Patent Publication Number: US-2009239403-A1

Title: Modular electrical system utilizing four wire circuitry

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO MICROFISHE APPENDIX 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to electrical power and communications distribution systems and, more particularly, to systems having four wire circuit configurations with in-line receptacles. 
     2. Background Art 
     Known interior wall systems typically employ pre-fabricated modular units. These units are often joined together in various configurations, so as to divide a workplace into smaller offices or work areas. Generally, such modular wall panels may be equipped with means for receiving general building power and, possibly, general communications. Such building power may, for example, be conventional AC power received either under floor or from relatively permanent walls or the like. In various types of environments comprising electrical equipment, or wherein electrical apparatus are otherwise employed, interconnections of electrical components to incoming utility power are typically provided by means of cables or wires. For example, in office systems compromising modular furniture components, it is often necessary to provide electrical interconnections between incoming power supplies and various types of electrical devices typically used in an office environment, such as electric typewriters, lamps, etc. Computer-related devices, such as video display terminals and similar peripherals, are also now commonly employed in various office and industrial environments. 
     One advantage inherent in modular office systems is the capability to rearrange furniture components as necessitated by changes in space requirements, resulting from changes in the number of personnel and other business-related considerations. However, these modular systems must not only allow for change in furniture configurations, but also must provide for convenient interconnection of electrical devices to utility power, regardless of the spacial configuration of the modular systems and resultant variable distances between electrical devices. 
     In providing the interconnection of electrical apparatus and power inputs, it is necessary to include an arrangement for feeding the incoming utility power to the power outlets. In stationary structures, such as conventional industrial buildings and the like, a substantial amount of room would normally exist behind stationary walls and other areas in which to provide the requisite cabling for interconnecting incoming utility power to electrical receptacles mounted in the walls. Such systems, however, can be designed so as to remain stationary throughout their lifetime, without requiring general changes in the office or industrial environment areas. 
     In addition to receiving electrical power from the general incoming building power supply, modular office systems typically require communications connections for office equipment such as telephones, internet communications and the like. The problems associated with providing distribution of communications essentially correspond to the same problems existing with respect to distribution of conventional electrical power. 
     In this regard, it is known to provide modular wall panels with areas characterized as raceways. Often, these raceways are located along bottom edges of modular panels. The raceways are adapted to house electrical cabling and electrical junction blocks. The cabling and junction blocks are utilized to provide electrical outlets and electrical power connections to adjacent panels. However, it is also apparent that to the extent reference is made herein to providing electrical outlets and electrical power connections for adjacent panels, the same issues exist with respect to providing communications among panels. 
     Still further, it is known that the raceway of one modular wall unit may be provided with a male connector at one end, and a female connector at another end. Pairs of junction blocks, each provided with electrical outlets, made to be disposed at spaced-apart positions along the raceway. Conduits may be extended between the junction blocks and between the connectors in the junction blocks. In this manner, electrical interconnection is provided between the units. 
     The modular panels of a space-divider may be configured, such that adjacent panels are in a straight line, or at various angular positions relative to each other. It is common to configure intersecting walls in such a fashion that three or four modular wall panels may intersect at right angles. Each of the panels typically requires electrical outlets, and may require outlets on both sides of the panels. In any event, electrical power has to be provided to all of the panels, and often only one of the panels at the multiple panel junction is connected to a power supply source. Under such circumstances, the interconnecting wiring becomes a significant problem. That is, special modifications may have to be made to power systems of wall panels to be used in such a configuration. Because interchangeability of wall panels is highly desirable, custom modifications are preferably avoided. Still further, modifications of wall panels on site at the installation facility is complex and may be relatively expensive. 
     In addition to the foregoing issues, problems can arise with respect to the use of junction blocks and the amount of room which may exist within a raceway. That is, raceways require sufficient room so as to provide for junction blocks, electrical outlet receptacle blocks, and cabling extending between junction blocks and between adjacent panels. 
     One example of a prior art system is illustrated in Propst&#39;s, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,382,648 issued May 10, 1983. In the Propst, et al. system, mating connectors of opposing panels are engaged when the panels are aligned in a straight line. When the panels are positioned in an intersecting relationship, specially manufactured couplers are utilized. One type of special coupler is used when the panels are positioned at right angles. Another type is used with adjoining panels arranged at angles other than right angles. Consequently, costly inventory of couplers must be maintained. The Propst, et al. system uses a double set of connectors comprising a male and female connector for each conductor to be interconnected. When a single one of these prior art panels intersects two adjacent panels, one of the specially manufactured couplers connects the female terminals to one of the adjacent panels, and another of the couplers connects the male terminals to the adjacent panel. 
     A further system is disclosed in Driscoll, U.S. Pat. No. 4,135,775, issued Jan. 23, 1979. In the Driscoll system, each panel is provided with an electrical outlet box in its raceway. Panels of different widths are provided with a pair of female connectors. Outlet boxes of adjacent panels are interconnected by means of flexible cables having male connectors at both ends. When three or four panels are adjoined in an intersecting arrangement, two cables may be connected the pair of female connectors at one end of an outlet box. In this manner, connection of two adjacent panels is facilitated. 
     With respect to both of the foregoing systems, and other than in the special intersecting relationship, one half of the double set of terminals of these systems is superfluous. There is a distinct disadvantage in modern day systems, where several independent electrical circuits are needed in a wall panel system, with each requiring separate connectors. Space for such circuits and their connectors is very limited in the raceway areas of modern, thin-line wall panels. 
     Other systems also exist with respect to electrical connectors, junction boxes, and the like. For example, Rodrigues, U.S. Pat. No. 1,187,010 issued Jun. 13, 1916, discloses a detachable and interchangeable electrical switch plug adapted for use in connection with various electrically heated appliances. A clamping device is positioned in a fixed, but detachable relationship to one end of the plug. Means are provided to enclose and prevent sharp flexure of the cord comprising a flexible enclosing tube gripped under tension by the other end of the clamping device. The plug and the clamping device may be simultaneously removed from the socket. 
     Finizie, U.S. Pat. No. 2,540,575, issued Feb. 6, 1951, discloses a cord guide member for utensil plugs. The concept is to reduce wear on the cord and the connector plug, and to provide a connection which will withstand heavy pulling strains without injury. Strain relief is also provided. A sectional body is equipped anteriorally adjacent one end of the body with terminals. The other end of the body contains an anterior chamber or socket. A pivotable cord-guiding member having a pivot member is movably mounted in the socket. A wedge-shaped strain relief insert is received within a wedge-shaped recess in the pivot member. A cord extends into the pivot member and includes wires passing from the cord toward the terminals. The incoming portions of the wires are moved around the insert and firmly wedged within the recess. 
     Byrne, U.S. Pat. No. 4,551,577, issued Nov. 5, 1985, describes a retractable power center. The power center provides for conveniently located electrical power source receptacles adapted to be mounted on a work surface. In one embodiment, the power center includes a rectangular housing received within a slot in a work surface. A clamping arrangement is utilized to secure the housing to the work surface. A lower extrusion is connected to the lower portion of the housing. A movable power carriage mounts the receptacles and a catch assembly releasably maintains a carriage in a closed and retracted position. In response to manual activation, the catch assembly is released and springs tensioned between the carriage and the extrusion exert forces so as to extend the carriage upward into an extended, open position. In the open position, the user can energize the desired electrical devices from the receptacles, and then lower the carriage into the retracted position. 
     Byrne, U.S. Pat. No. 4,959,021, issued Sep. 25, 1990, discloses a pivotable power feed connector having a pivotal connector adapted to be connected to a flexible conduit or cable. The cable has a series of conductors extending there through. The connector is pivotably connected to a block assembly through which the conductors extend. The block assembly, in turn, is connectable to a contact block, with the conductors conductively connected to a set of prong terminals extending outwardly from the block. A cover is secured over the block so as to prevent the prong terminals from being exposed during assembly and disassembly. 
     The cover automatically exposes the prong terminals as the power feed connector is moved into engagement with a receptacle in a modular office panel. The connector allows the conduit or cable to be swiveled to an arc of approximately 180 degrees to any desired position. The connector is also manually removable from interconnection with the block assembly. Such removal allows the conduit or cable to be pulled back from the conductors and cut to a desired length. The connector includes a power feed cover which can be utilized in part to maintain the connector in either of two spatial configurations relative to the block assembly. 
     Nienhuis, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,252, issued May 7, 1991, discloses an electrified wall panel system having a power distribution server located within a wall panel unit. The server includes four receptacle module ports oriented in an h-shaped configuration. A first receptacle port is located on the first side of the wall panel unit and opens toward a first end of the unit. A second receptacle unit is also located on the first side of the wall panel unit, and opens toward a second end of the wall panel unit. A third receptacle port and a second sided wall panel unit opens toward the first end of the wall panel unit, while correspondingly, a fourth receptacle port on the second side of the wall panel unit opens toward the second end of the wall panel unit. First and second harnesses are each electrically connected at first ends thereof to the power distribution server. They extend to opposite ends of the wall paneled unit and include connector ports on the second ends thereof for providing electrical interconnection of adjacent wall panel units. The Nienhuis, et al. patent also discloses a system with a wall panel connector interchangeably usable with the interconnection of two, three or four units. The connector includes a hook member for connecting together adjacent vertical members of frames of adjacent wall panel units at a lower portion thereof. A draw naught for connecting together adjacent vertical members of frames of adjacent wall panel units and an odd proportion thereof is provided by vertical displacement thereof. 
     Lincoln, el al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,120, issued Dec. 17, 1991, discloses a power distribution assembly having a bussing distribution connector. The connector includes a series of bus terminals positioned within an electrically insulative housing. A series of electrical terminals are positioned in the housing for distributing more than one electrical circuit. At least one ground terminal, one neutral terminal, and three hot terminals are provided. A grounding shell partially surrounds the bus connector and includes a grounding tab grounding the one ground terminal to the metallic grounding shell. In another embodiment, two bus connectors are interconnected together, so as to provide for an increased number of output ports. 
     Byrne, U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,431, issued Mar. 17, 1992, discloses an outlet receptacle with rearrangeable terminals. The receptacle is provided with input terminals to selected positions, for engagement with terminals of an electrical junction block. The block includes a series of terminals representing a plurality of different electrical circuits. The receptacle block has neutral, ground and positive flexible positive conductor bars electrically connected to neutral, ground and positive electrical terminals. Input terminals of the block are formed integral with the flexible conductor bars and levers are provided for moving the terminal ends of the conductor bars to physically different positions. In one configuration, the receptacle block housing is provided with openings at opposing ends, and the flexible conductor bars have terminal ends controlled by levers at both ends of the outlet receptacle block. In another configuration, the block has output terminals in a front wall, and the input terminals of the receptacle block are formed as ends of the flexible bars and extend at an approximately 90 degree angle to the bars. They further send through openings in the back wall of the outlet receptacle for engagement with terminals of a junction block. Levers are provided in the back wall of the receptacle block for positioning the terminal ends in alignment with different terminals of the junction block, and windowed openings in the front wall expose indices on the levers identifying selected circuits. 
     Byrne, U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,434, issued Mar. 17, 1992, discloses an electrical interconnection assembly for use in wall panels of a space divider wall system. The system includes junction blocks having several receptacle connectors, so as to provide a plurality of electrical outlets on both sides of a wall panel. The junction block is connected by means of conduits extending from both ends of the junction block to oppositely directed connector blocks for connection to adjoining panels. The assembly of the junction block and connector blocks allows electrical power to be supplied to one end of the panel and conducted to and through the junction block to other panels. The receptacle connectors on the junction block each have one type of terminal configuration, e.g., a female electrical terminal configuration. One of the connector blocks is provided with the identical terminal configuration. The other connector block is provided with a matching terminal configuration, e.g., a male electrical terminal configuration. When two wall panels are joined at their respective edges, the male connector block may be readily connected to the female connector block in the adjacent panel. When two panels are joined to a third panel, all at one point, the arrangement of this invention allows the male connector block to be connected to the female connector block of one of the other two panels, and the male connector of the other of the two panels may be connected to one of the receptacle connectors of the junction block on either of the other two panels, in this manner establishing a three way interconnection arrangement. In a similar fashion, a fourth, or other additional panels may be added to the junction and plug into receptacle outlets of other panels in order to provide an arrangement of panels that is totally interconnected, electrically. 
     Snodgrass, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,544, issued Nov. 17, 1992, describes an electrified space dividing panel having a panel member, raceway, modular, or electric system disposed in a raceway and raceway covers for gaining access to the system. The system includes a single terminal block having end and side sockets, with first and second electrical receptacles being respectively removeably engaged with the end socket and the side sockets, such that the first and second electrical receptacles are disposed in horizontally spaced, side-by-side relation and project outwardly for predetermined light dimensions through receptacle openings in one of the raceway covers. The raceway can include a web having an opening which cooperates with a support ear on the first receptacle during engagement of the first receptacle with an end socket, so as to provide additional lateral support for the electrical receptacle when a plug is removed there from. 
     Kilpatrick, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,555, discloses a kit which includes a junction box for installation along a raceway. The kit includes a mounting bracket having a first adjustable mounting mechanism for locating the bracket along the raceway. This provides an initial adjustment, and a second adjustable mounting mechanism is provided for securing the junction box to the mounting bracket. This adjustably locates the junction box along the mounting bracket, and provides a second or final adjustment to accurately locate the junction box between two pre-measured lengths of cable. 
     Byrne, U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,787, issued Nov. 9, 1993, discloses an electrical junction block mounting assembly, which may be utilized for mounting the junction block within a raceway. The assembly includes a cantilever beam formed on an outer wall of the junction block. This beam is provided with a transversely extending channel for engagement with a support structure. The beam is attached to the junction block by means of a resilient hinge section, and is provided with a first arm section extending between the hinge section and the channel, and a second arm section extending beyond the channel. The first arm section has a sloping surface sloping away from the outer channel between the hinge section of the panel. The second armed section has a sloping surface sloping toward the wall beyond the channel. The surfaces will contact a mounting rail or similar structure during installation of the junction block. In this manner, the hinged cantilever beam is deflected until the rail is in alignment with the channel for engagement with the structural support member. 
     Another issue which exists with respect to raceway systems has to do with size, when the number of circuits provided by 8, 12 or 14 wire electrical configurations is unnecessary. For example, a system can be provided through the use of four wires, where the four wires can provide for two separate electrical circuits. In such an instance, each circuit. consists of a hot, common and ground wire. The two separate circuits utilize two separate hot wires. However, the two circuits also use the same ground wire and the same common or neutral wire. With these types of configurations, it would be preferable for the electrical holding components to be of a size which would be appropriate for four wire circuitry. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a prior art, fragmentary elevation view of a plurality of adjacent wall panels and electrical connection assemblies arranged in the panels; 
         FIG. 2  is a prior art, enlarged perspective view of one of the electrical interconnection assemblies of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a prior art cross-sectional view taken along lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a prior art, enlarged perspective view of an outlet receptacle shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a prior art side elevation view of the outlet receptacle of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a prior art, fragmentary plan view of raceway areas of four wall panels, illustrating wall panel interconnections; 
         FIG. 7  is a prior art, fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along lines  7 - 7  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a prior art, perspective view of a receptacle contact blade shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a prior art perspective and partially exploded view of a center connect single-sided junction block assembly in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view, with a partially cutout portion of the single-sided junction block shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevation view of the junction block shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a sectional end view of the junction block shown in  FIG. 10 , taken along section lines of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective and partially exploded view of two single-sided junction blocks, and showing an arrangement for interconnection to a raceway or the like; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the components of the junction block assembly shown in  FIG. 13 , but shown in a fully assembled state; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective and partially exploded view of a multi-positionable raceway in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a sectional end view of the junction block shown in  FIG. 15 , taken along section lines  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is also a sectional, end view of the junction block shown in  FIG. 15 , taken along section lines  17 - 17  of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 18  is an end view of one end of the outlet receptacle block shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
       FIG,  19  is a perspective view of the junction block and associated conduit illustrated in  FIG. 15 , but in a stand alone configuration; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the outlet receptacle block shown in  FIG. 15 , but shown in an opposing direction; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the junction block and conduit shown in  FIG. 15 , but shown from a reverse angle; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates the relative position of one bus bar with female connectors of the outlet receptacle block shown in  FIG. 15 , as it may be positioned onto a male blade of the junction block; 
         FIG. 23  is a view similar to  FIG. 22 , but without showing the second position of the bus bar of the outlet receptacle block; 
         FIG. 24  is a view similar to  FIG. 23 , but showing the bus bar of the outlet receptacle block in its second, alternative position; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the junction block and conduit shown in  FIG. 19 , but shown from an alternative angle; 
         FIG. 26  is a side, sectional view of an outlet receptacle block which may utilized as a receptacle block shown in  FIG. 15 , and showing the bus bars and terminal arrangements for electrical interconnection to one particular circuit; 
         FIG. 27  is an alternative embodiment of a multi-positionable junction block in accordance with the invention, showing a perspective and partially exploded format, with an alternative embodiment of an outlet receptacle block, also in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a sectional, end view of the junction block shown in  FIG. 27 , taken along section lines  28 - 28  of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a further sectional, end view of the junction block shown in  FIG. 27 , taken along section lines  29 - 29  of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 30  is an end view of one end of the outlet receptacle block shown in  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a top, sectional view, illustrating the relative positioning of the blade connectors and terminals within the junction block shown in  FIG. 15 , and further showing the outlet receptacle block as it may be engaged with the junction block in alternative configurations; 
         FIG. 32  is a plan view similar to  FIG. 31 , but showing only the bus bars of the outlet receptacle blocks, and the blade terminals, conductors and connectors associated with one terminal of the junction block; 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective and partially exploded view of a further embodiment of a multi-positionable junction block and outlet receptacle block in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 34  is a sectional, end view of the junction block shown in  FIG. 33 , taken along section lines  34 - 34  of  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 35  is a further sectional, end view of the junction block shown in  FIG. 33 , taken along section lines  35 - 35  of  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 36  is an end view of one end of the outlet receptacle block shown in  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a plan view of one level of circuit terminals, showing the relative interconnections of the outlet receptacle block and the cable connectors to blade connectors within the junction block shown in  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 38  is a plan view similar to  FIG. 37 , but showing some of the structural aspects of the outlet receptacle block and the junction block shown in  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective and partially exploded view of a still further embodiment of a multi-positional junction block and outlet receptacle block in accordance with the invention, particularly showing the capability of positioning the outlet receptacle block in a selected one of the five interconnecting channels of the junction block; 
         FIG. 40  is a sectional, end view of the junction block shown in  FIG. 39 , taken along section lines  40 - 40  of  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIG. 41  is a further sectional, end view of the junction block shown in  FIG. 39 , taken along section lines  41 - 41  of  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a sectional, end view of one end of the outlet receptacle block shown in  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of a four wire system in accordance with the invention, showing two end connectors and a central junction connector in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 44  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 43 , but showing the use of a central junction box with a receptacle section; 
         FIG. 45  is an exploded view showing the elements of the four wire system illustrated in  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 46  is a perspective, exploded view of the elements of the four wire system shown in  FIG. 43 ; 
         FIG. 47  is a rear, elevation view of the receptacle junction box shown in  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 48  is a top, plan view of the receptacle junction box shown in  FIG. 47 ; 
         FIG. 49  is a left side view of the receptacle junction box shown in  FIG. 48 ; 
         FIG. 50  is a front, elevation view of the receptacle junction box shown in  FIG. 48 ; 
         FIG. 51  is a right side view of the receptacle junction box shown in  FIG. 48 ; 
         FIG. 52  is an underside view of the receptacle junction box shown in  FIG. 48 ; 
         FIG. 53  is a rear, elevation view of the connector section shown in  FIG. 46 ; 
         FIG. 54  is a top, plan view of the connector section shown in  FIG. 53 ; 
         FIG. 55  is a left side view of the connector section shown in  FIG. 53 ; 
         FIG. 56  is a front, elevation view of the connector section shown in  FIG. 53 ; 
         FIG. 57  is a right side view of the connector section shown in  FIG. 53 ; 
         FIG. 58  is an underside view of the connector section shown in  FIG. 53 ; 
         FIG. 59  is a rear, elevation view of the male end connector shown in  FIG. 43 ; 
         FIG. 60  is a top, plan view of the male end connector shown in  FIG. 59 ; 
         FIG. 61  is a front, elevation view of the male end connector shown in  FIG. 59 ; 
         FIG. 62  is a left end view of the male end connector shown in  FIG. 59 ; 
         FIG. 63  is an underside view of the male end connector shown in  FIG. 59 ; 
         FIG. 64  is a right end view of the male end connector shown in  FIG. 59 ; 
         FIG. 65  is a top, plan view of the female end connector shown in  FIG. 43 ; 
         FIG. 66  is a left end view of the female end connector shown in  FIG. 65 ; 
         FIG. 67  is a front, elevation view of the female end connector shown in  FIG. 65 ; 
         FIG. 68  is a right end view of the female end connector shown in  FIG. 65 ; 
         FIG. 69  is an underside view of the female end connector shown in  FIG. 65 ; and 
         FIG. 70  is a rear, elevation view of the female end connector shown in  FIG. 65 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The principles of the invention are disclosed, by way of example, in a four wire electrical raceway system as illustrated in  FIGS. 43-70 . The four wire system provides for a relatively narrow raceway system, and is extremely suitable for a system providing for two circuits utilizing four wires. 
     However, before describing the four wire system in accordance with the invention in detail, prior art systems will be first described, for purposes of background. These systems will be described with respect to  FIGS. 1-42 . 
     More specifically, the following paragraphs describe prior art electrical interconnection assemblies which could be adapted for use within wall panels of a space divider wall system. These assemblies are shown in the prior art drawings of  FIGS. 1-14 . Specifically,  FIGS. 1-8  describe and depict a junction block with several receptacle connectors, so as to accommodate a series of electrical outlets on both sides of a wall panel. The junction block is connected by means of conduits extending from both ends of the junction block to associated connector blocks for connection to adjoining panels.  FIGS. 9-14  illustrate what can be characterized as a center-connect single-sided junction block, which is adapted to provide pairs of junction blocks and electrical receptacle block outlets on one or both sides of the raceway, with the connector cables extending through a centerline extending longitudinally along the raceway. Also,  FIGS. 9-14  depict an assembly which can utilize pairs of junction blocks on opposing sides of the raceway, in a manner so as to have the connector cables still extending through the central portion of the raceway. Again, these assemblies as shown in  FIGS. 1-14  do not comprise any of the principal concepts of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a fragmentary elevational view of adjacent modular wall panels  101 ,  102 ,  103  of a rearrangeable wall system. The wall panels are provided with electrical interconnection assemblies  105 ,  107  and  109  in a raceway area formed along the lower edge of panels  101 ,  102  and  103 . Each of the panels is provided with substantially flat support legs  112  which allow for passage of electrical conduits in the raceway. Raceway covers, customarily used, have been omitted from the drawing in  FIG. 1  to better show the electrical junction assemblies. Each of the electrical interconnection assemblies  105 ,  107 , and  109  is provided with a junction block  120 , a female electrical connector block  140  and a matching male connector block  145 . The connector blocks  140 ,  145  are connected to associated junction blocks  120  by means of conduit sections  142  and  147 , respectively. Each of the junction blocks  120  is shown in  FIG. 1  to be provided with a pair of electrical outlet receptacles  150 . Junction blocks  120  are double sided and corresponding pairs or outlet receptacles are provided on the opposite side of each of the wall panels  101 ,  102  and  103  (not shown in the drawing) to allow various electrical equipments to be plugged into the outlets from either side of the panel. 
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of one of the electrical interconnection assemblies, for example assembly  107 . The junction block  120  is provided with support lugs  122  by which the junction block is supported by standard fasteners extended through support tables extending from the bottom edge of the wall panel, e.g., wall panel  102 . Junction block  120  comprises an elongated housing having opposing ends  121  and  123  and a symmetrical center section comprising four female receptacle connectors  126 . Only one of the receptacle connectors  126  is fully exposed in  FIG. 2 . There is a pair of connectors  126  on each side of the housing and the connection on each side face in opposite directions. Support flanges  130  are provided adjacent each of the female connectors to provide support for electrical outlet receptacles engaged with the connectors  126 . In this manner, junction block  120  is adapted to support four electrical outlet receptacles, two on each side of a wall panel to which junction block  120  is attached. The junction block assembly further comprises end connector block  140 , provided with a female connector  141 , and connected via a standard electrical conduit  142 , which may be a flexible conduit, to end  123  of junction block  120 . Similarly, connector block  145 , provided with a male connector  146  is connected via flexible conduit  147  to end  121  of junction block  120 . In a straight line connection arrangement, as depicted for example in  FIG. 1 , wherein a plurality of panels are positioned adjacent each other, electrical power is transmitted between panels by connection of male connector block  145  to female connector block  140  of the adjacent junction assembly. 
     Electrical power is transmitted through the junction assembly by means of electrical wires disposed in the conduits  142 ,  147 , terminated on connectors  141  and  146 , respectively, and connected to receptacle connectors  126  in junction block  120 . Accordingly, electrical power is transmitted through interconnecting panels and is at the same time made available at electrical outlet receptacles in each panel. Conduit  147 , provided with the male connector block  145 , may be a fixed-length conduit and conduit  142  may be of a length such that female connector block  140  is positioned at substantially the same distance from the panel edge in each panel independent of the width of the panel. Thus, female connector block  140  will always be accessible to male connector block  145  independent of the width of the panels. To accommodate panels of different widths, conduit  142  may be an expandable flexible conduit, such as are well known in the art. In that case, connector block  140  may be provided with an inner spatial area  136 , as shown in a partially broken-away view in  FIG. 2 . The inner spatial area  136  is provided for storage of excess length of electrical wiring  138  in a coiled or other configuration. The excess length of electrical wiring  138  may be withdrawn when conduit  142  is expanded to an extended length. This arrangement is similar to that disclosed in my earlier patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,579,403 (dated Apr. 1, 1986) and entitled ELECTRICAL JUNCTION ASSEMBLY WITH ADJUSTABLE CONNECTORS. 
     The conduit  147  is preferably a flexible conduit which may be bent to accommodate a connection to adjacent panels which are disposed at angular positions with respect to each other, rather than in a straight line. The junction assemblies of this invention readily accommodate an arrangement in which three or more panels are disposed in an intersecting relationship, as will be discussed further herein with respect to  FIG. 6 . In such a configuration, the male connector block  145  of one of the panels may be connected to one of the female receptacle connectors  126  of a junction block assembly in an adjacent wall panel. For this purpose, the female connector  141  of connector block  140  and female receptacle connectors  126  on junction block  120  have been made identical. Similarly, the male connector  146  on connector block  145  has been made identical to the male connector of electrical outlet receptacle  150 , shown in  FIG. 1 . Greater detail of the receptacle  150  is shown in  FIG. 4  and is described below. As may be seen from  FIG. 2 , the female connectors  126  and  141  are each provided with a pair of side flanges  129  having upper and lower recessed areas  128 , for engagement with flanges  148  of a male connector to provide a locking arrangement.  FIGS. 129 , which are made of a resilient plastic material and formed integral to the housing to which they are connected, are provided with an outwardly extending inclined end surface  135 . When surfaces  135  are engaged by flanges such as flanges  148  of connector  146  on connector block  145 , the flanges  129  will be deflected inward, allowing flanges  148  of the male connector to engage recesses  128  to provide a locking engagement of the male and the female connectors. A protuberance  137  is provided with a generally rounded edge surface  139  and acts as an entry guide as a male connector is engaged in female connector  126 . The female connectors  126 ,  141  are each provided with a plurality of female connector terminals  125  and a key lug  127 . Male connector  146  is provided with a plurality of male connector terminals  149  and an opening  143  for receiving key lug  127 . 
     The electrical outlet receptacle  150 , shown in  FIG. 4 , is provided with male connectors  151  at both ends, allowing the receptacle to be plugged into any one of the four female receptacle connectors  126  of junction block  120 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , junction block  120  is provided with upper and lower support flanges  130  to support receptacles  150  in each of the four female connectors  126 . The lower support flanges  130  are provided with a locking flange  132 . The receptacle  150  is provided with a spring latch  152  disposed in recess  154  in the surface  156  of receptacle  150 . Surface  156  engages one of the lower support flanges  130  when the receptacle  150  is installed in the junction block  120 . The locking flanges  132  will be aligned with the recess  154  when the receptacle  150  is inserted between flanges  130 , causing the spring latch  152  to be depressed. The receptacle  150  may then be moved to either the left or to the right to engage one of the female connectors  126 . Recesses  158  are provided in receptacle  150  to accommodate locking flange  132  and movement to either the left or to the right by a sufficient distance will cause the spring latch  152  to be moved past locking flange  132 , causing the spring latch  152  to return to its extended position. Hence, receptacle  150  will be retained in a locked position. The receptacle may be removed by depressing spring latch  152  and sliding the receptacle  150  to either left or right to align the locking flange  132  with recess  154 .  FIG. 5  is a right-hand elevation of receptacle  150  showing a right-hand elevation or receptacle  150  showing right-hand male connector  151 . 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of junction block  120  taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 3  shows two of the four receptacle connectors  126  of connector block  120 . One of the two connectors  126  shown in  FIG. 3  is disposed on each side of the central housing section  131 , which contains a plurality of wires  133 . An eight-wire system is shown in this illustrative embodiment. Each of the male and female connectors are provided with eight separate terminals, and eight separate electrical wires  133  extend through the connector blocks  140 ,  145 , the conduits  142 ,  147  and the central section  131  of the junction block  120 . By way of example, these may include two ground terminal wires, three neutral wires and three positive wires representing three separate circuits, with a shared ground for two of the circuits. Similarly, 10- or 12-wire systems may be readily accommodated, having corresponding number of terminals on each of the connectors and providing a greater number of separate circuits. The four female receptacle connectors  126  are each connected to the wires  133  by means of a plurality of contact blades, described later herein with respect to  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Each wire, together with the connector block terminals and receptacle connector terminals to which it is connected, is referred to herein as a circuit element. A particular circuit may be selected for use by one of the receptacles  150  by appropriate wiring connections internal to the receptacle. Since all of the circuits are connected to each one of the receptacle connectors  126  of junction block  120 , a connector block  145  of an adjacent panel, equipped with a male connector, may be connected to any one of the receptacle connectors  126 . In this manner, electrical power may be provided to receptacle connectors to junction block  120  and to associated connector blocks  140 ,  145  and hence to any adjacent panels to which these connectors may be connected. Similarly, a connector block  145  equipped with a male connector connected to one of the female connectors  126  may receive electrical power for distribution to a panel to which the connector block  145  belongs. Such interconnecting arrangements are described further herein with respect to  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 7  is a fragmentary cross-sectional view along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 2 . Shown in  FIG. 7  is a contact blade structure  170  which is one of eight such blades disposed in central housing section  131 . Each such blade is in electrical contact with one of the conductors  133 . Connection to conductor  133  is made by means of a crimped connection of blade extension member  172  to conductor  133 . As may be more readily seen from the perspective view of  FIG. 8 , the extension member  172  is part of a center section  173  which is connected to left-hand upper and lower contact blades  174  and right-hand upper and lower contact blades  175 . The upper and lower contact blades on each side from the female opening part of the conductor  126  for engagement with blades of a male connector. 
       FIG. 6  is a fragmentary plan view of raceway areas of four wall panels illustrating the connections of interconnection assemblies of the invention in a configuration in which the four panels are disposed at right angles to each other. As will be apparent from the following description, the specific angle at which the panels are positioned is not particularly significant. Furthermore, the invention is equally applicable to a three-panel configuration or a five-panel configuration disposed at right angles to each other. Each of the four panels is provided with an interconnection assembly, as shown in  FIG. 2 , comprising a junction block  120 , a male connector block  145 , and a female connector block  140  attached to the junction block  120  by means of flexible conduits  147  and  142 , respectively. The junction block  120  is disposed within each panel raceway near one edge of the panel. Panels  200 ,  201 ,  202  are positioned such that the end at which these panels are joined to other panels is the end near which the junction block  120  is positioned. One of the panels, panel  203 , is positioned with an opposite orientation in which the end near which the junction block  120  is located is positioned opposite the point of junction of the four panels. The flexible conduit  147 , provided with the male connector block  145 , extends beyond the end of the panel in which it is positioned, and the flexible conduit  142 , provided with a female connector block  140 , is terminated just short of the end of the panel. Thus, as is also shown in  FIG. 1 , a connection is made between panels by extending the flexible conduit  147  with male connector block  145  into the raceway area of the adjacent panel to engage the female connector block  140  at the end of flexible conduit  142 . In the configuration of  FIG. 6 , the male connector block  145  of panel  202  and its associated flexible conduit  147  extend into the raceway area of panel  202  to engage female connector block  140  of panel  203 . It will be apparent that the connection as shown between panel  202  and  203  may be made whenever these panels are adjacent and independent of the angle at which the panels are disposed with respect to each other. In the configuration of  FIG. 6 , the flexible conduit  147 , with its male connector block  145 , associated with the panel  200  are extended into the raceway area of panel  202  for engagement with one of the female receptacle connectors  126  of junction block  120  in panel  202 . In this manner, an electrical connection is established among the junction blocks of the three panels  200 ,  202 , and  203 . Thus, electrical power provided from an external source to any one of these three may be distributed to the other two by means of the connection arrangement shown by way of example in  FIG. 6 . In the arrangement of  FIG. 6 , flexible conduit  147  and its male connector block  145  of panel  202  is connected to one of the female connectors  126  of junction block  120  of panel  200  thereby establishing an electrical connection between panels  200  and  201 . This connection, in combination with the other connections shown in  FIG. 6  and described in the previous sentences, completes an arrangement for establishing an electrical connection from any one of four panels to the entire four-panel configuration. Additional connections may be envisioned by connections of male connectors  145  from other panels into additional ones of the female receptacle connectors  126  of the junction blocks  120  of any of the panels  201  through  203 , should one choose to provide an arrangement of more than four intersecting panels. Furthermore, additional conduits, such as conduit  210  shown in  FIG. 6 , may be connected by means of a male connector to any of the receptacle connectors  126  to provide electrical power to lamps or other fixtures. As can be seen, a great deal of flexibility has been achieved by the electrical junction assembly in accordance with this invention. 
     The foregoing description was a disclosure of an example prior art system, adapted for use in wall panels of a space divider system. Turning to the specific embodiment in accordance with the invention, the junction block assembly  300  is illustrated in  FIGS. 9-14 . Turning to  FIG. 9 , the junction block assembly  300  includes a junction block  302 . The junction block  302  is characterized as being “single-sided” in that it provides for interconnection of receptacle blocks only on one side of the junction block  302 . As further shown in  FIG. 9 , the junction block assembly  300  includes a first center connect cable assembly  304  and a second center connect cable assembly  306 . The cable assemblies  304 ,  306  may be identical. As described in greater detail in subsequent paragraphs herein, the first and second center connect cable assemblies  304 ,  306  are adapted to electrically interconnect to the junction block  302 , in a manner so that electrical power received from one of the cable assemblies  304 ,  306  may be applied to electrical receptacle blocks connected to the junction block  302  and so as to apply power to the other of the center connect cable assemblies  304 ,  306 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the junction block assembly  300  includes a first electrical receptacle block  308  and a second electrical receptacle block  310 . Each of the receptacle blocks  308 ,  310  is adapted to be releasably interconnected to the junction block  302  and, correspondingly, to the cable assemblies  304 ,  306  so that electrical power can be supplied to receptacles associated with the receptacle blocks  308 ,  310 . 
     Turning specifically to the junction block  302 , the block  302  will now be described with respect to  FIGS. 9-14 .  FIG. 13  illustrates a pair of junction blocks  302 , and specifically illustrates a side of one of the junction blocks  302  which opposes the side of the junction block  302  viewable in  FIG. 9 . More specifically, the junction block  302  comprises a housing  312 . The housing  312  includes a pair of recessed or spatial areas  314  and  316 , referred to herein as the first recessed area  314  and second recessed area  316 . As will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the recessed areas  314 ,  316  are adapted to receive, mechanically and electrically, the electrical receptacle blocks  310 ,  308 . Each of the first and second recessed areas  314 ,  316  is formed by a lower wall  318  and an upper wall  320 . Located at the back of each of the recessed areas  314 ,  316  is a back wall  322 . Each of these spatial areas  314 ,  316  is also formed by an outer side wall  324  and an inner side wall  326 . 
     Within the first recessed area  314 , a first electrical connector set  328  extends laterally from the inner side wall  326 . Correspondingly, an identical second connector set  330  extends laterally outwardly from the inner side wall  326  associated with the second recessed area  316 . Each of these connector sets  328 ,  330  is formed by a series of female connectors  332 . The female connectors  332  are formed from individual contact blade structures, somewhat corresponding to the contact blade structure  170  previously described herein with respect to the prior art configurations shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . In the particular configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 9-14 , each of the connector sets  328 ,  330  comprises an 8-wire or 8-connector system. That is, eight separate wires are provided. By way of example, these may include two ground terminal connectors, three neutral connectors and three positive connectors representing three separate circuits incoming to the junction block assembly  300 . Similarly, 5, 10 or 12-connector systems may be readily accommodated, having corresponding numbers of terminals on each of the connectors and providing for a different number of separate circuits. In addition to the female connectors  332  shown with respect to the first recessed area  314 , a further set of female connectors  334  would be associated with the second connector set  330  within the second recessed area  316 . An illustration of one of the female connectors  332  and one of the female connectors  334  is shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     At the back of the junction block  302  is a pair of center positioned connector sets  336 . These connector sets  336  are somewhat similar to the receptacle connectors  126  associated with the prior art system previously described herein. The center position connector sets  336  are referred to herein as a first center position connector set  338  and a second center position connector set  340 . Each of these center position connector sets  338 ,  340  include a set of eight female connectors  342 . Each of the center position connector sets  338 ,  340  is positioned in a straight line relationship relative to the other of the connector sets  338 ,  340 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 13 , where the first center positioned connector set  338  is shown in relative detail with respect to a second junction block  302 , the first center position connector set  338  includes a side flange  344  extending to the side of the female connectors  342 . The side flange  344  is provided with upper and lower recessed areas  346 . The upper and lower recessed areas  346  are adapted to assist in providing engagement with flanges with one of the first or second center connected cable assemblies  304 ,  306 , respectively. The side flanges  344  are preferably made of a resilient plastic material and formed integral with the housing of the junction block  302  to which they are associated. Preferably, the side flanges  344  are also provided with an outwardly extending inclined end surface  348 . When the surfaces  348  are engaged by flanges associated with the cable assemblies  304 ,  306 , the side flanges  344  will be deflected inwardly, allowing flanges of the cable assemblies  304 ,  306  to engage the recessed areas  346 , so as to provide a locking engagement of a center position connector set  366  with a center connect cable assembly  304  or  306 . 
     Each of the junction blocks  302  of the junction block assembly  300  also includes means for releasably coupling the junction block assembly  300  to other structures, including, for example, an upper wall of a raceway within a wall panel or the like. In this regard, reference is made primarily to  FIG. 13 , illustrating a pair of the junction blocks  302  with a support bracket  350  having the shape and configuration specifically illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The support bracket  350 , as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , comprises an upper section  358  having a substantially horizontal configuration when installed within a wall panel or the like. Integral with and extending from opposing sides of the upper section  358  are a pair of downwardly turned flanges  360 . Extending laterally outwardly from the other opposing sides of the upper section  358 , and curve downwardly there from are a pair of integral side arms  362 . Integral with each of the side arms  362  and extending outwardly from the lower portions thereof are a pair of laterally extending retaining supports  364 . 
     The support bracket  350  is adapted to be connected to the lower portion of a longitudinally extending support bar  352  as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Support bar  352  has a substantially rectangular and hollow configuration. It should be emphasized that various other types of support configurations and supporting components can be utilized in place of the support bar  352 . The support bar  352  includes a bottom section  354 . Through holes  356  extend through the upper section  358  of the support bracket  350 . Corresponding through holes (not shown) would also extend through the bottom  354  of the support bar  352 . Connecting means, such as screws or the like (not shown) may be received with in the through holes  356  and the through holes (not shown) of the support bar  352  for purposes of interconnecting the support bracket  350  to the support bar  352 . 
     Returning to the junction blocks  302 , each of the junction blocks  302  include a pair of L-shaped mounting lugs  366  located at the top of the junction block  302  and each equally spaced from the center thereof. For purposes of securing each of the junction blocks  302  to the support bracket  350 , the ends of the laterally extending retaining supports  364  can be received within a corresponding one of each of the L-shaped mounting lugs  366 . This configuration is specifically illustrated in  FIG. 14 , with respect to one of the junction blocks  302  and a pair of the mounting lugs  366 . 
     As shown primarily in  FIGS. 9 and 13 , each of the junction blocks  302  further includes what could be characterized as a latching device  368  positioned on the tops of the junction blocks  302  and centered with respect to the longitudinal length of each of the junction blocks  302 . With reference to  FIGS. 9 ,  12  and  13 , each of the latching devices  368  includes an interlocking latch member  369 . The interlocking latch member  369  is provided with an elongated member such as the cantilever beam  372 . The cantilever beam  372  is attached to the top of the corresponding junction block  302  by means of a moving hinge  370 . The interlocking latching member  369  may be integrally formed on the top of the corresponding junction block  302 , and may be constructed of a resilient plastic material, such as polycarbonate which provides a restoring force on the interlocking latch member  369 . The cantilever beam  372  includes an upwardly sloping surface  374  which slops upwardly toward the back of the corresponding junction block  302 . At the end of the sloping surface  374  is a tab  376 . When the support bracket  350  is appropriately mounted in the ends of the retaining supports  364  are received within the L-shaped mounting lugs  366 , the cantilever beam  372  moved toward a corresponding downwardly turned flange  360  of the support bracket  350 , and the tab  376  engages the flange  360 . This configuration is illustrated with respect to one of the junction blocks  302  and one of the latching devices  368  in  FIG. 14 . When it is desired to disengage a junction block  302  from a support bracket  350 , a downwardly projecting force (either by hand, screwdriver or the like) may exerted on the upwardly sloping surface  374 , so as to depress the cantilever beam  372 . When the cantilever beam  372  is depressed, the tab  376  of the cantilever beam  372  will move below the end of the corresponding downwardly turned flange on the support bracket  350 . In this manner, the retaining tab  376  is disengaged from the flange  360 . The junction block  302  may then be removed from the L-shaped mounting lugs  366 , by pulling the junction block  302  outwardly from the support bracket  350 . Specifically, this outward movement of the junction block  302  will cause the mounting lugs  366  to be disengaged from the retaining supports  364  of the support bracket  350 . Similarly, the junction block  302  may be installed and releasably interconnected with the support bracket  350  by slidably engaging the L-shaped mounting lugs  366  with the retaining supports  364 . This sliding motion will result in engagement of the latching device  368  with the downwardly extending flange  360 , thereby causing the tab  376  to be captured by the flange  360 . At that point, the restoring force imparted to the latching device  368  due to the resiliency of the interlocking latch member  369  causes engagement of the tab  376  with the flange  360 , thereby placing the junction block  302  in a releasably locked position relative to the supporting bracket  350 . 
     A slightly modified embedment of the junction block  302  illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 13  is shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  11  and  12 . Therein, the modified junction block  302  is configured so as to be releasably secured to a pair of support brackets  350  (not shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  11  or  12 ). That is, as specifically shown primarily in FIGS. IO and  11 , the modified junction block  302  includes two pairs of L-shaped mounting lugs  366 , with each pair mounted on one side of the top of the junction block  302 . Correspondingly, intermediate the mounting lugs  366  of each pair is a latching device  368 . Accordingly, the modified junction block  302  includes two latching devices  368 . The latching devices  368  and the mounting lugs  366  of the modified junction block  302  shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  11  and  12  operate in exactly the same manner as the mounting lugs  366  and latching device  368  illustrated with respect to the junction blocks  302  illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 13 . However, with the configuration shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  11  and  12 , one support bracket  350  would be utilized with one latching device  368  and a pair of the mounting lugs  366 , while a second support bracket  350  would be utilized with the second latching device  368  and second pair of mounting lugs  366 . This configuration could be characterized as providing somewhat greater support for the modified junction block  302 , in that two support brackets  350  are utilized to mount the junction block  302  to a support bar  352 . 
     Turning back to the electrical assemblies associated with the junction block assembly  300 , the first and second center position connector sets  338 ,  340 , respectively, were previously described herein. For purposes of providing electrical power to the connector sets  338 ,  340 , and for transmitting power through the connector sets  338 ,  340 , the junction block assembly  300  includes a first center connect cable assembly  304  and a second center connect cable assembly  306 , as previously referenced herein. Turning primarily to  FIG. 9 , the first center connect cable assembly  304  is identical to the second center connect cable assembly  306 . With respect to each of the cable assemblies  304 ,  306 , each assembly includes a connector block  383  at a terminating end of each of the assemblies  304 ,  306 . Each connector block  383  includes an outwardly extending male connector set  380 . Each male connector set  380  includes a series of male connector terminals  382 . As previously referenced, the junction block assembly  300  shown in  FIG. 9  can be characterized as an “8-wire” assembly. Accordingly, each male connector set  380  would, correspondingly, comprise a set of eight male terminals  382 . Electrical power is transmitted to and through the junction block assembly  300  by means of electrical wires (not shown) disposed in an adjustable cable or conduit section  384 . The wires (not shown) within the cable or conduit section  384  terminate at the male connector terminals  382  of the corresponding male connector block  383 . Although not shown in the drawings, the adjustable cable or conduit section  384  may terminate at its other end in a corresponding male connector block  383  or other electrical assemblies. For example, the other end of either or both adjustable cable or conduit section  384  may terminate in a connector adapted to interconnect directly to cables associated with incoming building supply power or other direct sources of electrical power. 
     As previously described herein, each of the center positioned connector sets  338 ,  340  is provided with a side flange  344  having upper and lower recessed areas  346 . The upper and lower recessed areas  346  are adapted to assist in providing engagement with flanges  386  of one of the male connector sets  380 . In this manner, a releasable locking engagement is provided between a male connector set  380  and a center positioned connector set  338  or  340 . As also previously described herein, the side flanges  344  of the center positioned connector sets  338  and  340  are preferably made of a resilient plastic material and formed integral with the housing of the junction block  302  to which they are associated. Preferably, side flanges  344  are also provided with an outwardly extending inclined end surface  348 . When the inclined end surfaces  348  are engaged by flanges, such as the flanges  386  of the male connector set  380  on a connector block  383  of a center connect cable assembly  304 ,  306 , the flanges  344  will be deflected inwardly, allowing the flanges  386  of the male connector set  380  to engage the recesses  346 , and thereby provide a locking engagement of the center connect cable assembly  304 ,  306 , and a male connector set  380 . Preferably, each of the center positioned connector sets  338  and  340  are provided with a key lug  388 . Correspondingly, each male connector set  380  is preferably provided with an opening  390  for receiving the corresponding key lug  388 . In accordance with the foregoing, the first and second center position connector sets  338 ,  340 , respectively, can be mechanically (in a releasable manner) and electrically interconnected to either of the first center connect cable assembly  304  or the second center connect cable assembly  306 . 
     As earlier described herein, the junction block assembly  300  includes one or more junction blocks  302 . Each junction block  302  is adapted to electrically receive a first receptacle block  308  and a second receptacle block  310 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 9  illustrates prospective views of each of the receptacle blocks  308 ,  310 . In this particular embodiment of receptacle blocks which may be utilized in accordance with the invention, each of the receptacle blocks  308 ,  310  is provided with a first male connector set  394  extending outwardly from one end of each of the receptacle blocks  308 ,  310 , and an identical second male connector set  396  extending outwardly from an opposing end of each of the receptacle blocks  308 ,  310 . With respect to  FIG. 9 , the actual terminals of the second male connector set  396  in each of the receptacle blocks  308 ,  310  is not actually viewable. However, each of the second male connector sets  396  as the exact same configuration as each of the first male connector sets  394 . In this regard, providing male connector sets  394 ,  396  at both ends of the receptacle blocks  308 ,  310  permits the receptacle blocks  308 ,  310  to be utilized with a junction block having a configuration such as junction block  302 , wherein a first female connector set  328  is located within a first recessed area  314 , and a second female connector set  330  is located within the second recessed area  316 . That is, with the male connector sets  394 ,  396  associated with each of the receptacle blocks  308 ,  310 , either of the receptacle blocks  308 ,  310  can be utilized in either of the recessed areas  314 ,  316 . 
     As also previously described, the junction block  302  is provided with the open recessed areas  314 , 316  in which to support the electrical receptacle blocks  308 ,  310 . In the same regard, each of the first and second male connector sets  394 ,  396 , include a series of male terminals  398 . The male terminals  398  comprise blade terminals. Typically, a receptacle block  308  or  310  would comprise three blade terminals, corresponding to a single circuit to be applied from the blade terminals  398  to the electrical receptacles  400  which extend outwardly from the front of each of the receptacle blocks  308 ,  310 . The electrical receptacles  400  illustrated in  FIG. 9  comprise three terminal receptacles, and would include a hot, neutral and ground connection. The receptacles  400  are in the form of female terminals, and are adapted to receive conventional, electrical 3-prong plugs (not shown) electrically connected to devices and appliances to be energized. As an example, each of the electrical receptacles  400  may include a hot terminal  402 , neutral terminal  404  and ground terminal  406 . Each of these terminals of this receptacle  400  is connected to a different one of the blade terminals  398  associated with the connector sets  394 ,  396 . 
     The bottom portion of each of the receptacle blocks  308 ,  310  is not illustrated in  FIG. 9 . However, these bottom portions may have a latching mechanism substantially similar to the latching mechanism previously described herein with respect to the prior art receptacle block  150 . That is, with reference to the junction block  302 , the recessed area  314  is provided, on its lower wall  318 , with a slightly recessed locking flange  408 . Correspondingly, the recessed area  316  associated with the junction block  302  also includes on the lower wall  318 , a substantially identical locking flange  408 . However, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the locking flange  408  associated with the recessed area  314  is positioned to one side of an indentation  410  in the lower wall  318 , while the locking flange  408  associated with the recessed area  316  is positioned to an opposing side of an indentation in the lower wall  318  of the recessed area  316 . 
     Although not specifically shown in  FIG. 9 , but as previously described with respect to the receptacle block  150  associated with the prior art system illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the lower portion of each of the receptacle blocks  308 ,  310  is provided with a spring latch (not shown) disposed within a recess (not shown) on an underside of each of the receptacle blocks  308 ,  310 . Each of the receptacle blocks  308 ,  310  can be inserted into the recessed areas  314 ,  316  of the junction block  302 . With the configuration shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 9 , the first receptacle block  308  can be inserted into the second recessed area  316  so that the electrical receptacles  400  face outwardly from the spatial area  316  illustrated in  FIG. 9 . When inserted, the locking flange  408  will cause the spring latch (not shown) of the receptacle block  308  to be depressed. The receptacle block  308 , with the partial recessed area  316  shown in  FIG. 9 , may be inserted into the recessed are  316  and then be moved to the left (in the view shown in  FIG. 9 ) so that the male terminals  398  of the first male connector set  394  are electrically engaged with the second connector set  330  having female connectors  334  within the recessed area  316 . Further, the receptacle block  308  will also include recesses (not shown) so as to accommodate the locking flange  408 . Movement to the left of the receptacle block  308  by a sufficient distance will cause the spring latch (not shown) to be moved passed the locking flange  408 , thereby causing the spring latch to return to its extended position. In this manner, the receptacle  308  is physically maintained in a locked but releasable position. The receptacle  308  may be removed from electrical connection with the female receptacle block  330  by depressing the spring latch (not shown) and sliding the receptacle  308  to the right so as to align the locking flange  408  with the recessed area of the receptacle block  308 . With this configuration, the receptacle block  308  may be removed from the recessed are a 316 . 
     Correspondingly, the receptacle block  310  may be physically moved into engagement within the recessed area  314 , and then slid to the right so that the male connector set  396  will electrically engage the female connector set  328  associated with the recessed area  314 . the recessed area  314  has a locking flange  410 , which functionally corresponds to locking flange  408  previously described with respect to recessed area  316 . Also, the receptacle block  310 , like the receptacle block  308 , will include a spring latch (not shown) disposed within a recess (not shown) in a lower surface of the receptacle block  310 . The functional and mechanical operation of engaging and disengaging the receptacle block  310  from the junction block  302  corresponds to the same operations as previously described with respect to receptacle block  308  and the junction block  302 . Accordingly, the same will not be repeated herein. 
     As previously described herein, each of the junction blocks  302  includes a first center position connector set  338  and a second center positioned connector set  340 . These connector sets are primarily shown in  FIG. 13 . As also previously described, the connector sets  338 ,  340  are adapted to electrically engage the male connector sets  380  associated with each of the cable assemblies  304 ,  306 . It should be emphasized that a continuous electrical path exists between the female connectors  342  associated with the first center position connector set  338  and the female connectors  342  associated with the second center position connector set  340 . Correspondingly, as also previously described, each of the junction blocks  302  includes a first female connector set  328  associated with the recessed area  314 , and a second female connector set  330  associated with the recessed area  316 . The female connectors  332  associated with the first female connector set  328  are in a continuous electrical path with the corresponding female connectors  334  associated with the second female connector set  330 . Still further, there is a continuous electrical path between connectors associated with the first center position connector set  338 , second center position connector set  340 , first female connector set  328  and second female connector set  330 . This configuration can be achieved through the use of what can be characterized as an H-shaped connector used with respect to each of the eight terminals associated with the female connector sets coupled to each of the junction blocks  302 . One of the H-terminals is illustrated in substantial part in  FIGS. 10 and 12 , and is referred to therein as H-connector  414 . As apparent with an 8-wire system, eight of the H-connectors  414  would be utilized. A connector somewhat corresponding to the H-connector  414  was previously described herein with respect to the prior art illustrations of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , and was referred to as a contact blade structure  170 . With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , and further with reference to  FIGS. 10 and 12 , each of the H-connectors  414  associated with the junction block  302  in accordance with the invention would substantially correspond to one of the contact blade structures  170  illustrated with respect to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , but with the contact blade structure  170  having the blade extension member  172  removed. In the prior art configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the blade extension member  172  is utilized to connect to a conductor by means of a crimped connection. As illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 12 , each of the H-connectors  414  includes a series of four contact blade sets  416  each of the contact blade sets  416  includes upper and lower contact blades as substantially shown as contact blades  174  and  175  in prior art  FIG. 8 . As shown expressly in  FIG. 10 , the contact blade sets  416  form an H-shaped configuration. A common conductor  418  extends between all four of the contact blade sets  416 , and provides an electrically conducted path there between. Again, it should be emphasized that with an 8-wire system, eight of the H-connectors  414  would be utilized, and would essentially be stacked as illustrated in FIG.  12 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 10 , one arm of each of the H-connectors  414  would correspond to the female terminals associated with the second center position connector set  340 . Correspondingly, an opposing arm would correspond to the female connectors of the first center position connector set  338 . Still further, and positioned within the recessed area  314 , one set of arms of the H-connectors  414  would correspond to the first female connector set  328 . Correspondingly, the remaining arm of each of the H-connectors  414  would correspond to a female terminal of the second female connector set  330 . 
     In accordance with all of the foregoing, an assembly of the junction block assembly  300  will now be described, with respect to essentially all of the  FIGS. 9-14 . In accordance with the prior discussion, a pair of the junction blocks  302  can be mechanically assembled to a support bracket  350  as shown in  FIG. 13 . As also shown in  FIG. 13 , the support bracket  350  can then be connected to a support bar  352 . The support bar  352  may be an upper portion of a supporting structure for a raceway or the like. If desired, two of the junction blocks  302  can be connected to the support bracket  350 , at opposing ends thereof. 
     After such connection, the first center connect cable assembly  304  can be electrically and mechanically connected to the second center position connector set  340 . Correspondingly, the second center connect cable assembly  306  can be mechanically and electrically connected to the first center position connector set  338 . With these connections, I am assuming that electrical power is being transferred from either the first center connect cable assembly  304  or the second center connect cable assembly  306 , electrical power is thereby supplied to both the first female connector set  328  within the recessed area  314  of junction block  302 , and the second female connector set  330  located within the recessed area  316  of the junction blocks  302 . As previously described, in the particular embodiment illustrated herein, each of the connector sets  328 ,  330  may comprise eight female connectors, representing three separate circuits, with each circuit having a hot, neutral and ground connection. Following this assembly, one or more of the first receptacle block  308  and/or second receptacle block  310  may be electrically engaged with the connector sets  328 , 330  of the junction block  302 . In the particular configuration illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a second male connector set  396  associated with the second receptacle block  310  would be electrically engaged with the first connector set  328  within the recessed area  314 . Correspondingly, the first receptacle block  308 , having a first male connector set  394 , would be electrically engaged to the second connector set  330  within the recessed area  316  of junction block  302 . As also previously described, the first and second male connector sets  394 ,  396 , respectively, would have three “active” male terminals  398  associated with each connector set. These three terminals  398  would be located so that they would electrically engage with one hot, one neutral and one ground connector of either the first connector set  328  or the second connector set  330 . In this manner, a selected one of the three available circuits would be provided as electrical power to each of the electrical receptacles  400  associated with the receptacle blocks  308 ,  310 . 
     With the foregoing configuration, a junction block has been provided with two electrical receptacle blocks, so as to provide a total of four electrical receptacles  400  associated with the junction block  302 . Correspondingly, and with primary importance in accordance with the invention, the junction block  302  is adapted so as to provide for a “center connect” of electrical power from center connect cable assemblies  304 ,  306  to the junction block  302 . This center connect type of configuration is particularly useful in certain situations where the junction blocks  302  and the raceways into which the junction blocks  302  may be installed have particular relative sizes and configuration. 
     As earlier described, it is advantageous to provide for a raceway system which can accommodate raceways of varying widths, without necessarily changing the structures of the junction blocks or electrical receptacle blocks. One such raceway system is illustrated as raceway system  500 , with raceway system  500  and various embodiments thereof being described with respect to  FIGS. 15-42  in subsequent paragraphs herein. With reference first to  FIG. 15 , a raceway system  500  includes a junction block  502  having a housing  503 . A cable assembly  504  is attached to one end of the junction block housing  503 . The cable assembly  504  includes a cable connector  506  utilized to structurally secure the cable assembly  504  to the junction block housing  503  by any suitable and well known means. The cable connector  506  is attached to a conduit  508 . The conduit  508  may hold a plurality of electrical conductors, depending upon the number of conductors and electrical circuits utilized with the particular raceway system  500 . The conduit  508  may be flexible in design. Also, for purposes of accommodating distance requirements between and among junction blocks, the conduits  508  utilized with the raceway system  500  may be adjustable and comprise expandable, flexible conduit. For purposes of providing such adjustability, end connector blocks (not shown) may be provided with an inner spatial area. The inner spatial area can be provided for storage of excess length of electrical wiring in a coiled or other similar configuration. This type of arrangement is illustrated with respect to the end connector block  140  as previously described herein and illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Similar types of arrangements are disclosed in my earlier patents, U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,434 issued Mar. 17, 1992 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,579,403 issued May 1, 1986. 
     Turning again to the junction block  502 , the block  502  includes female connector block pairs  510  extending outwardly from the opposing end of the junction block  502 . Each of the female connector block pairs  510  includes a female connector set  512 . Each of the female connector sets  512  of each female connector pair  510  is provided with a side flange  514  having upper and lower recessed areas  516 . The upper and lower recessed areas  516  are adapted to assist in providing engagement with cable assemblies (not shown) which may be structurally and electrically attached to the female connector block pairs  510 . 
     The upper and lower recessed areas  516  of the female connector block pairs  510  are adapted to assist in providing engagement with flanges of a male or end connector block (not shown) associated with a cable assembly. In this manner, a releasable locking engagement can be provided between a female connector set  512  and male connector terminals (not shown) of a male or end connector block. The side flanges  514  may be made of a resilient plastic material and formed integral with the housing of the junction block  502  which they are associated. 
     Preferably, the side flanges  514  are also provided with an outwardly extending inclined end surface. When these surfaces are engaged by flanges of male connectors, the side flanges  514  will be deflected inwardly, allowing flanges of the male connector to engage the recessed areas  516 , thereby providing a releasable locking engagement of the male and female connectors. Preferably, each of the female connector sets  512  is provided with a plurality of female connector terminals  538  and a key lug  540 . Concepts associated with such configurations are disclosed and illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , and further disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,434 issued Mar. 17, 1992 and entitled ELECTRICAL INTERCONNECTION ASSEMBLY. Turning again specifically to the junction block  502 ,  FIG. 15  illustrates one side of the junction block  502  while  FIG. 21  illustrates an opposing side of the junction block  502 . The junction block  502  comprises the housing  503 , which includes a pair of recessed areas  520 ,  522  on opposing sides of the junction block  502 . As described in subsequent paragraphs herein, and is apparent from prior description of the prior art assemblies illustrated herein, the recessed areas  520 ,  522  are adapted to receive, mechanically and electrically, the electrical receptacle block  542 , which will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein. Each of the recessed areas  520 ,  522  is formed by a lower wall  524  and an upper wall  526 . Located at the back of each of the recessed areas  520 ,  522  is a back wall  528 . Each of these spatial areas  520 ,  522  is also formed by a side wall  530 . 
     Within the first recessed area  520 , a first electrical connector set  532  extends longitudinally outwardly from the side wall  530 . Correspondingly, an identical second connector set  534  extends longitudinally outwardly from the side wall  530  associated with the second recessed area  522 . Each of these connector sets  532 ,  534  is formed by a series of vertically disposed “half-H” terminals  536 , primarily illustrated in  FIGS. 22 ,  23  and  24 . As shown therein, each of the terminals  536  includes a pair of longitudinally extending female terminals  544 . These female terminals  544  extend outwardly and form the female connector sets  512  previously described herein, which are part of the female connector block pairs  510 . Electrically connected to the female terminals  544  is a blade terminal  546  which extends laterally and perpendicular to each of the pair of female terminals  544 . The blade terminals  546  (only one of which is shown in each of  FIGS. 22 ,  23  and  24 ) form both the first connector set  532  and the second connector set  534  associated with the junction block  502 . In this manner, the connector sets  532 ,  534  are electrically connected to each other, since each is formed by the same blade terminal  546 . 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 22 ,  23  and  24 , a rear terminal  548  extends rearwardly from the blade terminal  546 . The rear terminal  548  extends rearwardly and includes a crimp assembly  550 . The crimp assembly  550  is utilized to electrically connect the half-H terminal  536  to an electrical conductor  552 . The electrical conductor  552  extends from the rear terminal  548  through the cable connector  506  and into the conduit  508 . In this manner, the conductors  552  may be used in substitution of any bus bar assemblies or similar assemblies which may exist in conventional junction blocks. It is apparent that this saves on costs associated with metal utilized within the junction block  502 . 
     Each of the blade terminals  546  is vertically disposed relative to other blade terminals  546  within the junction block  502 , and is held in place by conventional means. In the particular configurations illustrated in  FIGS. 15-42 , the connector sets utilized therein comprise 8-wire or 8-connector systems. That is, eight separate conductors  552  are utilized, so as to provide 8 terminals. By way of example, these may include two ground terminal conductors, three neutral conductors and three positive conductors, representing three separate circuits incoming to the raceway system  500 . Similarly, five, ten or twelve-connector systems may be readily accommodated, having corresponding numbers of terminals on each of the connectors and providing for a different number of circuits. Terminals such as the half-H terminals  536  have been previously illustrated herein and described with respect to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , although the terminals shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  typically are characterized as “full” H-terminals. 
     The junction block  502  of the raceway assembly  500  also includes means for releasably coupling the junction block  502  to other structures including, for example, an upper wall of a raceway within a wall panel or the like. In this regard, with reference to  FIGS. 15 and 19 , the junction block  502  includes a pair of L-shaped mounting lugs  554  located at the top of the junction block  502 , and each equally spaced from the center thereof. The L-shaped mounting lugs  554  can be utilized to secure the junction block  502  to a support bracket (not shown) which could correspond to the support bracket  350  previously described herein with respect to  FIG. 13 . The interconnecting configuration is specifically illustrated in  FIG. 14 , with respect to one of the previously described junction blocks  302  and pair of mounting lugs  366 . 
     As primarily shown in  FIGS. 15 and 19 , the junction block  502  further includes what can be characterized as a latching device  556  positioned at the top of the junction block  502  and centered with respect to the longitudinal length of the junction block  502 . The latching device  556  can be utilized to secure the junction block  502  to a support bracket (not shown) or a similar structure for interconnection of the junction block  502  to the raceway of a wall panel or the like. Various types of latching mechanisms may be utilized for the latching device  556 . One such latching mechanism is disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,787 issued Nov. 9, 1993 and entitled LATCHING MECHANISM. Latching devices are also disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,576 issued Feb. 19, 1991. 
     The following paragraphs will now describe the electrical receptacle block  542 . It should be emphasized that the receptacle block  542  can be similar in structure and function to the electrical receptacle blocks  308 ,  310  previously described herein and illustrated in  FIG. 9 . The electrical receptacle block  542  is structured as primarily shown in  FIGS. 15 and 18 , and includes a pair of opposing female connector sets  558 . The female connector sets  558  include a series of female terminals  560 . These terminals  560  and female connector sets  558  are formed through a series of vertically disposed receptacle terminal assemblies  562  located within the receptacle block  542 . These receptacle terminal assemblies  562  are illustrated primarily in  FIGS. 22 ,  23  and  24 . As shown therein, the receptacle block  542  includes what can be characterized as an elongated bus bar  566 . The female terminals  560  are formed at the opposing ends of the bus bar  566 . Extending perpendicularly from the bus bar  566  are a pair of female receptacle terminals  564 . These terminals will be associated with either a hot, neutral or ground terminal of a three-prong receptacle  568 , as described in subsequent paragraphs herein. 
     Typically, the receptacle block  542 , for a 8-wire system, would comprise three of the receptacle terminal assemblies  562 , corresponding to a single circuit to be applied from the first or second connector sets  532 ,  534  to the electrical receptacle block  542 . With respect to the electrical receptacle block  542 , an external face  567  includes a pair of electrical receptacles  568  as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . The electrical receptacles  568  each include three terminal receptacles, namely hot, neutral and ground connections. The receptacles  568  are in the form of female terminals, and correspond to the female receptacle terminals  564  previously described herein with respect to  FIGS. 22-24 . As an example, each of the electrical receptacles  568  may include a hot terminal  570 , neutral terminal  572  and ground terminal  574 . Each of these terminals of each receptacle  568  is associated with a different one of the receptacle terminal assemblies  562 . 
     Concepts associated with some of the principal concepts of the raceway system  500  in connection with the invention will not be described. With reference first to  FIGS. 15-18 , and as specifically shown in  FIG. 15 , the lower wall  524  on each side of the junction block  502  includes a series of lower receptacle channels  576 . In the particular embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 , three lower receptacle channels  576  are illustrated. Correspondingly, directly above the lower receptacle channels  576  are a series of corresponding upper receptacle channels  578 . As with the lower receptacle channels  576 , the upper receptacle channels  578  are three in number. As shown in  FIG. 17 , the lower receptacle channels  576  and upper receptacle channels  578  exist on both sides of the junction block  502 . 
     With reference primarily to  FIG. 18 , and as illustrated therein, the electrical receptacle block  542  includes a lower tab  580  which extends longitudinally along the entire bottom portion of the receptacle block  542 . Correspondingly, as also illustrated in  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 18 , an upper tab  582  extends longitudinally along the entire upper portion of the receptacle block  542 . In accordance with the invention, the lower tab  580  is adapted to selectively engage one of the lower receptacle channels  576  of the junction block  502 . Correspondingly, the upper tab  582  is adapted to engage one of the upper receptacle channels  578  on the upper wall  526  of the junction block  502 . The particular pair of channels  576 ,  578  chosen by a user will cause the receptacle block  542  to be adjusted in dimensions regarding how far laterally outwardly the receptacle block  542  extends, relative to the junction block  502 . In this manner, in accordance with the invention, the “effective” width of the raceway assembly  500  can be selectively adjusted, using only a single size of junction block  502  and electrical receptacle block  542 . 
     The general concept of this configuration is illustrated in  FIGS. 22 ,  23  and  24 . Therein, one of the receptacle terminals  562  associated with the receptacle block  542  is shown in various positions. For example, if the receptacle block  542  is engaged in an inner set of channels  576 ,  578 , the receptacle terminal assembly  562  will be in the position shown in solid line format in  FIG. 22 . In this manner, the receptacle block  542  can be moved toward the “right” (as viewed in  FIG. 15 ) so that the female connector set  558  on one side of the block  542  can electrically engage the first connector set  532  associated with the junction block  502 . This engagement corresponds to the engagement of one of the female terminals  560  of the receptacle terminal assembly  562  with the blade terminal  546  associated with the half-H terminal  536 .  FIG. 23  illustrates the relative configuration of a receptacle terminal assembly  562  when the receptacle block  542  is selectively engaged with the middle set of receptacle channels  576 ,  578 . Correspondingly,  FIG. 24  illustrates the relative position of a receptacle terminal assembly  562  of the receptacle block  542 , when the receptacle block  542  has its tabs  580 ,  582  respectively engaged with the outermost receptacle channels  576 ,  578 . 
       FIGS. 27-30  illustrate a second raceway assembly  600  which is somewhat similar to the raceway assembly  500 . Accordingly, elements of raceway assembly  600  similar in structure and function to like elements of raceway assembly  500  include reference numerals corresponding to those of the like elements in the raceway assembly  500 . With reference first to  FIG. 27 , the raceway assembly  600  includes a junction block  602 . The junction block  602  includes a first connector set  604  which comprises a series of female terminals  606 . In this case, the female terminals  606 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 31 and 32 , are part of a half-H terminal  608  which is somewhat different in structural configuration from the half-H terminal  536  previously described herein. More specifically, the half-H terminal  608  includes a pair of outwardly extending female terminals  610 . These outwardly extending female terminals  610  correspond to the female terminals of the female connector sets  512 . These female terminals  610  are connected to a perpendicularly extending common terminal blade  613 . The blade  613  is electrically connected to the pair of rearwardly extending female terminal  606 . The female terminals  606  may extend rearwardly into the recessed areas  520 ,  522 , so as to be accessible to an electrical receptacle block. It should be noted that in this particular configuration, the terminals made accessible to the electrical receptacle block are female terminals  606 , rather than the blade terminal  546 . As with the previously described half-H terminal  536 , a rear terminal  548  is electrically connected to the female terminal  606  and  610 , and includes a crimp assembly  550  at the end of the rear terminal  548 . The crimp assembly  550  is utilized to connect the rear terminal  548  to the conductors  552 , which extend though the junction block  602  and into the conduit  508 . 
     The raceway assembly  600  includes an electrical receptacle block  612 . The receptacle block  612  includes a number of structures and components similar to those of the receptacle block  542 , and such elements are numbered identically to those corresponding elements of block  542 . However, the receptacle block  612  is relatively wider than the receptacle block  542 , and includes receptacle terminal assemblies  614  having a configuration different than the receptacle terminal assembly  562  previously described herein with respect to the receptacle block  542 . Also, the receptacle block  612  may include a set of receptacles  568  only on one side of the block  612 . With respect to the receptacle terminal assemblies  614 , each includes a pair of receptacle terminals which are perpendicularly configured and located at the terminating ends of elongated bus bar  618 . In this instance, unlike the receptacle block  542 , the receptacle terminal  616  are male terminals. With the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 27-32 , the receptacle block  612  can again be located in any one of three channels  576 ,  578 . However, unlike the raceway system  500 , the connector terminals  606  associated with the junction block  602  are in the form of female terminals. Correspondingly, the receptacle terminal assembly  614  associated with the receptacle block  612  includes a set of male terminals, rather than the female terminal  560  associated with the receptacle block  542 . 
       FIGS. 33-38  illustrate a further raceway system  650 . As with the raceway system  600 , some of the elements of the raceway system  650  are similar in structure and function to elements of the raceway system  500 . Such elements of the raceway system  650  are numbered identically to the corresponding elements of raceway system  500 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 33-38 , the raceway system  650  includes a junction block  652  having a structure which is substantially different from those of the junction block  602  and the junction block  502 . In the junction block  652 , the block has an H-shaped configuration, with an upper wall  654  and lower wall  656 . A series of back walls  658  also exist as illustrated in  FIG. 33 . These walls form a set of four recessed areas  660 . The recessed areas  660  are adapted to electrically and structurally receive the receptacle block  542 . For use with the raceway system  600 , a cable assembly  662  can be employed. The cable assembly  662  has a cable connector  664  and a pair of flexible conduits  666 . Two connector set pairs are employed, with each having a series of eight female terminals  668 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 37 and 38 , the female terminals  668  are conventional in design and connect to a series of conductors  670  through a crimp assembly  671 . 
     As primarily shown in  FIGS. 37 and 38 , each of the female terminals  668  can be electrically and releasably connected to a common blade terminal  672 . The common blade terminal  672  can be rectangular in configuration, and is adapted to electrically and releasably receive female terminals  668  from the cable assembly  662 . These can be received from either of two opposing directions relative to the junction block  652 . 
     The electrical receptacle block used with the raceway system  650  can correspond completely in structure and function to the previously described receptacle block  542  used with the raceway system  500 . With reference to  FIGS. 37 and 38 , the receptacle block  542  includes opposing receptacle connector sets  558 . As shown in  FIGS. 37 and 38 , the receptacle connector sets  558  comprise receptacle terminal assemblies  674  having opposing female terminals  676  at the ends thereof, with an elongated bus bar  678  extending longitudinally through the receptacle block  542 . With this configuration, female terminals  676  exist at the opposing ends of the elongated bus bar  678 . When the receptacle block  542  is engaged within one of these sets of channels  576 ,  578 , and electrically engaged with the common blade terminal  672 , electrical connections are made between the receptacles  568  and the conductors  670  running through the conduits  666 . Again, it is noted that with the raceway system  650 , a substantial amount of metal is saved, relative to other raceway systems adding the same functional capabilities. 
     A further raceway system in accordance with the invention is illustrated as raceway system  700  in  FIGS. 39-42 . In this particular configuration, a junction block  702  is provided. The junction block  702  is substantially similar to the previously described junction block  502 . However, instead of having a set of three channels  576 ,  578 , the junction block  702  includes a series of five lower channels  704  and a corresponding series of five upper channels  706 . The raceway system  700  also includes a receptacle block  708 . The receptacle block  708  substantially corresponds to the receptacle block  542  previously illustrated in  FIG. 15  and described herein. However, unlike receptacle block  542 , the receptacle block  708  has a series of receptacles  568  only on one side of the block  708 . The absence of receptacles on the opposing side of the receptacle block  708  is to accommodate the receptacle block  708  when it is engaged in the innermost channels  704 ,  706  of the receptacle block  702 . Also for purposes of accommodating the five channels  704 ,  706 , it can be seen from  FIG. 42  that the upper tab  710  and lower tab  712  are offset from a center line of the receptacle block  708 . This is to permit the upper tab  710  to be engaged with the innermost upper channel  706 , and the lower tab  712  to be engaged with the innermost lower channel  704 . With respect to male and female connectors and terminals, the receptacle block  708  could include male terminals, while the connector set  532  could include female terminals. However, if desired, the connector set  532  could include male terminals, while the receptacle block  708  could include female terminals. 
     The principles of the invention will now be described as embodied within a four wire system  800  illustrated in  FIGS. 43-70 . As earlier stated, the four wire system  800  is adapted to efficiently hold a four wire configuration for providing electrical power to receptacles through either of two circuits selected by the user. With reference first to  FIG. 43 , the four wire system  800  is adapted to fit within a conventional raceway (not shown) of a furniture component or the like. The four wire system  800  includes a connector section  802  which is positioned intermediate a female end connector  804  and a male end connector  806 . Extending outwardly from each of the end connectors  804 ,  806  is a conduit  818 . As described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the conduits  818  are adapted to carry electrical wires in a form of a four wire configuration consisting of two hot wires, a neutral wire and a ground wire. Incoming electrical power will be provided through the conduit  818  associated with either the end connector  804  or the male end connector  806 . 
       FIG. 44  illustrates a modified embodiment of the four wire system  800 . Instead of the connector section  802  as shown in  FIG. 43 , which does not include any receptacle section, the four wire system  800  shown in  FIG. 44  includes a receptacle section  808  positioned intermediate the female end connector  804  and the male end connector  806 . The receptacle section  808  includes a duplex receptacle  810 , through which electrical power can be provided to various energy powered equipment. 
     Turning primarily first to  FIGS. 44 and 45 , the four wire system  800  which includes the receptacle section  808 , as earlier described, includes a female end connector  804 . The female end connector  804  includes a housing  812 . The housing  812 , as shown in  FIG. 45 , includes a front housing half  814  and a rear housing half  816 . The conduit  818  is made to extend into the housing  812  and is coupled thereto in any suitable manner. Also shown in  FIG. 45 , extending outwardly from one end of the conduit  818  is a four wire section  820 . The four wire section  820  includes a neutral wire  822 , ground wire  824 , first hot wire  826  and second hot wire  828 . Located at the terminating ends of each of the wires of the four wire section  820  and conductively connected thereto, is a set of female terminals  830 . 
     Turning to the other end of the four wire system  800 , and as earlier described, the system  800  includes a male end connector  806 . As shown again primarily in  FIG. 45 , the male end connector  806  includes a housing  832 . The housing  832  consists of a front housing half  834  and a rear housing half  836 . As with the female end connector  804 , the male end connector  806  also includes a conduit  818  which is made to extend into one end of the housing  832  and is coupled thereto by any suitable means. Also similar to the female end connector  804 , the male end connector  806  includes a four wire section  840 . 
     The four wire section  840  includes a neutral wire  842 , ground wire  844 , first hot wire  846  and second hot wire  848 . At the terminating ends of each wire of the four wire section  840  is a male terminal  850  which is conductively connected to a corresponding one of the four wire section wires  840 . The four wire system  800  also includes, in one version, the receptacle section  808 . With reference primarily to  FIG. 45  and  FIGS. 47-52 , the receptacle section  808  includes a housing  852 . As shown in  FIG. 45 , the housing  852  includes a front half  854  and rear half  856 . Extending lengthwise along the longitudinal axis of the receptacle section  808  is a series of bus bars  858 . The bus bars  858  can be supported within slots  868  shown in part in the rear half  856  of the housing  852 . The bus bars  858  include a neutral bus bar  860 , ground bus bar  862 , first hot bus bar  864  and second hot bus bar  866 . As further shown in  FIG. 45 , each of the bus bars  858 , at their ends facing the male end connector  806 , have a series of bus bar female terminals  882  conductively connected thereto. Correspondingly, the opposing ends of the bus bars  858 , with the absence of any other components, include terminating ends which can be characterized as a set of bus bar male terminals  883 . As may be apparent from the foregoing description, the bus bar female terminals  882  are adapted to conductively receive the male terminals  850  of each of the wires of the four wire section  840  of the male end connector  806 . Correspondingly, the wires of the four wire section- 820  associated with the female end connector  804  include a set of female terminals  830 , each of which is adapted to receive one of the bus bar male terminals  883 . 
     It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the neutral bus bar  860  will be conductively connected to the neutral wire  842  of the male end connector  806 , and the neutral wire  822  of the female end connector  804 . Correspondingly, the ground bus bar  862  will be conductively connected to the ground wire  844  of the male end connector  806 , and the ground wire  824  of the female end connector  804 . Similarly, the first hot bus bar  864  will be conductively connected at opposing ends to the first hot wire  846  of the male end connector  806 , and the first hot wire  826  of the female end connector  804 . Still further, the second hot bus bar  866  will be conductively connected at its opposing ends to the second hot wire  848  of the male end connector  806 , and the second hot wire  828  of the female end connector  804 . 
     As further shown primarily in  FIG. 45 , the receptacle section  808  also includes a series of three half-H terminals  871  conductively connected, in this case, to the bus bars  860 ,  862  and  866 . These terminals  871  consist of a neutral terminal set  870 , ground terminal set  872  and second hot terminal set  874 . These terminal sets are received within the duplex receptacle  810  of the receptacle section  808 . The second hot terminal  874  will line up with the hot slots  880  on the face of the duplex receptacle  810 . Correspondingly, the ground terminal set  872  will align with the ground apertures  878 . Similarly, the neutral terminal set  870  will align with the neutral slots  876  of the receptacle face. 
     In accordance with the foregoing, the four wire system  800  is adapted to provide a first circuit configuration using the neutral bus bar  860 , ground bus bar  862  and second hot bus bar  866 . If it was desired to utilize a second circuit configuration, the wire and terminal connections could be modified so that the first hot bus bar  864  would mount the second hot terminal  874 , which would be connected to the first hot wire  826  of the female end connector  804  and the first hot wire  846  of the male end connector  806 . In this manner, a second circuit configuration can be provided. 
       FIG. 46  illustrates the four wire system  800  in a configuration similar to that shown in  FIG. 45 , but with the use of the connector section  802 , rather than a receptacle section  808 . As shown in  FIG. 46 , the connector section  802  includes a housing  884 , having a front half  886  and a rear half  888 . Also, it is noted that with respect to the bus bars  858 , none of the bars  858  include any half-H terminals  871 . Instead, electrical power is passed directly through the female end connector  804  and the male end connector  806 , without the use of a receptacle therebetween. 
     In accordance with the foregoing, a four wire circuit configuration has been described, which can provide for two independent circuits. The configuration utilizes end connectors and a receptacle section for supplying electrical power from the four wire system  800  to a duplex receptacle  810 . 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the pertinent arts that still other embodiments of raceway assemblies in accordance with the invention can be designed. That is the principles of an assembly in accordance with the invention are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and other variations of the above-described illustrative embodiments of the invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention.