Abstract: A rackmount distribution panel includes two movable, e.g., sliding, trays to provide full access to the distribution panel from both the front and the rear of the distribution panel. Consequently, the distribution panel may be easily and conveniently accessed to install, secure, and route cabling during installation, upgrades, service or repair, even when the distribution panel has already been mounted to a rack. The distribution includes a front tray, and a front tray movably coupled to the frame configured to be moved in a forward direction and a rear tray movably coupled to the tray and configured to be moved in a rear direction. The front and rear trays are configured to receive and secure a cable and to provide access to the cable by moving in the forward or rear directions. The front tray may move in the rear direction with the rear tray.

Abstract: A network cable includes a data cable with cable connectors at opposing ends. A tracer optical waveguide is connected to the data cable, e.g., within the same jacket or by connectors such as heat shrink tubing. The ends of the tracer optical waveguide are physically separate from corresponding ends of the optical waveguide, e.g., the ends of the tracer optical waveguide furcate from the data cable. In use, a light signal is introduced into one end of the tracer optical waveguide, e.g., by Visual Fault Locator, and the light signal is emitted and can be observed from the opposing end, thereby identifying corresponding ends of the tracer optical waveguide, and thus, opposing ends of the connected data cable.

Abstract: A patch panel includes a rackmount cabinet, front and rear doors, a stepped front panel, and provision for inserting and securing a plurality of coupler cartridges. The stepped front panel has a recessed first portion and a second portion, where the second portion extends farther in a forward direction, e.g., towards the front door, than the recessed first portion. Traffic ports are positioned at the recessed first portion of the stepped front panel and monitor ports are positioned at the second portion of the front panel so that communication traffic cables inserted in the traffic ports are isolated from the monitoring ports. The communication traffic cables may be held in a cable management area that is at least partially defined by the recessed portion of the stepped front panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a workpiece during a polishing operation are described. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a support fixture for securing a workpiece. The support fixture includes a gripping member that is configured to grip a workpiece and configured to release the workpiece. The support fixture also includes a ferrule that is configured to tighten the gripping member around the workpiece and configured to release the gripping member from the workpiece.