Abstract: A network interface device (37, 37a) for use with a communication system. The communication system includes a plurality of interconnect elements (39) coupled to incoming and outgoing lines (41, 47). The network interface device is selectively and individually coupled to selected ones of said interconnect elements to test incoming lines of the communication system. The network interface device includes a first connector (34) for coupling a shared test device (53) thereto, or the shared test device itself. A second connector (38) is coupled to the first connector, for example, by a cable (36) and is used for selectively and individually coupling to a selected one of the plurality of interconnect elements. The network interface device is normally disconnected from the communication circuit and is a passive element until it is connected to the interconnect element. Use of the second connector will interrupt circuitry between contacts (43, 45) in the selected interconnect element.

Abstract: An insulation displacement connector comprises a single-piece unitary connector body formed from a relatively thin, generally flat of electrically conductive material having a base portion and two pairs of resilient, wire-engaging arms projecting from one side of the base portion. Each of the pairs of arms define therebetween a wire-receiving slot configured for displacing insulation from a wire introduced therebetween and for gripping the wire. Each of the pairs of arms also defines a tool-engaging portion of a predetermined configuration for engagement by a tool for connecting a wire to the wire-receiving slot. The base portion and the pairs of resilient arms define a pair of opposed, parallel generally flat surfaces. At least one cutout is defined on the connector body for reducing the total area of these flat surfaces while maintaining the predetermined configuration of the tool-engaging portions.

Abstract: A terminal block mounts a plurality of insulation displacement connector type terminal clips formed of an electrically conductive material, each terminal clip having a base portion, an insulation displacing wire-engaging portions projecting outwardly from the base portion and a wire wrap post projecting outwardly from the base portion in a direction opposite to the wire-engaging portion. A block body formed of an electrical insulator material has an upper block section and a lower block section configured for releasably lockingly interengaging the upper block section. The upper block section and the lower block section each have a plurality of generally parallel spaced apart walls defining therebetween a plurality of open-ended cavities.

Abstract: A terminal block mounts a plurality of bi-ended insulation displacement connector type terminal clips formed of an electrically conductive material, each terminal clip having a base portion and a pair of similar insulation displacing wire-engaging portions projecting oppositely outwardly from the base portion. A plurality of activators are configured for selectively electrically coupling wires to the terminal clips. A block body formed of an electrical insulator material has an upper block section and a lower block section configured for releasably lockingly interengaging the upper block section. Alignment structures are formed respectively on the upper and lower block sections for coaxially aligning respective ones of the walls and cavities.

Abstract: A communication line plug coupler is for use in a multiline equipment panel which snap fits into an aperture formed through a surface of the panel. The coupler receives at least one communication line plug on each side of the panel providing a primary demarcation point in determining system problems. The coupler comprises a coupler body having a front portion and a rear portion with an RJ11 plug receptacle formed in the front portion and an insert receptacle formed in the rear portion. The front portion is integrally formed with flexible retention means for retaining the coupler in engagement through the aperture formed in the panel. The receptacles are formed in the coupler for positioning removably engagable plugs inserted in each receptacle for electrical engagement therebetween. The coupler is integrally formed as a single piece body of a material such as plastic having insulating characteristics for insulating the coupler from the panel.

Abstract: A network interface cabinet for large pair count telephone terminations comprises a generally rectilinear cabinet including parallel and spaced top and bottom walls and two pairs of parallel spaced apart sidewalls forming respective front, rear and lateral walls running between and joining the top and bottom walls. At least one access opening is in one of the sidewalls, and a door selectively covers and exposes the access opening for access to the inside of the cabinet. A lock is operatively coupled with the door and the cabinet for controlling access to the inside of the cabinet. Hinges are located interiorly of the cabinet for hingedly mounting at least one equipment panel therewithin for accepting telephone termination, connection and protector equipment, and for permitting access to wiring at both front and rear surfaces of the panel. At least one opening in another of the sidewalls is provided for running cabling between one or more similar cabinets located in a side-by-side arrangement.

Abstract: A clip-type electrical terminal has a base and at least two substantially parallel resilient cantilever beam members attached to the base and longitudinally projecting outwardly therefrom, the beam members being elongated in the direction of their projections from the base. The beam members are separated to form a gap therebetween and to define facing inner edges thereof. The beam members define outer ends of the terminal, which outer ends form a notch having a first pair of beam member edge portions that form a funnel-like angle defining a guide channel. A second pair of beam member edge portions are contiguous with the first-mentioned edge portions, such that the guide channel is coextensive with at least a portion of the gap formed between the beam members.

Abstract: An environmentally protected housing for receiving a connector block in which a multiplicity of central office protector modules can be mounted. The housing is designed such that its surface area is slightly larger than the surface area of the connector block and when the block and modules are mounted in the housing the top of the modules is just below the cover of the housing. Telephone cables which are used to connect to the cables from the central office and from the subscribers enter the housing and are wired to the rear of the connector block. The connector block is mounted in the housing and the modules are placed therein. A potting compound is then poured in the bottom of the housing to thereby environmentally seal the terminals and connections thereto on the rear of the protector block. The housing has a cover which has a suitable seal on its inside surface. The closing of the cover provides the environmentally protected housing.

Abstract: A telephone distribution frame connector assembly for connecting incoming lines to inside equipment and comprises a module field block, a test field block and an equipment field block, and a frame member for mounting the field blocks to a telephone distribution frame. The field blocks are mounted to the frame member to define a generally rectilinear enclosure having one open side. An access panel is provided for normally covering the one open side of the connector assembly, and a panel securing arrangement is provided for removably, securely engaging a marginal peripheral portion of the access panel with a peripheral edge portion of the open side. One or more of the field blocks includes a plurality of ground terminals located interiorally of the enclosure thus defined. A common ground bus is electrically coupled to all of the ground terminals and an adjustable ground selection arrangement is provided for alternatively coupling the ground bus to one of a frame ground and an isolated ground.

Abstract: A side access panel and associated rear fanning strip for enclosing the otherwise open side of a telephone distribution frame connector assembly. The fanning strip interconnects a rear facing edge of the access panel to a rear edge portion of assembly without the use of fasteners. An engaging means such as a clamping strip may also be included as part of the access panel to engage a front facing edge of the assembly to provide a more secure mounting of the panel over the open side.

Abstract: There is disclosed a connector block for establishing connections with insulated electrical conductors capable of being stripped. The block as a number of projections. Mounted in each projection is a connector of the insulation displacement type. Associated with each projection is an activator, part of which fits in the aperture of the projection in which the connector is mounted. The conductors to be stripped are inserted in the activator. The activator is then moved into contact with the connector.

Abstract: A connector for cable shields comprises a U shaped bent strip of metal forming inner and outer spaced legs. Tangs are formed in each leg, extending inwards toward each other. A bolt and nut extending through the legs near the bend acts to clamp the legs together. The ends of the legs can be shaped, to assist in inserting into a cable, and to provide extra gripping formations. The legs can be strengthened by ribs along their side edges.

Abstract: An aerial cable terminal has a one piece molded plastic housing with a dividing wall which divides the interior of the housing into front and back compartments. Terminals are mounted in the dividing wall, for example in hollow bosses extending into the front compartment. The conductors of a stub cable extend through the back compartment and are connected to the rear ends of the terminals. Drop wires enter at the bottom into the front compartment and are connected to the front ends of the terminals. A hinged cover closes the front compartment. Potting compound fills the back compartment. Two terminals can be assembled back-to-back, with conductors from one stub cable connected to both sets of terminals. Support hangers are provided on the top of the housing, one set of hangers for a single housing and another set which combines with hangers on the other housing to form combined hangers. Pivotal drop-wire support rings are provided at each end.

Abstract: A fixed count terminal provides an enclosed housing for the connection of service wires to telephone conductors contained in a communication cable. The fixed count terminal has a support bracket which is clamped to a support strand portion of the communication cable with a mounting bar extending between the points whereat the support bracket is clamped to the support strand. A cable portion of the communication cable is clamped to the support bracket by Z-shaped brackets and ground clamps and a tension bar extends between the Z brackets. A barrier wall divides the fixed count terminal into terminal and cable compartments and has a plurality of breakaway partitions which can be removed so that terminal modules may be positioned on the barrier wall. A base is also secured to the support bracket at the bottom of the barrier wall and has grommeted openings through which the service wires may be extended into the fixed count terminal and coupled to conductors in the communication cable via the terminal modules.

Abstract: A distributing frame having a terminal block member attached to it by a mounting bracket which is secured either to the block member or a frame member by one of two interconnected mounting parts lying in different planes. Loosening of screw securing means passing through one of the mounting parts allows for relative movement of the mounting bracket and the respective member to reposition the securing means in the other mounting parts. This causes change in the angle of orientation of the bracket and respective member and thus causes the block member to pivot on the frame member. To connect electrical wiring to terminals on each side of the block member, it may thus be mounted in one of two alternative positions without removal from the frame while using a simple, one-piece bracket.