Abstract: A field communication and computer data distribution system includes a weatherproof housing with a hinged lid, a panel positioned in the housing and having a plurality of pairs of insulation displacement connector units mounted thereon, and a pair of multi-terminal box connectors on opposite sides thereof. A double pole, single throw switch interconnects each connector unit of a pair to perform testing functions. Auxiliary connectors are interconnected to selected pairs or groups of pairs of the connector units. The connector units and auxiliary connectors enable the connection of communication devices, such as telephone sets, to cables connected to the distribution box, as well as computer modems and network interface adapters.

Abstract: A keyed channel strut mounted connector device includes channel engagement structure connected to attachment structure. The channel engagement structure includes a key for engaging the channel, and an octagonal neck connecting the key to a boss surmounting the attachment structure. The neck includes clearance facets permitting the key to pass into the longitudinal channel, and relief facets defining support shoulders on the key for supporting the key on the inwardly turned sidewalls of a channel strut. Two pairs of opposed support shoulders permit installation of the device for supporting a run of cables or pipes parallel with the longitudinal axis of the strut, or rotation of the device 90° for supporting the cables or pipes transverse to the strut. By rotating the device 180° in either direction, the head and tail ends of the attachment structure can be reversed without changing the parallel or transverse orientation of the attachment structure.

Abstract: A cable retention system includes a cable tie and a storage and installation tool. The cable tie includes an elongated band having head and tail ends. The inner surface of the band includes spaced grooves offset toward the tail end to render it more flexible than the head end. Teeth along the inner surface of the band adjacent the head end and along the outer surface of the band adjacent the tail end engage in a circumferential direction when the head end overlaps the tail end. The tool has an annular configuration with an elongated longitudinal opening and an inner raceway for receiving cables. The opening enables the tube to be slipped over a group of cables and moved along the cables. As the tube is moved along the cables, the ties are slipped off and onto the cables at selected spaced locations for securing the cables into a bundle.

Abstract: A field communication and computer data distribution system includes a weatherproof housing with a hinged lid, a panel positioned in the housing and having a plurality of pairs of insulation displacement connector units mounted thereon, and a pair of multi-terminal box connectors on opposite sides thereof. A double pole, double throw switch interconnects each connector unit of a pair to perform testing functions. Auxiliary connectors are interconnected to selected pairs or groups of pairs of the connector units. The connector units and auxiliary connectors enable the connection of communication devices, such as telephone sets, to cables connected to the distribution box, as well as computer modems and network interface adapters.

Abstract: A drainage device and method of decreasing clogging in a drain pipe comprising heating the drain pipe with a heating element that is partially enclosed.

Abstract: A structural rebar comprising an elongated fibrous reinforcing member having a hydraulic binder and optionally chopped fibers embedded and dispersed therein.

Abstract: A heterostructure device includes a ridge-waveguide laser monolithically integrated with a ridge-waveguide rear facet monitor (RFM). An integral V-groove etched directly into the device substrate enables passive alignment of an optical fiber to the active region of the laser. The layer and RFM facets were formed using an in-situ multistep reactive ion etch process.