Including Three Or More Contacts Adapted To Be Selectively Interconnected Patents (Class 439/49)
  • Patent number: 7131845
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for securing access to two distribution modules (1) used in telecommunication and data technology. Each distribution module (1) is provided with at least one system end (11) and one user end (12). Each connection end (11, 12) is provided with at least one series of insulation-piercing-contact elements. The distribution modules (1) are mounted on a frame (2). At least one access to the system ends (11) is secured by at least one locking device (3, 6) and at least one access to the user ends (12) is secured by at least one locking device (3, 6). The access lock to the user end (12) of at least one distribution module (1) can be unlocked independently of the other distribution modules (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Mueller, Antony Nijhuis
  • Patent number: 7130670
    Abstract: A wireless network card includes an adaptable antenna connection structure that includes connections for one or more internal antennas and for one or more Radio Frequency (RF) connectors that may be coupled to one or more external antennas. A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and electronic components located thereon form the wireless network card. The PCB includes a removable portion that, when removed, leaves an opening that receives an RF antenna connector. When the PCB is used to create a client wireless network card, one or more surface mount antennas are mounted on the PCB and coupled to surface mount antenna conductive pads formed thereon. The wireless network card may include (1) the surface mount antenna; (2) the RF connector; or (3) both the surface mount antenna and the RF connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: David Fifield
  • Patent number: 7083475
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a jack assembly including a jack mount having a front side and a rear side. A jack of the assembly is adapted to be slidably mounted in a jack receiving region of the jack mount. The jack assembly also includes a plurality of cross-connect contacts, and a rear interface assembly. The rear interface assembly includes a dielectric cover piece and a plurality of rear connectors that project outward from the dielectric cover piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Lee Henneberger, James D. Dewey, Ahmad R. Sajadi
  • Patent number: 7076408
    Abstract: A method of reducing the record of a multi-cavity terminal connector comprising the steps of assigning cavity numbers and locations to a properly oriented, full-scale CAD graphic of the connector, creating an integer from a concatenation of the cavity numbers and coordinates and performing a mathematical operation on the integer, such as a cyclical redundancy check, to produce a code which is substituted for the graphic in the connector record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki North America
    Inventor: Michael W. Gajewski
  • Patent number: 6994593
    Abstract: A DSX system for receiving removable jack inserts is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of chassis rearward facing cross-connect arrays and rearward facing IN/OUT arrays. A first circuit board section and a second circuit board section are electrically connected to the arrays. The first circuit board section is positioned behind the removable jack inserts. The second circuit board section is positioned behind the first circuit board section and in front of the cross-connect array and the IN/OUT array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott K. Baker, James D. Dewey, Dominic J. Louwagie
  • Patent number: 6994561
    Abstract: An interface module for collecting sensor signals at a cross connect block includes a circuit board having an upper side and an opposite lower side. The upper side is configured to receive a plurality of individual sensor signals. The lower side includes at least one connector that includes a plurality of contacts. The sensor signals are communicated to the plurality of contacts in a pre-determined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Paul John Pepe
  • Patent number: 6992257
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic signal switching module with connectors on a first side for connecting with a variety of devices and sources and with jacks for receiving patch cords on a second side. The switching modules include two position switches in the circuitry connecting the jacks with the connectors which allow the module to be configured as a straight-through patching module, a fully normal module with paired jacks or a half normal module with paired jacks. One alternative of the invention utilizes card edge connectors on the first side. Another aspect of the invention involves a chassis for holding a plurality of switching modules adjacent to and electronically connected with a plurality of connecting modules. The switching modules may also include designation lenses adjacent to the jacks for holding indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Follingstad, Peter Adams, Jeffrey Peters
  • Patent number: 6977350
    Abstract: An power switching device includes a base with input wires and output wires electrically connected to the base and opposite to the input wires, multiple conducting tubes electrically connected to and orthogonally mounted on the base, and multiple conducting plates each having holes to selectively allow an extension of some of the conducting tubes and screw holes selectively defined to correspond to and allow a bottom face of each of the screw holes to abut free ends of the rest of the conducting tubes such that screws are able to threadingly extend from the screw holes and into the free ends of the conducting tubes abutted to the bottom faces of the screw holes to secure engagement between conducting plate and the conducting tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: ACBEL Polytech Inc.
    Inventors: Jung-Fa Chen, Kuo-Chu Yeh, Yu-Kun Sun
  • Patent number: 6939141
    Abstract: A patch panel mainly includes a panel with support holes which may be of rectangular shape and is located on each side of the panel; an electric circuit board mounted on the panel, which is structured a plurality of jacks and a plurality of IDC sets (Insulation Displaced Contact); the plurality of jacks separated into at least one set, which are parallelly located on the electric circuit board; the plurality of IDC sets separated into upper and lower sets, which are parallelly located on the electric circuit board and electrically connect with the plurality of jacks; a plurality of cable split rings with flexible holders to be plugged into the support holes oriented horizontally or vertically; and a cover with a plurality of openings, which covers the electric circuit board and exposes the jacks and the IDC sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Hsing Chau Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsu-Yuan Ma
  • Patent number: 6918793
    Abstract: A DSX system for receiving removable jack inserts is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of chassis rearward facing cross-connect arrays and rearward facing IN/OUT arrays. A first circuit board section and a second circuit board section are electrically connected to the arrays. The first circuit board section is positioned behind the removable jack inserts. The second circuit board section is positioned behind the first circuit board section and in front of the cross-connect array and the IN/OUT array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott K. Baker, James D. Dewey, Dominic J. Louwagie
  • Patent number: 6881099
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a jack assembly including a jack mount having a front side and a rear side. A jack of the assembly is adapted to be slidably mounted in a jack receiving region of the jack mount. The jack assembly also includes a plurality of cross-connect contacts, and a rear interface assembly. The rear interface assembly includes a dielectric cover piece and a plurality of rear connectors that project outward from the dielectric cover piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Lee Henneberger, James D. Dewey, Ahmad R. Sajadi
  • Patent number: 6877991
    Abstract: A connection panel comprising a frame member and a plurality of first terminals provided on the frame member. The first terminals are arranged in a horizontal row on the frame member, are identical and are each a sixty-four position standard type of terminal. The connection panel also comprises a plurality of second terminals provided on the frame member. The second terminals are arranged in a horizontal row on the frame member and have a position layout that is the same as a position layout of the standard type of terminal. Each of the second terminals is a sixty-four position standard type of terminal. The connection panel further comprises connections disposed within the frame member providing electrical connections between the first terminals and the second terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventor: Gilberto DeLara
  • 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: 6799998
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a jack assembly including a jack mount having a front side and a rear side. A jack of the assembly is adapted to be slidably mounted in a jack receiving region of the jack mount. The jack assembly also includes a plurality of cross-connect contacts, and a rear interface assembly. The rear interface assembly includes a dielectric cover piece and a plurality of rear connectors that project outward from the dielectric cover piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Lee Henneberger, James D. Dewey, Ahmad R. Sajadi
  • Publication number: 20040192075
    Abstract: A wireless interconnect device for using in a computer includes embedded antennae and provides improved signal transmission and reception. The computer includes a casing, an outer lid covering the casing, and a main board located in the casing. The wireless interconnect device includes a connector and a wireless Ethernet card. The connector is a mini PCI-slot connector electrically connecting to the main board. The wireless Ethernet card includes a main body, a first antenna, a second antenna, a first signal line and a second signal line, and an electric connecting part. The electric connecting part electrically connects to the connector. The first and second signal lines respectively electrically connect the first antenna and the second antenna to the main board. The first antenna is located at a front side of the casing and the second antenna is located at a top of the outer lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Yi-Hua Lu
  • Patent number: 6755664
    Abstract: In a connector assembly for receiving a plurality of mating connectors each provided with a wire harness, each of subassemblies is provided with a first internal space and a second internal space which are defined by an internal partition wall, and conductive tabs piercing the partition wall so as to project into both of the first internal space and the second internal space. The subassemblies are stacked one on another. Each of the connectors is inserted into the first internal space of an associated one of the subassemblies. Terminals are provided in each of the connectors to be electrically connected to the conductive tabs. A first end of an electric wire is connected to one of the terminals which is provided in one of the connectors. A second end of the electric wire is connected to another one of the terminals which is provided in another one of the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masami Sakamoto, Shigeki Mori
  • 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: 6650548
    Abstract: A breadboard comprising a plate made of an insulating material and having a connection strip portion including a grouping of at least three rows of sets of at least three spaced apart holes in each set in the plate, the centers of the holes in each set being spaced from each other by a predetermined distance defined as a space, groups of at least three connector clips in the plate each connected in at least a three gang grouping, each referred to as a conductive strip which is aligned with and beneath one of the rows of sets of pinholes with all conductive strips being electrically isolated from each other, and all the in each row being offset from the conductive strip in an adjacent row by the predetermined distance and the sets being aligned in each row, end-to-end, with one space between end holes of two adjacent sets in a row, and each row being offset or staggered from each adjacent row by at least one space such that an array of spaces is formed, with each interior space in the middle row forming a cent
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Paul A. Swetland
  • Publication number: 20030171009
    Abstract: A current limiter circuit which exhibits a low dropout voltage. The current limiter circuit is suitable for protecting process control equipment operating on a current loop. The current limiter circuit includes an interface for coupling to the current loop, and a current source element coupled to the process control equipment. The current source element comprises a current limiter circuit to limit the current flowing to the process control equipment, and a voltage reference circuit coupled to the current limiter circuit provides a predetermined voltage reference during operation of the current source element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Claude Mercier
  • Patent number: 6616460
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Channell Limited
    Inventors: Gerald-Leu Shimirak, Andrew Philip Bennett, Richard Escane, Derec Ian Sheals, Henry John Sinigiani
  • Patent number: 6520777
    Abstract: An optical ON/OFF switch includes a micro-mechanical shutter formed on a silicon substrate using micro-mechanical fabrication techniques. The switch selectively opens and closes an optical path between two fibers with the micro-mechanical shutter. A micro-mechanical latch latches the shutter open or closed and remains in this state until electrical signals disengage the latch. Incoming and outgoing fibers are coupled to the shutter within the switch so that, when the shutter and the switch are ON (open) light couples between the ends of the two fibers. The fibers are positioned within stepped channels that hold each fiber along two edges within the channels so that the fibers are held in fixed alignment and relation. The fibers are laterally offset with respect to each other and the faces of the fibers are angled to limit back reflections from the shutter while still obtaining good coupling between the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Chromux Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dong-il Cho, Tallis Chang
  • Publication number: 20030022529
    Abstract: A carrier assembly for a surge protection assembly includes: a connector strip; a plurality of pins extending from the connFiguresector strip; and wherein the connector strip and the plurality of pins are formed from a single piece of conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Paul Joseph Phillips, Kennon Bryant Porter, Patrick Gustavo Salas, Avra Poddar, Satishbabu Palla, Veeresh Somalingayya
  • Publication number: 20020076950
    Abstract: The present invention describes a patch panel unit including an interface for connecting the patch panel with an electrical node and first and second ports for receiving patch cord connectors. A switch interconnects the first interface with the first and second ports such than when a connector is placed only within the first port, an active connection is provided between the interface and the first port. When a connection is placed within the second port, an active connection is provided between the second port and the first interface despite whether a connection is provided with the first port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Tore Frostrom, Arne Asplund
  • Patent number: 6386887
    Abstract: A connector (1) is provided with configurable contacts (3) such that the contacts can be connected to each other via a printed circuit (16) comprising strip conductors (20) which connect conductive feed-throughs (19) of said printed circuit. For each contact of the connector, a sliding contact (26) which can be displaced between two positions can be connected or not connected to the contact to which it is opposite. The sliding contacts can be maintained between two stable positions via an insulating grommet (37). In a sunken position, the sliding contacts comprise a conductive end which is in contact with a conductive feed-through of the printed circuit and which is in contact with the contact 3. In a withdrawn position, the sliding contact is only in contact with the conductor opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors International
    Inventors: Gerard Boiret, Christophe Provost
  • Publication number: 20020055278
    Abstract: An apparatus and method connect a function-extending module and a base module installed in an audio/video (AV) system reproducing various AV source data. The apparatus connects a function-extending module, which is detachably inserted into a module rack, to a base module capable of reproducing AV data to be communicated between the function-extending module and the base module. The apparatus includes a detecting unit for detecting the installation of function-extending module(s) in the module rack, a switching unit for connecting the base module and the function-extending module(s) and for connecting function-extending modules to each other, and a control unit for controlling the switching unit so that the function-extending module(s) is (are) connected to the base module in a daisy-chain fashion according to a detection signal from the detecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Sung-lyong Lee, Seong-uk Pyung
  • Patent number: 6383034
    Abstract: A network access terminal includes an enclosure and a connector panel hinged to the enclosure such that a double-sided connector received within an opening in the panel does not need to be removed to access the rear of the connector. The enclosure has an opening such that telephone cables enter the enclosure and wiring is routed to the underside of the panel. The hinge is located along an edge of the panel adjacent the cable entry for optimum slack management. The network access terminal may also include a mechanical stop for limiting the travel of the panel and for supporting the panel while the technician routes and connects the wiring to the rear of the connector. The front of the panel may incorporate restricted access fasteners such that the underside of the panel can be accessed only by authorized personnel while still permitting access to the front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: K. Erin Blake, Chois A. Blackwell, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020019151
    Abstract: A wiring block mountable to a support surface for terminating communication wires includes a base having a mounting portion and first and second support members extending outwardly from the mounting portion. The first and second supports are spaced apart to form a cabling channel therebetween for receiving communication wires. A termination strip having a row of spaced apart teeth defining a plurality of slots for receiving communication wires is mounted to the base. The termination strip has a first end that is removably attached to the first support member and a second end that is hingedly connected to the second support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: International Connectors & Cable Corporation
    Inventor: Mike H. Lin
  • Patent number: 6340314
    Abstract: An electrical adapter (3) includes a first connector (1) having a number of terminals (10), a second connector (2) having a number of pins (20), and an insulating shell member (30) covering a junction portion where the first connector and the second connector are interconnected. Each terminal or pin has a contacting portion (140, 240) for mating with a contact of a complementary connector and a soldering portion (142, 242). Selected sddering portions of the terminals and the pins are soldered with each other to make respective electrical connections. Some of the terminals or the pins are curved for being soldered directly with corresponding terminals or pins in accordance with the need of desired signal transmission, thereby achieving a cost-effective and easy-processing adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Jen Kuo
  • Patent number: 6331841
    Abstract: An image display system for viewing an electronic image and an external sight simultaneously, which includes image display units which have an individual controller for outputting image signals to a display unit. The display unit enables a switching operation with a predetermined operation mode from a plurality of operation modes, including a mode for indicating the image signals output from the individual controller. An external control device outputs mode control signals which address the operation mode of the display unit and are received by an external control terminal. A mode exchanging switch specifies a condition of the mode control signal. A detection unit detects whether the external control terminal is connected to a connector capable of outputting a mode control signal. The individual controllers are connected to the external control terminals in turn so as to couple the controllers to the external control device in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Tokuhashi, Naoto Shimada
  • Patent number: 6325634
    Abstract: An improved panel for plug-in protectors, particularly protectors in high frequency applications. The panel comprises a plurality of five-pin sockets, each five-pin sockets corresponds to the terminals of a five-pin plug-in protector. The plurality of sockets are arranged in a staggered, brick layering configuration, horizontally or at an angle, such that the edge of a protector received in a set of socket is aligned with the half-width point of an adjacently stacked protector for minimal crosstalk while conserving space. In an alternative embodiment, each row of the staggered, brick layering, configuration are spaced apart to further minimize crosstalk and may be suitable for even higher frequency applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Bassel Hage Daoud, Christopher M. Helmstetter, Mikhail Sumetskiy
  • Patent number: 6325635
    Abstract: Circuits are provided by fixing straight bus bars on an insulation plate, fixing tub terminals at the side part with respect to the bus bars, and bonding the tub terminals and the bus bars with wires with an insulation coat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignees: Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Onizuka
  • Patent number: 6302699
    Abstract: A twenty eight pair cabling system comprises a conductor termination array having twenty-eight pairs of termination ports. The termination array is able to engage seven four-pair cable conductors and seven four-pair connecting blocks. Row marking surfaces have been moved, making room for expanding the prior art termination array by three port pairs. The termination array and cable organizer assembly is the same length as the old wiring block, resulting in increased wiring density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Theodore A. Conorich, Michael G. German, William J. Ivan
  • Patent number: 6247936
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution panel such as is typically used in automobiles provides for the connection of an accessory circuit to one of two power busses within the panel. One power buss may be energized at all times by direct connection to the battery, while the other power buss may be energized when an ignition switch is in either the “on” or “accessory” position. Selection of the buss which is connected to an accessory circuit is made by placement of the fuse for that accessory circuit so as to connect one or the other busses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Bullard
  • Patent number: 6234830
    Abstract: A tracing interface module for use in a patch cord tracing system, wherein the patch cord tracing system traces patch cords in a telecommunications patching system. The tracing interface module attaches to the face of the patch panels in a telecommunications closet. The tracing interface modules provide a means of detecting when patch cords have been removed from, or added to, the connector ports on the patch panels. The tracing interface module has three primary components. The first component is a support plate that attaches to the patch panel. The second component is a printed circuit board that is supported by the support plate. The support plate is manufactured with voids that correspond in position to surface mounted components on the printed circuit board. Consequently, the components on the printed circuit board pass into the support plate, thereby creating a highly space efficient assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Lyndon D. Ensz, Harold B. Frick, Michael Gregory German, Daniel Warren Macauley
  • Patent number: 6227903
    Abstract: A 110-volt wiring connector wherein sets of wire connectors are positioned on each of four sides, each set of the sets of 1-4 having three in-line electrodes as connectors, corner electrodes are interconnected, and the center electrodes are bridged as between the first set and second set and as between the first set and fourth set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Robert F. Horton
  • Patent number: 6183265
    Abstract: A device for electrically connecting power cable conductors to distribution cable conductors includes a panel that supports contact modules that have contacts and that are distributed along a circle about a hub and that pass through the thickness of the panel. On a rear side of the panel the contacts are joined to conductors of the cables. On a front side of the panel the contacts are joined to jumper wires, which may be wrapped about the hub and passed between the teeth of a circular comb. In another embodiments, a panel supports structures forming guide chutes for jumpers and pivotally mounted caps for added protection of the jumpers. The panel may be pivotally mounted at an axis for easy access to the rear side and may support a rotatable arm for aid in preparing jumper wire ends. In another embodiment a pair of opposed panels are coupled at internal surfaces to conductors of cables and on their outer surfaces to jumpers, the jumpers passing through aligned openings in the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Proptic
    Inventors: Michel Louis Romain Dillat, Franck R. Chopin
  • Patent number: 6159020
    Abstract: A reverse-engaging patchcord plug has a rearward-facing connector channel, and is used in connection with a wiring block assembly. A cover pivots between two positions. In the first position covering the channel, the hook-shaped channel will not snag on wiring while being pulled out of troughs. A detent releasably retains the cover in the first position. In the second position uncovering the channel, the plug will engage the connecting block to allow signals to be conducted between them. A latch is attached to the plug. With the cover in the second position, the latch has a hook that engages a strike attached to the wiring block assembly for retaining the plug on the wiring block assembly. The latch is resilient, requiring minimal applied force to secure and release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Frank P. Baker, Theodore A. Conorich, William J. Ivan, Michael G. German
  • Patent number: 6146149
    Abstract: A building entrance protector assembly for interconnecting outside plant wiring to consumer premises wiring. The building entrance protector includes an input termination device (28) for receiving wires contained within the outside plant wiring (12). Similarly, the building entrance protector also includes an output termination device (24) for receiving wires contained within the consumer premises wiring. A first connector port (52) is provided that is electrically connected to the output termination device. A grouping of fusible links (58) is also provided wherein the fusible links have a first end and an opposite second end. The first end (16) of the fusible links is electrically coupled to the input termination device. Furthermore, the second end of the fusible links terminates with a connector (60) that selectively engages the first connector port (52), thereby electrically interconnecting the input termination device to the output termination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc
    Inventor: Bassel Hage Daoud
  • Patent number: 6139333
    Abstract: Module (10) including a circuit board (30) having a first power-receiving connector (20) and a second power-receiving connector (42) and a power output connector (also 20). A shunt switch (60) is removably matable with posts (74) of the circuit board (30) in either of two orientations by simply being reversed in orientation, to interconnect circuits of the power output connector (20) with either the first power-receiving connector (20) or the second power-receiving connector (42). The module (10) is useful in an NIU and provides for an alternate source of power to the electronics elsewhere in the NIU as well as for voltage test probing of the power circuits (46,48) and testing of the electronics at test port connector (40), while the module also includes connectors (14) for connection of telephony distribution cable to subscriber premise wiring and test ports (16) for testing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Patrick Green, Sam Denovich
  • Patent number: 6116913
    Abstract: Interconnection unit (1) for transferring signals between board connectors P1, . . . , Pn for receiving printed circuit boards, situated on the front part of the interconnection unit, and cable connectors C1, . . . , Cm for receiving cables.The cable connectors C1, . . . , Cm are located on the upper front part and on the lower front part of the interconnection unit (1), such that the board connector P1, . . . , Pn are located in the central part of the interconnection unit (1). Thus, the board connectors P1, . . . , Pn and the cable connectors C1, . . . , Cm are aligned in lines parallel to one side of the interconnection unit (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventor: Emilio Gil Delicado
  • Patent number: 6104805
    Abstract: A building entrance protector swivel cable mounting arrangement without a feed through hole requirement has an output wire termination device, a barrier wall comprises a fire-resistant plate for isolating the swivel cable from the output wire termination device within the building entrance protector. The fire-resistant plate has a narrow opening comprised of a primary aperture and a wiring access slot. The wiring access slot permits insertion of terminated individual wiring into the primary aperture. A method in accordance with the present invention is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bassel Hage Daoud
  • Patent number: 6083011
    Abstract: A tool-less insulation displacement connector block for selectively routing wiring connections contains a first terminal strip, a second terminal strip and a third terminal strip which are disposed on the connector block. The first terminal strip has a first wire receiving terminal which is electrically connected to a first output connector. The second terminal strip has a second wire receiving terminal which is electrically connected to a second output connector. Similarly, the third terminal strip has a third wire receiving terminal which is electrically connected to a third output connector. The connector block also contains a unitary cap which encapsulates the first, second and third output connectors. The cap has a bridging device which can be used for selectively connecting either the first output connector or the third output connector to the second output connector thereby establishing an electrical connection between the second wire receiving terminal and the selected output connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Bassel Hage Daoud
  • Patent number: 6071126
    Abstract: An assembly for use in a building entrance protector. The assembly includes a circuit board and surge protector modules. A surge protector panel is mounted to the circuit board, wherein the surge protector panel is adapted to receive the surge protector modules. A first connector port and a second connector port are both coupled to the circuit board. Electrical pathways extend between the first connector port and the second connector port that extend through the surge protector modules on the surge protector panel. Outside plant wiring entering the building entrance protector is electrically interconnected with the assembly via a first connector that engages the first connector port. Similarly, customer premises wiring that enters the building entrance protector is electrically interconnected the assembly via a second connector that engages the second connector port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Bassel Hage Daoud
  • Patent number: 6065975
    Abstract: A connector block 6 for selectively routing wiring connections contains a first terminal strip 12, a second terminal strip 14, and a third terminal strip 16, which are disposed on the connector block 6. The first terminal strip 12 has a first wire receiving terminal 42 which is electrically connected to a first output connector 52. The second terminal strip 14 has a second wire receiving terminal 44 which is electrically connected to a second output connector 54. Similarly, the third terminal strip 16 has a third wire receiving terminal 46 which is electrically connected to a third output connector 56. The connector block 6 also contains a bridging device 22 which can be used for selectively connecting either the first output connector 52 or the third output connector 56 to the second output connector 54 thereby establishing an electrical connection between the second wire receiving terminal 44 and the selected output connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Bassel Hage Daoud
  • Patent number: 6058604
    Abstract: A cable constructed with insulation displacement connectors produces cables which connect data storage devices to a host system. The cable allows automatic address selection of data storage devices depending on the presence or absence of a CSEL terminal pin on a corresponding connector and the location of a data storage device along the cable. Address selection by connector configuration simplifies cable construction. The end connector of an ATA cable is configured to identify an attached data storage device as the first device (drive 0), while an intermediate connector is configured to identify an attached data storage device as the second drive (drive 1), thus making installation more intuitive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Tony Goodfellow
  • Patent number: 5997311
    Abstract: An improved interconnect and cross-connect equipment panel for telecommunications apparatus holds jack panel modules (20) with connections to their rear and connector modules (20) with interconnected front and rear connectors. Patch cords (52) are utilized at the rear of the panel to interconnect a jack panel module with a connector module so that telecommunications apparatus connected to the rear of a jack panel module is accessible from the front of a connector module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas N. Crouse, Errol G. Francis, Christopher N. Helmstetter, Norris B. McLean, Mark G. Spaulding
  • Patent number: 5999097
    Abstract: An electrical lead has a first set of terminals (14) at one end of the lead and a second set of terminals (15) at the other end of the lead. A connector circuit (11,12) respectively connects the terminals (14) to the terminals (15). This circuit (11,12) is adjustable so as to change the connection paths between the first and second sets of terminals (14,15). The connector circuit (11,12) is surrounded by a security enclosure which comprises flexible sheet means of electrically insulating material carrying an array of lines of electrically security conductors. Monitoring means are connected to the security conductors to detect a change in an electrical characteristic thereof resulting from damage to the security enclosure. The invention can be used in a financial terminal, and provides security against a fraudulent attack on the lead intended to gain access to confidential information, such as a personal identification number, transmitted over the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Mark J. D. Liddle, Stephen B. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5971769
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cross-connection arrangement for a telephone exchange. The arrangement includes a frame (1), a number of frame-mounted subscriber-associated connection pins (24, 24') in one or more terminal units (2a), and a number of frame-mounted telephone-exchange-related line-circuit-associated connection pins in one or more terminal units (3a'). The terminal units are disposed close together and have necessary jumpers (23) for connecting selected subscriber connection pins with selected telephone-exchange connection pins via contact devices (33, 34) connected to the ends of said conductors. The contact devices (33, 34) and the conductors (31, 32) extend into an open space (26) defined by a bar (20) to which the subscriber terminal units (2a) are related.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventors: Sture Gosta Roos, Erik Fischer, Uno Sigurd Nilsson
  • Patent number: 5944535
    Abstract: A connection system for a computer network includes a computer terminal (12), wall outlet (16), a patch panel (28), an interface panel (32) and a network hub (36). A terminal jack (14) on the computer terminal and an outlet jack (18) on the wall terminal are connected by a patch cord (20). The patch panel has a plurality of patch modular jacks (40), each of which is connected to an interface modular jack (46) by a patch cord (34). An elongated receptacle (48) is mounted on the interface panel and is connected to the modular jacks of the interface panel by a wiring board (50). The wiring board has conductive paths which connect the terminals of the interface modular jacks with the terminals of the elongated receptacle and cancel crosstalk. The network hub is connected to the interface connector by a patch cord (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Todd J. Bullivant, Michael R. O'Connor
  • Patent number: RE37125
    Abstract: A universal demarcation point for managing the delivery of communications services to a subscriber that provides an interface between a utility distribution network and subscriber owned equipment. The universal demarcation point includes a utility accessible portion and a subscriber accessible portion. The utility accessible portion has an input port, an output port, a plurality of modular connectors, a power supply, and a plurality of service modules. The input port provides access to the universal demarcation point for delivery of communications service from the utility distribution network. The communications services are delivered through a hybrid cable. The hybrid cable has a plurality of fiber optic cables and a plurality of copper cables. The fiber optic cables are capable of transmitting light signals and the copper cables are capable of transmitting electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Optical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Carlson, Craig D. Mead