Abstract: A network interface device for Ethernet networks using unshielded twisted pair cables comprising an overvoltage protection module and an interconnection module connected to the overvoltage protection module, both modules being connected in series in the Ethernet network.

Abstract: An improved surge suppressor which combines a ground fault circuit interrupter with overvoltage protection for AC power lines. The surge suppressor includes a switchable device for disconnecting power from the ground fault circuit interrupter in the event the AC neutral is lost.

Abstract: A telephone network interface apparatus for use in the subscriber loop of a telephone transmission system, i.e., connected to a non-telephone company owned premise wiring (a consumer household) and a telephone company owned portion of such loop at the junction where the two connect to each other. The apparatus provides limited access to the open top base member, i.e., only a portion of the base member is made readily accessible to the consumer by providing a cover readily opened by him and a shield cover which may be readily opened by telephone company employees in order to provide access to electronic components owned by the telephone company disposed with the base member. Both covers are free of apertures communicating with the inside of he base member. The device includes a base structure which includes a first and second set of terminals and a plug and receptacle arrangement for disconnecting the premises wiring from the telephone transmission system.

Abstract: A surge suppressor which provides overvoltage protection for AC power lines, coaxial transmission lines and communication lines using a virtual ground rather than a separate ground conductor.

Abstract: Surge suppressor apparatus comprising AC power line overvoltage protection, telephone voice line overvoltage and overcurrent protection, high speed data line overvoltage and overcurrent protection and coaxial transmission line overvoltage protection, all tied to a common ground.

Abstract: Residential protection service center apparatus comprising AC power line overvoltage protection, telephone voice line overvoltage and overcurrent protection, high speed data line overvoltage and overcurrent protection and coaxial transmission line overvoltage protection, all tied to a common ground.

Abstract: Residential protection service center apparatus comprising an AC power meter, AC power line surge suppression, telephone line overvoltage protection and coaxial transmission line overvoltage protection, all tied to a common ground.

Abstract: Cable interconnection apparatus for connecting coaxial cable and fiber optic cable, the cable interconnection apparatus being adapted to be removably mounted in network interface devices containing subscriber bridge modules.

Abstract: The invention provides for an optical fiber strain relief system and a method for using the same. The optical fiber strain relief system includes a tab, a mass fusion splice protection sleeve and a tray for securing the tab and sleeve. The tab has substantially rectangular members, having long dimensions extending in the direction of fiber optic ribbon cables. The substantially rectangular members have widened portions and are joined at the widened portions by a short member. The substantially rectangular members of the tab fold over fiber optic ribbon cables, bending the short adjoining member, and thereby attaching to the fiber optic ribbon cables. Once attached to the fiber optic ribbon cables, the tab protects the optical fibers from bending and tensile forces and provides strain relief. The tray has retainers for securing the tabs and mass fusion splice protection sleeves to further protect the optical fibers and provide strain relief. The tray is fitted with a cover.

Abstract: A network interface device for connecting telephone company lines and subscriber lines comprising an enclosure with a base and a cover and a socket having at least two sets of three switchable contacts, the first and second contacts (telco and customer) of each set being of a heavier gauge material than the third contact (test) of each set to improve reliability, the socket providing a point of demarcation between the telephone company and subscriber lines. Use of operational plugs (FIGS. 44, 47, 50) and dummy plugs (FIGS. 46, 49) is disclosed.

Abstract: Residential protection service center apparatus comprising an AC power meter, AC power line surge suppression, telephone line overvoltage protection and coaxial transmission line overvoltage protection, all tied to a common ground.

Abstract: A splice protection sleeve including rigid strength members and a melt-flow plastic adhesive inner tube member contained within a heat shrinkable outer tube member. The strength members are positioned on either side of the inner tube. In use, multiple optical fibers are inserted into the inner tube and fusion spliced. Upon the application of heat to the fusion splice protection sleeve, the heat shrinkable outer tube contracts around the strength members and inner tube and the inner tube melts filing vacant areas within the outer tube. Upon cooling, the melt-flow adhesive binds the strength members, multiple optical fibers and outer tube of the fusion splice protection sleeve. Because the melt-flow adhesive inner tube containing the optical fibers is sandwiched between the strength members, upon heating and cooling of the fusion splice protection sleeve, the outer tube substantially maintains its original cross-sectional geometry, applying evenly distributed forces to the multiple optical fibers.

Abstract: A customer bridge module for connecting telephone company wiring and subscriber telephone wiring in a telephone network interface apparatus, the customer bridge module having a plug-actuated switchable socket and an overcurrent protection circuit, a half-ringer, a maintenance termination unit or a radio frequency interference (RFI) filter.

Abstract: An overvoltage/overcurrent protection system for Ethernet networks using unshielded twisted pair cabling, the system comprising two overvoltage/overcurrent protection circuits, one circuit for the twisted pair carrying incoming digital signals and one circuit for the twisted pair carrying outgoing digital signals.

Abstract: A balanced overvoltage protector for a dual-wire system comprising a single semiconductor substrate including two breakover thyristors located in sufficiently close proximity so that current in one thyristor effects firing of the other thyristor at a voltage less than its breakover voltage.

Abstract: Combination coaxial surge arrestor and power extraction apparatus for providing overvoltage protection for a coaxial transmission line carrying both an RF signal and AC power and for extracting AC power from the coaxial transmission line. The surge arrestor comprises a coaxial gas discharge tube with a center conductor and a conductive body. The apparatus includes an inductor for extracting the AC power, the inductor having a high reactance at the frequency of the RF signal and a low reactance at the frequency of the AC power, and a capacitor for passing the RF signal, the capacitor having a low reactance at the frequency of the RF signal and a high reactance at the frequency of the AC power.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting a coaxial transmission line using a coaxial transmission line surge arrestor and a fusible link connected thereto. The surge arrestor comprising a gas discharge tube having a hollow conductive housing and a center conductor having a longitudinal axis parallel to the direction of signal transmission, the diameter of the center conductor being varied along at least a portion of its length for matching the impedance of the surge arrestor to that of the transmission line. The fusible link comprises a section of coaxial transmission line having a solid copper center conductor electrically connected in series with the surge arrestor.

Abstract: A miniature station overvoltage protection module having a surge protector device and a back-up protector suitable for use on communication lines, includes a hollow housing having a top surface; a pair of line terminals and a ground terminal disposed in the housing top surface, extending inside the hollow housing. A holding bracket affixed to the housing ground terminal disposed within the hollow housing includes first and second conductors and a ground conductor, each of the first and second conductors extends towards one of the pair of line terminals and is in electrically conductive contact therewith; the ground conductor is in electrically conductive contact with the ground terminal. A surge arrester, having at least a pair of electrode terminals and a ground terminal connected to the housing ground terminal. Each one of the pair of surge arrester electrode terminals is in electrically conductive contact with one of the pair of line terminals.

Abstract: An optical fiber enclosure system having a storage and splicing enclosure and one or more termination enclosures. The storage and splicing enclosure contains ports on all four of its sides that allow external fiber optic cables to access the interior of the enclosure. The storage and splicing enclosure includes hardware for storage of excess optical fiber and outer protective cabling components, grounding and securing spliced optical fibers. Termination enclosures may be attached to the any of the four sides of the storage and splicing enclosure. The storage and splicing enclosure has ports on all four of its sides that mate with ports on the termination enclosures to permit optical fiber to run therebetween. The termination enclosures includes hardware for mounting modules for terminating optical fibers.