US4575595A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular power interface system for providing power to cargo containers
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1985-02-27
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Granted: 1986-03-11
•
Expires: 2005-02-27
Abstract
Abstract A modular system (10) for interfacing a power source with cargo containers (16) requiring a source of power comprises a housing (12), at least one bus bar (22, 24, 26) secured in the housing (12) and connected to the power source, a plurality of modular units (14) receivable in chambers (20) in the housing (12), each modular unit (14) including a receptacle (48) secured to the front of the unit for receiving a cable plug (58) connected to a cargo container (16), means (96) electrically connecting the unit (14) to the bus bar when the unit is fully received in a chamber, a circuit breaker (72) in series with the receptacle (48) and the bus bar (22, 24, 26) via the connecting means (96), a switch (88) operable from the front of the unit for opening and closing the circuit breaker (72), locking means (118) behind the front panel (30) of the unit (14 ) and movable between a locking position wherein insertion of the cable plug (58) into the receptacle (48) is blocked and an unlocked position wherein the receptacle is unblocked, and means (120, 121) connecting the locking means (118) to the switch (88) for moving the locking means to the locking position when the switch (88) is operated to energize the circuit breaker (72) and to the unlocking position when the switch is operated to deenergize the circuit breaker (72). The invention also comprises the modular unit (14), the receptacle (48) the plug (58) for use with the modular system of the invention.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael J. Gill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 23:40
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H9/00; H01H9/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 48
Claim 1
Independent Claim
251 words
A system for interfacing a power source with cargo containers requiring a source of power, comprising: a housing defining a plurality of openings in a wall thereof, each opening communicating with a chamber in said housing; means secured in said housing for electrical connection to said power source; a plurality of modular units receivable in said chambers through said openings, each unit comprising (a) a frame having a front panel; (b) a receptacle secured to said front panel and suitable for receiving a plug on a cable connected to a cargo container for providing power from said power source to said container; (c) means secured to said frame for electrical connection to said power source connection means when the unit is fully received in a chamber; (d) circuit breaker means secured to said frame and connected in series with said receptacle and said bus bar connecting means; (e) switch means operable from said front panel for opening and closing said circuit breaker means; (f) locking means disposed behind said front panel for movement between a locking position wherein said locking means blocks insertion of said plug into said receptacle and an unlocking position wherein said locking means unblocks said receptacle; and (g) means for operatively connecting said locking means to said switch means for moving said locking means to said locking position when said switch means is operated to energize said circuit breaker means and to said unlocking position when said switch means is operated to deenergize said circuit breaker means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
251 words
A system for interfacing a power source with cargo containers requiring a source of power, comprising: a housing defining a plurality of openings in a wall thereof, each opening communicating with a chamber in said housing; means secured in said housing for electrical connection to said power source; a plurality of modular units receivable in said chambers through said openings, each unit comprising (a) a frame having a front panel; (b) a receptacle secured to said front panel and suitable for receiving a plug on a cable connected to a cargo container for providing power from said power source to said container; (c) means secured to said frame for electrical connection to said power source connection means when the unit is fully received in a chamber; (d) circuit breaker means secured to said frame and connected in series with said receptacle and said bus bar connecting means; (e) switch means operable from said front panel for opening and closing said circuit breaker means; (f) locking means disposed behind said front panel for movement between a locking position wherein said locking means blocks insertion of said plug into said receptacle and an unlocking position wherein said locking means unblocks said receptacle; and (g) means for operatively connecting said locking means to said switch means for moving said locking means to said locking position when said switch means is operated to energize said circuit breaker means and to said unlocking position when said switch means is operated to deenergize said circuit breaker means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system according to claim 1, and further comprising a slot in said receptacle, and wherein said locking means includes a portion extending into said receptacle through said slot when said locking means is in said locking position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
70 words
The system according to claim 2, wherein said plug connector comprises an element of said system, said plug connector having an indent therein positioned for alignment with said slot in said receptacle when said plug connector is fully inserted therein, said locking means portion seating in said indent when said locking means is in said locking position for preventing withdrawal of said plug connector when said circuit breaker is energized.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
68 words
The system according to claim 3, wherein said indent is in a sidewall of said plug connector, said locking means striking an unindented portion of said sidewall when said plug connector is not fully inserted in said receptacle and it is attempted to operate said switch to energize said circuit breaker, whereby said circuit breaker cannot be energized unless said plug connector is fully inserted in said receptacle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
78 words
The system according to claim 4, wherein said operative connecting means comprises said front panel having a slot therein, said locking means having an aperture therein, and said switch means including a stem extending through said slot and said aperture, said stem having a groove at a point where said stem passes through said aperture to permit said stem to pivot in said aperture without jamming during movement of said locking means between said locking and unlocking positions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system according to claim 5, and further comprising a bracket having a slot therein secured to the rear face of said front panel, said locking means extending through said slot and being guided thereby in its path of travel between said locking and unlocking positions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
The system according to claim 6, and further comprising a base plate secured to said frame, a backing plate, and means for joining said base plate to said backing plate in adjustable spaced apart relation, said circuit breaker being secured to said frame by disposition between said base plate and said backing plate.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The modular unit according to claim 7, wherein said means secured in said housing for connection to the power source comprises a bus bar, and wherein said means secured to said frame for electrical connection to said bus bar comprises bus bar connecting means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system according to claim 8, and further comprising means for establishing a watertight seal between the respective front panel of a modular unit and said housing wall when said modular unit is received in its respective opening in said housing wall.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system according to claim 9, wherein said frame is generally rectangular and open-sided.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system according to claim 10, wherein the structural components of said system are comprised of a corrosion resistant material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system according to claim 11, wherein said material comprises stainless steel.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
44 words
The modular unit according to claim 1, wherein said means secured in said housing for connection to the power source comprises a bus bar, and wherein said means secured to said frame for electrical connection to said bus bar comprises bus bar connecting means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system according to claim 1, and further comprising means for establishing a watertight seal between the respective front panel of a modular unit and said housing wall when said modular unit is received in its respective opening in said housing wall.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said operative connecting means comprises said front panel having a slot therein, said locking means having an aperture therein, and said switch means including a stem extending through said slot and said aperture, said stem being dimensioned to substantially fully occupy said aperture.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system according to claim 1, and further comprising a bracket secured to the rear face of said front panel and having a slot therein, said locking means extending through said slot and being guided thereby in its path of travel between said locking and unlocking positions.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
53 words
The system according to claim 1, and further comprising a base plate secured to said frame, a backing plate, and means for joining said base plate to said backing plate in adjustable spaced apart relation, said circuit breaker being secured to said frame by disposition between said base plate and said backing plate.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said frame is generally rectangular and open-sided.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein the structural components of said system are comprised of a corrosion resistant material.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system according to claim 19, wherein said material comprises stainless steel.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
249 words
A modular unit for use with a system for interfacing a power source with cargo containers requiring a source of power, said system being of the type including a housing defining a plurality of openings in a wall thereof communicating with chambers in the housing, means secured in the housing for electrical connection to the power source, the modular unit comprising: (a) a frame having a front panel; (b) a receptacle secured to said front panel and suitable for receiving a plug on a cable connected to a cargo container for providing power from said power source to said container; (c) means secured to said frame for electrical connection to said power source connection means when the unit is fully received in a chamber; (d) circuit breaker means secured to said frame and connected in series with said receptacle and said power source connecting means; (e) switch means operable from said front panel for opening and closing said circuit breaker means; (f) locking means disposed behind said front panel for movement between a locking position wherein said locking means blocks insertion of said plug into said receptacle and an unlocking position wherein said locking means unblocks said receptacle; and (g) means for operatively connecting said locking means to said switch means for moving said locking means to said locking position when said switch means is operated to energize said circuit breaker means and to said unlocking position when said switch means is operated to deenergize said circuit breaker means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
249 words
A modular unit for use with a system for interfacing a power source with cargo containers requiring a source of power, said system being of the type including a housing defining a plurality of openings in a wall thereof communicating with chambers in the housing, means secured in the housing for electrical connection to the power source, the modular unit comprising: (a) a frame having a front panel; (b) a receptacle secured to said front panel and suitable for receiving a plug on a cable connected to a cargo container for providing power from said power source to said container; (c) means secured to said frame for electrical connection to said power source connection means when the unit is fully received in a chamber; (d) circuit breaker means secured to said frame and connected in series with said receptacle and said power source connecting means; (e) switch means operable from said front panel for opening and closing said circuit breaker means; (f) locking means disposed behind said front panel for movement between a locking position wherein said locking means blocks insertion of said plug into said receptacle and an unlocking position wherein said locking means unblocks said receptacle; and (g) means for operatively connecting said locking means to said switch means for moving said locking means to said locking position when said switch means is operated to energize said circuit breaker means and to said unlocking position when said switch means is operated to deenergize said circuit breaker means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
39 words
The modular unit according to claim 21, and further comprising a slot in said receptacle, and wherein said locking means includes a portion extending into said receptacle through said slot when said locking means is in said locking position.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
71 words
The modular unit according to claim 22, wherein said plug connector comprises an element of said system, said plug connector having an indent therein positioned for alignment with said slot in said receptacle when said plug connector is fully inserted therein, said locking means portion seating in said indent when said locking means is in said locking position for preventing withdrawal of said plug connector when said circuit breaker is energized.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
69 words
The modular unit according to claim 23, wherein said indent is in a sidewall of said plug connector, said locking means striking an unindented portion of said sidewall when said plug connector is not fully inserted in said receptacle and it is attempted to operate said switch to energize said circuit breaker, whereby said circuit breaker cannot be energized unless said plug connector is fully inserted in said receptacle.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
79 words
The modular unit according to claim 24, wherein said operative connecting means comprises said front panel having a slot therein, said locking means having an aperture therein, and said switch means including a stem extending through said slot and said aperture, said stem having a groove at a point where said stem passes through said aperture to permit said stem to pivot in said aperture without jamming during movement of said locking means between said locking and unlocking positions.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
48 words
The modular unit according to claim 25, and further comprising a bracket secured to the rear face of said front panel and having a slot therein, said locking means extending through said slot and being guided thereby in its path of travel between said locking and unlocking positions.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
44 words
The modular unit according to claim 26, wherein said means secured in said housing for connection to the power source comprises a bus bar, and wherein said means secured to said frame for electrical connection to said bus bar comprises bus bar connecting means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system according to claim 27, and further comprising means for establishing a watertight seal between each respective modular unit and said housing.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
54 words
The modular unit according to claim 28, and further comprising a base plate secured to said frame, a backing plate, and means for joining said base plate to said backing plate in adjustable spaced apart relation, said circuit breaker being secured to said frame by disposition between said base plate and said backing plate.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
15 words
The modular unit according to claim 29, wherein said frame is generally rectangular and open-sided.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The modular unit according to claim 30, wherein the structural components of said system are comprised of a corrosion resistant material.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
13 words
The modular unit according to claim 31, wherein said material comprises stainless steel.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
51 words
The modular unit according to claim 21, wherein said operative connecting means comprises said front panel having a slot therein, said locking means having an aperture therein, and said switch means including a stem extending through said slot and said aperture, said stem being dimensioned to substantially fully occupy said aperture.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
48 words
The modular unit according to claim 21, and further comprising a bracket secured to the rear face of said front panel and having a slot therein, said locking means extending through said slot and being guided thereby in its path of travel between said locking and unlocking positions.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
44 words
The modular unit according to claim 21, wherein said means secured in said housing for connection to the power sources comprises a bus bar, and wherein said means secured to said frame for electrical connection to said bus bar comprises bus bar connecting means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system according to claim 21, and further comprising means for establishing a watertight seal between each respective modular unit and said housing.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
54 words
The modular unit according to claim 21, and further comprising a base plate secured to said frame, a backing plate, and means for joining said base plate to said backing plate in adjustable spaced apart relation, said circuit breaker being secured to said frame by disposition between said base plate and said backing plate.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
15 words
The modular unit according to claim 21, wherein said frame is generally rectangular and open-sided.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
21 words
The modular unit according to claim 21, wherein the structural components of said system are comprised of a corrosion resistant material.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
13 words
The modular unit according to claim 39, wherein said material comprises stainless steel.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
234 words
In a plug connector intended for use with a modular unit suitable for interfacing a power source with a cargo container, the modular unit being of the type including a frame having a front panel, a receptacle for receiving the plug secured to the front panel, the receptacle having a slot therein positioned behind said front panel, a circuit breaker secured to the frame and connected in series with the receptacle and the power source, a switch operable from the front panel for opening and closing the circuit breaker, locking means disposed behind the front panel for movement between a locking position wherein a portion of the locking means extends into the receptacle through the slot and an unlocking position wherein the locking means is retracted from the slot for unblocking the receptacle, and means operatively connecting the locking means to the switch for moving the locking means to the locking position when the switch is operated to energize the circuit breaker and to the unlocking position when the switch is operated to deenergize the circuit breaker, the improvement comprising: said plug connector having an indent therein positioned for alignment with said slot in said receptacle when said plug connector is fully inserted therein, said locking means portion seating in said indent when said locking means is in said locking position for preventing withdrawal of said plug connector when said circuit breaker is energized.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
234 words
In a plug connector intended for use with a modular unit suitable for interfacing a power source with a cargo container, the modular unit being of the type including a frame having a front panel, a receptacle for receiving the plug secured to the front panel, the receptacle having a slot therein positioned behind said front panel, a circuit breaker secured to the frame and connected in series with the receptacle and the power source, a switch operable from the front panel for opening and closing the circuit breaker, locking means disposed behind the front panel for movement between a locking position wherein a portion of the locking means extends into the receptacle through the slot and an unlocking position wherein the locking means is retracted from the slot for unblocking the receptacle, and means operatively connecting the locking means to the switch for moving the locking means to the locking position when the switch is operated to energize the circuit breaker and to the unlocking position when the switch is operated to deenergize the circuit breaker, the improvement comprising: said plug connector having an indent therein positioned for alignment with said slot in said receptacle when said plug connector is fully inserted therein, said locking means portion seating in said indent when said locking means is in said locking position for preventing withdrawal of said plug connector when said circuit breaker is energized.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
69 words
The plug connector according to claim 41, wherein said indent is in a sidewall of said plug connector, said locking means striking an unindented portion of said sidewall when said plug connector is not fully inserted in said receptacle and it is attempted to operate said switch to energize said circuit breaker, whereby said circuit breaker cannot be energized unless said plug connector is fully inserted in said receptacle.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
246 words
In receptacle intended for use with a modular unit suitable for interfacing a power source with a cargo container via a cable having a plug at one end thereof, the modular unit being of the type including a frame having a front panel, an opening in the front panel for receiving the receptacle, a circuit breaker secured to the frame and connected in series with the receptacle and the power source when the unit is in use, a switch operable from the front panel for opening and closing the circuit breaker, locking means disposed behind the front panel for movement between a locking position wherein insertion of the plug into the receptacle is blocked and an unlocking position wherein said receptacle is unblocked, and means operatively connecting the locking means to the switch for moving the locking means to the locking position when the switch is operated to energize the circuit breaker and to the unlocking position when the switch is operated to deenergize the circuit breaker, the improvement comprising: the receptacle having a slot therein positioned for alignment with a portion of said locking means, said locking means portion extending into said receptacle through said slot when said switch is operated to energize said circuit breaker and said locking means is moved to said locking position, said locking means portion being retracted from said slot when said switch is operated to deenergize said circuit breaker and said locking means is moved to said unlocking position.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
246 words
In receptacle intended for use with a modular unit suitable for interfacing a power source with a cargo container via a cable having a plug at one end thereof, the modular unit being of the type including a frame having a front panel, an opening in the front panel for receiving the receptacle, a circuit breaker secured to the frame and connected in series with the receptacle and the power source when the unit is in use, a switch operable from the front panel for opening and closing the circuit breaker, locking means disposed behind the front panel for movement between a locking position wherein insertion of the plug into the receptacle is blocked and an unlocking position wherein said receptacle is unblocked, and means operatively connecting the locking means to the switch for moving the locking means to the locking position when the switch is operated to energize the circuit breaker and to the unlocking position when the switch is operated to deenergize the circuit breaker, the improvement comprising: the receptacle having a slot therein positioned for alignment with a portion of said locking means, said locking means portion extending into said receptacle through said slot when said switch is operated to energize said circuit breaker and said locking means is moved to said locking position, said locking means portion being retracted from said slot when said switch is operated to deenergize said circuit breaker and said locking means is moved to said unlocking position.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
16 words
The receptacle according to claim 43, wherein said slot is in a sidewall of said receptacle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-03-10 | 1989-09-09 | 1990-03-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-03-10 | 1993-09-09 | 1994-03-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-03-10 | 1997-09-09 | 1998-03-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |