A mounting assembly for electro-mechanically connecting an electrically-powered device to a structure includes a housing, a first printed circuit board, an adapter, and a second printed circuit board. The housing has a shape defining a front opening and a first mating structure. The first printed circuit board is located within the housing and has a first plurality of electrical contacts facing the front opening. The adapter is attachable to the device and has a second mating structure that removably engages with the first mating structure of the housing. The second printed circuit board is coupled with the adapter and has a second plurality of electrical contacts exposed on its back surface to electrically connect to the first plurality of electrical contacts when the first mating structure of the housing engages with the second mating structure of the adapter.

Embodiments include systems, methods, and apparatuses configured to secure physical interface ports (or sockets) of an electronic device through physical lock and key mechanisms. In at least one implementation, a system is provided for locking a physical port or socket of an electronic device. The system includes a lock for insertion into a port or socket of the electronic device. The lock includes a structural interface member that is configured to align with a selected port or socket of the electronic device into which the lock is to be inserted. The lock further includes an exterior fascia that is affixed to the structural interface member, and a detent that holds the lock in place within the port or socket. The system also includes a key for disengaging the lock.

Retention components are provided that are configured to retain a first end of an electrical cord in a plugged configuration with an electrical outlet. The retention components have an interior sized to receive the first end therein and include an wire opening having at least one dimension that is smaller than the corresponding dimension of the first end so that the first end cannot pass therethrough. In one form, a wall plate is provided having retention portion configured to retain a first end of an electrical cord, such that with the wall plate secured to a wall or other substrate, the first end of the electrical cord is retained between the wall and the wall plate.

A connector to a soft lock receptacle includes a controller and a memory electrically coupled to the controller. During a user coupling the connector to the receptacle, the controller generates and stores a stored record in the memory. During the user attempting uncoupling the connector, the controller generates a re-obtained record. Responsive to the re-obtained record matching the stored record, the controller unlocks the connector.

An explosion proof connector is provided with first and second electrical connectors and first and second threaded sidewalls that surround the electrical connectors. The threaded sidewalls engage to secure the electrical connectors in electrical connection. Either the first threaded sidewall is rotatable relative to the first electrical connector or the second threaded sidewall is rotatable relative to the second electrical connector. A ratchet lock is carried by the first sidewall, and a ratchet surface is carried by the second sidewall, the ratchet lock being releasable and biased toward engagement with the ratchet surface. The ratchet lock permits rotation of the second sidewall relative to the first sidewall in a first direction and prevents rotation of the second sidewall relative to the first sidewall in a second direction. A release mechanism disengages the ratchet lock and permits the second sidewall to rotate in the second direction relative to the first sidewall.

In a vehicle capable of external charging, when the connection of an inlet of the vehicle with a charging cable is detected, an ECU transmits a locking command to a locking device. When it is determined that the locking device is in a locked state, the ECU permits external charging, and when it is determined that the locking device is not in the locked state, the ECU does not permit external charging. When the ECU does not permit external charging, the ECU displays information about manual locking by manual operation. When it is determined that the locking device is in the locked state after the ECU does not permit external charging, the ECU permits external charging.

A latch indicator apparatus for indicating a locked status of an attachment between a cable housing and a cable receptor. The latch indicator apparatus includes a latch indicator attached to a cable housing at an attachment point, a first resistive element having a first resistance, and is attached to the cable housing at the attachment point. The restive element of the latch indicator attaches to an indicator tab. The latch indicator includes an indicator window, which is positioned to indicate a locked status of the latch indicator based on the first resistance of the first resistive element. The latch indicator tests a connection between a cable housing and a cable housing by indicating a locked status. The locked status is indicated by exerting a first force on the indicator tab by pulling the indicator tab in a direction away from the connection between the cable housing and the cable receptor.

A locking mechanism includes a drive motor; a locking member configured to perform a linear reciprocating motion along a predetermined movement path by the drive motor, and selectively locking or unlocking a predetermined object to be locked according to a position of the locking member on the movement path; a position sensor including a sensor gear rotatably driven by the drive motor and a variable resistor of which a resistance value is varied according to a rotation angle of the sensor gear; and a controller configured to determine an operating state of the locking member on the basis of a voltage value applied to the variable resistor.

A method and system for contraband detection is provided that allows for the determining whether devices are authorized to receive power from an outlet. A power adapter and/or an outlet authenticate a device when it is connected to the outlet through the power adapter. On the basis of this authentication, a determination is made whether the devices are to receive power from the outlet. If the device is authorized, the outlet is activated, transitioning from inactive state (where no power is relayed through the outlet) to an active state (where power is relayed through the outlet).

A mounting assembly for electro-mechanically connecting an electrically-powered device to a structure includes a housing, a first printed circuit board, an adapter, and a second printed circuit board. The housing has a shape defining a front opening and a first mating structure. The first printed circuit board is located within the housing and has a first plurality of electrical contacts facing the front opening. The adapter is attachable to the device and has a second mating structure that removably engages with the first mating structure of the housing. The second printed circuit board is coupled with the adapter and has a second plurality of electrical contacts exposed on its back surface to electrically connect to the first plurality of electrical contacts when the first mating structure of the housing engages with the second mating structure of the adapter.