Abstract: A handheld, battery-powered telecommunications test instrument with a talk battery circuit capable of supplying power for up to four telephone sets, which may be connected either in series or in parallel. The instrument determines the configuration of the telephone sets as having serial connections or parallel connections by sensing the amount of current flowing through the circuit of the invention. In response to the amount of current, a transistor automatically operates to supply power to the telephone sets as either a voltage source or a current source and maximizes power transfer between the telephone sets. The instrument has a low power mode to reduce current drain on the battery that is automatically engaged when the telephone sets are not in use.

Abstract: A handheld battery-powered telecommunications test instrument for monitoring the status of a pair of wires. A tone-generating circuit generates a tone signal in response to the user manually selecting operation in a tone-generating mode. The instrument monitors the pair of wires to determine whether an on-hook, off-hook or ringing signal is present on the wires, and if present, generates an interrupt control signal through a microprocessor. Logic circuitry connected to the microprocessor results in connecting and disconnecting the tone-generating circuit and the pair of wires to selectively apply the tone signal to the wires. In response to the control signal and the user selecting the tone-generating mode, the microprocessor connects the tone-generation circuit to the pair of wires if no control signal is generated, and disconnects the tone-generating circuit if the control signal is generated.

Abstract: An electrical connector retaining device for retaining the male and female members of an elongate electrical cable connector in their mated positions is disclosed. The retaining device includes a semi-resilient strap and a rigid frame. The strap includes a planar region and one or more anchoring prongs having bullet shaped ends integrally formed with the planar region and projcting outwardly from on edge thereof. Extending obliquely outwardly from the edge of the planar region opposed to the prong edge is a flange. The flange is integrally formed with the planar region and includes a plurality of ridges that lie parallel to the edge from which the flange extends. The rigid frame may be integrally formed in the housing or chassis of an electrical subsystem, or as a separate item. The rigid frame includes an aperture in which one element (e.g., male or female) of the connector is mounted. That element is attached to the rigid frame.