Abstract: A hermaphroditic connector for use in single or multiple twisted-pair connectivity applications is constructed using a small number of parts having a simple but durable assembly. The connector housing comprises an elongated form factor that, when mated with a similar hermaphroditic connector, forms a rigid overlapping shield around the electrical contacts of the two connectors. While unmated, the conductive tines within the connector have a default curved profile that facilitates reliable connectivity with tines of a mating connector. When the connector is mated with a similar connector, the tines are deformed to a flatter profile by support plates within the connectors, yielding a shape more conducive to high-frequency signal applications. The shape of the tines also yields multiple in-line redundant contact points to ensure reliable connectivity without adding to the width of the connector.

Abstract: A hermaphroditic connector for use in single or multiple twisted-pair connectivity applications is constructed using a small number of parts having a simple but durable assembly. The connector housing comprises an elongated form factor that, when mated with a similar hermaphroditic connector, forms a rigid overlapping shield around the electrical contacts of the two connectors. While unmated, the conductive tines within the connector have a default curved profile that facilitates reliable connectivity with tines of a mating connector. When the connector is mated with a similar connector, the tines are deformed to a flatter profile by support plates within the connectors, yielding a shape more conducive to high-frequency signal applications. The shape of the tines also yields multiple in-line redundant contact points to ensure reliable connectivity without adding to the width of the connector.

Abstract: A dust cap for use with a fiber optic connector. The connector has a ferrule comprising an optical fiber. The ferrule has an end portion that includes an end surface of the optical fiber through which optical signals are transmitted. The dust cap includes a cover and wiping material. The cover is removably positionable over the end portion of the ferrule. The wiping material is positioned at least partially inside the cover. The wiping material may be adjacent the end surface of the optical fiber when the cover is positioned over the end portion of the ferrule. The wiping material may be wiped across the end surface of the optical fiber when the cover is positioned over the end portion of the ferrule. The wiping material may be moveable with respect to the end surface of the optical fiber and may wipe thereacross when moved.

Abstract: Shields, wire connectors, crimping devices, and wire managers. At least some of the shields are used with a cable that includes a jacket surrounding wire pairs, and a different pair shield surrounding each wire pair. Such shields include a compressible member positioned adjacent end portions of a portion of the wire pairs. The compressible member presses a conductive member against the pair shield surrounding each wire pair in the portion of wire pairs. At least some of the wire connectors include a conductive body positionable alongside a selected wire having a connector surrounded circumferentially by an insulating jacket. The body includes a receptacle with a tapered opening defined between first and second edge portions of the body. As a portion of the selected wire passes through the opening into the receptacle, the first and second edge portions cut through the insulating jacket to contact the conductor.

Abstract: A communication outlet for use with a communication plug comprising a plurality of plug contacts. The outlet includes contact pads, contact members, and a biasing member. The contact members each have an electrically conductive portion attached to an electrically non-conductive portion. Each of the conductive portions forms an electrical connection with a different corresponding one of the contact pads. Each of the contact members is movable with respect to its corresponding contact pad. The contact members are movable with respect the plug contacts. The biasing member is attached to the non-conductive portion of each of the contact members and is configured to bias the conductive portion of each of the contact members toward a different corresponding one of the plug contacts when the plug is inserted into the outlet.

Abstract: A dust cap for use with a fiber optic connector. The connector has a ferrule comprising an optical fiber. The ferrule has an end portion that includes an end surface of the optical fiber through which optical signals are transmitted. The dust cap includes a cover and wiping material. The cover is removably positionable over the end portion of the ferrule. The wiping material is positioned at least partially inside the cover. The wiping material may be adjacent the end surface of the optical fiber when the cover is positioned over the end portion of the ferrule. The wiping material may be wiped across the end surface of the optical fiber when the cover is positioned over the end portion of the ferrule. The wiping material may be moveable with respect to the end surface of the optical fiber and may wipe thereacross when moved.

Abstract: Shields, wire connectors, crimping devices, and wire managers. At least some of the shields are used with a cable that includes a jacket surrounding wire pairs, and a different pair shield surrounding each wire pair. Such shields include a compressible member positioned adjacent end portions of a portion of the wire pairs. The compressible member presses a conductive member against the pair shield surrounding each wire pair in the portion of wire pairs. At least some of the wire connectors include a conductive body positionable alongside a selected wire having a connector surrounded circumferentially by an insulating jacket. The body includes a receptacle with a tapered opening defined between first and second edge portions of the body. As a portion of the selected wire passes through the opening into the receptacle, the first and second edge portions cut through the insulating jacket to contact the conductor.

Abstract: Shields, wire connectors, crimping devices, and wire managers. At least some of the shields are used with a cable that includes a jacket surrounding wire pairs, and a different pair shield surrounding each wire pair. Such shields include a compressible member positioned adjacent end portions of a portion of the wire pairs. The compressible member presses a conductive member against the pair shield surrounding each wire pair in the portion of wire pairs. At least some of the wire connectors include a conductive body positionable alongside a selected wire having a connector surrounded circumferentially by an insulating jacket. The body includes a receptacle with a tapered opening defined between first and second edge portions of the body. As a portion of the selected wire passes through the opening into the receptacle, the first and second edge portions cut through the insulating jacket to contact the conductor.

Abstract: A retractable cable system for coiling and uncoiling a cable. The system preferably includes an axle, a first drum having a spring nested inside the drum, a second drum, and a pulley assembly. The first drum is configured to be non-rotatably coupled to the axle while the second drum is configured to rotate around the axle. A cable is configured to wrap around the first and second drums and the pulley assembly, in which one of the ends of the cable is fixed to the system. The system prevents the cable from being twisted and allows the cable to maintain its geometry as the cable is being coiled and uncoiled.

Abstract: An outlet that includes first and second substrates, and a plurality of electrical contacts. The first substrate includes an electrical circuit adjacent to and spaced apart from a first ground plane. Each of the electrical contacts is connected to the circuit. The second substrate includes a second ground plane electrically connected to the first ground plane. The circuit is spaced apart from the second ground plane. The electrical contacts are positioned adjacent to the first and second substrates. Together the first and second ground planes may form a localized, electrically floating, isolated ground plane. The outlet may be connected to a cable and/or configured to be mounted to a panel for use with a rack. The outlet may be implemented as a Category 7A and/or Next Generation type outlet having an overall height that allows two rows of twenty-four like outlets to be mounted within one rack unit (“1RU”).

Abstract: Shields, wire connectors, crimping devices, and wire managers. At least some of the shields are used with a cable that includes a jacket surrounding wire pairs, and a different pair shield surrounding each wire pair. Such shields include a compressible member positioned adjacent end portions of a portion of the wire pairs. The compressible member presses a conductive member against the pair shield surrounding each wire pair in the portion of wire pairs. At least some of the wire connectors include a conductive body positionable alongside a selected wire having a connector surrounded circumferentially by an insulating jacket. The body includes a receptacle with a tapered opening defined between first and second edge portions of the body. As a portion of the selected wire passes through the opening into the receptacle, the first and second edge portions cut through the insulating jacket to contact the conductor.

Abstract: A retractable cable system for coiling and uncoiling a cable. The system preferably includes an axle, a first drum having a spring nested inside the drum, a second drum, and a pulley assembly. The first drum is configured to be non-rotatably coupled to the axle while the second drum is configured to rotate around the axle. A cable is configured to wrap around the first and second drums and the pulley assembly, in which one of the ends of the cable is fixed to the system. The system prevents the cable from being twisted and allows the cable to maintain its geometry as the cable is being coiled and uncoiled.

Abstract: Cables including central insulators and/or center separators. Each of at least some of the central insulators includes a first wire channel configured to receive a first wire of a wire pair, a second wire channel configured to receive a second wire of the wire pair, and an intermediate portion positioned between the first and second wire channels. Each of at least some of the center separators includes a longitudinally extending central portion as well as first, second, third, and fourth portions extending outwardly from the central portion. Optionally, the first, second, third, and/or fourth portions may include laterally extending through-holes. Optionally, the central, first, second, third, and/or fourth portions may include an air-filled longitudinally extending channel. Central insulators for use with coaxial cables and cables that conduct three-phase signals are also provided. Methods of forming central insulators are also described.

Abstract: An outlet that includes first and second substrates, and a plurality of electrical contacts. The first substrate includes an electrical circuit adjacent to and spaced apart from a first ground plane. Each of the electrical contacts is connected to the circuit. The second substrate includes a second ground plane electrically connected to the first ground plane. The circuit is spaced apart from the second ground plane. The electrical contacts are positioned adjacent to the first and second substrates. Together the first and second ground planes may form a localized, electrically floating, isolated ground plane. The outlet may be connected to a cable and/or configured to be mounted to a panel for use with a rack. The outlet may be implemented as a Category 7A and/or Next Generation type outlet having an overall height that allows two rows of twenty-four like outlets to be mounted within one rack unit (“1RU”).

Abstract: A communications cable having a plurality of twisted wire pairs each having a substantially uniform twist rate along the cable. An elongated shielding separator is positioned between the twisted wire pairs and physically separates them from one another. The shielding separator has a plurality of electrically non-conductive separator sections positioned between the twisted wire pairs and a plurality of electrically conductive separator sections arranged in an alternating pattern with the non-conductive separator sections along the shielding separator. Each of the conductive separator sections has one of a predetermined number of section lengths and is arranged along the shielding separator such that the conductive separator sections are substantially aperiodic with the twist rates of the twisted wire pairs. Optionally, the cable includes a continuous or discontinuous outer cable shielding system enclosing the discontinuous shielding separator and the plurality of twisted wire pairs.

Abstract: A substrate operable to construct a male-type connector, a female-type connector, and/or a multi-outlet module. The substrate has a plurality of circuits and an edge card male connector including contacts for each circuit. For each circuit, the substrate has a ground plane connected to one or more of the contacts for the circuit. The ground planes may be implemented as localized, electrically floating, isolated ground planes. The substrate may include multiple layers upon which portions of the circuits and ground planes may be disposed. The ground plane corresponding to each of the plurality of circuits may be located in close proximity to conductive elements of the circuit so as to provide a localized common ground to which energy can be conveyed from the conductive elements to thereby limit an amount of energy radiated outwardly from the conductive elements to surrounding conductors.

Abstract: A cable junction box has a curved shape to at least part of its enclosure allowing for coiling of extra cable length into a desired service loop within the enclosure. The cable junction box has a cover with a mud ring integrated with a wall plate bracket to allow for interfacing with a wall and has a cable input to receive cabling into the enclosure. Attachment plates are located on the periphery of the enclosure to be selectively used to attach the cable junction box to a mounting bracket coupled to a wall stud. The attachment plates allow for flexibility in positioning of the cable junction box to be attached to the wall stud. The enclosure has connection locations for the front cover and other connection locations for the cable inlet to allow for further flexibility in positioning of the front cover and the cable inlet.

Abstract: A communication connector including a plug and jack configured to lessen potential for crosstalk caused by unintended mode conversion coupling along wire pairs connected to tine pair 2 (tines T1 and T2) and tine pair 4 (tines T7 and T8). In the plug, twisted pair 2, connected to tine pair 2, and twisted pair 4, connected to tine pair 4, exchange lateral positions with one another thereby reducing differential voltage therebetween and unwanted transmission line mode conversion coupling. In the jack, cross-members and insulators laterally exchange longitudinal routing of the jack tine pair 2 with the jack tine pair 4 for those portions extending away from the plug engagement area of the jack. In particular, the longitudinal routing between tine T1 and tine T8 are laterally exchanged and longitudinal routing between tine T2 and tine T7 are laterally exchanged.

Abstract: A communications cable having a plurality of twisted wire pairs each having a substantially uniform twist rate along the cable. An elongated shielding separator is positioned between the twisted wire pairs and physically separates them from one another. The shielding separator has a plurality of electrically non-conductive separator sections positioned between the twisted wire pairs and a plurality of electrically conductive separator sections arranged in an alternating pattern with the non-conductive separator sections along the shielding separator. Each of the conductive separator sections has one of a predetermined number of section lengths and is arranged along the shielding separator such that the conductive separator sections are substantially aperiodic with the twist rates of the twisted wire pairs. Optionally, the cable includes a continuous or discontinuous outer cable shielding system enclosing the discontinuous shielding separator and the plurality of twisted wire pairs.

Abstract: A communication cabling includes a shielding separator having an elongated center member extending along a dimensional length, and a plurality of elongated dividing members each extending along the dimensional length and extending from the elongated center member. The dividing members may have at least a portion being of an electrically conductive material and others may have conductive material layers adjacent thereto.