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.

Abstract: A printing system includes a printing machine and media cartridge. The printing machine has a housing, a printing mechanism and a processing unit connected to the housing, a media cartridge interface connecting the media cartridge to the printing machine, and a look-up table for storing media cartridge parameters. The media cartridge has a media support for a media source, and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit has a plurality of conductive traces with fusible links connected together in a circuit pattern on at least one of its sides. The circuit pattern includes an encoding of at least one media cartridge parameter that may be stored in the look-up table of the printing machine.

Abstract: A compression connector for securing wires therein is disclosed. The compression connector comprises a first body portion connected to a second body portion, each of the first and second body portions having two pairs of leg portions extending therefrom to form two conductor receiving channels, respectively. The compression connector also has a first pair of slots and a second pair of slots for receiving a cable tie to secure wires therein before crimping. At least one transversely-oriented slot extends between the first pair of slots and the second pair of slots. A method for securing wires within a compression connector is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cable tie having stepped down strap body teeth is disclosed. The cable tie includes a strap body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a locking head secured to the first end of the strap body, and a plurality of walls on the locking head forming a strap body accepting channel. The strap body includes a first group of teeth having a first predetermined depth and a second group of teeth having a second predetermined depth. The first depth is greater than the second depth. A method of making a cable tie is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cable manager provides horizontal cable management of adjacent patch panels or network equipment on network distribution racks. The cable manager includes a central section and a front cable routing section and is mountable on a network rack, such as an EIA rack. The central section has a longitudinal width sized to fit within the network rack, a front side, a rear side, and rack mounting holes provided on opposite longitudinal ends of the central section. The front cable routing section extends from the front side of the central section and includes a plurality of spaced fingers having an arcuate surface that provides bend radius control. A slit provides flexibility to the fingers. Ears extend laterally from the fingers. The cable manager can also include a rear cable routing section that includes a second plurality of spaced fingers. One or more passthrough openings can be provided in the central section to allow routing of cabling from the front section to the rear section.

Abstract: A raceway system is disclosed. The raceway system includes a base cap mountable to a top surface of an office furniture panel, at least one horizontal raceway section positionable adjacent the base cap, at least one corner raceway section positionable adjacent the base cap, and a cover securable to the base cap. The base cap has at least one aperture for wiring to pass therethrough. The corner raceway section has a channel extending axially therethrough, and the corner raceway section allows the wiring to pass vertically through the aperture and the channel.

Abstract: An adjustable mid-panel spillover fitting is disclosed. The fitting includes a base, a cover securable to the base, and a cover cap securable to the base and the cover. The base has a spillover side, and the cover has an opening on a side wall thereof for receiving the spillover side. The cover has a shelf extending toward the side wall, and the cover cap has a groove for receiving the shelf therein. The cover cap includes at least one latch on an inside surface thereof for securing the cover cap to the base in a plurality of predetermined positions, and the cover cap is adjustable between the plurality of predetermined positions.

Abstract: A cable tie is provided that includes an integral cable tie head and strap. The strap includes a first end forming a neck section, a free end opposite the first end, and an intermediate section between the first end and the free end, the intermediate section having a predetermined width B1 and thickness T1 defining a predetermined cross-sectional area. The cable tie head is secured to the neck area of the strap at the first end of the strap, the cable tie head having a width E that is wider than strap width B and including a strap accepting channel containing a locking device. The strap accepting channel is sized to receive the free end of the strap.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector for terminating an optical fiber is disclosed. The connector comprises a housing having opposed first and second ends, and the housing receives the optical fiber at its first end. An elongated member is retainable in the housing, and the elongated member includes a crimpable portion. An insert is disposable within the crimpable portion. The crimpable portion of the elongated member is disposed within the housing, and the crimpable portion includes opposed first and second ends and a point between the first and second ends. The crimpable portion is tapered from the point toward one of the first and second ends.

Abstract: An identification labeling system comprising a faceplate with a recess and a label cover that may be retained within the recess. The label cover may have compartments for retaining identification labels. The label cover has latching legs and the recess has a complementary retention ledge. A lift slot may be provided to facilitate removal of the label cover. The recess may contain holes to accommodate individual molded identification icons. The recess may include tapered corners to accommodate strip labels of different widths and lengths, such labels being positioned by the tapered corners of the recess and the label cover. The recess includes end configurations that prevent a label from passing through the surface of the faceplate. The label cover has a thickness so as to be flush with the faceplate. The label may be the same color as the faceplate.

Abstract: A tool for inserting wires or cables in a flexible harness wrap is disclosed. The tool includes a first member and a second member connected to the first member. The first member has an extension member connected thereto, and a first nose portion extending at an oblique angle from the first bottom end. The second member has a receiving member connected thereto, and a second nose portion extending at an oblique angle from the second bottom end. The first and second members are movable from a first, closed position to a second, open position. The open position is at least 50 degrees from the closed position. A method of inserting wires or cables in a flexible harness wrap is also disclosed.

Abstract: A low profile cable tie, preferably a two-piece cable tie, has a low profile locking head with a lateral strap accepting channel and a strap preferably molded with a right angle bend that is retained in this state during non-use. The cable tie has a clean exterior appearance, including a top surface free of openings and a smooth lateral opening. With this cable tie, a strap accepting channel is provided in the locking head that is substantially parallel to a strap attachment axis. The strap accepting channel divides the locking head into a first part, which is secured to the strap, and a second part which contains a locking device. By providing the locking device on the second part, the first part can be made thinner, allowing the strap accepting channel to be closer to the cable bundle being tied.

Abstract: A jack in a telecommunications system for receiving a plug therein, the jack including a housing having an aperture for receiving the plug, a sled having a mating side and a non-mating side, the mating side generally disposed to be accessible from the aperture by the plug, a first plurality of contacts wrapped around the sled so as to extend from the non-mating side of the sled to the mating side of the sled, the first plurality of contacts being accessible by the plug on the mating side of the sled when the plug is inserted into the aperture, a second plurality of contacts wrapped around the sled so as to extend from the non-mating side of the sled to the mating side of the sled, the second plurality of contacts being accessible by the plug on the mating side of the sled when the plug is inserted into the aperture, and a shield disposed generally between the first plurality of contacts and the second plurality of contacts on the non-mating side of the sled.

Abstract: A raceway section forms part of a raceway system for routing, protecting and enclosing cabling, and includes a base member, which may be U-shaped, and two split covers independently removably attached to side walls of the base member, such as by a hook and buckle attachment system. The base member defines a cable receiving channel and a longitudinally extending top opening. The split covers each have a laterally extending cover portion, an outside edge portion, and an inside edge portion, wherein the split covers each cover a portion of the longitudinally extending top opening such that a substantial amount of the top opening is covered. The inside edge portions are juxtaposed to form a longitudinally extending slot sufficiently wide to allow the removal or insertion of a cable through the slot without removal of the split covers. For insertion or removal of larger cables or bundles, one or both split covers can be removed.

Abstract: The invention is a thermal printhead mechanism having a stationary spring channel, a top bracket supported by the spring channel, and a printhead mounted to the top bracket. Additionally, the invention may include a cam, a bottom bracket, and a front mounting plate.

Abstract: A metal cable tie is disclosed. The cable tie includes an elongate metallic strap, a metallic locking head, and metallic roller means. The strap has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The head is secured to the first end of the strap for receiving the second end of the strap. The head comprises a strap entry face, a strap exit face, and a strap-receiving aperture extending therebetween. The head further comprises a floor and a roof which diverge in the direction of the exit face. The metallic roller means lockingly engages the strap, and the head comprises retention means disposed adjacent the exit face for captively holding the roller means within the head. The roller means is movable between a threading position wherein the roller means is disposed adjacent the exit face and the retention means, and a locking position wherein the roller means is closer the entry face.

Abstract: A flexible harness wrap for protecting bundles or cables laid therein is disclosed. The harness wrap includes a first row having a first plurality of slots and a second row having a second plurality of slots. A method of making a flexible harness wrap for protecting bundles or cables laid therein is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cable identification system includes a split sleeve label spacer positionable substantially circumferentially around a cable, and an adhesive label securable circumferentially around the label spacer. A method of securing identifying indicia to small diameter fiber optic cables is also disclosed.

Abstract: A metal cable tie is disclosed. The cable tie includes an elongate metallic strap, a metallic locking head, and metallic roller means. The strap has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The head is secured to the first end of the strap for receiving the second end of the strap. The head comprises a strap entry face, a strap exit face, and a strap-receiving aperture extending therebetween. The head further comprises a floor and a roof which diverge in the direction of the exit face. The metallic roller means lockingly engages the strap, and the head comprises retention means disposed adjacent the exit face for captively holding the roller means within the head. The roller means is movable between a threading position wherein the roller means is disposed adjacent the exit face and the retention means, and a locking position wherein the roller means is closer the entry face. The first end of the strap comprises an aperture disposed beneath the locking position of the roller means.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a latch and guide rail arrangement that facilitates the insertion and removal of a module into and from a cable management system. This arrangement includes a latch arm assembly provided on a module and a guide rail assembly provided within an enclosure. As the module is inserted into the enclosure, the latch arms of the latch arm assembly mate with the guides of the guide rail assembly to lockingly engage the module with the enclosure. To remove the module from the enclosure, the latch arms are acted upon to release the arms from their mating relationship with the guides. With the present invention, modules can be replaced with great ease. Further, because the latch assembly is provided within the module itself, the latch assembly does not take up valuable space in the horizontal and vertical directions within the enclosure. As a result, the space within the enclosure can be fully utilized to accommodate the greatest number of connectors.