Abstract: An apparatus for conveying signals between a communications card and a signal utilization device or network. In one form (FIGS. 1,2), structures are provided for receiving one or more RJ series plugs and for making electrical connection with at the contacts on the plug and conveying any signals on the contacts to a communications device such as a telephone, facsimile machine, modem, or a local area network adapter. A body (102) includes one or more recesses (106) which receive the plug. An expandable and stretchable membrane (114) isolates the contacts in the plug from electrical contact with an object in a surrounding environment such that passage of current from one or more of the electrical contacts to an object present in the surrounding environment is prevented. Also provided (FIGS. 7, 14) is a replaceable direct access arrangement (151, 258) which is replaceably held within the communications device (150, 250).

Abstract: An electrical connector having a connector housing with a first surface with a center portion, the first surface having a circular periphery. A set of contacts disposed around the center portion of the round connector housing and accessible through a set of openings in the first surface of the connector housing.

Abstract: A housing for a device including a first surface having a connector disposed thereon, the connector configured to mechanically couple to an oppositely mated connector on a second surface of a second device. The first surface also has a set of surface features disposed thereon, the set of surface features configured to engage an oppositely mirroring set of surface features on the second surface. When the device is stacked with the second device, the connector and the set of surface features of the first surface interact with the oppositely mated connector and the oppositely mirroring set of surface features on the second surface, respectively, to prevent vertical separation and horizontal dislocation between the device and the second device.

Abstract: A method of and device for assisting in identifying and recovering a stolen vehicle is disclosed. In the method, an activation signal is sent and received at a stolen vehicle. An alerting signal is sent from the stolen vehicle in response to receiving the activation signal. The alerting signal is received, and an identification signal is sent in response to receiving the alerting signal. The identification signal is received at the stolen vehicle, and an identification device on the vehicle is activated in response to receiving the identification signal. In a method according to the present invention, a control signal is also sent to and received by the stolen vehicle. A control system of the stolen vehicle is operated via the control signal to bring the stolen vehicle to a safe stop.