Abstract: A hinge mechanism comprising first and second members rotatable relative to one another about a hinge axis from a first to a second position; and a biasing arrangement operative to adopt an active mode to bias the first and second members into at least one relative position and operative to adopt an inactive mode where the biasing arrangement does not provide bias to the first or second members to undergo relative rotation, wherein the biasing arrangement remains in the inactive mode on relative rotation of the first and second members through a first selected angular displacement between the first position and the second position, and is in the active mode on relative rotation of the first and second members through a second selected angular displacement between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism comprising first and second members rotatable relative to one another about a hinge axis from a first to a second position; and a biasing arrangement operative to adopt an active mode to bias the first and second members into at least one relative position and operative to adopt an inactive mode where the biasing arrangement does not provide bias to the first or second members to undergo relative rotation, wherein the biasing arrangement remains in the inactive mode on relative rotation of the first and second members through a first selected angular displacement between the first position and the second position, and is in the active mode on relative rotation of the first and second members through a second selected angular displacement between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A telecommunication connector for a distribution point comprises a base part and a detachable configuration module, the configuration module being able to take a plurality of dispositions with respect to the base part, the base part having connection means to (i) a telecommunications cable from an exchange, (ii) a cable to a further distribution point, and (iii) a cable to a consumer, wherein the configuration module causes electrical connection from the exchange to the further distribution point in a first disposition but not in a second disposition. This permits the installer who is connecting a new consumer to disconnect the unnecessary part of the wire forming the relevant pair when activating the service whilst leaving intact the investment in the network. The configuration module can also contain protective devices for the line, such as three or five pin protection, over current devices and over voltage devices, or other active electronic elements.

Abstract: The application describes an electrical terminal comprising a pair of longitudinally disposed contact members, each having a pair of insulation displacement connectors connectors, one at either end thereof, thereby to link two wire pairs, wherein. each contact member comprises a contact arm each extending in a defined direction, the contact arms leading to a pair of arrestor contacts spaced so as to accept a surge arrestor. The defined direction is preferably substantially transverse to the contact members. This enables the surge arrestor to be placed to one side of the electrical terminal, avoiding interference with ingoing and outgoing wires and avoiding inhibiting access to test points. The contact members are preferably parallel within the electrical terminal. The arrestor contacts are preferably spring contacts, thereby to enable replacement of the arrestor. The contact arms more preferably end at the spring contacts.

Abstract: A connector unit is described comprising a base unit 12 and a connector module 10, the base unit 12 comprising a walls 14 for accepting the connector module 10, the connector module 10 including at least one IDC connector 36 for making electrical connection with a wire 48 and channels 26 for retention of a wire 48, wherein the connector module 10 is such that insertion thereof into the base unit 12 causes the IDC 36 connector to move relative to the channels 26 thereby to make electrical connection between the IDC connector 36 and a wire 48 in the channels 26.