Abstract: A filler panel for a rack includes two latching regions that mirror each other. The latching regions include a pair of guide posts configured to enter both round-shaped and square-shaped holes and guide the filler panel into a rack. The latching region further includes a pair of locator walls configured to enter square shaped holes along with the guide posts to guide the filler panel into a rack. Each latching region includes one or more latching members having surfaces for engaging a railing of a rack. At least one pair of latching members includes an angled stepped surface configured to engage railings of different thicknesses.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for improved field termination optical fiber connector members and/or splicers for use in terminating or fusing optical fibers. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for convenient, low-cost, accurate, and effective methods for terminating or fusing optical fibers utilizing advantageous field termination optical fiber connector members and/or splicers. Improved apparatus and methods are provided for use in terminating or fusing a broad variety of optical fibers.

Abstract: A cable management rack is provided within which or upon which a heat-generating device is mountable, and which encompasses a vertical rectangular frame open in a front and a rear of the frame. The rack includes a first upright and a second upright attached to opposite respective lateral sides of a base and a top member, and respective side-facing panels. Each of the panels defines a plurality of vent holes arranged in an array and permit the rack to receive a sideways flow of cooling air into a first side of the rack through one of the vent hole arrays for cooling a heat-generating device mounted between the panels, and permit the rack to discharge a sideways flow of exhaust air through the other vent hole array. Each of the array of vent holes may manifest a honeycomb pattern of vent holes, and each of the vent holes may manifest an hexagonal shape.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to modular connector assemblies that generally include a connector and an attachment unit. The connector includes a connector housing, the connector housing including a first coupler element. The attachment unit includes an attachment unit housing, the attachment unit housing including a second coupler element. The first coupler element can be configured and dimensioned to interlock with the second coupler element for movably securing the connector to the attachment unit. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to methods and systems for modular connector assemblies.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to electrical plug assemblies that generally include a plug housing that defines an internal cavity. The electrical plug assemblies generally include a printed circuit board disposed within the internal cavity of the plug housing. The printed circuit board defines a front face and a bottom face. The electrical plug assemblies generally include a plurality of conductive contacts. Each of the plurality of conductive contacts is generally secured relative to the printed circuit board and extends from the bottom face to the front face of the printed circuit board. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to methods of fabricating electrical plug assemblies and electrical plug systems.

Abstract: A patch cord assembly is provided for detachably securing a first patch cord relative to a second patch cord, defined by a first patch cord that includes a first elongated cord and a first plug mounted with respect to one end of said first elongated cord, and a second patch cord that includes a second elongated cord and a second plug mounted with respect to one end of said second elongated cord. A method of patch cord assembly is provided for detachably securing a first patch cord relative to a second patch cord. A system of patch cord assembly packaging and payout is provided including a housing for packaging a patch cord assembly and at least one housing opening for paying out the at least first patch cord.

Abstract: Improved connectors and plug/cable assemblies are provided for use in distributing data. The present disclosure provides for electrical connector assemblies for use with electrical wires/cables (e.g., preterminated wires/cables) that include at least one plug member. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for connector assemblies (e.g., port replication connector assemblies) and associated plugs and cables that are adapted for use in multi-connector panels and with patch panels, e.g., for distributing data to computers and computer networks.

Abstract: Advantageous breakout assemblies and associated mounting members for use in fiber optic applications are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for improved fiber optic breakout assemblies and associated mounting members (e.g., mounting panels) that include mating features. The present disclosure provides for improved systems/designs for breakout assemblies and mounting members for use in fiber optic applications, and wherein the breakout assemblies and mounting members are cost-effective, efficient and/or user-friendly. Improved, convenient, low-cost and effective systems, assemblies and methods are provided for easily breaking/branching out one or more fiber optic cables/fibers from a bundle or harness containing a plurality of fiber optic cables/fibers by utilizing advantageous breakout assemblies and mounting members that include mating features, and related assemblies.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for electrical connectors or jack assemblies/housings for use in voice/data communication systems. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for modular jack assemblies that include a movable locking member. The present disclosure provides for improved systems/designs for jack assemblies/housings that are easily secured and/or unsecured to or from a jack panel or jack faceplate. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for convenient, low-cost and effective systems and methods for easily securing and/or unsecuring jack assemblies/housings to or from a jack panel/faceplate (e.g., in the field) by utilizing advantageous modular jack assemblies that include a movable locking member, and related assemblies.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for electrical connectors or jack assemblies/housings for use in voice/data communication systems. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for modular jack assemblies that include a movable locking member. The present disclosure provides for improved systems/designs for jack assemblies/housings that are easily secured and/or unsecured to or from a jack panel or jack faceplate. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for convenient, low-cost and effective systems and methods for easily securing and/or unsecuring jack assemblies/housings to or from a jack panel/faceplate (e.g., in the field) by utilizing advantageous modular jack assemblies that include a movable locking member, and related assemblies.

Abstract: A cable management system is provided that includes a cable management rack for accommodating a heat generating device, a first baffle mounted with respect to a first upright of the rack and for redirecting a rearward flow of cool air sideways from a space adjacent a front side of the rack, and/or a second baffle mounted with respect to a second upright of the rack and for redirecting a sideways flow of exhaust air from the rack and through the second upright into a space adjacent a rear side of the rack. A method of cooling a heat-generating device mounted in or on a cable management rack includes providing a sideways flow of cooling air into the rack and into the device.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to cable assemblies, methods and systems that generally include a first cable and a second cable. The first cable includes a first elongated cord and a first connector mounted with respect to one end of the first elongated cord. The second cable generally includes a second elongated cord and a second connector mounted with respect to one end of the second elongated cord. The first connector can be disposed in an opposing direction relative to the second connector. The first connector can be positioned adjacent of the second elongated cord and the second connector can be positioned adjacent to the first elongated cord. The cable assemblies generally include at least one coupler element for maintaining the first connector positioned adjacent to the second elongated cord and the second connector positioned adjacent to the first elongated cord.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for electrical connectors or jack assemblies/housings for use in voice/data communication systems. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for modular jack assemblies that include a movable locking member. The present disclosure provides for improved systems/designs for jack assemblies/housings that are easily secured and/or unsecured to or from a jack panel or jack faceplate. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for convenient, low-cost and effective systems and methods for easily securing and/or unsecuring jack assemblies/housings to or from a jack panel/faceplate (e.g., in the field) by utilizing advantageous modular jack assemblies that include a movable locking member, and related assemblies.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods are provided for facilitating copper-wire patching. More particularly, the assemblies and methods involve mounting patch ports arranged along a horizontal plane (horizontally-aligned) with respect to a tray. The tray is movably mounted with respect to a cabinet enclosure, e.g., via a pivotal or translational (sliding) relationship, thereby providing easy access to the ports. The horizontally-aligned configuration advantageously increases patching density within a cabinet structure while maintaining port accessibility.

Abstract: A mounting plate having at least two L-shaped mounting flanges alternatively offset from a centerline defined to bisect the mounting flanges. A mounting system including a plurality of mounting plates with interlocking mounting flanges positioned horizontally on a mounting frame of one standard rack unit (1.75 inches) height. A mounting system including a plurality of mounting footprints with overlapping fastener flanges positioned horizontally on a mounting frame of one standard rack unit width. A method of mounting plates configured and dimensioned to receive a fiber optic coupler or adapter including a mounting a plurality of plates having at least two L-shaped mounting flanges into a mounting frame such that the mounting flanges of adjacent plates are configured to interlock or overlap.

Abstract: An integrated insulation displacement terminal includes an IDC assembly with a pair of pivotably mounted wings and a lacing cap assembly with a lacing cap, locking cam nut and deflectable contact ring. The IDC assembly has two rows of IDC terminals mounted on one side and the lacing cap assembly has a lacing cap with two corresponding rows of receiving holes. Each wing pivoted to the IDC base assembly has two pressing portions corresponding to the two rows of IDC terminals so when the wings are rotated to press the lacing cap such that each of the IDC terminals is inserted into one of the receiving holes and each wire is introduced in the corresponding IDC terminal. Each wing has an axial cable guide engaged by the cam nut when the assembly is locked by rotating the cam nut to secure the two assemblies in place and ground the cable.

Abstract: A cage nut assembly is provided for retaining a nut within a cage's nut capture region defined by a base with a hole substantially in its center, two lateral truss integral with the base and perpendicular to each other, and two upwardly extending arms also integral with the base. The two upwardly extending arms form a C-shaped head at the distal end that extend over the nut capture region. Thus a nut disposed in said cage is substantially flush with the base of said cage. A multiple cage nut assembly is provided for retaining a nut within cage's plurality of nut capture regions. One such nut capture region being defined by a base with a hole substantially in its center, two lateral truss integral with the base and perpendicular to each other, and two upwardly extending arms also integral with the base. The two upwardly extending arms form a C-shaped head at the distal end that extend over the nut capture region. Thus a nut disposed in said cage is substantially flush with the base of said cage.

Abstract: Connector assemblies for use in wiring/cabling applications are disclosed. The connector assemblies include first and second jack openings that facilitate interaction between plugs that feature contact layouts according to the IEC 60603-7-7 standard. Cable/plug combinations are also provided wherein the cable features shielded twisted pair (STP) fully shielded twisted pair (FTP) and unshielded twisted pair (UTP) wires. The cable/plug interface includes a housing wherein individual wires are brought into electrical communication with electrical contacts that are exposed relative to the exterior of the housing. The electrical contacts are positioned in quadrants of the plug housing, when viewed in cross-section, such that the plug complies with the contact geometry set forth in the IEC 60603-7-7 standard. The cable/plug is generally a preterminated assembly, whereby the plug is pre-mounted to the cable before shipment to an installation location or distribution channel.

Abstract: A cable management rack is provided within which or upon which a heat-generating device is mountable, and which encompasses a vertical rectangular frame open in a front and a rear of the frame. The rack includes a first upright and a second upright attached to opposite respective lateral sides of a base and a top member, and respective side-facing panels. Each of the panels defines a plurality of vent holes arranged in an array and permit the rack to receive a sideways flow of cooling air into a first side of the rack through one of the vent hole arrays for cooling a heat-generating device mounted between the panels, and permit the rack to discharge a sideways flow of exhaust air through the other vent hole array. Each of the array of vent holes may manifest a honeycomb pattern of vent holes, and each of the vent holes may manifest an hexagonal shape.

Abstract: A patch panel rack including a front face and an opening formed in the front face configured and dimensioned to receive and accommodate for mounting with respect to the patch panel rack at least one patch panel, further includes a waterfall member connected to the front face of the patch panel rack, the waterfall member including a horizontally extending surface positioned in front of the front face just below the opening formed therein, and at least one curved drop-off portion positioned adjacent the horizontally extending surface and sized, shaped, oriented, and configured to permit electrical cables extending vertically upward from electrical equipment disposed beneath the waterfall member to the patch panel mounted above the waterfall member to maintain a desired bend radius. The patch panel rack may be mounted to a cable management pathway substantially above a telecommunications cabinet to allow cables passing therebetween to maintain a desired bend radius.