Abstract: A modular mounting bracket includes a base member having a plurality of support members that receive an enclosure, the plurality of support members each including a plurality of slots. A plurality of latching mechanisms each including a body portion and a latching portion are positioned within the plurality of slots of the plurality of support members. The plurality of latching mechanisms are translatable between an access position and an engaged position, and the plurality of latching mechanisms engage the enclosure and secure the enclosure to the modular mounting bracket in the engaged position.

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: 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 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 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 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 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: The specification discloses a cable (e.g., fiber optic) housing assembly that facilitates securing cables and splices within its interior while providing a convenient work tray to assist a technician when splicing cables above ground level. The housing assembly can be equipped with a grommet and bobbin assembly that secures cables within the interior of the housing. Additionally, modular splice blocks can be configured within the interior of the housing in order to secure cable splices. In aspects, these modular splice blocks can be added as needed in a variety of configurations, including but not limited to, vertical stacking, horizontal back-to-back, or the like. The modular characteristics of the splice blocks enhance the as-needed extensibility of the housing assembly.

Abstract: An aerial cable spacer is provided with a cable retainer and vertically disposed strengthening tabs or ribs. The cable retainer includes a cable retaining arm. A mid portion of the cable retaining arm has a non-rectangular plus “+” shaped cross section. The plus “+” shaped cross section engages and exerts a force on the cable as the cable retaining arm bends to a closed position. The arm is flexible so as to create a resilient force in conjunction with the plus “+” shaped cross section to securely hold the cable on a cable seat of a main body portion of the aerial cable spacer. A pawl is carried on the arm at a predetermined orientation to engage a corresponding set of teeth on the spacer body for enhanced cable clamping force.

Abstract: An optical fiber splice case particularly adapted for providing fiber optic links directly to a home, business, et al. is provided wherein at least one enclosure base has at least one cover member selectively sealingly engaged with at least one side of the at least one enclosure base. The at least one enclosure base includes at least one bulkhead having a selective plurality of optical fiber ports therethrough.

Abstract: An optical fiber splice case particularly adapted for providing fiber optic links directly to a home, business, et al. is provided wherein an enclosure base has a dividing wall defining a drop chamber on a first side of the wall and a splicing chamber on a second side of the wall. A first and a second cover member is selectively sealingly engaged with opposing sides of the enclosure base. The enclosure base includes a bulkhead member having a plurality of optical fiber ports therethrough.

Abstract: An appliance is provided for terminating high temperature conductors. The appliance includes a clevis member, a first set of aluminum elongate helically formed reinforcement members, and first and second U-shaped dead-end members having leg portions formed of an aluminum material and an aluminum-coated metal material, respectively. The reinforcement members and first and second dead end members are applied to the associated conductor in a layered relationship in a manner to establish a phase ordering of aluminum alloy and aluminum covered steel wire materials over the circumference of the conductor. The combination of aluminum alloy and aluminum coated steel wire materials provides desired strength while maintaining an operating temperature of the appliance lower than an operating temperature of the associated conductor.

Abstract: An optical fiber splice case particularly adapted for providing fiber optic links directly to a home, business, et al. is provided wherein at least one enclosure base has at least one cover member selectively sealingly engaged with at least one side of the at least one enclosure base. The at least one enclosure base includes at least one bulkhead having a selective plurality of optical fiber ports therethrough.

Abstract: An optical fiber management assembly comprises a support module (12) carrying two or more pivotable optical fiber storage trays (13). The support module has channels in its outer surface for guiding fibers to an entry zone in a first region of its surface to a tray selection zone from which fibers are guided to respective trays.