Abstract: A network interface device (37, 37a) for use with a communication system. The communication system includes a plurality of interconnect elements (39) coupled to incoming and outgoing lines (41, 47). The network interface device is selectively and individually coupled to selected ones of said interconnect elements to test incoming lines of the communication system. The network interface device includes a first connector (34) for coupling a shared test device (53) thereto, or the shared test device itself. A second connector (38) is coupled to the first connector, for example, by a cable (36) and is used for selectively and individually coupling to a selected one of the plurality of interconnect elements. The network interface device is normally disconnected from the communication circuit and is a passive element until it is connected to the interconnect element. Use of the second connector will interrupt circuitry between contacts (43, 45) in the selected interconnect element.

Abstract: A protector unit for use in retrofitting connector blocks, such as a 300-type connector block or a C-50 frame includes a housing; a back-up, fail-safe assembly for providing a connection to ground; and a positive temperature coefficient limiter ("PTCR") for temporarily preventing the passage of current through the protector unit when an over-current condition is detected and for allowing the passage of current through the protector unit when the over-current condition is no longer detected. The back-up, fail-safe assembly permanently prevents the passage of current through the protector unit when a sustained over-current condition is detected.

Abstract: In a multisided access communication distribution cabinet, an adjustable tie rod is configured as part of mounting units. The adjustable tie rod is located between grooming bars of the mounting unit, fitted within slots allowing for the adjustable tie rod to move within an area defined by the slots. Wires/cables are passed through an opening defined by the adjustable tie rod and one of the grooming bars. Once the wires have been located in a desired location, the adjustable tie rod is moved into close association with the grooming bar such that the wires are held in a fixed position. Thereafter the adjustable tie rod is placed in a fixed position thereby holding the wires/cables in a secure manner.

Abstract: A cutting element configured for use in an electrical connector device for cutting two or more wires received by the electrical connector device. The cutting element includes a member having a leading edge, and the leading edge is shaped for nonsimultaneously cutting multiple wires in a single cutting motion. By cutting the wires nonsimultaneously, less force is needed to effect the cutting operation.

Abstract: A protector which is coupleable with a coaxial transmission line. The protector includes a gas tube assembly. The gas tube assembly has a first electrode which is coupleable with the inner conductor of the coaxial transmission line such that the first electrode becomes substantially aligned with the transmission line. The gas tube assembly also includes a second electrode which is coupleable with the outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line. Each of the first and second electrodes of the gas tube assembly has a discharge area, and the discharge areas are spaced apart from each other. A body portion is attached to the discharge areas defining a sealed chamber therebetween.

Abstract: A current transformer reset circuit, which uses two separately controlled operational parts to reset a current transformer. The first operational part is a current source used to generate a reset current. The second operational part is a reset switch, which when turned on allows reset current to flow through the current transformer in a manner which acts to reset the flux magnetization of the current transformer.

Abstract: An active clamp used to maintain proper current transformer operation in a resonant transition converter circuit or any circuit having a wide range of reverse current present in a current transformer primary at the beginning of a power pulse. The active clamp is connected directly to a secondary of the current transformer and is placed in an active state for the duration of the "on" time of a switch associated with a particular current transformer. A diode, FET combination of the active clamp provides a path for current to flow when primary current is reversed or negative flow. Thereby only small amounts of voltage, and thus volt-seconds will be developed on the transformer during reverse primary current, in turn keeping the current transformer out of reverse saturation. A resistive-capacitive network allows the active clamp to use the circuit drive signal to place the active clamp in an on state.

Abstract: A novel current-limiting line protector for a communications circuit is disclosed, and includes a first and second incoming conductive member, a one piece roll-formed conductive member conductively coupled to each incoming conductive member, a ground member, an S-shaped spring in slidable contact with the ground member, and a first and second diode and solder member combination conductively coupled to the first and second incoming conductive members and disposed between the spring and the incoming conductive members. Each diode and solder member combination maintains the spring and the respective incoming conductive member in spaced, non-conducting relation while each solder member remains substantially intact.

Abstract: An equipment/distribution cabinet which contains electrical/electronic device modules. The cabinet allows for front, side and rear access for replacement, servicing and maintenance of the modules carried by the cabinet. The cabinet further includes mounting units which creates areas within which the modules are mounted within the cabinet. The mounting units connect to corner supports assisting in the front, side and rear access. The mounting units further include integrated wire and cable passage ways and tie bars allowing for organization of the wiring within the cabinet. The cabinet is produced to allow either top or bottom access and can accept a plurality of input voltage levels. The cabinet is constructed so that modules having a variety of different functional characteristics and sizes may be intermixed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical interlock assembly for use within an electronics enclosure for preventing actuation of a service breaker switch when a main breaker switch is actuated. The mechanical interlock assembly comprises a bracket, an arm and a spring. The arm and spring are retained in a bracket which is mountable within the electronics enclosure adjacent the service breaker switch and the main breaker switch to selectively prevent unwanted actuation of the switches. The arm is slidable along a pin which extends between a first and a second side wall of the bracket. The spring is retained along the pin between the arm and the first side wall of the bracket, and the spring loads a force between the arm and the first side wall of the bracket when the arm is displaced along the pin. The spring presses the arm against a toggle lever of the service breaker switch after the arm has been been displaced and the toggle lever of the service breaker switch has been actuated.

Abstract: A power distribution system, having distributed intelligence, includes a controller in communication with a plurality of rectifiers/power conversion units (PCUs). The controller and rectifiers/PCUs communicate with each other to generate system level current limit via a single control point, where system level current limit is accomplished by controlling the individual current limits of the rectifiers/PCUs. The system level current limit operating in combination with ambient temperature sensors, battery temperature sensors, load current sensors, and battery re-charge current sensors to control the operation of the system. The above sensors are also used in combination with a system level voltage control.

Abstract: In a system including a power supply, such as a rectifier, which supplies power to a load and in which a back-up battery is arranged between the power supply and load, a current controller is configured to control the recharging current supplied to the back-up battery. The current controller includes a variable resistance which is altered dependent upon whether more or less current is to be used for recharging of the back-up battery. The use of the current controller ensures that sufficient current is available for the load during the recharging process, even in a situation where the back-up battery requires a high level of recharging.

Abstract: The invention is a modular terminal block assembly. The modular terminal block assembly includes a base module in which communications company lines may be dressed and retained during the dressing operation. A connector module is provided for attachment over the base module and to engage the distribution lines retained in the base module with insulation displacement connectors (IDC) which are retained in the connector module. A protection module is provided for engagement with an opposite side of the base module so that protection can be provided on the lines without interfering with the connection termination of customer service line on the connector module. The modular terminal block assembly provides structures which allow the assembled modular terminal block to be retained on a standard U-shaped mounting frame or for attachment to a rod frame system. The protection module maintains protection on the lines while the terminal block assembly is in contact with the U-shaped frame and rod frame system.

Abstract: An arrester assembly which retains all the components thereof in an assembled condition is disclosed. The arrester assembly can be handled as an individual subassembly for use in a line protector. The arrester assembly includes a cup which has a base, at least one wall, and an open end. A sleeve is retained within the cup by an interference fit between the outside of the sleeve and the inside surface of the cup. An arrester element having a first face and a second face is retained within the sleeve with the first face in conductive contact with the base of the cup. A solder contact in the form of an elongated beam is positioned within the sleeve in abutting contact with the second face of the arrester element. The beam includes engaging structures which are forced past an inner ridge on an internal surface of the sleeve for retaining the beam in position in the sleeve.

Abstract: A modular DC distribution unit including a block assembly configured to be plugged or inserted into a backing panel such that no tools are necessary. Circuit breaker modules and fuse modules which are to be inserted into the block assembly are constructed to be interchangeably located in the block assembly, without the need of any tools. The fuse module being a two part device having an interior assembly carrying the fuse and an outer carrier into which the interior assembly is inserted. The outer carrier of the fuse module also having a replacement fuse carrier configured to carry a replacement fuse. The module DC distribution unit also including a shunt module to output a shunt current to a monitoring location.

Abstract: A communication power distribution system including a single power regulator which feeds a plurality of transmission lines current limited by corresponding active current limiters.

Abstract: An SCR control circuit which drives the SCR between conduction and non-conduction states in accordance with values sensed by a polarity sensing circuit. The control circuit generating a signal for the gate which is of a constant value, at different temperatures.

Abstract: A processor controlled test set for testing special service circuits of a telecommunication system. A microprocessor controls the overall operation of the test set, while a digital signal processor provides high speed timing signals to the various test circuits for generating the wave forms used in testing, as well as analyzes the test result signals that are converted into digital signals. A calibration of the test generator signals as well as the signal measuring path is carried out prior to the test sequence. The digital signal processor also provides gain control over a talking path to maintain stability thereof. An I/O circuit of the test set provides plural communication paths between remote equipment and the test set to initiate and carry out various tests. Processors in the I/O module are effective to convert the various protocols of the serial data, by way of software, to digital bit streams usable by the test set.