signal that requires further processing to determine the occupied state of the space. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20100314339 | EQUIPMENT RACK PANEL SYSTEM AND METHOD - An equipment rack panel system using one or more rack extension panels with optional raceway to interconnect equipment cables to service cables through connectors within the rack extension panel. The rack extension panel is either fastened to or integral with one of the posts of the equipment rack or otherwise adjacent to the equipment rack and extends away from the equipment rack so as not to occupy space within the equipment rack normally reserved for equipment. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100304597 | WIRE TERMINATION APPARATUS AND METHOD - An electrical termination and method comprising an element and a conductive member is disclosed. A wire is manually or tool-lessly securable in electrical communication with the conductive member. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100291795 | METHOD OF IMPROVING ISOLATION BETWEEN CIRCUITS ON A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD - A method of improving electrical isolation between a first circuit and a second circuit sharing a common substrate having an effective dielectric constant greater than that of air. The first and second circuits are spaced apart and separated from one another by an intermediate portion of the substrate. The method includes removing a portion of the intermediate portion to replace the portion removed with air thereby reducing the effective dielectric constant of the intermediate portion. By reducing the effective dielectric constant of the intermediate portion, electrical isolation between the first and second circuits is improved thereby reducing crosstalk between the first and second circuits. In particular implementations, the method may be used to reduce alien crosstalk between adjacent communication outlets in a patch panel. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100277306 | WIRELESS OCCUPANCY SENSING WITH ACCESSIBLE LOCATION POWER SWITCHING - A system including an accessible electrical box; a wireless receiver to receive a wireless signal from an occupancy sensor; a power switch to control power to a load; and a controller to control the power switch in response to the wireless signal. The wireless receiver, controller, and power switch are included in the accessible electrical box. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100259347 | DETECTING AND SENSING ACTUATION IN A CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING DEVICE - A circuit interrupting device is disclosed that includes a first conductor, a second conductor, a switch between the first conductor and the second conductor wherein the switch is disposed to selectively connect and disconnect the first conductor and the second conductor, a circuit interrupter disposed to generate a circuit interrupting actuation signal, a solenoid coil and plunger assembly disposed to open the switch wherein the solenoid coil and plunger assembly is actuatable by the circuit interrupting actuation signal wherein movement of the plunger causes the switch to open, and a test assembly that is configured to enable a test of the circuit interrupter initiating at least a partial movement of the plunger in a test direction, from a pre-test configuration to a post-test configuration, without opening the switch. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100237711 | Occupancy Sensing With Device Clock - An occupancy sensing system includes a device clock included in an assembly with a device such as a switching device or an occupancy sensor. The device clock enables time tracking functionality to be combined with occupancy sensing to control lighting and other loads. A display and/or interface may be included to enable a user to a set the time-of-day, day-of-week and program and configure the device clock. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100227484 | 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, the wiring module has at least three elongated openings or holes, and wherein one of the openings or holes is for receiving a ground prong, while the other openings or holes are for receiving prongs which conduct electricity or communicate information. In another embodiment there is a wiring module that has four elongated openings or holes with all four of these connections associated with the four elongated openings or holes configured to conduct electricity. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100225166 | Bi-Level Switching With Power Packs - An electrical power pack may include a first power switch and a cycle control to cycle between the first power switch and a second power switch. An electrical power pack may include a first power switch and a delay element to delay an operation of the first power switch. A power pack system may include a first power switch to operate in response to a constant-on control and a second power switch to operate in response to an automatic control. A power pack system may include a first power switch to operate in response to a manual-on control, and a second power switch to operate in response to an automatic-on control. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100198535 | POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT MONITORING NETWORK AND COMPONENTS - A system to monitor power loading in a plurality of power distribution units. The system includes a power monitoring gateway with a port configured to communicate with an internet protocol network using an internet protocol address. The power monitoring gateway is also configured to communicate with the plurality of power distribution units through a communication link that does not use internet protocol addressing. The communication link in some embodiments is a wireless link. In other embodiments, the communication link uses a single pair of wires with the power monitoring gateway and the power distribution units configured in a daisy chain topology. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100175973 | ELECTRICAL DEVICE CONTROLLER HAVING A SWITCH AND A THUMBWHEEL DIMMER - An electrical device controller is provided for controlling power to a load. The controller includes a housing having an open face and a plate having a unitary aperture secured to the housing and disposed over the open face. The controller further includes an electrical power controller component positioned within the housing for coupling to a power source and a load, a first actuator coupled to the electrical component, and an adjacent second actuator coupled to the electrical component. The first actuator has a movable user operable portion that is user accessible via the unitary aperture for controlling power ON/OFF to the load. The second actuator has a movable user operable portion that is user accessible via the unitary aperture for adjusting magnitude of power delivered to the load. The movement and position of the respective user operable portions of the first and second actuators are mutually independent. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100102962 | OCCUPANCY SENSING WITH SELECTIVE EMISSION - An occupancy sensing system includes a driver to emit energy in a space, and a sensor to detect energy reflected within the space. An electrical load for the space is controlled in response to an occupancy condition determined in response to the detected energy. The driver may be selectively de-energized. In some embodiments, the driver may be de-energized during all or a portion of an unoccupied period. In other embodiments, the driver may be de-energized during all or a portion of an occupied period. In some further embodiments, the driver may be de-energized in response to detecting other sources of the type of energy emitted by the driver. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100101924 | SWITCHING DEVICE - A switching device includes a housing and a paddle actuator operably coupled to a front face of the housing and adapted to control a state of a load. The paddle actuator has a pair of opposing long sides and short sides and is configured to pivot about a hinge disposed proximate to one of the short sides of the paddle actuator. At least one component is disposed adjacent to the short side of the paddle actuator that is disposed proximate to the hinge and is configured to sense at least one condition. A control element is configured to control at least one of a sensing range and a sensitivity of the at least one component. The paddle actuator occupies at least 50% of the front face of the housing and the at least one component substantially occupies the remainder of the front face. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100097759 | BLAST VENTING FOR ELECTRICAL DEVICE - An electrical component may include a vent located in a mounting portion of a case to vent a blast from within the case. A chassis may have a mounting site for an electrical component, wherein the mounting site includes a passage to receive a blast from the electrical component. A system may include a chassis having a mounting site to engage a mounting portion of a case for an electrical component, wherein the mounting portion of the case includes a vent, and the chassis forms at least a portion of a blast chamber to receive a blast from the vent. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100097226 | OCCUPANCY SENSING WITH IMAGE AND SUPPLEMENTAL SENSING - An occupancy sensing system monitors a space with an image sensor and a supplemental sensor. The occupancy condition of the space is determined in response to information from both the image sensor and the supplemental sensor. An electrical load for the space is controlled in response to the occupancy condition. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100096179 | COMMUNICATION CABLING WITH SHIELDING SEPARATOR AND DISCONTINUOUS CABLE SHIELD - A communications cable having a plurality of twisted wire pairs each having a substantially uniform twist rate along the cable. An elongated shielding separator is positioned between the twisted wire pairs and physically separates them from one another. The shielding separator has a plurality of electrically non-conductive separator sections positioned between the twisted wire pairs and a plurality of electrically conductive separator sections arranged in an alternating pattern with the non-conductive separator sections along the shielding separator. Each of the conductive separator sections has one of a predetermined number of section lengths and is arranged along the shielding separator such that the conductive separator sections are substantially aperiodic with the twist rates of the twisted wire pairs. Optionally, the cable includes a continuous or discontinuous outer cable shielding system enclosing the discontinuous shielding separator and the plurality of twisted wire pairs. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100041274 | HIGH SPEED DATA COMMUNICATIONS CONNECTOR CIRCUITS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR REDUCING CROSSTALK IN COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS - A communications outlet includes a plurality of electrically conductive paths arranged in pairs and an electrically conductive shield. A plurality of conductive elements connected to a corresponding conductive path and the conductive elements configured, for each pair, to balance a capacitive coupling between the electrically conductive shield and the conductive paths of that pair. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100031032 | Method, apparatus, and system for network security via network wall plate - A wall plate assembly has a first port adapted to be coupled to a device and a second port adapted to be coupled to a communications network. The wall plate assembly is operable to obtain authentication information from a user and to determine from the obtained authentication information whether the user should be granted or denied access to the network. The assembly is operable when the determination indicates the user should be granted access to provide endpoint location identification information associated with the wall plate assembly and the authentication information to the second port, and is operable responsive to a acknowledgement signal received via the second port to grant access to the network via the first port. The assembly is operable when either no acknowledgment signal is received or the determination indicates the user should be denied access to isolate the first port from the network. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100018891 | PACKAGE ASSEMBLY ENCLOSING A PLURALITY OF COMMUNICATION CONNECTOR JACKS AND METHOD OF USE - Embodiments of the invention relate to a package assembly for enclosing a plurality of communication connector jacks (e.g., a plurality of electrical connector jacks) in an enclosure from which the communication connector jacks can be easily removed. In an embodiment, a package assembly includes an enclosure defining a plurality of compartments and a plurality of communication connector jacks. Each communication connector jack may be positioned in a corresponding one of the compartments. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100015832 | FLUORESCENT LAMPHOLDER - A fluorescent lampholder with a top portion for supporting a fluorescent lamp and a base portion with a wire opening located on the bottom surface of the base that receives wires without exposing the wires to the exterior surface of a fixture. The lampholder is capable of supporting various types and/or sizes of fluorescent lamps such as “tall”, “medium” and “small” T-8 fluorescent lamps as well as other types and/or sizes of fluorescent lamps. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100006749 | CLOSED LOOP DAYLIGHT HARVESTING LIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING AUTO-CALIBRATION - An apparatus and method for enabling an automatic calibration sequence for a light control system having a daylight harvesting scheme is disclosed herein. An ambient light sensor connects to a detection circuit for detecting the amount of ambient light within a given zone. A microprocessor connects between the detection circuit and a dimming circuit for providing control to initiate dimming and to start the auto-calibration sequence. Responsive to the amount of ambient light detected, the dimming circuit controls the power supplied to a plurality of electrical loads. A storage unit connects to the microprocessor for storing minimum light levels assessed during the auto-calibration sequence wherein the ambient light levels are monitored for a predetermined amount of time to determine the lowest level of ambient light generated for the purpose of setting and storing a target voltage level associated with such. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20090300959 | PORT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A cable port identification system is disclosed that provides identification facilities for communication, data, other cabling and/or wires and the connectors to which they are coupled found in a multi-port station. In some implementations the identification facilities can include label retention and protection and may also include label magnification. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090286411 | TAMPER RESISTANT INTERRUPTER RECEPTACLE HAVING A DETACHABLE METAL SKIN - A tamper-resistant device including a housing having a first surface and a second surface; and one or more covers positioned on the first surface of the housing, wherein the first surface includes at least two angled surfaces for receiving the one or more covers to create a securedly fixed connection, and wherein the one or more covers are securedly fixed to the housing via a snapping device. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090262138 | ENHANCED POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT WITH SELF-ORIENTING DISPLAY - An enhanced power distribution unit (PDU) with self-orienting display uses an orientation sensor in conjunction with a microprocessor to properly orient visual display of information by one or more displays of the enhanced PDU. Information displayed can relate to electrical current furnished to one or more power outlets of the enhanced PDU and/or information related to temperature, humidity or other conditions of the enhanced PDU. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090260268 | ADHESIVE LAMINATE LABEL FOR A COMMUNICATION CONNECTOR JACK AND COMMUNICATION CONNECTOR JACK AND COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES INCLUDING SAME - An embodiment of the invention is directed to an adhesive laminate label for a communications device. The adhesive laminate label includes an upper label including visible indicia and at least one lower label. Each of the lower labels includes corresponding visible indicia that are different than the visible indicia of the upper label and of the other lower labels. At least the visible indicia of each lower label are covered by either the upper label or one of the other lower labels and the upper and lower labels are removably adhered to one another. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090242412 | 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. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090213567 | LIGHTED POWER OUTLET SYSTEM AND METHOD - A lighted power outlet system having a plurality of outlets includes light emitters, such as light emitting diodes or other light emitting devices. The light emitters are internally positioned within the interior of the outlet system so that light is projected through terminal apertures of the outlets. The projected light is visible from locations exterior to the outlet system to assist in guiding alignment of plug prongs with the terminal apertures for engagement of electrical plugs with the outlets of the outlet system. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090212708 | MULTI-ZONE CLOSED LOOP DAYLIGHT HARVESTING HAVING AT LEAST ONE LIGHT SENSOR - A multi-zone daylight harvesting method and apparatus having a closed loop system utilizing a single light sensor is disclosed herein. This light control system includes an ambient light sensor connected to a detection circuit for detecting the amount of ambient light within a given zone and converting the light signal to an digital one. A control device couples to receive a predetermined rate of change for each respective zone from a storage unit along with the converted digital signal. The control device connects each zone of a plurality of electrical loads to control the power supplied to the electrical load at the predetermined corresponding rate of change and responsive to the amount of ambient light detected. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090206217 | CABLE MANAGEMENT ASSEMBLY WITH VARIABLY SPACED PROJECTIONS - A variably spaced cable management assembly according to the present invention is used in conjunction with a conventional equipment rack to route cables between and otherwise to or from equipment stored in the conventional rack. Implementations of the variably spaced assembly include various elongated guide members projecting from a rear wall of the variably spaced assembly interspaced in juxtaposition with one another by a variable amount. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090104821 | INTERNAL CROSSTALK COMPENSATION CIRCUIT FORMED ON A FLEXIBLE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD POSITIONED WITHIN A COMMUNICATIONS OUTLET, AND METHODS AND SYSTEMS RELATING TO SAME - A communications outlet includes eight outlet tines positioned adjacent to one another and define four pairs of outlet tines. The fourth and fifth outlet tines define a first pair, the first and second outlet tines define a second pair, the third and sixth outlet tines define a third pair, and the seventh and eighth outlet tines define a fourth pair. Each outlet tine has a free end near which a plug tine is adapted to contact the outlet tine and each outlet tine has a fixed end coupled through a corresponding conductive tine to a corresponding electrical contact. The communications outlet includes an internal crosstalk compensation stage having a plurality of conductive fingers. Each conductive finger is physically connected to a corresponding one of the outlet tines proximate the free ends of the tines. The internal crosstalk compensation stage is operable to provide positive compensation for internal crosstalk between pairs corresponding to the tines to which the conductive fingers of the flexible printed circuit board are attached. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090090534 | CABLE MANAGEMENT PATCH PANEL SYSTEM WITH VERTICAL DUCTING - A cable management patch panel system having one or more vertical ducting enclosures and typically located in an equipment rack. The vertical ducting enclosure is integral with the patch panel system and allows for vertical routing of cables connected to the patch panel system. The cables are vertically routed by the ducting enclosure to other patch panels or equipment located along with the patch panel system in a commonly shared equipment rack or located beyond the equipment rack. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090057158 | PLATING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Embodiments of the invention relate to plating systems configured to strip plate a selected portion of a workpiece (e.g., a lead frame) and methods of plating. In one embodiment, a plating system is configured to plate a selected portion of a workpiece and at least partially compensate for wheel run out. As an alternative, or in addition, to the plating system being configured to at least partially compensate for wheel run out, in another embodiment, a plating system is configured to plate the selected portion of the workpiece and provide for controllably adjusting plating dimensions on the selected portion to be plated. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090047828 | CABLE JUNCTION BOX WITH PROVISION FOR SERVICE LOOPS - A cable junction box has a curved shape to at least part of its enclosure allowing for coiling of extra cable length into a desired service loop within the enclosure. The cable junction box has a cover with a mud ring integrated with a wall plate bracket to allow for interfacing with a wall and has a cable input to receive cabling into the enclosure. Attachment plates are located on the periphery of the enclosure to be selectively used to attach the cable junction box to a mounting bracket coupled to a wall stud. The attachment plates allow for flexibility in positioning of the cable junction box to be attached to the wall stud. The enclosure has connection locations for the front cover and other connection locations for the cable inlet to allow for further flexibility in positioning of the front cover and the cable inlet. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090028372 | LIGHT FIXTURE WITH SOUND CAPABILITY - An apparatus that enhances the functionality of a fixture is provided. The fixture may include a light. The light may include an illuminating portion. The fixture may also include a loudspeaker. The fixture may also include a casing that houses at least a substantial portion of the loudspeaker. The casing may also include a slot adapted to allow the sound to be transmitted from the loudspeaker to a surrounding area. The slot may be disposed between the loudspeaker and the illuminating portion of the light. Finally, the fixture may include a sound diffuser. The sound diffusor can preferably direct sound from the loudspeaker radially outward through the slot. In an alternative embodiment the fixture may include a tan in addition to, or instead of, the light. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20080311786 | CABLE SLACK MANAGER SYSTEM AND METHOD - A cable slack management system is used in conjunction with a conventional component rack to secure cables of excess length to minimize disturbance, interference, and general clutter that the excess cable length would otherwise cause. In one implementation, the cable slack management system includes a slack management panel that is attached to two opposing vertical members of a rack to extend horizontally between the members as a cross-member of the rack. If more than one cable slack management system is installed in a rack, typically the slack management panels are placed between component panels in some alternating fashion. In an alternative implementation, the slack management panels are vertically oriented, and are typically mounted adjacent to a rack. The cable slack management system also includes one or more cable spools for each slack management panel. The cable spools allow cable to be wrapped around them thereby securing the cable. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080276154 | LIGHTING CONTROL PROTOCOL - A digital lighting control network protocol with forward and backward frames, each of the frames including an error check code. A no-acknowledgment (NAK) signal is sent from a receiving node to a transmitting node responsive to the error check code. An interface circuit of the receiving node may include an energy storage section to store at least some energy from the network while receiving digital signals, and an output section to transmit digital signals to the network using the stored energy. The interface circuit may also include a high voltage buffer circuit. The transmitting node may send forward frames to receiving nodes based on device type. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080273754 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DEFINING AN AREA OF INTEREST FOR IMAGE SENSING - A method for defining an area of interest or a trip line using a camera by tracking the movement of a person within a field of view of the camera. The area of interest is defined by a path or boundary indicated by the person's movement. Alternatively, a trip line comprising a path between a starting point and a stopping point may be defined by tracking the movement of the person within the camera's field of view. An occupancy sensor may be structured to sense the movement of an occupant within an area, and to adjust the lighting in the area accordingly if the occupant enters the area of interest or crosses the trip line. The occupancy sensor includes an image sensor coupled to a processor, an input facility such as a pushbutton to receive input, and an output facility such as an electronic beeper to provide feedback to the person defining the area of interest or the trip line. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080272586 | MULTI-PART IDENTIFICATION LABELS - Information about an object such as its name, identification number, manufacture date, lot number, serial number or communication address is placed on each part of a multi-part label is affixed to the object so that at least one of the multiple parts can be detached and then affixed to another object, thus transferring the information to the second object. Applications include identifying computer equipment, electrical and electronic devices, construction fixtures such as luminaries, ballasts, light switches, electrical outlets, faucets and door locks; medicines, and bulk containers of liquids and gases. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080259533 | POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT WITH TWO POLE CIRCUIT BREAKER - A power distribution unit includes a two pole circuit breaker having a first pole electrically coupled to an x-phase circuit portion of the power distribution unit and having a second pole electrically coupled to a y-phase circuit portion of the power distribution unit. The two pole circuit breaker is so designed that both of the two poles of the circuit breaker trip simultaneously and open even when an undesired electrical condition exists on the portion of the power distribution unit electrically coupled to only one of the poles. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080258026 | EQUIPMENT RACK SUPPORT BRACKET FOR POWER DISTRIBUTION UNITS - A bracket shaped to support and position equipment such as an exemplary power distribution unit in various orientations in an equipment rack. The bracket has a number of slots to receive mounting screws for coupling the bracket to the equipment rack and to the equipment. | 10-23-2008 |
