Abstract: An electrical connector of the split cylinder type for terminating or connecting an electrical wire comprising an elongated tubular sleeve section, an elongated wire receiving slot, a flared entryway leading into the wire receiving slot and a wire retaining means for temporarily retaining the electrical wire within the flared entryway in position for termination or connection within the wire receiving slot.

Abstract: A coupler for light between the termination of an optical fiber and one or more detector or emitter elements in which the optical path between the termination and the detectors and emitters includes one or more focussing surfaces. The coupler is designed as a molded plastic body adapted to precisely position the optical fiber termination and the emitters and detectors so that the optical path between them via the focussing surfaces couples light efficiently. The focussing surfaces are molded into the coupler during manufacture and are preferably angled to the radiation to provide total internal reflection, avoiding reflective coatings. In the case where the focussing surfaces are reflecting, they are preferably ellipsoidal or paraboloidal in shape. In a second case, one surface is beam splitting and a second surface provides focussed reflection. In another case one focussing surface is reflecting while a second focussing surface is refracting.

Abstract: A connector panel for terminating and/or cross-connecting telecommunications or data transmission circuits including a base having a first set of connector receiving openings, a plurality of connectors adapted for connection with the base, a connector retaining member having a second set of connector receiving openings, and elements for securing the connector retaining member and the base together.

Abstract: A bi-directional, fiber optic coupler operative to receive from an optical fiber, modulated light for detection thereof, and for applying to the same fiber, modulated light for transmission to a remote location. The coupler comprises a body which can be conveniently and economically molded as a unitary plastic element and in which a V-channel is formed to receive and securely hold the optical fiber. The channel terminates in a slanted reflecting face which is readily coated with a dielectric layer to provide a beam splitting function, or in the case of dual frequency transmissions, a frequency dependent layer to provide multiplexing or demultiplexing. The slanted reflecting face is located at the bottom of an emitter cavity in which an emitter assembly is readily press-fit to provide predetermined alignment between light emanating from the emitter assembly and the reflecting face from which the light is reflected into the adjacent termination of the optical fiber.

Abstract: An electrical jack (10) for use on a circuit board (47) is disclosed. Jack (10) has vertically stacked receiving passages (14) and (16) for plugs (18) and is protected against dust and other environmental contaminants by a cover (30). Jack (10) includes a common sleeve spring (20) for both plugs (18). First and second switching mechanisms (22, 24) function with lower plug (18), while third and fourth switching mechanisms (26, 28) function with higher plug (18). Lower ring and tip springs (116, 120) provide contact force about orthogonal tension axes. Pairs of retention lugs (122, 164) cooperate to hold jack (10) to circuit board (47).

Abstract: A terminal block having a housing, a connector panel rotatably mounted between the side walls of the housing between first and second positions, a latch mechanism for releasably retaining the panel in its first or second position and a front door pivotally secured to the housing.

Abstract: An access assembly for a multi-conductor cable including a pair of end members through which the cable extends, a strain relief member connected with and extending between the end members and a tubular member enclosing the end members and strain relief member.

Abstract: A dual density printed circuit board card cage for housing a plurality of printed circuit board cards in a parallel, stacked relationship. The card cage embodies a unique, intermediate frame member comprising a single piece of sheet metal having a plurality of openings and guide means on opposite sides of the intermediate frame member for mating with corresponding guide means on the upper and lower frame members. The guide means are comprised of a plurality of web portions each including a pair of guide edges extending upwardly and downwardly and in an alternating pattern.

Abstract: A right angle receptacle assembly adapted for connection with a printed circuit board and having a plurality of elongated contact members extending generally parallel to the surface of the printed circuit board. The receptacle also includes a contact lug connected with each contact member for electrically connecting such member to a circuit on the printed circuit board. This contact lug absorbs torsional force caused by insertion and withdrawal of a mating plug and includes first and second leg portions and an intermediate leg portion joining the first and second leg portions in a laterally off-set position with respect to one another.

Abstract: A wire insertion tool usable for inserting a wire into a split cylinder connector. The tool includes a central rod portion, a sleeve portion spaced outwardly from the rod portion and at least a pair of openings in the side wall of the sleeve portion to provide the tool with a self cleaning feature.

Abstract: A jack frame for an electrical jack of the type having a plurality of jack springs and adapted for side-by-side mounting in an electrical jack panel. One embodiment includes a single piece of jack frame material bent into the desired configuration. A second embodiment includes a frame which is die cast in a single casting operation. The frames of both embodiments have improved rigidity and consistency.

Abstract: A rolled up terminal end adapted for insertion into an opening in a PCB or the like comprising a first end section with an effective width less than the diameter of the PCB opening, a second section having a terminal retaining ramp means with an effective width greater than the diameter of the PCB opening and an elongated slot extending throughout at least a portion of the second section.

Abstract: An electrical jack adapted for connection with a printed circuit board having the ability to provide both monitoring access and test access to the circuits therein. The jack includes at least one contact assembly having a pair of contact elements extending across a cylindrical opening in the jack for selectively engaging various contact surfaces of a plug member for purposes of providing either monitoring or testing access.

Abstract: A patch or access module usable with an insertable patch plug having a plurality of electrical contact elements. The patch or access module includes a circuit board, a first electrical circuit electrically connected with a first point on the circuit board, a second electrical circuit electrically connected with the second point on the circuit board and switch contact means for selectively making electrical connection between the first point and the second point and for making electrical connection between the first point and the electrical contact elements of the patch plug upon insertion of the patch plug into the patch or access module.

Abstract: An improved latch assembly adapted particularly for use in the electronics or communications industry to retain a plug member in electrical engagement with a receptacle and prevent relative movement therebetween in a latching direction. The latch assembly includes a first latch member adapted for limited movement in a direction generally parallel to the latching direction between first and second positions and for limited movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the latching direction between engaged and disengaged positions. The latch assembly further includes a spring member for biasing the first latch member toward an engaged position, a stop member for limiting the movement of the first latch member in a direction opposite the latching direction and a guide member for causing movement of and guiding the first latch member toward its second position during movement of the latch member toward its disengaged position.

Abstract: A patching module having an improved switching and monitor feature for use in a patch unit assembly. The monitor feature includes a monitor plug with monitor elements capable of directly monitoring selected leads of the circuit within the module without drawing any power from such circuit. Each module is provided with appropriate connections for an independent power source.

Abstract: An electrical jack suitable for direct connection to a printed circuit board which has an elongated nonconductive housing with a cylindrical opening for insertion of a plug and at least two wrap-around contact assemblies extending generally transverse to the cylindrical opening. Each contact assembly including a first cantilevered contact member having a free end movable between a first and second position in response to insertion and removal of the plug. Each contact assembly further includes a second cantilevered contact member having a free end adapted for electrical engagement with the free end of the first contact member. The respective contact portions of the free ends of the first and second contact members are disposed at an angle with respect to the direction of movement of the contact portions into and out of electrical engagement with each other to increase the wiping action therebetween.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting ringing signals on a telephone line in which the alternating voltage oscillations are converted to direct current pulses which are used to charge a first capacitor. Only signals of 14 hertz or above are sufficient to repetitively charge the first capacitor to a high enough voltage to open continuously a grounding circuit through a comparator, thus, allowing a second capacitor to charge up and open a second grounding circuit thus permitting current to flow to a suitable output. The output is used to activate lights on the telephone which lights are either flashed or winked by a unique resistance balanced solid state flash or wink generator.

Abstract: An edge connector for a printed circuit card that includes normalling contacts. The connector is designed to make circuit with the printed circuit card before breaking the normalling contacts by having two springable contacts positioned so that the printed circuit card must pass between them and against a first set of contact surfaces before it can reach and separate the normalling or second set of contact surfaces.

Abstract: An adapter circuit for converting dialing generated tone bursts on a telephone line into DC pulses of a length equal to the tone burst length so that the percent break may be measured. The DC pulse is initiated when the tone burst reaches 50% of its full value and terminated when the tone burst decays to 50% of its full value.