| PASS & SEYMOUR, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120068623 | ELECTRICAL WIRING DEVICE - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a lighting assembly module disposed in the housing assembly and coupled to a set of line terminals, the lighting assembly includes at least one light emitting device. An ambient light sensor is disposed in the housing assembly and substantially optically decoupled from the lighting assembly, the ambient light sensor provides an electrical sensor signal corresponding to an ambient light level at or proximate to the ambient light sensor. A rechargeable electrical storage device is coupled to the set of line terminals, the rechargeable electrical storage device being charged by the source of AC power to a predetermined voltage threshold. A control circuit is coupled to the set of line terminals, the lighting assembly module and the ambient light sensor. The control circuit is configured to provide a modulated lighting control signal to the lighting assembly module when AC power is being provided by the source of AC power, the modulated lighting control signal being a function of the AC power and the electrical sensor signal, the modulated lighting control signal being configured to adjust an intensity of the light emitted by the at least one light emitting device such that the intensity is a function of the ambient light level. The control circuit is further configured to provide a second lighting control signal configured to turn the lighting assembly ON at a predetermined intensity for a predetermined period of time when AC power is not being provided by the source of AC power, the second lighting control signal being provided by the rechargeable electrical storage device. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20110261490 | PROTECTION DEVICE WITH A SANDWICHED CANTILEVER BREAKER MECHANISM - The present invention is directed to a protective electrical wiring device that includes a housing assembly having a plurality of receptacle terminals comprising hot user-accessible terminal structure and a neutral user-accessible terminal structure accessible via at least one user-accessible receptacle. A circuit interrupting assembly is coupled to a fault detection circuit. The circuit interrupting assembly is configured to establish electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals and the plurality of receptacle terminals in a reset state and interrupt the electrical continuity in a tripped state. The circuit interrupting assembly includes at least one first circuit interrupter member and at least one second circuit interrupter member, the at least one first circuit interrupter member being configured to drive the at least one second circuit interrupter member into the reset state in response to a make force. The at least one first circuit interrupter member and the at least one second circuit interrupter member are counter-driven into the tripped state by a break force. At least one stop member is disposed in a substantially fixed position relative to the housing assembly. The at least one stop member is configured to limit the movement of the at least one second circuit interrupter member such that a gap between the at least one first circuit interrupter member and the at least one second circuit interrupter member is substantially equal to a predetermined distance in the tripped state. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110242711 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE WITH IMPROVED SURGE PROTECTION - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring protection device that includes a housing assembly having a plurality of line terminals and a plurality of load terminals. A fault detection circuit is coupled to at least one of the plurality of line terminals and configured to generate a fault detection signal in response to detecting at least one fault condition in the electrical distribution system. A circuit interrupter assembly is coupled to the fault detection circuit. The circuit interrupter assembly is configured to couple the plurality of line terminals to the plurality of load terminals to form a conductive electrical path in a reset state, and decouple the plurality of line terminals from the plurality of load terminals in response to a fault detection signal in a tripped state. A voltage transient suppression circuit is connected between the plurality of line terminals, the voltage transient suppression circuit including a movistor differentially coupled relative to the at least one sensor circuit such that one lead of the movistor is coupled to a first line conductor disposed on a line side of the at least one sensor circuit and another lead of the movistor is coupled to a second line conductor disposed on a load side of the at least one sensor circuit. A movistor protection circuit is coupled in series to the movistor, the movistor protection circuit being configured to limit an amount of electrical energy applied to the movistor as a function of at least one electrical parameter. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110222195 | PLUG TAIL SYSTEMS - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring system for use in an AC electrical power distribution circuit including at least one first AC power conductor disposed between an upstream AC power element and a device box and at least one second AC power conductor disposed between the device box and a downstream AC power element. The at least one first AC power conductor and the at least one second AC power conductor are routed into an interior portion of the device box and accessible via a front open face of the device box. The system includes a connector device including a connector housing having a plurality of connector contacts disposed therein. The plurality of connector contacts are coupled to termination structures configured to couple the at least one first AC power conductor and the at least one second AC power conductor to corresponding contacts of the plurality of connector contacts. An electrical wiring device includes a device housing having a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion includes at least one user-accessible control element disposed thereon. The at least one user-accessible control element is coupled to an electrical switch mechanism disposed in the device housing and coupled to a plurality of device contacts. The plurality of device contacts are accessible by way of a device connection arrangement formed in the rear portion of the device housing. The plurality of device contacts are configured to mate with the plurality of connector contacts when the connector device is coupled to the device connection arrangement. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110216453 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR AN ELECTRICAL SUPPLY FACILITY - The present invention is directed to an electrical device configured to be disposed in an electrical distribution system between a source of electrical power and an electrical load. The electrical distribution system includes at least one line hot conductor, a line neutral conductor, and a line ground conductor. The line neutral conductor is connected to the line ground conductor at a termination point in the electrical distribution system. The electrical load includes at least one load hot conductor, a load neutral conductor, and a load ground conductor. The device includes a grounding confirmation circuit that includes at least one signal generator that directs at least one test signal into a current path that includes at least the line ground conductor. The grounding confirmation circuit is configured to determine a ground continuity status of the current path based on at least one ground continuity measurement. The circuit interrupter is prevented from entering the reset state if the at least one ground continuity measurement does not meet a predefined quality threshold. The at least one ground continuity measurement being a function of the at least one electrical load parameter after the circuit interrupter is in the reset state. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110216452 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR AN ELECTRICAL SUPPLY FACILITY - The present invention is directed to an electrical device configured to be disposed in an electrical distribution system between a source of electrical power and an electrical load. The electrical distribution system includes at least one line hot conductor, a line neutral conductor, and a line ground conductor. The line neutral conductor and the line ground conductor are connected to earth ground at a termination point in the electrical distribution system. The electrical load includes at least one load hot conductor, a load neutral conductor, and a load ground conductor. The device comprises a power supply coupled to the power input mechanism. The power supply comprises at least one DC voltage output terminal and a reference terminal coupled to the line ground termination element. A voltage parameter detection circuit is configured to take a first voltage reading from a first termination element of the plurality of line termination elements and a second voltage reading from a second termination element of the plurality of line termination elements to derive at least one voltage parameter therefrom. The first voltage reading and the second voltage reading are referenced to the reference terminal. The circuit interrupter is driven into the tripped state if the at least one voltage parameter does not meet a predetermined condition, the voltage parameter detection circuit being operational when the reference terminal is not at an earth ground potential. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110216451 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR AN ELECTRICAL SUPPLY FACILITY - The present invention is directed to a protective device configured to be disposed in an electrical distribution system between a source of electrical power and an electrical load. The electrical distribution system includes at least one line hot conductor, a line neutral conductor, and a line ground conductor. The line neutral conductor is connected to the line ground conductor at a termination point in the electrical distribution system. The electrical load includes at least one load hot conductor, a load neutral conductor, and a load ground conductor, the device comprises a conditioning circuit configured to monitor a differential current flowing through the plurality of line termination elements and configured to generate a conditioning signal in response thereto. The conditioning signal propagates in a path formed by the line neutral conductor and the line ground conductor to thereby reduce a differential current propagating in the at least one line hot conductor and the line neutral conductor. The conditioning circuit also is configured to neutralize a substantial portion of a current associated with a non-fault related electrical perturbation. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110188160 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE HAVING A THIN CONSTRUCTION - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a housing having a front cover member having a front major surface. The front major surface includes at least one set of receptacle openings formed in at least one end thereof. The at least one set of receptacle openings is configured to accommodate at least one plug set including a ground prong, hot plug blade and neutral plug blade. The housing further comprises a front cover member, a back cover member, and an electrically isolating separator member disposed therebetween. The electrically isolating separator member includes at least one ground compartment configured to accommodate and electrically isolate the ground prong. A protective circuit assembly is at least partially disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) that is positioned in the back cover member such that a lower spatial region is formed between the PCB and the at least one ground compartment. The lower spatial region is within a lower plane substantially parallel to the back major surface. The protective circuit assembly includes an actuator assembly and a toroidal sensor having a central toroid aperture. The actuator assembly includes a solenoid coil operatively connected to a latch block assembly. The at least one ground compartment, the toroidal sensor and the solenoid coil are substantially aligned with a central longitudinal plane normal to the front major surface. An end portion of the actuator assembly is substantially adjacent a side wall of the at least one ground compartment and the central toroid aperture is substantially disposed in the lower plane such that a distance from the interior ground strap portion and the back major surface is less than or equal to a predetermined distance. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110156920 | PROTECTIVE ELECTRICAL WIRING DEVICE WITH A CENTER NIGHTLIGHT - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a cover assembly is coupled to the housing. The cover assembly includes at least one set of receptacle openings disposed on either side of a central portion of the cover assembly in communication with a portion of the plurality of receptacle terminals. A fault detection circuit is configured to provide a fault detection output in response to detecting a fault condition. A circuit interrupter is coupled between the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals. A light assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals. The light assembly has a light transmission region disposed in the central portion and occupying a substantial portion of a width of the cover assembly. The light assembly is selectively driven from a deenergized state to a light emitting state in response to a predetermined stimulus. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110148423 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE WITH AUTOMATED SELF-TEST - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes at least one sensor that provides a sensor output signal corresponding to electrical perturbations propagating on the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals. A protective circuit assembly configured to detect a fault condition when the sensor output signal substantially corresponds to at least one predetermined fault criterion and generate a trip actuation signal in response thereto. A solenoid coil is configured to generate a trip actuation force in response to the trip actuation signal. A circuit interrupter assembly includes movable contacts configured to be driven into a tripped state in response to the trip actuation force. An automatic fault simulation circuit is configured to generate a self-test signal without execution of software code. The self-test signal is generated such that it is sensed by the at least one sensor if the at least one sensor is operational. An end-of-life detection circuit is coupled to the protective circuit assembly. The end-of-life detection circuit is configured to monitor the protective circuit assembly without execution of software code. The end-of-life detection circuit is configured to substantially inhibit the trip actuation force when the protective circuit assembly detects the fault condition and generates the trip actuation signal in response to the self-test signal. The end-of-life detection circuit is configured to generate an end-of-life response if the protective circuit assembly does not respond to the self-test signal within a predetermined period of time. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110115511 | ELECTRICAL DEVICE WITH MISWIRE PROTECTION AND AUTOMATED TESTING - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes an actuator assembly that is responsive to the fault detection signal. The actuator assembly includes a breaker coil configured to generate an actuation force in response to being energized. A circuit interrupter includes four sets of movable contacts configured to be driven into a reset state in response to a reset stimulus, the four sets of movable contacts being configured to be driven into a tripped state in response to the actuation force. A self-test circuit is coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the at least one sensor. The self-test circuit is configured to automatically generate a test signal from time to time during a predetermined portion of an AC power line cycle. The self-test circuit is configured such that the test signal is sensed by the at least one sensor when the at least one sensor is operational, the sensor output signal being a function of the test signal. A monitor circuit is configured to monitor the fault detection circuit or the actuator assembly; the mechanical actuation force is substantially inhibited when the fault detection circuit or at least a portion of the actuator assembly properly respond to the test signal. The monitor circuit generates an end-of-life response if the fault detection circuit or the actuator assembly do not respond to the test signal within a predetermined period of time. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110080677 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE - The present invention is directed to a protective device that includes a plurality of line terminals and a plurality of load terminals, the plurality of load terminals including a plurality of hot load terminals and a plurality of neutral load terminals. The device also includes a circuit interrupter having four sets of moveable contacts, the four sets of moveable contacts being configured to couple the plurality of line terminal to the plurality of load terminals in a reset state and to decouple the plurality of line terminals from the plurality of load terminals in a tripped state. A test circuit includes an end of life detection circuit coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals by a switch mechanism associated with the four sets of moveable contacts. The test circuit includes a manually actuatable button and a fusible element, the fusible element assuming a permanently open state if the circuit interrupter does not enter the tripped state within a predetermined period after the manually actuatable button has been actuated. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20100123982 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE HAVING A THIN CONSTRUCTION - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a front cover member having a front major surface and a back cover member having a back major surface substantially in parallel with the front major surface. The housing further includes an electrically isolating member disposed between the front cover member and the back cover member such that a front interior region is formed between the front cover member and the electrically isolating member and a rear interior region is formed between the back cover member and the electrically isolating member. The user accessible reset button assembly establishes a plane normal to the major front surface and subdividing the rear interior region into a first rear interior region portion and a second rear interior region portion. The interrupting contact assembly is configured to provide electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals and the plurality of receptacle terminals in a reset state. The plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals and the plurality of receptacle terminals are decoupled in a tripped state. A protective electrical assembly includes a sensor assembly coupled to the plurality of line terminals and a solenoid assembly coupled to the interrupting contact assembly. The sensor assembly and the solenoid assembly are substantially disposed in the first rear interior region portion. The sensor assembly includes at least one toroidal transformer having a toroidal axis and the solenoid assembly including a solenoid coil having a solenoid coil axis. The toroidal axis and the solenoid coil axis are substantially parallel to one another. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100053826 | Electrical Wiring Device - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a plurality of line terminals including a line hot terminal and a line neutral terminal, and a plurality of load terminals including a load hot terminal and a load neutral terminal. An interrupting contact assembly includes four sets of interrupting contacts configured to provide electrical continuity at least between the line hot terminal and the load hot terminal and the line neutral terminal and the load neutral terminal in a reset state. The four sets of interrupting contacts are open in a tripped state. A miswire prevention arrangement is configured to prevent the interrupting contact assembly from maintaining the reset state when the load hot terminal and the load neutral terminal are connected to a source of AC power. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20090311892 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE WITH TAMPER RESISTANT SHUTTERS - The present invention is directed to a modular shutter assembly for use within various types of electrical wiring devices having differing amperage ratings. Each of the electrical wiring devices includes a housing assembly. The housing assembly further includes a cover assembly and a rear body member. The cover assembly includes at least one set of receptacle openings configured to receive a corded plug blade set having a hot plug blade and a neutral plug blade. The modular shutter assembly includes a first shutter member having a first blade engagement structure. The first shutter member is configured to be disposed within an interior portion of the cover assembly and disposed between the at least one set of receptacle openings and the at least one set of receptacle contacts. A second shutter member includes a second blade engagement structure. The second shutter member is slidably disposed within the first shutter member. An interface is formed in either the first shutter member or the second shutter member or both. The interface is configured to connect a third shutter member to the modular shutter assembly. The interface is configured to drive the third shutter into an open position only when the first shutter member and the second shutter member move relative to each other in response to the first blade engagement structure and the second blade engagement structure being substantially simultaneously engaged by a set of plug blades. The interface does not interfere with the operation of the first shutter member and the second shutter member when the modular shutter assembly is used without the third shutter member. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090284880 | Protection Device with Lockout Test - The present invention is directed to a protective device the includes a plurality of line terminals and a plurality of load terminals. A detection circuit is coupled to the plurality of line terminals. The detection circuit is configured to generate a sensor signal in response to an electrical perturbation propagating on the plurality of line terminals and/or the plurality of load terminals. A fault detection circuit is coupled to detection circuit. The fault detection circuit is configured to generate a fault detection signal when the electrical perturbation exceeds a predetermined level. An actuation assembly is coupled to the fault detection circuit. The actuation assembly is configured to generate a trip actuation in response to the fault detection signal. A circuit interrupter assembly is coupled to the fault detection circuit. The circuit interrupter assembly includes a set of movable contacts configured to be driven into a tripped state in response to the trip actuation and driven into a reset state in response to a reset actuation. A reset mechanism is coupled to the circuit interrupter assembly. The reset mechanism is configured to provide the reset actuation in response to a user reset input. A test assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals, the detection circuit, the actuation circuit and the reset mechanism. The test assembly includes a test circuit configured to generate a simulated electrical perturbation exceeding the predetermined level in response to a user test input. The test assembly also includes a test timing mechanism coupled to the reset mechanism. The test timing mechanism is configured to drive the circuit interrupter into the tripped state and disable the reset mechanism if any one of the detection circuit, fault detection circuit, actuation assembly, or circuit interrupter assembly fail before a predetermined time elapses such that the device is permanently inoperable. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090251148 | Protective Device with End-Of-Life Indication Before Power Denial - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes an automatic self-test assembly coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals, the detection circuit, the fault detection circuit and the circuit interrupter assembly. The automatic self-test assembly is configured to cause the detection circuit to generate a simulated sensor fault signal during a predetermined half-cycle of an AC line cycle in accordance with a predetermined periodic testing schedule, monitor the fault detection signal corresponding to the simulated sensor fault signal, and generate a test result signal based on monitoring the fault detection signal. The automatic self-test assembly also includes a noise immunized decision circuit configured to evaluate a plurality of test results to thereby provide a noise immunized end-of-life signal. One of the conductive paths that connects the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals being interrupted in response to the noise immunized end-of-life signal. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090197461 | Plug Tail Lighting Switch and Control System - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring system for use in an AC electrical power distribution circuit including at least one first AC power conductor disposed between an upstream AC power element and a device box and at least one second AC power conductor disposed between the device box and a downstream AC power element. The at least one first AC power conductor and the at least one second AC power conductor are routed into an interior portion of the device box and accessible via a front open face of the device box. The system includes a connector device including a connector housing having a plurality of connector contacts disposed therein. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090186500 | SHOCK-PROOF ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM - The present invention is directed to a shock-proof electrical wiring system for use in an AC electrical power distribution circuit including a plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires disposed between an AC power distribution point and a device box, a portion of the plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires being routed into an interior portion of the device box. The system includes a connector device having a connector housing. A plurality of connector contacts are disposed substantially inaccessible to a user within the connector housing. The plurality of connector electrical contacts are connected to a termination arrangement. The termination arrangement is configured to be connected to the portion of the plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires. An electrical wiring device includes a housing assembly that has at least one set of user-accessible receptacle openings disposed in a front major surface thereof in operative alignment with at least one shutter assembly configured to move from a closed position to an open position only in response to engaging a set of plug blades. The at least one shutter assembly is secured within the housing assembly by a plurality of registration elements disposed along at least two orthogonal axes of the shutter assembly such that the at least one shutter assembly is substantially fixed along a first axis of the at least two axes, portions of the at least one shutter assembly being slidably movable between an open position and a closed position along the second axis of the at least two axes, the housing assembly including an AC circuit assembly coupled to at least one set of receptacle contacts disposed in substantial alignment with the at least one shutter assembly, the housing assembly further including a power input arrangement formed in a rear portion thereof, the power input arrangement including a set of power contacts configured to mate with the plurality of connector contacts within the connector housing to thereby establish electrically continuous paths between the plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires and the AC circuit assembly and the at least one set of receptacle contacts, the portion of the AC power transmitting wires being stowed within the interior portion of the device box when the electrical wiring device is mounted to the device box. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090184787 | Protective Device Having a Thin Construction - The present invention is directed to a wiring device that includes a front cover assembly. The front cover assembly includes a front cover having at least one plug receptacle opening disposed therein. A ground strap is coupled to the cover assembly. A device assembly includes a plurality of line terminals configured to be connected to an AC power source, a plurality of load terminals configured to be connected to a downstream load, and at least one set of receptacle load terminals in communication with the at least one receptacle opening. The device assembly also includes a fault response circuit coupled to the plurality of line terminals. A back cover is coupled to the front cover assembly to accommodate the device assembly therein. The ground strap element is disposed between the front cover assembly and the back cover. The back cover extending beyond the ground strap a distance substantially less than or equal to one inch. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090141477 | Illuminated Face Receptacle Structure - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a body member including a hot line terminal interface element and a neutral line terminal interface element accessible from an exterior portion of the body member. The body member also includes a hot load contact structure electrically coupled to the hot line terminal interface element and a neutral load contact structure electrically coupled to the neutral line terminal interface element, both the hot load contact structure and the neutral load contact structure being disposed in an interior portion of the body member. A cover member is coupled to the body member and including at least one receptacle face structure. The at least one receptacle face structure includes a set of receptacle outlet openings formed in a substantially planar portion thereof. The set of receptacle outlet openings includes a neutral opening and a hot opening in alignment with the neutral load contact structure and the hot load contact structure, respectively, the at least one receptacle face structure forming an interior region including at least one reflective surface formed therein. A light emission circuit assembly includes at least one light emitting device disposed in the interior region. The at least one light emitting device being is offset a predetermined distance from an interior surface of the substantially planar portion. The at least one light emitting device is configured to emit illumination in a plane that is substantially parallel to the interior surface such that the emitted illumination is diffusely reflected by the at least one reflective surface onto the interior surface of the planar portion and into the neutral opening and the hot opening. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090139742 | Recessed While-In-Use Electrical Box - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring box assembly that includes an inner wall box including a peripheral inner wall bounded and enclosed by a rear wall and open at a front end of the inner wall box to form an inner volume. The inner wall box also includes an inner wall flange extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an exterior surface of the peripheral inner wall at predetermined distance from the front inner wall box end. The inner wall flange includes a plurality of apertures formed therein. The inner wall box further includes a plurality of device mounting bosses extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an interior surface of the rear wall. An intermediate box includes a peripheral intermediate wall portion configured to fit within the inner volume. The peripheral intermediate wall is bounded by a rear ledge extending inwardly and perpendicularly from a back end of the peripheral intermediate wall to form an intermediate volume in communication with the inner volume at the back end and open at a front intermediate wall box end The intermediate box further includes an outer wall flange extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an exterior surface of the peripheral intermediate wall at predetermined distance from the front end of the peripheral intermediate wall. A rear wall portion of the outer wall flange is configured to abut the front inner wall box end such that the rear edge is substantially aligned with the plurality of device mounting bosses. A cover assembly is removably coupled to the intermediate box, the cover assembly providing access to the intermediate volume in an open position and substantially sealing the intermediate volume and the inner volume in a closed position. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090052120 | Protective Device with Tamper Resistant Shutters - The present invention is directed to a protective shutter assembly for use within a cover assembly of an electrical wiring device. The assembly includes a frameless shutter sub-assembly movable between a closed position and an open position. The frameless shutter sub-assembly is configured to move from the closed position to the open position in response to engaging at least one plug blade having a predetermined plug blade geometry. A spring member is disposed within the frameless shutter sub-assembly. The spring member is configured to bias the frameless shutter sub-assembly in the closed position. At least one retainer element is disposed in the frameless shutter sub-assembly. The at least one retainer element being configured to retain the spring member within the frameless shutter sub-assembly. At least one registration member is disposed on the frameless shutter sub-assembly, the at least one registration member being configured to position and align the protective shutter assembly within the cover assembly. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090045817 | ELECTRICAL TESTING DEVICE - The present invention is directed to an electrical testing device for use in an AC electrical power distribution circuit including a plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires coupled between an AC power distribution point and a device box. The device includes a plurality of electrical probes configured for insertion into an outlet receptacle. A plug test connection arrangement is configured to receive a plug connector when inserted therein. The plug connector includes a plurality of plug contacts and a termination arrangement configured to terminate the plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires such that electrical continuity is established between the AC power distribution point and the plurality of plug contacts. The plug test connection arrangement includes a plurality of test contacts configured to mate with the plurality of plug contacts when the plug connector is inserted into the plug test connection arrangement. The termination arrangement being in a detached relationship from the device box after the plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires are terminated. An electrical test circuit is configured to perform at least one electrical test. The electrical test circuit includes a switch mechanism configured to connect the electrical test circuit to the plurality of electrical probes at a first switch setting or connect the electrical test circuit to the plurality of test contacts at a second switch setting. At least one shock mitigation structure is coupled to the plurality of electrical probes or the plug test connection arrangement and is configured to prevent user access to the plurality of electrical probes or the plug test connection arrangement. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090035989 | COMPACT ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM - The present invention is directed to a electrical wiring system that includes a plug connector having of plug contacts configured to terminate a plurality of wires. The system also includes an electrical wiring device having a cover member, a body member, a ground strap assembly disposed between the cover member and the body member, and a receptacle formed in a rear portion of the body member, the receptacle being configured to accept the plug connector. The ground strap assembly is configured to conform to at least one body member feature such that a distance from the ground strap assembly to a major rear surface of the body member is less than a predetermined distance. The receptacle includes a plurality of receptacle contacts configured to mate with the plurality of plug contacts when the plug connector is inserted into the receptacle. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090035967 | Electrical wiring device with a center nightlight and a plurality of safety features - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a housing having a plurality of line terminals and a plurality of load terminals. A cover assembly is coupled to the housing. The cover assembly includes a first set of receptacle openings and a second set of receptacle openings. A plurality of receptacle terminals are disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of load terminals. The plurality of receptacle terminals include a first set of receptacle terminals in communication with the first set of receptacle openings and a second set of receptacle terminals in communication with the second set of receptacle openings. A first protective shutter assembly is disposed in the cover assembly between the first set of receptacle openings and the first set of receptacle terminals and a second protective shutter assembly disposed in the cover assembly between the second set of receptacle openings and the second set of receptacle terminals. Each protective shutter assembly is configured to move from a closed position to an open position in response to engaging a set of plug blades to thereby establish electrical continuity between the corresponding set of receptacle terminals and the set of plug blades. A light assembly is disposed in a central portion of the cover assembly between the first set of receptacle openings and the second set of receptacle openings. The light assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals. The light assembly has a light transmission region occupying a substantial portion of a width of the cover assembly. The light assembly is selectively driven from a deenergized state to a light emitting state in response to a predetermined stimulus. The light assembly directs emitted light into a spatial volume proximate the device via the light transmissive region in the light emitting state. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090033247 | Electrical Wiring Device with a Center Nightlight Having Automatic and Manual Control Features - The present invention is directed to a electrical wiring device that includes a housing having a plurality of line terminals. A cover assembly is coupled to the housing, the cover assembly including at least one set of receptacle openings disposed on either side of a central portion of the cover assembly. A plurality of receptacle terminals are disposed in the housing, each of the plurality of receptacle terminals being coupled to a corresponding one of a plurality of load terminal structures. Each of the plurality of receptacle terminals is in communication with a corresponding one of the at least one set of receptacle openings. A light assembly is disposed in the central portion of the cover assembly and coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals. The light assembly has a light transmission region disposed in the central portion. The light transmissive region occupies a substantial portion of a width of the cover assembly. An automatic control mechanism is coupled to the light assembly and configured to selectively drive the light assembly from a deenergized state to a light emitting state in response to a predetermined stimulus. A manual control mechanism is coupled to the light assembly and configured to selectively regulate the amount of light transmitted by the light assembly when in the light emitting state. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090032278 | Protective Electrical Wiring Device with a Center Nightlight - The present invention is directed to a electrical wiring device that includes a housing having a plurality of line terminals and a plurality of load terminals, the plurality of load terminals including a plurality of receptacle terminals. A cover assembly is coupled to the housing. The cover assembly includes at least one set of receptacle openings disposed on either side of a central portion of the cover assembly. Each of the at least one set of receptacle openings is in communication with a portion of the plurality of receptacle terminals. A fault detection assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals. The fault detection circuit is configured to provide a fault detection output in response to detecting a fault condition. A circuit interrupter is coupled between the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals. The circuit interrupter includes a first set of contacts configured to provide at least one electrically continuous path between the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals in a reset state. The first set of contacts is configured to disconnect the at least one electrically continuous path in response to the fault detection output to thereby enter a tripped state. A light assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals. The light assembly has a light transmission region disposed in the central portion and occupying a substantial portion of a width of the cover assembly. The light assembly is selectively driven from a deenergized state to a light emitting state in response to a predetermined stimulus. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20080204034 | Automated Electrical Wiring Inspection System - The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring inspection system that includes a user interface device including processor circuitry, a user interface, and a first communications interface. The first communications interface is configured to transmit configuration data related to a plurality of electrical test procedures and receive test data corresponding to a plurality of electrical parameters. A branch circuit analysis device is configured to be coupled to the user interface device via the first communications interface and at least one branch circuit by at least one test connector. The branch circuit analysis device includes processor circuitry, branch circuit test circuitry configured to perform one or more of the plurality of electrical test procedures, and a second communications interface configured to transmit and receive configuration data related to a plurality of electrical test procedures and transmit and receive test data corresponding to a plurality of electrical parameters. A panel interface device is configured to be coupled to a load center panel and the branch circuit analysis device via the second communications interface. The panel interface device includes processor circuitry and load center test circuitry configured to perform one or more of the plurality of electrical test procedures. | 08-28-2008 |
