Abstract: A trough for separately retaining different types of cables and/or wires yet maintaining related ones in the same area to facilitate identification and handling of the cables and/or wires. The trough comprises of a base and a pair of arms extending therefrom, enclosing a space for retaining a first type of cables and/or wires. Extending from the base into the space created by the arms is a retainer hook, dividing space into a sub-space for retaining a second type of cables and/or wires. One of the arms is pivotable from a closed to an open position to allow quick access to cables and/or wires in the space and sub-space.

Abstract: The combination of a fiber optic tray and a splice holder with a self-mounting feature for fiber optic cables with the fiber optic tray having a latch therein in the form of an undercut recess. The splice holder has a latch engaging element in the form of tabs extending therefrom. The latch and latch engaging element adapted to cooperate with each other in order to permit the splice holder to be mounted in the fiber optic tray and to be removed therefrom.

Abstract: A splice holder for securing and retaining fiber optic splices. The splice holder improves access to individual splices and minimizes interference to adjacent splices during removal. The splice holder comprises a hollow base having a first flat portion and a second enclosing portion defining a hollow longitudinal space therebetween. A plurality of parallel, spaced apart longitudinal members extend from the second portion away from the hollow space. Adjacent pairs of members define a channel for retaining a splice. Within the hollow space is a transversely extending wall for structural support of the second portion, which divides the space into two cavities. The cavities provide improved access to the underside of a splice.

Abstract: A fan novelty device having a removable fan-like structure formed of a strip of pliable material having an accordion folding and a head gear. The fan-like structure is removably attached to a flexible base that conforms to a wearer's head. The base is removably attached to a head gear such as a head band, hair clips, barrettes, hair combs, etc.

Abstract: A layer module arrangement for splice trays. Each layer module comprises a base to support the splices and two side members extending in the same general direction from the base. The invention provides for multiple embodiments each having add-on capabilities so as to provide lodging for a high density of splice connections if desired.

Abstract: The fiber slack storage device of the present invention for storing a slack length of a fiber optic strand comprises a spool comprising a pair of diametrically-opposed cylindrical barrels, and a cylindrical housing for at least partially enclosing the spool. The spool is disposed in the housing and is rotatable with respect thereto and the minimum radius of curvature of each of the cylindrical barrels is equal to or greater than the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic strand.

Abstract: An on board system for a taxicab having a wireless modem that allows a passenger to charge his fare by use of a credit card to a remotely located institution responsible for the charge account. The system also provides bilateral communication to allow messages to be successfully exchanged in order to successfully conduct the business of carrying passengers in the taxicab.

Abstract: A flow regulator has a pair of side walls extending generally parallel to one another, a bottom wall connecting the side walls to one another and defining an elongate channel for receiving a compressible tube, a roller rotatably and shiftably mounted to the side walls for rolling along the tube in the channel and compressing the tube against the bottom wall. The bottom wall is provided with a formation which varies from a first end of the channel towards an opposite, second end thereof, whereby compressive force applied to the tube via the roller is different at different longitudinal positions of the roller along the channel. A bracket or bow-shaped bridge is disposed about or between the side walls at one end of the channel. The bracket is in contact with outer surfaces of the side walls only in regions of the side walls spaced from the bottom wall. The bracket or bridge are advantageously made with less inherent stiffness than the assembly defining the elongate channel.

Abstract: An instrument having ergonomic gripping for the comfort and firm gripping by a user. The instrument comprises an elongated body having a uniform rear portion that diverges into two or more arms, which are then merged at the front writing end to form a bulbous front portion for a user to grip. In one embodiment, the two arms diverge from the rear portion defining an opening therebetween wherein a user's thumb is placed against one side of the opening and the middle finger against the opposite side of the opening, with the index finger resting along the curved bulbous front portion for a firm, ergonomic grip. In another embodiment, the instrument comprises a generally teardrop shaped annular body defining an opening therebetween having a concave surface and an opposite convex surface wherein a user's thumb is placed against the opening on the concave surface and the middle finger against the opening on the convex surface, with the index finger resting along the curved teardrop periphery.

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.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a box having a cover and a base hingeably connected to each other. The locking mechanism comprises a cover latching mechanism and a base latching mechanism. The cover latching mechanism is in a latching position. The two latching mechanisms are in latching engagement with each other to lock the box closed. An unlatching mechanism is provided which is activated to place the latching mechanism in an unlatching position to disengage the latching mechanisms from each other and unlock the box. An activating mechanism to active the unlatching mechanism. A deactivating mechanism is provided to return the cover latching mechanism back to its latching position so that closing the cover will cause the latching mechanisms to become in locking engagement with each other to lock the box. A box opening assembly in the box which is adapted to open the cover as soon as the latching mechanisms are disengaged from each other.