A cable structured to be repeatedly connected to a device, each repeated connection causing degradation of the cable, the cable including a condition indicator disposed on the cable and configured to be updated with each successive connection of the cable into the device.

An AC-to-DC power adapter comprises a single-piece insulator unit. The various components of the power adapter such as a transformer, other circuitry, etc. are attached to the single-piece insulator unit. The single-piece insulator unit has embedded channels to provide electrical connectivity between the circuitry, The entire assembly is placed in housing and a cap assembly having prongs to connect to a AC wall outlet is ultrasonically welded to the housing.

A portable power source apparatus for portable power solutions includes a housing having a housing front side, a housing back side, a housing left side, a housing right side, a housing top side, and a housing bottom side. A primary battery is coupled within the housing. A charging port is coupled to the housing and is in operational communication with the primary battery. A DC inverter is coupled within the housing and is in operational communication with the primary battery. A pair of USB ports is coupled to the housing and is in operational communication with the DC inverter. An AC inverter is coupled within the housing and is in operational communication with the primary battery. A pair of power outlets is coupled to the housing and is in operational communication with the AC inverter.

A power supply of a transformer outputs alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) and contains: a housing and a lid for covering a first end of the housing. An input interface is formed on a second end of the housing, and the lid includes a DC output interface and an AC output interface. A light string contains a power supply of a transformer and a light emitting unit, the power supply outputs alternating currents (AC) and direct currents (DC), and the power supply contains: a housing and a lid for covering a first end of the housing. An input interface is formed on a second end of the housing, the lid includes a DC output interface and an AC output interface, and the DC output interface couples with a DC output connector, and the DC output connector connects with plural bulbs of the light string.

In one example, a modified electrical device includes a body and at least one connector on the body to make power and control connections with an active cover plate. A system includes an active cover plate with low voltage circuitry and a first interface and a modified electrical device. The modified electrical device includes high voltage circuitry and a second interface to connect to the first interface to supply low voltage to the active cover plate. A method for controlling a flow of power through a modified electrical device is also provided.

A self-contained electrical charging station includes a housing configured for coupling to a furniture article. The charging station includes an electrical output connector that is accessible from outside the housing, an electrical input connector supported at the housing and also accessible from outside the housing, and a self-contained electrical power source such as a rechargeable battery. The self-contained electrical power source is configured to be simultaneously electrically engaged with the electrical input connector and mechanically supported by at least one of the electrical input connector, the housing, or associated structure.

A system provides a “virtual room” for remotely sharing content experiences via electronic devices at different locations. The system may enable synchronization of the content at the different locations, access control, be able to provide and/or experience interaction feedback regarding the content, control the interaction feedback that is provided and/or experienced, enhance the ability of people to distinguish the content from the interaction feedback, and so on. As such, people may be able to share content experiences more like they were present in a single location while remote from each other.

This invention is an active cable or cables with a female micro USB or other connector recessed at the rear end of the HDMI plug for connecting external power when needed. The recessed connector is connected to an internal circuitry that combines this external power with the power from the source or sink device via a straight or “OR” circuits. This design is clean when no external power is needed because there're no dangling pigtails with USB plugs. When external power is needed because the source or sink devices can't provide enough current, the user can use for example widely available male micro USB to male USB cable (the standard charging cable for most Android phones and many other computer or phone accessories) or other cable to get external power, and the cable length can be selected to fit the application.

A semiconductor device for determining whether a foreign substance (e.g., water) is present and a method of operating the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes a receptacle including a plurality of pins according to a USB type-C receptacle interface; a first current source providing first current to a CC1 signal pin or a CC2 signal pin among the plurality of pins in a first operation mode; a second current source providing second current to the CC1 signal pin or the CC2 signal pin in a second operation mode; a third current source providing third current to at least two pins of other pins excluding the CC1 signal pin and the CC2 signal pin; and a power delivery integrated circuit (PDIC) controlling the first current source, the second current source and the third current source and detecting the voltage level of a signal outputted to the plurality of pins.

The present disclosure relates to telephone jack covering systems that advantageously render existing telephone jacks more attractive and useful. The systems disclosed include a novel bracket that allows for existing telephone jacks to be covered with decorative and functional devices. In a preferred embodiment, an existing telephone jack is outfitted with a bracket and covered with a converter device that converts the existing telephone jack into a smart device charging station. In yet another preferred embodiment, an existing telephone jack is outfitted with a bracket and covered by a functional masking device that functions as a panic button in case of an emergency.