Abstract: An array cable includes radius guides at a tap point of the cable to take up slack for loose fibers at the tap point. The tap point is enclosed in a flexible enclosure that allows the assembly to be pulled through constricted space such as air handling spaces.

Abstract: An array cable includes radius guides at a tap point of the cable to take up slack for loose fibers at the tap point. The tap point is enclosed in a flexible enclosure that allows the assembly to be pulled through constricted space such as air handling spaces.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and methodology for providing selective wired and/or wireless transmission of communications signals to and/or within a subscriber premises. A network interface device includes a wireless router within the housing of the network interface device to selectively provide one or more of wireless and wired communications services to a subscriber. The network interface device may be mounted externally of a subscriber premises. The provision of a wireless router within a network interface device offers a service provider the ability to provide wireless service to a subscriber as well as to new subscribers in close proximity to a subscriber.

Abstract: A termination module for terminating TELCO wiring and subscriber wiring within a network interface enclosure at a subscriber premises includes a subscriber bridge having burglar alarm connections. The subscriber bridge includes a base, a pair of conductive contact elements disposed within the base and defining a plurality of connection terminals, and a base cap positioned over the base and the contact elements. The termination module provides a demarcation point for electrically disconnecting the subscriber wiring from the subscriber wiring and the subscriber bridge further includes burglar alarm connection points that permit a burglar alarm to be wired in series between the demarcation point and the contact elements such that the subscriber-owned equipment, including the burglar alarm, can be electrically disconnected from the TELCO wiring to fault test a telephone line.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and methodology for providing selective wired and/or wireless transmission of communications signals to and/or within a subscriber premises. A network interface device includes a wireless router within the housing of the network interface device to selectively provide one or more of wireless and wired communications services to a subscriber. The network interface device may be mounted externally of a subscriber premises. The provision of a wireless router within a network interface device offers a service provider the ability to provide wireless service to a subscriber as well as to new subscribers in close proximity to a subscriber.

Abstract: A terminating device for interconnecting service provider wiring with subscriber wiring includes a base, a customer bridge, a removable cover and insulation displacement contacts for terminating the service provider wiring and the subscriber wiring. The insulation displacement contacts for the subscriber wiring are housed within the customer bridge and terminate the subscriber wiring by moving an actuating arm from a disconnected position to a connected position. The insulation displacement contacts for the service provider wiring terminate the service provider wiring by moving a stuffer from a disconnected position to a connected position. The cover includes a locking slide having a movable clasp for deterring unauthorized access to the customer bridge, while permitting authorized access. A plug on the cover and a jack on the base each have a resilient seal that telescope together to effectively seal test contacts located within the jack when the plug is inserted into the jack.

Abstract: An interconnect apparatus for electrically connecting Telco wires to subscriber wires is arranged and configured to withstand overcurrent and overvoltage conditions. The interconnect apparatus includes a jack, a first set of contacts, and a first set of by-pass conductors. The first set of by-pass conductors is electrically connected to the first set of contacts and has a greater current carrying capacity than the first set of contacts. The interconnect apparatus further includes a second set of by-pass conductors and a plug. The second set of by-pass conductors is electrically connected to the first set of by-pass conductors when the plug and jack are engaged. The second set of by-pass conductors may also have a greater current carrying capacity than the first set of contacts. Preferably, the first set of by-pass conductors is spaced sufficiently apart and the second set of by-pass conductors is spaced sufficiently apart to substantially eliminate arcing.

Abstract: A customer bridge for a terminating device includes a base defining an interior cavity and a base cap attached to the base and substantially covering the cavity. At least a pair of wire insertion holes formed through the base cap extend into the cavity for receiving twisted-pair tip and ring wires. The customer bridge further includes at least a pair of corresponding insulation displacement contacts disposed within the cavity. An actuating arm pivots between a disconnected position wherein the twisted-pair tip and ring wires do not engage the corresponding pair of insulation displacement contacts and a connected position wherein the twisted-pair tip and ring wires engage the corresponding pair of insulation displacement contacts. The wire insertion holes are located on the top surface of the customer bridge to permit the twisted-pair tip and ring wires to be inserted from immediately above the terminating device.

Abstract: A terminating device for interconnecting service provider wiring with subscriber wiring includes a base, a customer bridge, a removable cover and insulation displacement contacts for terminating the service provider wiring and the subscriber wiring. The insulation displacement contacts for the subscriber wiring are housed within the customer bridge and terminate the subscriber wiring by moving an actuating arm from a disconnected position to a connected position. The insulation displacement contacts for the service provider wiring terminate the service provider wiring by moving a stuffer from a disconnected position to a connected position. The cover includes a locking slide having a movable clasp for deterring unauthorized access to the customer bridge, while permitting authorized access. A plug on the cover and a jack on the base each have a resilient seal that telescope together to effectively seal test contacts located within the jack when the plug is inserted into the jack.

Abstract: An insulation displacement connector includes a first member and a second member movable relative to the first member between a first position wherein the second member is electrically connected to the first member and a second position wherein the second member is electrically connected to the first member and to the insulated electrical conductor. The insulation displacement connector is disposed within an internal cavity defined by a non-conductive housing. A stuffer is sealingly disposed within the cavity and the insulated electrical conductor is sealingly disposed within a wire insertion channel formed in the housing and extending into the cavity. The stuffer is moved in a direction substantially parallel to the insulated electrical conductor so that the second member moves from the first position to the second position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insulated electrical conductor to establish the electrical connection.

Abstract: An insulation displacement connector includes a first member and a second member movable relative to the first member between a first position wherein the second member is electrically connected to the first member and a second position wherein the second member is electrically connected to the first member and to the insulated electrical conductor. The insulation displacement connector is disposed within an internal cavity defined by a non-conductive housing. A stuffer is disposed within the cavity and the insulated electrical conductor is disposed within a wire insertion channel formed in the housing and extending into the cavity. The stuffer is moved in a direction substantially parallel to the insulated electrical conductor so that the second member moves from the first position to the second position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insulated electrical conductor to establish the electrical connection.

Abstract: An interconnect apparatus for electrically connecting Telco wires to subscriber wires is arranged and configured to withstand overcurrent and overvoltage conditions. The interconnect apparatus includes a jack, a first set of contacts, and a first set of by-pass conductors. The first set of by-pass conductors is electrically connected to the first set of contacts and has a greater current carrying capacity than the first set of contacts. The interconnect apparatus further includes a second set of by-pass conductors and a plug. The second set of by-pass conductors is electrically connected to the first set of by-pass conductors when the plug and jack are engaged. The second set of by-pass conductors may also have a greater current carrying capacity than the first set of contacts. Preferably, the first set of by-pass conductors is spaced sufficiently apart and the second set of by-pass conductors is spaced sufficiently apart to substantially eliminate arcing.

Abstract: An overvoltage protector assembly utilizes a gas tube having an electrically conductive terminal and an electrically conductive end cap for being selectively brought into electrical contact with the terminal to divert surges to ground. A toroidal non-conductive element having a central hole is disposed between an end cap and the terminal of the gas tube. A fusible element formed of a fluxed solder pellet is also disposed between the end cap and the terminal of the gas tube. The end cap includes at least one aperture and a raised projection on its outer surface so that axial forces applied by a spring clip are centrally applied to the end cap. Molten solder flows through the central hole in the non-conductive element and the aperture in the end cap when the overvoltage protector assembly overheats so that the end cap and the terminal are in electrical contact.

Abstract: A weatherproof protector module for telecommunication circuits has wire insertion points that are arranged in lateral, forward and rearward symmetry about a single stuffer screw. The module contains J-shaped insulation displacement connectors (IDCs) with slits for engaging the wires. The symmetry of the module allows the screw to exert balanced forces in every direction as the wires engage the IDCs. The module also contains an insulative gel that is extruded around the wire contact locations when the wires are engaged. A wiper seal located each wire insertion point and a thixotropic gel prevent the expulsion of the insulative gel from the module after extrusion.

Abstract: A customer bridge for a terminating device includes a base defining an interior cavity and a base cap attached to the base and substantially covering the cavity. At least a pair of wire insertion holes formed through the base cap extend into the cavity for receiving twisted-pair tip and ring wires. The customer bridge further includes at least a pair of corresponding insulation displacement contacts disposed within the cavity. An actuating arm pivots between a disconnected position wherein the twisted-pair tip and ring wires do not engage the corresponding pair of insulation displacement contacts and a connected position wherein the twisted-pair tip and ring wires engage the corresponding pair of insulation displacement contacts. The wire insertion holes are located on the top surface of the customer bridge to permit the twisted-pair tip and ring wires to be inserted from immediately above the terminating device.

Abstract: A weatherproof protector module for telecommunication circuits has wire insertion points that are arranged in lateral, forward and rearward symmetry about a single stuffer screw. The module contains J-shaped insulation displacement connectors (IDCs) with slits for engaging the wires. The symmetry of the module allows the screw to exert balanced forces in every direction as the wires engage the IDCs. The module also contains an insulative gel that is extruded around the wire contact locations when the wires are engaged. A wiper seal located each wire insertion point and a thixotropic gel prevent the expulsion of the insulative gel from the module after extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lead for attachment to a cylindrical protector element with a circular contact ring thereon and a circular groove adjacent and axially inward of the contact ring. The lead is a conductive member with a first end and a second end opposite thereto. The second end has an arcuate surface with a ridge protruding therefrom than is sized to engage the groove of the protector element and guide the element until a portion of the contact ring of the element is disposed against the arcuate portion of the second end of the lead.

Abstract: A gas tube protector module is provided that provides sneak current protection in addition to voltage surge protection. The module has two pairs of terminals with one pair for connection to outside plant and the second pair for connection to the inside wiring. The module has a gas tube with leads connected to the first pair of terminals. Positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistors are disposed electrically between the lead and the second pair of terminals such that the PTCs are in series between the outside plant and the inside wiring.

Abstract: A surge protector is provided that has a gas tube and at least one MOV that is coordinated with the gas tube such that the MOV interacts with the gas tube to lower the impulse breakdown voltage of a gas tube of a type that has a wide range of DC breakdown voltages across a population of the gas tubes. The gas tube is a generally cylindrical three element gas tube and the MOVs are disposed at opposite ends of the gas with fusible elements maintained in position by a clip. A population of the gas tubes has a range of breakdown voltages and the clamping voltage of the MOVs is set within this range such that the MOV will interact with any gas tube with a breakdown voltage in the population range to divert a surge to ground.