Abstract: A sleeve is disclosed for a leg of a ladder. The sleeve includes a length of generally “U”-shaped cross-sectional material, and the sleeve slides over an end of the leg of the ladder. Each rung of the ladder slides along an open portion of the generally “U”-shaped cross-section as the sleeve is slid over and along the leg of the ladder. When the ladder rests against an object, the sleeve can be longitudinally adjusted along the leg to reduce marring the object from contact by the leg of the ladder.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a computerized system and method for searching heterogeneous electronic directories. An embodiment of the system includes a database, containing data necessary to perform a search, a user interface, and a component for performing the searches. Embodiments of the system provide a user with the ability to search directories in multiple locations and in multiple formats, both standard and non-standard, for contacts and to display the results of the search in one unified list. A system administrator or a user determines which directories the system searches and in what order the system performs the search.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining faults in a telephone line. The apparatus has an enclosure housing a switch. The switch is for electrically communicating with a ring wire of a telephone line, with a tip wire of the telephone line, and with an electrical ground. The switch selectively permits electrical communication between any two of the ring wire, the tip wire, and the ground. The apparatus improves testing of the telephone line by helping identify an electrically open condition in the telephone line.

Abstract: A priority-based work order scheduling system includes a graphical user interface having displays for managing work orders stored in the system. Work orders are entered into the system via a work order entry computer. A time estimate for completing the work order is determined. Work order data associated with the work order is stored along with the time estimate to complete the work order in a database management system. A priority is assigned to the work order and stored in the database management system. Operationally, the scheduling system is used during scheduling meeting to assist in making scheduling determinations, and for updating work order data stored in the database management system. Work order data can be updated by engineers having authority to perform the updates outside of a scheduling meeting.

Abstract: An end assembly for a tape rule is disclosed. This end assembly has a hooking member for attachment to a free end of the tape rule. The hooking member includes a plate section, an elbow section, and an abutment section. The plate section is for longitudinal alignment along the free end of the tape rule. The elbow section upwardly curves from the plate section to the abutment section. The abutment section downwardly curves to a substantially perpendicular orientation to the plate section, and the abutment section downwardly extends below the tape rule. The hooking member is positioned to an article to be measured, and the abutment section contacts and frictionally engages an edge of the article.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for providing Caller Control of Internet Call Waiting (ICW) Services. In an embodiment, a calling party places an incoming call to a called telephone number having an active ICW session and data connection. The calling party may enter an authorized code that authorizes interruption or disabling of ICW and the data connection. The interrupt code entered by the calling party is received in a telecommunications network, such as, for example the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or a mobile switching network. The telecommunications network verifies that the interrupt code to enable caller control, and, thereafter, disables or interrupts the ICW session and data connection to connect the incoming call.

Abstract: A safety device is disclosed for cautioning passing motorists or pedestrians to the presence of a vehicle. One embodiment has a mount and a rigid standard affixed to the mount. The standard is extensible in length. The standard has at least a first section moving in relation to a second section to extend the length of the standard. Another embodiment of the standard telescopes in length to enhance visibility. This embodiment of the standard has a tubular cross-section and an inner section sliding within an outer section. The safety device attaches to the vehicle and cautions passing motorists or pedestrians.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for installing communication cable. The tool has a handle, a first arm extending from the handle, and a second arm extending from the handle. The first arm has a wheel rotatably mounted to the first arm, and the wheel includes a circumferential groove. The second arm includes a cable guide for guiding the communication cable to the groove in the wheel. The handle is used to roll the wheel along a cleft, and the communication cable feeds through the cable guide to the groove in the wheel and the wheel stuffs the communication cable into the cleft.

Abstract: This invention provides apparatus and methods of use for a technician catcher safety device having the means to securely engage the pole so that the safety device can hold or otherwise support a safety strap attached to the fallen technician. In various embodiments, the safety device includes a pair of main lever arms interconnected by a central connecting portion. The ends of the main lever arms include elbows that merge into upwardly extending arms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of tracking and monitoring objects in accordance with pre-selected and stored policies that are generated by the owner of the object. These policies define the parameters for determining when an object is lost, for reporting a lost object, and for searching for a lost object. When combined with a network tracking system, the policies can also set parameters for permissible areas in which the objects can be disposed and for tracking of the objects across the network.

Abstract: A dolly is disclosed for transporting a ladder. The dolly has a main frame, a ladder brace, and a ladder stop. The main frame has a first end, second end, and a single longitudinal frame member extending between the first end and the second end. The ladder brace upwardly extends from the first end of the main frame and supports one end of the ladder. The ladder stop upwardly extends from the second end of the main frame and engages a rung of the ladder. The dolly extends in length and height to accommodate various ladder lengths, and the dolly collapses for easy carrying and stowing. The dolly allows a user to transport the ladder with less lifting and, thus, less injury.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for accessing a Network Interface Device of a telecommunications network. The apparatus has a main body having a first end, a second end, and an interior cavity. The interior cavity is open at the first end and extends into an interior region of the main body. The interior cavity is bound by a side wall and terminates within the main body at an end wall. The second end of the main body has at least one of a square drive, a socket, and a screwdriver bit, with the square drive for attaching conventional sockets, extensions, and other tools. The second end of the main body thus allows for engagement with various types and sizes of fasteners.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for activating an electronic lock in an intelligent switched telecommunications network having a plurality of Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) components. A call is received from a device communicating with the telecommunications network. The call is from a calling party to a called party. Processing of the call within the telecommunications network is suspended. A database is queried for a telephone number of the called party. The database stores telephone numbers of called parties subscribing to a lock service provided by a telecommunications service provider. The lock service allows a user to remotely activate an electronic lock using the telecommunications network. If the query is successful, processing of the call within the telecommunications network is resumed. The call is used to activate the electronic lock.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide a tool support assembly that is capable of being attached to a telecommunications or an electrical cabinet (e.g., mounted to an inside door or an inside wall). This invention provides for a telecommunications cabinet having the means to hold or otherwise support a variety of tools including flashlights, umbrellas, test sets, screwdrivers, wrenches, and other hand tools, and thereby increases access to the hardware and equipment housed within the cabinet, increases the environmental protection of the cabinet and of the hardware and equipment contained within the cabinet, and increases access to the surrounding work area.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network telephone system for terminating calls to subscribers to a privacy screening service, when the calling party has a private telephone number. Privacy screening services allow a subscriber to manage and monitor incoming telephone calls, such that unwanted calls are not terminated to the subscriber. When a calling party dials the telephone number of a subscriber to a privacy screening service, the system manages the call according to whether the calling party number is known and public, known and private, or unknown. If the calling party number is known and public, the call is routed to the subscriber. If the calling party is known and private, the call is routed to a service node, which plays an announcement to the calling party, asking the calling party for permission to override his or her privacy.

Abstract: A terminal block includes a block body, a plurality of conductive terminals, and a switch assembly. The block body has a front surface, and each conductive terminal has a portion outwardly extending from the front face. The plurality of conductive terminals is arranged in an array of rows and columns, with each row having at least one pair of conductive terminals. The switch assembly has an open position and a closed position, with the closed position permitting electrical communication between conductive terminals in a row of the array. The open position does not permit electrical communication between conductive terminals in the row.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for clamping cable. The apparatus has an elongate body having an interior passage extending from a first end to a second end. An end of the cable inserts into the first end, is pushed through the interior passage, and pushed out the second end. A roller is mounted within the interior passage, and the cable rolls along the roller as the cable is pushed through the interior passage. A wedge slides within the body to a position adjacent the roller, and the wedge clamps the cable between the roller and the wedge. Tension in the cable in one direction causes the wedge to slide away from the roller, thus permitting the apparatus to be slid along the cable to a desired location. Tension in the opposite direction, however, causes the wedge to slide to the roller, thus clamping the cable within the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for cutting cable. The apparatus has an elongate handle with a longitudinal axis extending from a first to a second end. An eyelet extends from the second end and defines an opening through which the cable is inserted. A first cutting surface slides within the elongate handle and extends beyond the inner wall of the eyelet. When the end of the cable is inserted into the opening of the eyelet, the first cutting surface may be extended beyond the inner wall of the eyelet and into contact with the cable. As the handle is rotated about the cable, the first cutting surface cuts the cable. A second cutting surface may protrude from the handle for slitting an outer sheath of the cable.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for pulling communication cable through conduit. The apparatus has a winch mounted to a stand. The stand includes a base connected to an upper frame by at least three supports. At least one of the supports is pivotally mounted to at least one of the base and the upper frame such that the upper frame collapses toward the base. The stand is positioned above the conduit, the communication cable is attached to the winch, and the winch is used to pull the communication cable through the conduit.