Wire Or Cable Distribution Patents (Class 379/326)
  • Patent number: 9866458
    Abstract: An intelligent network patch field management system is provided that includes electronic hardware, firmware, mechanical assemblies, cables, and software that provide visible and audible cues for connecting and disconnecting patch cords in an interconnect or cross-connect patching environment. Systems of the present invention also monitor patch cord connections in a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Steven A. Jacks, Thomas G. Fuller, Robert J. Pflaum, Richard A. Rago, Brian D. Leshin, Wayne C. Fite, John M. McNally, Robert Wilcox, Shahriar B. Allen
  • Patent number: 8811605
    Abstract: A kit for providing intelligence capability to a communications frame includes: a housing adapted to be attached to a communications frame, the housing having a body portion and pairs of lower, middle and upper legs extending from opposite sides of the body portion; a cover adapted to be attached to the housing, the cover having a central body and pairs of lower, middle and upper legs extending from opposite sides of the central body; and a PCB having a body section and pairs of lower, middle and upper legs extending from opposite sides of the body section, the PCB being adapted for attachment to the housing and cover, with the body section being sandwiched between the body portion and the central body, the PCB lower legs being sandwiched between the cover lower legs and the housing lower legs, the PCB middle legs being sandwiched between the cover middle legs and the housing middle legs, and the PCB upper legs being sandwiched between the cover upper legs and the housing upper legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Rong H Hou, Matt Kiener
  • Patent number: 8724681
    Abstract: Ingress noise labeling tags are coupled into the signal path at various nodes of a cable network. The tags imprint a unique electric signature into a local ingress noise, making the noise identifiable at the headend of the network. In one embodiment, tags do not require external control signals to operate, the electrical response of the tags being determined by present and/or past magnitudes of the return path signal. Such tags can be made entirely passive, not requiring a control signal or an external source of electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Ben Maxson, Walter Miller
  • Patent number: 8686870
    Abstract: An intelligent physical layer management system is provided that includes active electronic hardware, firmware, mechanical assemblies, cables, and software that guide, monitor, and report on the process of connecting and disconnecting patch cords plugs in an interconnect patching environment. RFID tag integrated chips are used to identify which switch port a patch cord is plugged into. The system is capable of monitoring patch cord connections to detect insertions or removals of patch cords or plugs. In addition, the system can map the patch field in interconnect configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Ronald A. Nordin
  • Patent number: 8666059
    Abstract: A method and a device process data transmitted via a channel. The channel is at least partially represented by a symmetrical transfer matrix, wherein at least one off-diagonal matrix element of the transfer matrix is determined by its symmetric and/or transposed off-diagonal matrix element and its corresponding diagonal matrix elements of the transfer matrix. In addition, a communication system is provided containing such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Siemens Networks OY
    Inventors: Dietmar Gernegross, Werner Kozek, Josef Mück
  • Patent number: 8433054
    Abstract: A telecommunications equipment mounting assembly is disclosed herein. The assembly includes a housing adapted for holding telecommunications equipment such as an optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical converter modules. The telecommunications equipment mounting assembly also includes an adapter plate removably connected to the housing. The adapted plate includes structure for managing both fiber optic and copper cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Skradde, Robin L. Berg, Jr., Timothy J. Kjolsing
  • Patent number: 8422660
    Abstract: A communication system having a common ground mechanism is provided. The communication system comprises a local host, a local telephone device, a sound input path and a sound output path. The local telephone device is connected to a remote telephone device through a telecom facility. The sound input path comprises a first transformer module and is connected between the local telephone device and the local host such that the local telephone device may transfer a sound input to the local host. The sound output path comprises a second transformer module and is connected between the local telephone device and the local host such that the local telephone device may receive a sound output from the local host. The first and the second transformer modules couple a first ground of the telecom facility and a second ground of the local host together such that the first and second grounds are common-grounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Tai-Lin Wu, Tai-Shing Wan
  • Patent number: 8355497
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) suitable for providing telecommunication and data services in a telecommunications network to a plurality of subscribers, comprising a first distribution matrix (104), a crossover matrix (108) and a second distribution matrix (106). Said crossover matrix (108) is adapted to be connected to a main cable (130) and to a distribution cable (120). The apparatus further comprises a DSLAM unit (112) and crossover switching elements in said crossover matrix (108) and distribution switching elements in said distribution matrices (104, 106) are controlled from a remote location. The apparatus is adapted to add data services to a subscriber line by switching the subscriber line from the crossover matrix (108) to the first distribution matrix (104) and then via splitter (110) to the second distribution matrix (106) and back to the crossover matrix (108), wherein the splitter (110) is adapted to receive data signal from the DSLAM unit (112).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Goetz Mueller, Martin Goetzer
  • Patent number: 8280033
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing a plurality of alternative telecommunications services to a plurality of users (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) of a telecommunications network (10) comprising a primary cross-connect (26) in communication with a node (12) of the network for supplying a first selected telecommunications service to the users (14, 16, 18, 20, 22), and a secondary cross-connect (28) in communication with the node (12) and the primary cross-connect (26). The primary cross-connect (26) is provided with switches (34). The switches (34) are operable from a remote location (36) to disconnect a selected user (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) from the telecommunications services, and the secondary cross-connect (28) is are operable from a remote location (36) to reconnect the selected user (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) to an alternative telecommunication service through the secondary cross-connect (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Ericsson AB
    Inventors: Andrew Draycott, Martin Goetzer
  • Patent number: 8280034
    Abstract: A device (500) for switching-in and switching-off telecommunications or data services in a telecommunications or data network to a plurality of subscribers the device comprising a plurality of apparatuses (100, 504, 506, 508), wherein each of which comprises a first distribution matrix (104) connected to a crossover matrix (108) and a second distribution matrix (106) connected to said crossover matrix (108), wherein the crossover matrix (108) is adapted to be connected to a main cable (110) and to a distribution cable (112) and crossover switching elements for switching of connections within said crossover matrix (108) and distribution switching elements for switching of connections within said distribution matrices (104, 106) are controlled from a remote location, wherein the first distribution matrix (104) and the second distribution matrix (106) are adapted to be connected to a node for providing plurality of telecommunications or data services (114) and wherein the first distribution matrix (104) from a f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Ericsson AB
    Inventors: Martin Goetzer, Stefan Bodamer, Goetz Mueller
  • Patent number: 8238544
    Abstract: A system of terminating signals in a telecommunication system is disclosed. In one embodiment a line card comprises functional circuitry, line card connector contacts and a termination resistor. The functional circuitry is used to interface first type ports with second type ports. The line card connector contacts are adapted to be selectively coupled to a backplane of a chassis. The termination resistor is adapted to terminate signal lines when a jumper is coupled across select line card contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: ADC DSL Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl E. Gabrielson, Jr., James E. Holbrook, Dale M. Terrien, Gary Gottlieb
  • Patent number: 8116434
    Abstract: A telecommunications patching system includes a patch panel comprising a plurality of connector ports and a plurality of patch cords configured to selectively interconnect pairs of the connector ports. Each patch cord has opposite ends and a respective connector secured to each end that is configured to be removably secured within a connector port. The connectors of a respective patch cord have the same unique identifier associated therewith. A first sensor is located at each connector port and detects when a patch cord connector is inserted within, and removed from, a respective connector port. A second sensor is located at each connector port and reads the identifier of a patch cord connector inserted within a respective connector port. The first and second sensors are in communication with a controller that monitors and logs patch cord interconnections with the connector ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Michael G. German, Golam M. Choudhury, Daniel W. Macauley, Danny L. Satterthwaite, Peter T. Tucker
  • Patent number: 8085928
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide for the isolation of an inactive cable pair from a bridged active cable pair. According to various embodiments, a bridge lifting block is installed in-line between control equipment and a cable connected to the bridged cable pairs. The bridge lifting block includes a first set of post pairs for connection to the control equipment and a second set of post pairs for connection to the cable block. Mini-bridge lifters are installed in the bridge lifting block between the sets of post pairs. The bridge lifting block may include two cable blocks linked together, with mini-bridge lifters installed in one and corresponding pass-through coils installed in the other. Alternatively, the bridge lifting block may include a single block body having two opposing sets of post pairs with intervening mini-bridge lifters. Additional control equipment may be installed between the bridge lifting block and cable block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventor: Charles Bell
  • Patent number: 7961864
    Abstract: A method is provided to implement a subscriber local number portability migration request. The method includes sending a trigger signal to a cross-connect device to cause the cross-connect device to switch between a first communication channel and a second communication channel. The first communication channel is between an originating switch associated with a subscriber's directory number and a distribution frame. The second communication channel is between a porting switch and the distribution frame. The method also includes validating that the cross-connect device switched between the first communication channel and the second communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Joseph Raymond Kieren
  • Patent number: 7920691
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring connectivity at a hub having a plurality of subscriber lines from a plurality of subscriber premises and a plurality of feeder lines from a central office. The hub provides connectivity between the plurality of subscriber premises and the central office. The method and apparatus include categorizing the plurality of subscriber lines into a plurality of groups based on penetration rates and churn rates of the plurality subscriber lines. Each group of subscriber lines are connected to feeder lines based on the penetration and churn rates for POTS and/or DSL services. Subscriber line groups with high penetration rates and high/low churn rates are coupled directly to feeder lines. Subscriber line groups with low penetration rates and high/low churn rates are terminated at the hub. Subscriber lines with an intermediate penetration rate are candidates for being connected to the feeder lines via an automatic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Chu, Paul Francis Gagen, Francis Robert Magee
  • Patent number: 7539298
    Abstract: A wireline termination arrangement bridges a telecommunication wireline pair of a telecommunication system equipment backplane with a termination resistor. The backplane adjoins a plurality of card slots. A first end of the termination resistor installed in the backplane is connected to one wire of the wireline pair, and a second end is connected to a plurality of first terminals on the backplane. The first terminals are engageable by associated first ends of jumper conductors installed on respective ones of a plurality of line cards, when the line cards are installed in the card slots. A plurality of second terminals are arranged adjacent to the first terminals, are connected to the other wire of the wireline pair, and are engageable by second ends of the jumper conductors, when the line cards are installed in the card slots, thereby bridging the wireline pair with the termination resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Adtran, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew T. Ruble
  • Patent number: 7439446
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cable-routing device including links that are open at the ends, joined together in pivoting fashion and can be angled-relative to each other in at least two directions, said links being arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the cable-routing device and forming at least one guide channel by means of guide elements located radially outwards, where tensile force-absorbing pivoting joints are located between links joined together in pivoting fashion within the cable-routing device and the links each display corresponding joint elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Igus GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Blase, Andreas Hermey
  • Patent number: 7386116
    Abstract: A method and system for coupling a second wire pair to a communications service are disclosed. The system includes a first connector for receiving an electrical connection to a first wire pair. The first wire pair provides a communication service to a customer location. The system also includes a second connector for receiving an electrical connection to a second wire pair. The system also includes a circuit coupling the first connector to the second connector. Connecting the first connector to the first wire pair and connecting the second connector to the second wire pair activates the communication service on the second wire pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: SBC Knowledge Ventures, L.P.
    Inventors: Edmund C. Freeman, Dickie K. Murchison
  • Patent number: 7346158
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for wiring a digital subscriber line circuit between a customer premises and a central office. A first connection for a first cable pair is established between the customer premises and a distribution frame in the central office. The first cable pair carries a full range signal from the customer premises to the distribution frame. A second connection is established at the distribution frame for a second cable pair between the distribution frame and a digital subscriber line access mulitplexer (DSLAM) in the central office for routing the full range signal from the first cable pair. A third connection is also established at the distribution frame for a third cable pair between the distribution frame and a voice switch in the central office for routing the full range signal from the first cable pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventor: Shersrin Naidu
  • Patent number: 7330543
    Abstract: A system of terminating signals in a telecommunication system is disclosed. In one embodiment a line card comprises functional circuitry, line card connector contacts and a termination resistor. The functional circuitry is used to interface first type ports with second type ports. The line card connector contacts are adapted to be selectively coupled to a backplane of a chassis. The termination resistor is adapted to terminate signal lines when a jumper is coupled across select line card contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: ADC DSL Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl E. Gabrielson, Jr., James E. Holbrook, Dale M. Terrien, Gary Gottlieb
  • Patent number: 7330546
    Abstract: A multimedia patching box including a generally rectangular housing. The housing includes a first wall positioned opposite from a second wall. The housing also includes opposing third and fourth walls that extend between the first and second walls. A panel is mounted adjacent the front of the housing. The panel is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The pivot axis is located adjacent to the third wall of the housing and extends generally along the third wall of the housing. A plurality of multimedia connectors are mounted on the panel. The housing defines at least one cable access opening defined through at least one of the first and second walls at a location adjacent the third wall. A cable management structure is connected to the back side of the panel. The cable management structure defines a cable guiding channel that extends generally along the pivot axis of the panel and generally aligns with the at least one cable access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Scott Kessler, Jeffrey Scott Hartzler, Cory Lee Grabinger
  • Patent number: 7327839
    Abstract: A method for wiring an architectural structure for telephone service includes providing a cable. The cable includes a sheath and first and second pairs of conductor members. The sheath includes first and second longitudinally extending sheath passages and a partition wall extending therebetween. Each of the conductor members is twisted about the other conductor member of its pair. Each of the conductor members includes a conductor and an insulation cover. The first pair of conductor members is disposed in the first sheath passage and the second pair of conductor members is disposed in the second sheath passage such that the sheath surrounds the first and second pairs of conductor members and the first pair of conductor members is separated from the second pair of conductor members by the partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Scott Smith, Steven L. Ryals
  • Patent number: 7194082
    Abstract: A cross-connect switch (16) for implementing local number portability between a current local service provider originating switch (14) and a desired local service provider ported switch (18). The cross-connect switch (16) is connected in a line associated with a subscriber's directory number between the originating switch (14) and a main distribution frame (12) to establish a first active communication channel. The cross-connect switch (16) is also connected in-line between the ported switch (18) and the main distribution frame (12) to establish a second inactive communication channel. The cross-connect switch (16) is signaled to automatically deactivate the first communication channel and activate the second communication channel thereby routing communications associated with said subscriber's directory number to the ported switch (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: SBC Technology Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Raymond Kieren
  • Patent number: 7161377
    Abstract: The invention relates to bus type connection systems, in particular those for wiring backplanes of electronic systems, when the bus comprises connectors distributed in an irregular manner. It consists in selecting segments (D1, D2) over which the intervals (d1, d2) between the connectors are substantially constant. The structure of all the segments except one is then modified to make the effective impedance of the modified segments coincide with that of the unmodified segment. It produces a bus that is fully matched from end to end and able to operate at a very high frequency with a slight reduction of its propagation constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventor: Sébastien Guillaume
  • Patent number: 7136481
    Abstract: A cable pair shifting system (12) for shifting a cable pair (20) from an old cable pair location to a new cable pair location and method for the same are provided including a quick shift jack panel (64). The quick shift jack panel (64) contains an old pair of connection locations and a new pair of connection locations. A first test cord (70) has a first old end for electrically coupling to the old pair of connections and a second old end for electrically coupling to the old cable pair location. A second test cord (76) has a first new end for electrically coupling to the new pair of connections and a second new end for electrically coupling to the new cable pair location. The quick shift jack panel (64) in combination with the first test cord (70) and the second test cord (76), shift the cable pair from the old cable pair location to the new cable pair location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: SBC Properties, L.P.
    Inventors: Edmund C. Freeman, Dickie K. Murchison
  • Patent number: 7110527
    Abstract: A telecommunications equipment mounting assembly is disclosed herein. The assembly includes a housing adapted for holding telecommunications equipment such as an optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical converter modules. The telecommunications equipment mounting assembly also includes an adapter plate removably connected to the housing. The adapted plate includes structure for managing both fiber optic and copper cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Skradde, Robin L. Berg, Jr., Timothy J. Kjolsing
  • Patent number: 7095844
    Abstract: A DSX system arranged to receive a plurality of high-density chassis is disclosed. The chassis include back planes having rear access IN/OUT fields and rear access cross-connect fields. The rear access fields are electrically connected to termination panels located in respective IN/OUT regions and cross-connect regions. Each of the regions includes cable management channels within which system cables are routed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott K. Baker, James D. Dewey, Dominic J. Louwagie, Harvey J. Chouanard
  • Patent number: 7058174
    Abstract: A system and method that provides lifeline service to DSL customers when a loss-of-power message is sent to the central office from an integrated access device on the customer premise. If a predetermined number of loss-of-power messages are received then power is provided to the integrated access device from the central office. To this end, a power supply at the central office provides power through an isolator circuit to a relay. The relay is connected through to the twisted pair to the integrated access device. The data connection may also be powered in this manner or, in order to save further wattage, the data connection may be disconnected for the duration of the power outage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Robert Posthuma
  • Patent number: 7050571
    Abstract: A telephone distribution center for organizing, labeling, and coupling multiple paired input telephone wires to multiple output telephone wires. Paired input lines can be coupled to respective pairs of punch down terminal strips. Each punch down terminal strip is an electrically conductive terminal strip inserted into a row of insulation displacing punch down connectors. Multiple paired output lines can be coupled to one or more punch down terminal strip pairs thereby coupling one or more paired output lines to the desired input line pair or pairs. A convenient place is provided for labeling the location of the telephone jack to which each paired output wire leads. A wire channel, wire channel hooks, and tie wire loops are provided for organizing paired input and output telephone wires. Mounting holes are also provided for fastening the telephone wire distribution center to a wall or other suitable mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Etcon Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Mars, David W. Kirby
  • Patent number: 7039374
    Abstract: A transmitting and amplifying unit for a wireless communication device. The transmitting and amplifying unit includes a C-shaped frame having an upper plate having a first cutout, a lower plate having a second cutout aligned with the first cutout, and a side plate connecting the upper plate and the lower plate; a main amplifier unit fixed to the lower plate and having a concentrated heating portion; and a subamplifier unit fixed to the upper plate. The transmitting and amplifying unit further includes a radiating fin unit mounted on the concentrated heating portion of the main amplifier unit and extending upward through the first cutout of the lower plate and the second cutout of the upper plate. The radiating fin unit has an upper end fixed to the subamplifier unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yuuji Hasegawa, Kazuo Hirafuji, Toshimitsu Kobayashi, Manabu Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 6990192
    Abstract: A telephone and cable television network interface device includes a first housing having first and second compartments, a terminal located in the first compartment for connection to telephone service, a terminal, located in the second compartment for connection to a telephone of a telephone service subscriber, a cover for restricting access to the first compartment and a cable television splitter. The splitter is located in the first housing and includes a second housing spanning the first and second compartments. A plurality of coaxial cable connectors, all facing the same direction, are located in the second housing. At least one connector is located in each of the compartments. The first housing includes a plurality of grooves aligned with the coaxial cable connectors. In one embodiment, the longitudinal axis of each of the coaxial cable connectors is located in the same plane. The device may also include a ground bus located in the first housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Sam Denovich, James W. Robertson
  • Patent number: 6847716
    Abstract: A cable pair shifting system (12) for shifting a cable pair (20) from an old cable pair location to a new cable pair location includes a quick shift jack panel (64). The quick shift jack panel (64) contains an old pair of connection locations and a new pair of connection locations. A first test cord (70) has a first old end for coupling to the old pair of connections and a second old end for coupling to the old cable pair location. A second test cord (76) has a first new end for coupling to the new pair of connections and a second new end for coupling to the new cable pair location. The quick shift jack panel (64) in combination with the first test cord (70) and the second test cord (76), shift the cable pair from the old cable pair location to the new cable pair location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: The Southern New England Telephone Company
    Inventors: Edmund C. Freeman, Dickie K. Murchison
  • Patent number: 6827582
    Abstract: A connector block having an alarm-isolation circuit includes a first alarm input terminal, a second alarm input terminal, a first alarm output terminal, a second alarm output terminal, and at least one diode. The first and second alarm input terminals are operable for electrical connection with a two-wire alarm input. The first and second alarm output terminals are electrically connected respectively to the first and second alarm input terminals. The at least one diode is electrically connected between the first alarm input terminal and a first alarm output terminal, thereby forming a portion of the alarm-isolation circuit. The one alarm-isolation circuit is capable of forwarding an electrical signal to a remote location. In other embodiments, a diode is used between each alarm input terminal and alarm output terminal, thereby inhibiting feedback among the alarm output terminals and the associated alarm input terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Richard D. Morris, Janneth Badillo, William A. Holder
  • Patent number: 6823063
    Abstract: The present invention relates to telecommunications equipment racks including vertical cable guides, horizontal troughs, cross aisle panels and cross-connection modules for telecommunications equipment racks. The vertical cable guides define vertical cable channels for both network infrastructure and cross-connection cables. The structure defining the second cable channel is hingedly attached to the structure defining the first cable channel. The horizontal cable troughs include both upper and lower troughs. The upper cable trough defines two cableways for directing cross-connection and other cables, and provides access openings for cables to pass into and out of each cableway and between the two cableways. The lower cable trough defines a cableway and provides access openings for cables extending into and out of the cableway. Cable troughs attached to adjacently mounted equipment racks cooperate to form continuous horizontal cableways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose-Filonel T. Mendoza
  • Patent number: 6782097
    Abstract: A front access splitter assembly that fully supports lifeline POTS and lifeline ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) service requirements is shown and described in this disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy J. Witty, Jason Piehl
  • Patent number: 6738463
    Abstract: A telecommunications device including a plurality of splitter cards mounted within a chassis. The device also includes a circuit board and a plurality of card edge connectors for providing electrical connections between the splitter cards and the circuit board. The device further includes POTS connectors electrically connected to the card edge connectors by first tracings of the circuit board, LINE connectors electrically connected to the card edge connectors by second tracings of the circuit board, and DATA connectors electrically connected to the card edge connectors by third tracings of the circuit board. The POTS and LINE connectors are arranged in pairs with the POTS and LINE connectors of each pair being electrically connected to a common one of the card edge connectors. The POTS and LINE connectors of at least some of the pairs are inverted in orientation relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul W. Schmokel
  • Patent number: 6728364
    Abstract: A connector and associated method for interconnecting a plurality of adjacent paired wire terminations on a standard 110 style punch down wiring block for a telephone system. The connector includes two isolated conductors disposed along the length of the connector body and a plurality of pins connected to the respective conductors and extending away from the body. The pins are adapted for insertion into respective 110 style punch down block terminations when the connector is installed in a connected position on the wiring block, thereby connecting in parallel a plurality of telephones hard-wired to the adjacent paired wire terminations. The connector may be formed to have one or more break points disposed between respective pairs of the pins for easy breaking/cutting of the connector to a desired length for interconnecting a predetermined number of telephones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Agere Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Graham Easter, Dale Delano Evans, John Albert Maze, III, Frank Miceli
  • Patent number: 6688910
    Abstract: The present invention provides for automatic addressing of devices on a rack controller bus. As each tracing interface module in a rack is powered up, the device identifies its electronic serial number (ESN) to the rack controller via the rack controller bus. The ESN includes information identifying the type of module, and the number of ports on the module to the rack controller. The rack controller maps the module's ESN to a unique address, which it sends back to the module. In subsequent communications, the module uses this address to identify itself to the rack controller, and the rack controller uses this address to track the location of patch connections to the module. If a module is replaced, the rack controller tracks the replacement using the same address assigned to the original module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Daniel Warren Macauley
  • Patent number: 6654460
    Abstract: A high-density pull-out drawer assembly for telecommunications wiring includes a support frame and one or more pull-out drawers. Each pull-out drawer includes a series of fuse protection blocks for receiving removable fuses, and a series of terminal pin blocks for allowing a technician to configure incoming-lines with outgoing lines in order to provide customers with desired levels of service. A wiring raceway is provided for guiding configuration wires extending between the pins of the terminal pin block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: E. Walter Rodgers
  • Publication number: 20030152213
    Abstract: An apparatus for routing and mapping a wiring system includes a wire routing system adapted to facilitate the routing of wires about a structure and a wire labeling system that permits labeling of each wire routed utilizing the wire routing system. The wire routing system includes a 2,3,4 module, a standard module, and a master module adapted to receive a connection from a communication service provider and output signals received from the communication service provider to any one of or all of the 2,3,4 module, the standard module, and end user devices. The apparatus for routing and mapping a wiring system further includes a wire management panel, whereby the wire labeling system attaches to the wire management panel and includes and a room label section, a wall label section, a box number label section, and a plate identifier label section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Mike L. Massey
  • Patent number: 6535602
    Abstract: The present invention relates to relates to electrical connectors, and in particular to a connector that replaces industry standard “punch down block” wiring devices to eliminate the need for rewiring when changing or re-routing multiple phone lines at a given location. The present invention provides for the connection of edge card connectors to punch down blocks or other wire terminating devices that are permanently connected to incoming and outgoing phone lines in a unique way by the use of jumpers that eliminate the need for rewiring when changing or re-routing multiple phone lines at a given location. A key advantage is that the invention makes the re-routing operation foolproof in that access to the permanently connected wiring is no longer necessary thereby eliminating the possibility of negatively affecting the integrity of the phone network by attempting to customize the wiring connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Jennison Greyfox Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael T. Jennison
  • Publication number: 20030043993
    Abstract: A cable pair shifting system (12) for shifting a cable pair (20) from an old cable pair location to a new cable pair location and method for the same are provided including a quick shift jack panel (64). The quick shift jack panel (64) contains an old pair of connection locations and a new pair of connection locations. A first test cord (70) has a first old end for electrically coupling to the old pair of connections and a second old end for electrically coupling to the old cable pair location. A second test cord (76) has a first new end for electrically coupling to the new pair of connections and a second new end for electrically coupling to the new cable pair location. The quick shift jack panel (64) in combination with the first test cord (70) and the second test cord (76), shift the cable pair from the old cable pair location to the new cable pair location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: The Southern New England Telephone Company
    Inventors: Edmund C. Freeman, Dickie K. Murchison
  • Publication number: 20020141567
    Abstract: A connector and associated method for interconnecting a plurality of adjacent paired wire terminations on a standard 110 style punch down wiring block for a telephone system. The connector includes two isolated conductors disposed along the length of the connector body and a plurality of pins connected to the respective conductors and extending away from the body. The pins are adapted for insertion into respective 110 style punch down block terminations when the connector is installed in a connected position on the wiring block, thereby connecting in parallel a plurality of telephones hard-wired to the adjacent paired wire terminations. The connector may be formed to have one or more break points disposed between respective pairs of the pins for easy breaking/cutting of the connector to a desired length for interconnecting a predetermined number of telephones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: William Graham Easter, Dale Delano Evans, John Albert Maze, Frank Miceli
  • Patent number: 6424710
    Abstract: A patch cord tracing system for tracing patch cords in a telecommunications patching system. The system includes a plurality of tracing interface modules that attach to the patch panels in a telecommunications closet. On the patch panels in a telecommunications closet are located a plurality of connector ports that receive the terminated ends of patch cords. The tracing interface modules mount to the patch panels and provide a passive sensor that can detect when a patch cord connector has been added to, or removed from, a connector port within the telecommunications closet. Accordingly, by connecting a computer controller to the various passive sensors, the computer can monitor and log all changes to the patch cord interconnections in an automated fashion. In alternate embodiments, the passive sensors can be built into the structure of the patch port assemblies that contain the various connector ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen Craig Bartolutti, Golam Mabud Choudhury, Lyndon D. Ensz, Michael Gregory German, Daniel Warren Macauley, Lawrence Marc Paul
  • Patent number: 6154536
    Abstract: An order wire accommodation system comprises four interface boxes each of which has the same order wire interface section as the others. The order wire interface section has a circuit which digitally adds order wire signals of the transmission lines from two ports and the order wire signals which interface with the other interface boxes or a telephone through the other two ports. Each output from the order wire interface section is a sum of all the order wire signals inputted except for those of the order wire interface section itself. Because of a provision of two ports which interface externally, the interface boxes can be cascaded connected to one another, by which order wire communications among all the transmission lines accommodated in the interface boxes become possible. Further, the order wire accommodation system can be minimized and be simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Kurosawa
  • Patent number: 6035032
    Abstract: A foldable wire distribution field is provided whereby a non-connectorized double sided wire distribution field is hingeably connected and foldable over a standard feeder/protector field to eliminate the need for adjacent feeder fields and distribution fields on a backboard, wall or other structure. The foldable distribution field is preferably configured using double sided tool-less insulation displacement type connectors on the distribution side of the foldable field. The double sided terminal block includes double sided insulation displacement terminal strips with a reversible test feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Bassel Hage Daoud
  • Patent number: 5995617
    Abstract: Connector including a housing including a resilient portion provided with a cavity, connectors mounted in the cavity, the resilient portion deformable to increase access to the cavity to facilitate insertion and mounting of the connectors in the cavity, the connectors for mechanically and electrically engaging a first pair of terminals to which an incoming telephone line is connected and a second pair of terminals to which a telephone subscriber line is connected to mount the connector to the pairs of terminals and to electrically interconnect the incoming telephone line with the telephone subscriber line, a telephone circuit is provided in the connector which is connected to the connectors for connection to one of the lines or to both of the lines; alternate connector includes test terminal assemblies for the external testing of the incoming telephone company line and telephone subscriber line and a telephone circuit mounted internally of the connector without dismounting the connector from a connector block
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Antec Corporation
    Inventors: Avraham Tuvy, Anthony L. Nieves
  • Patent number: 5946389
    Abstract: In buildings, structured cabling is frequently installed, in which outlet boxes are connected in a star-like pattern to a central distribution panel. So that a service-neutral cabling of this kind can be used for the connection of an ISDN bus, a bus panel is added to the distribution panel, and bridge adapters are inserted in the outlet boxes. The bus line is conducted from the bus panel over half of the wires of the cable to the outlet jacks and are returned via the bridge adapters and the other half of the wires of the cable back to the bus panel. In this way, the bus line can be looped in series from one outlet box to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: BTR Blumberger Telefon-und Relaisbau Albert Metz
    Inventor: Roland Dold
  • Patent number: 5945633
    Abstract: A rack mountable cable distribution enclosure. The cable distribution enclosure includes a tray that slides forwards and backwards out of the cable distribution enclosure. The tray incudes an adapter plate bracket which receives a plurality of adapter plates. The adapter plates are mounted in a horizontal orientation, parallel to the sliding tray. This reduces the height of the cable distribution enclosure for installations where less space is available. The adapter plate bracket is angled relative to the sliding tray to prevent bending of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: The Siemon Company
    Inventors: Conrad L. Ott, Charles E. Maynard
  • Patent number: 5926540
    Abstract: For use with a rack having a carrier backplane and capable of receiving modular circuit packs therein to be coupled to the carrier backplane, a circuit pack cable adapter that allows the modular circuit packs additionally to process signals originating from other than the carrier backplane, and a method of operation thereof. The circuit pack cable adapter includes: (1) a cable interface proximate a rear end of the circuit pack cable adapter and (2) an extension cable, coupled to the cable interface and couplable via the cable interface to a main cable passing through an aperture in the carrier backplane proximate the rear end, the extension cable deployable from a front end of the circuit pack cable adapter to at least one of the modular circuit packs to allow the modular circuit packs additionally to process signals originating from the main cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Lindemulder