Customizable bus systems

摘要

A customizable bus system includes a system module containing one or more accessory modules and is easily mounted along a surface in a workspace, such as the underside of a cabinet. The accessory modules provide conveniently located utility services and applications such as power, lighting or media connections, and may be interchanged within the bus system to provide particular services and applications where they are needed most. Additionally, the bus system may include a control center for controlling the operation of one or more of the accessory modules, such as manually or automatically. The bus system may also include multiple housings that are functionally linked, such as by a connector module having couplings for mechanically linking with housings and providing electrical or other connectivity between the housings.

主权项

1. A bus system comprising:
a housing including a plurality of accessory openings; a first power circuit disposed within the housing; a second power circuit disposed within the housing, the second power circuit being separate from the first power circuit; a first accessory module comprising at least one electrical outlet receptacle and electrical contacts on a side of the first accessory module substantially opposite the at least one electrical outlet receptacle, the electrical contacts in electrical communication with the at least one electrical outlet receptacle; and a second accessory module that does not include an electrical outlet receptacle, the second accessory module comprising electrical contacts; wherein the first and second accessory modules are adapted to be releasably installed to said housing through any one of the plurality of accessory openings; wherein when installed through one of the plurality of accessory openings, the electrical contacts of the first accessory module comprising the at least one electrical receptacle include contact surfaces that automatically contact corresponding contact surfaces of only the first power circuit to connect the at least one electrical outlet receptacle to the first power circuit; and wherein when installed through one of the plurality of accessory openings, the electrical contacts of the second accessory module include contact surfaces that automatically contact corresponding contact surfaces of only the second power circuit to connect the second accessory module to the second power circuit.