Switching electrical receptacle
US5147988A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 1991 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S439/911
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A switching electrical receptacle includes a fixed set of female contacts mounted to be connected to electric power lines. A housing supports a plurality of sliding contacts of substantially cylindrical symmetry disposed parallel to an axis. The housing can be slid axially into and out of electrical contact with the female contacts to make or break a circuit. The sliding contacts are in permanent sliding contact with another set of female contacts that are connected to load terminals that are adapted to receive an electric plug. Each sliding contact is split along its axis and is spring-loaded from within to exert radial forces that assure good electrical connections between the sliding contact and each set of female contacts. Seals are readily installed in the housing to make the receptacle explosion-proof and also appropriate for outdoor use.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.