DC power outlets in fixed power distribution systems in or on wall installations

• US 8,610,313 B2
• Filed: 02/15/2012
• Issued: 12/17/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Wiremold Co (Legrand SA)
• Original Assignee: Wiremold Co (Legrand SA)
• Inventors: Makwinski, Mark
• Primary Examiner(s): CAVALLARI, DANIEL J
• Application Number:
  US13/396,993
• Publication Number:
  US 20120139745A1
• Time in Patent Office: 671 Days
• Field of Search: 710/16, 710/36, 320/103, 320/107, 713/300, 307/122
• US Class Current: 307/122
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/26 Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof for memories G11C
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/44 Means for preventing access to live contacts making use of a switch actuated by engagement of counterpart H01R13/7036
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/516 Means for holding or embracing insulating body, e.g. casing , hoods
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/665 with built-in electronic circuit H01R13/70, H01R13/719 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/701 the switch being actuated by an accessory, e.g. cover, locking member
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7175 Light emitting diodes (LEDs)
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/73 Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2107/00 Four or more poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/62 Sliding engagements with one side only, e.g. modular jack coupling devices
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/006 the coupling part being secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. duplex wall receptacle
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 27/02 for simultaneous co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/081 Bases, casings or covers
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/12 for flush mounting
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/14 Balancing the load in a network

Abstract

An electrical power distribution system has fixed stations with AC power to DC power conversion circuitry at these stations. The converter(s) are switchable ON/OFF at outlet ports or sockets where the socket configuration permits. Standardized DC sockets accommodate a variety of voltage requirements typical of portable digital devices. In some embodiments feedback circuitry is provided to regulate the power to these devices in accordance with parameters programmed in the portable devices or in the sensing circuitry provided at each station.

Claims

1. An electrical power distribution system, comprising:

an AC to DC converter for providing low voltage DC power;

at least one USB port electrically coupled to said AC to DC converter by a voltage regulator, wherein said USB port is configured to provide a DC voltage line connection but not a data line connection; and

a switch coupled between said AC to DC converter and said USB port to selectively energize said USB port when a plug is inserted, the switch including a rotatable collar housing the USB port;

wherein said switch is configured to turn the AC to DC converter on when a plug is inserted into said USB port, and turn the AC to DC converter off when no plug is inserted into said USB port; and

wherein the switch turns on the AC to DC converter when the USB port is rotated from a first position to a second position and turns off the AC to DC converter when the USB port is rotated from the second position to the first position.

2. The system according to claim 1, further including an indicator activated electrically by said switch for visually indicating the electrical condition of said USB port.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the indicator is an LED indicator.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said switch comprises a moveable support, whereby inserting a plug into said USB port energizes said AC to DC converter and provides DC voltage to the USB port.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said USB port is configured to provide various DC voltages for powering devices having various voltage requirements.