Abstract: Multimedia bezels designed to receive a variety of connectors and fit within a standard panel cut-out. The bezels include top and bottom notches that engage the edge of the panel cut-out. An opening in the body of the bezel receives the connector. A resilient section allows one of the sets of notches to deflect towards the body for insertion in the panel cut-out. Once within the panel cut-out, the resilient section presses against the edge of the panel cut-out to firmly mount the bezel in the panel. The body of the bezel may be parallel (flat) or at an oblique angle (angled) to the panel. Both the flat and angled embodiments include icon holding grooves for receiving an icon for coding the port. In the flat embodiment, the icon also prevents deflection of the resilient section and acts as a lock. The bezels are side stackable so that a variety of simplex and duplex bezels can be utilized in a panel cut-out.

Abstract: A modular outlet having reduced crosstalk is presented. The modular outlet of the present invention comprises a connector housing which supports a plurality of contacts and a termination cap mated to the housing for terminating a plurality of wires at one end of the contacts. The contacts are positioned on a contact carrier which is received in the housing. The contacts include current carrying plates which are stacked to induce capacitance between selected contacts. This method of achieving a controlled amount of capacitive coupling between selected contacts allows the modular outlet to meet or exceed Category 5 requirements. Further, while the modular outlet connections are positioned in accordance with a standard configuration, the insulation displacement contacts are sequentially positioned, thereby eliminating pair splitting when terminating.

Abstract: An outlet door assembly that is retainable in both an open and a closed position is presented. In accordance with the present invention, the door comprises a pair of mounting arms having inwardly extending protrusions which are received in notches for retaining the door in the closed and open position. In one embodiment the connector housing has an outwardly extending protrusion within each of a pair of notches to define the positions for retaining the protrusions on the door arms. In another embodiment a door holder is employed which has pairs of notches, with one pair of notches receiving the protrusions of the door arms therein for retaining the door in a closed position and another pair of notches receiving the protrusions of the door arms therein for retaining the door in an open position. In both embodiments the door includes a channel for receiving an identification icon therein.

Abstract: A wire manager for use with a wiring block assembly. The wire manager has a base portion connected to a retaining portion which together provide an area for wire management. The base portion includes a latching portion which has a lip for affixing the wire manager to the wiring block assembly. The wire manager is preferably made from plastic and is easily mounted to and removed from the wiring block assembly by compressing the base portion.

Abstract: The multimedia outlet of the present invention exhibits a combination of form and function. The outlet provides six openings for various telecommunicating connectors that provide for up to 12 ports of mixed media or up to 24 fiber optic ports. Also, provided is a cable management arrangement complying with industry standards specifications. The form of the outlet, having inwardly angled sides allows for "true" gravity feed connections, which are desirable. The outlet also includes multiple cable access/raceway knockout ports and a concealed labeling system.

Abstract: A printed circuit board mountable connecting block of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,812 is provided with electrical contacts which include an insulation displacement slot at one end and a circuit mountable tail at the other end. This tail may comprise a conventional solder tail, or in a preferred embodiment, may comprise a "solderless" press-fit tail. The connecting block of this invention may be mounted directly onto (e.g., through) a printed circuit board (or other electronic component). It will be appreciated that this circuit mountable feature is required and advantageous for many applications. In addition, the use of a solderless connector means (preferably a press-fit tail) is particularly advantageous for providing ease of assembly as well as lower cost (relative to conventional solderable tails).

Abstract: The field terminable patch connector comprises three separable upper and lower body or housing portions, all three of which have mutual interlocking detent structures which permit the three housing portions to be assembled and locked together into a rigid assembly. One of the three housing portions is a contact insulator which has a multiplicity of slots and protrusions capable of retaining contacts for receiving conductors of a twisted pair cable. A metal shield is provided which fits between both the upper housing portion and contact insulator portion to shield pairs of conductors from one another. When properly field terminated with a Category 5 compliant cable, the patch connector of the present invention meets or exceeds the TIA/EIA TSB-40 Category 5 transmission requirements when mated with 110 type connector blocks. Other features include the ease of field assembly without special tools or operations (e.g.

Abstract: A strain relief boot is presented that has provisions to accept and retain a novel marking insert or icon that snap lockedly engages a recess in the well of the boot for ready identification of the device that the strain relief boot is protecting.

Abstract: A master control unit of a cable tester in accordance with the present invention comprises a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion. The master control unit includes a display, a pivotal cover, an indicator, a modular jack, and an activation/selection button. Electronics of the cable tester are disposed with the housing. A remote unit compatible with standard modular jacks comprises a housing for supporting a printed circuit board and a cover. The housing comprises an elongated generally rectangular portion which is sized so as to be compatible with standard modular jacks. During use the master control unit is connected by a jumper cable to a modular jack under test. The modular jack under test is connected by wiring to another modular jack, also under test, at another location. The remote unit is inserted into and mates with the other modular jack. Testing is performed at master control unit.

Abstract: A lightweight extremely versatile cross-connect frame and associated stand-off brackets are presented. This cross-connect frame comprises few components with integrally designed hole patterns to retain communication connector blocks and other standard products that require the dimensions of an EIA standard relay rack. The enhanced manufacturing and assembly produce clean sturdy frames which can be mounted either directly or with compatible stand-off brackets to a wall or 19" EIA relay rack. Additionally, these frames, with or without stand-off brackets, minimize the mounting space required by being both an even RMS (Rack Mount Space) in length and end stackable.