Abstract: Systems and methods that enable a cable to be easily terminated at an elevated level are provided. The cable can be a strength member having a number of fiber optic storage loops disposed about its length. These loops can be strategically positioned upon a sidewall of a multi-dwelling building such that fiber optic service can be efficiently connected as desired. The systems can include a housing apparatus having a locking cavity where the cable is terminated. The housing includes entry and exit apertures that permit a pulling device such as tape to pass there through. A locking mechanism can be positioned within the housing which engages a dead-end device connected to the cable thereby facilitating termination of the dead-end device at the elevated level after frictional release of a retaining knot. Various mounting bracket assemblies are provided which facilitate mounting on most any surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of employing modified twist-to-engage bolts that attach a photovoltaic (PV) module to an extrusion rail or channel within a rail are disclosed. In addition to a modified twist-to-engage bolt (e.g., “t-bolt”), a complementary bracket portion having alignment tabs locks in place and clamps the modules to the rail. The anti-rotation locking system prevents twist-to-engage bolts from disengaging without the removal of the complementary bracket.

Abstract: An adaptable connection enclosure (ACE) is disclosed. The ACE can employ a number of different connector blocks thereby enhancing versatility to address a myriad of different connection scenarios. In aspects, the ACE can support coax, coax/fiber, coax/CAT5, fiber/CAT5, fiber or CAT5 connector blocks without altering the ACE housing. In accordance therewith, adapter plates can be employed to effect the interchangeability.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that electrically insulates an elongate body from a rigid member. The apparatus includes an insulating part and a helically shaped securing part. The insulating part contacts either the elongate body or the rigid member thereby electrically insulating the elongate body from the rigid member. The helically shaped securing part prevents the insulating part from moving. The helically shaped securing part is comprised of multiple continuous rods, whereby the multiple rods are individual rods or sets of rods where at least two of the continuous rods are adhered together with an adhesive to form a set.

Abstract: A message storage apparatus that can stimulate creativity and imagination of children and adolescents is disclosed. The apparatus facilitates storage of messages such as secrets, memories, notes, diary entries, wishes, dreams, trivia and other educational facts, quiz and other game questions, valentines, etc. More particularly, the apparatus can virtually (or physically) store intangible (and tangible) messages, thereby enhancing creativity and imagination. The message storage apparatus has a message delivery system that receives a message and delivers it securely to a storage chamber where the message can be accessed at a later time.

Abstract: A message storage apparatus that can stimulate creativity and imagination of children and adolescents is disclosed. The apparatus facilitates storage of messages such as secrets, memories, notes, diary entries, wishes, dreams, trivia and other educational facts, quiz and other game questions, valentines, etc. More particularly, the apparatus can virtually (or physically) store intangible (and tangible) messages, thereby enhancing creativity and imagination. The message storage apparatus has a message delivery system that receives a message and delivers it securely to a storage chamber where the message can be accessed at a later time.

Abstract: An adaptable connection enclosure (ACE) is disclosed. The ACE can employ a number of different connector blocks thereby enhancing versatility to address a myriad of different connection scenarios. In aspects, the ACE can support coax, coax/fiber, coax/CAT5, fiber/CAT5, fiber or CAT5 connector blocks without altering the ACE housing. In accordance therewith, adapter plates can be employed to effect the interchangeability.

Abstract: A cable wedge assembly that can streamline installation of cabling assemblies upon trees and other structures is provided. For example, the cable wedge assembly need not require specialized tools for installation. Rather, the unique features and functions of the assembly attach to a cable merely by inserting a cable through the assembly, tightening a portion of the connector upon another and establishing tension in the cable. Once cable tension is established, the integral wedges seat causing attachment to and retention of the cable. This attachment and retention is effected by way of split conical inserts disposed within the housing of the assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of employing modified twist-to-engage bolts that attach a photovoltaic (PV) module to an extrusion rail or channel within a rail are disclosed. In addition to a modified twist-to-engage bolt (e.g., “t-bolt”), a complementary bracket portion having alignment tabs locks in place and clamps the modules to the rail. The anti-rotation locking system prevents twist-to-engage bolts from disengaging without the removal of the complementary bracket.

Abstract: Systems and methods that enable a cable to be easily terminated at an elevated level are provided. The cable can be a strength member having a number of fiber optic storage loops disposed about its length. These loops can be strategically positioned upon a sidewall of a multi-dwelling building such that fiber optic service can be efficiently connected as desired. The systems can include a housing apparatus having a locking cavity where the cable is terminated. The housing includes entry and exit apertures that permit a pulling device such as tape to pass there through. A locking mechanism can be positioned within the housing which engages a dead-end device connected to the cable thereby facilitating termination of the dead-end device at the elevated level after frictional release of a retaining knot. Various mounting bracket assemblies are provided which facilitate mounting on most any surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods that enable a cable to be easily terminated at an elevated level are provided. The cable can be a strength member having a number of fiber optic storage loops disposed about its length. These loops can be strategically positioned upon a sidewall of a multi-dwelling building such that fiber optic service can be efficiently connected as desired. The systems can include a housing having a locking cavity where the cable is terminated. The housing includes entry and exit apertures that permit a pulling device such as mule tape to pass through. A locking mechanism can be positioned within the housing which engages a dead-end device connected to the cable thereby facilitating termination of the dead-end device at the elevated level. Upon termination, the dead-end device enables removal of the pulling device from ground level.

Abstract: A ground level closure (GLC) that can address deficiencies found with traditional pedestal installations is disclosed. The GLC can combine benefits of a sealed (e.g., hermetically sealed) system with functionality of a pedestal style enclosure. Additionally, the GLC can provide an ability to store slack cable in an internal cavity of the base assembly. Further, the GLC can provide simplified access to and isolation of grounding elements without disrupting the sealed portion (e.g., internal organizer assembly) of the enclosure during inspection and troubleshooting. Moreover, spacers can be employed to adjust height and/or angle of installation.

Abstract: A cable wedge assembly that can streamline installation of cabling assemblies upon trees and other structures is provided. For example, the cable wedge assembly need not require specialized tools for installation. Rather, the unique features and functions of the assembly attach to a cable merely by inserting a cable through the assembly, tightening a portion of the connector upon another and establishing tension in the cable. Once cable tension is established, the integral wedges seat causing attachment to and retention of the cable. This attachment and retention is effected by way of split conical inserts disposed within the housing of the assembly.

Abstract: A center-lock aerial slack cable storage bracket (CLAS) is disclosed. More particularly, the CLAS improves time and efficiency of installation upon a cable under tension by employing a hinged center-lock mechanism. During installation the hinged center-lock mechanism enables the unit to be hinged-open, placed upon a cable under tension and hinged-closed. Once hinged-closed over the cable under tension, standard ‘off-the-shelf’ straps or tie-strips can be used to secure the unit into place, without a need for any specialized tools, hardware kits or brackets.

Abstract: A damper assembly staking system that provides for staking damper weights onto a messenger is disclosed. The damper assembly includes damper weights having a forked side which accepts a messenger. A hole is drilled in the forked side of the damper weight to receive the messenger. A staking hole is then drilled into the bottom of the damper weights. The staking hole extends just past the side of the messenger hole and is sized to receive a staking ball. Staking of the damper weight is accomplished by pressing the staking ball into the staking hole via a hardened dowel pin to secure the messenger within the damper weights.

Abstract: A damper assembly staking system that provides for staking damper weights onto a messenger is disclosed. The damper assembly comprises at least one damper weight with a forked side which accepts a messenger. A hole is drilled in the forked side of the damper weight to receive the messenger. A staking hole is then drilled into the bottom of the damper weights. The staking hole extends just past the side of the messenger hole and is sized to receive a staking ball. Staking of the damper weight is accomplished by pressing the staking ball into the staking hole via a hardened dowel pin to secure the messenger within the damper weights.

Abstract: A fiber retention device is provided for retention of fibers such as optical fibers, tubing, cables, buffer tubes and other elongate objects. The retention device includes, generally, a mounting retainer and a resilient sleeve. The mounting retainer is formed of a resilient material and defines one or more generally U-shaped support channels. The resilient sleeve is positioned in the U-shaped support channel and defines at least one expandable passageway for receiving a fiber therein. The passageway diameter is less than the fiber diameter in a pre-load orientation or relaxed condition prior to inserting the fiber into the passageway. The support channel selectively includes a plurality of tabs for locating the sleeve therein including tabs on a bottom wall for resisting relative horizontal movement and tabs on a side wall for resisting relative vertical movement of the sleeve within the channel.

Abstract: A center-lock aerial slack cable storage bracket (CLAS) is disclosed. More particularly, the CLAS improves time and efficiency of installation upon a cable under tension by employing a hinged center-lock mechanism. During installation the hinged center-lock mechanism enables the unit to be hinged-open, placed upon a cable under tension and hinged-closed. Once hinged-closed over the cable under tension, standard ‘off-the-shelf’ straps or tie-strips can be used to secure the unit into place, without a need for any specialized tools, hardware kits or brackets.

Abstract: A spacer and/or spacer damper that provides for uniform spacing of horizontally bundled sub-conductors as well as enhanced heat dissipation is disclosed. More particularly, when applied to electrical transmission lines, the configuration of the spacer and/or spacer damper can include formed-wire outer rods which increase the conductor surface area thereby enhance heat dissipation. In other words, the outer rod assembly disclosed herein can provide for minimizing damaging effects of motion while enhancing heat dissipation of the underlying conductor and connector arm. Still further, the subject spacer or spacer damper can alleviate entangling of the sub-conductors most often caused by galloping, ice unloading, and fault currents.