Abstract: The present invention provides an improved communications interface device for existing interface devices, capable of providing improved and enhanced functional features to the traditional limited services of telephone-based and communications interface devices without requiring modification to physical characteristics of existing interface devices. The apparatus includes a module having electrical connectors for establishing electrical connection to one or more service provider cables and one or more subscriber cables and a replaceable motherboard and one or more replaceable daugbterboards capable of providing access to additional bandwidth, sharing of bandwidth, access to high-speed and multimedia data, distribution of data by residential gateways and/or across existing telephone wiring, access to cable-related data, analog to digital conversion of data, or power surge damage-protection.

Abstract: A network interface system or device is disclosed that represents an optimal balance in the cost of the materials for the components and the cost of the assembly time required of a field technician. One or more lines from the network provider, e.g., a telephone company, are provided as well as one or more corresponding lines from a customer. For a given network line and corresponding customer line, each line is preferably terminated with a female spade connector. A small printed circuit board (PCB) is provided that has ends shaped to act as male spade connectors. An electrical connection is provided between the ends of the PCB. Optionally, but preferably, a gas tube is provided to suppress surges on the network line before they damage equipment connected to the customer line. A PCB configured in this manner can connect one set or multiple sets of lines.

Abstract: An economical protective shield assembly of a dielectric substrate and an EMI shield, substantially free of the effects of board coupling and air coupling which requires less hardware for securing an EMI shield than present devices and methods, is provided for. The inventions use of simply finished shield edges with an unimproved substrate having a conductive intermediary interconnected with a grounding path and simply finished or unfinished shield edges with an improved substrate having a mating groove cooperatively adapted to fit the shield edge, interacts to exclude EMI signals and requires less precision in positioning the shield onto the substrate. The invention also provides a simplified method to exclude EMI effects for an assembly by a process of fabrication requiring less finishing steps than present processes.

Abstract: A modular cabinet includes a plurality of modular wall panels that interlock with one another via tubular connector assemblies. Each tubular connector assembly has a female tubular member attached to a modular panel and a male tubular member attached to an adjacent modular wall panel. The tubular connector assembly joins the modular panel and the adjacent modular panel to form a corner of the modular cabinet.

Abstract: A network interface device includes a base, a cover and a circuit board secured in the base. The circuit board includes terminations for input and output communication lines. Each pair of input and output communication lines corresponds to a single standard telephone line, a high speed data line or other type of line. The communication line terminations may be implemented as insulation displacement connectors, and the cover may include projections on its inner surface such that closing the cover also closes the insulation displacement connectors on the circuit board. For each communication line, the circuit board may include a subscriber bridge which establishes a breakable connection between the input and output line terminations via traces in the circuit board. In fixed wireless, fiber-to-the-home (FITI) and other similar applications, the circuit board may also include terminations for input and output power lines, and the base and cover may be extended to accommodate an uninterruptible power supply.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing, moderating and/or controlling the temperature of an outdoor enclosure, such as a network interface device, using room-temperature air from the associated building. A fan draws the room temperature (or moderate-temperature) air through a conduit from the interior of the dwelling to the outdoor enclosure. The outdoor enclosure is temperature-stabilized as indoor air flows through it. The air may flow through the same conduit that accommodates the data lines. A power line for the fan may be located in the same conduit. The system may be arranged to prevent insects and contaminants from entering the enclosure.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic seal efficiently protects an interior cavity of an enclosure from external elements. The seal has an upper portion having a recess formed in a center section of the upper portion. A lower portion, having a raised portion, abuts the upper portion and forms a passage between the two portions. The passage between the upper and lower portions is reduced in area along the recessed and raised portions. When air with water and/or dust passes through the passage, a velocity and pressure change occurs, thereby the water and/or dust is deposited in a channel. The water and/or dust flows along the channel and is exhausted to an external so that the water and/or dust is prevented from entering the interior cavity of the enclosure.

Abstract: A quarter-turn latch for fastening a first panel to a second panel includes a bolt with a bayonet key that rotationally engages a keyhole in the second panel, and a capture key that engages with the first panel to prevent loss of the bolt. A track on the underside of the second panel, surrounding a portion of the keyhole, secures the bolt in the closed position. Bump stops engageable with the bayonet key define open and closed positions. A spring integrated with the bolt prevents rattles, overcomes misalignment and/or assists disengagement of the latch. The system may be used, for example, in network interface devices (NIDs), plastic enclosures, and other devices.

Abstract: A method for environmentally sealing an electrical contact including spraying a curable gel sealant in an uncured fluid form onto all exposed surfaces of the electrical contact and curing it to form an environmentally protective gel coating on all of the exposed surfaces of the contact. In another embodiment of the method, at least one bead of the curable gel sealant in its fluid form is deposited onto an electrical contact and spread across all exposed surfaces of the contact with a stream of air directed against the bead of the sealant. The sealant is then cured to form an environmentally protective gel coating on all of the exposed surfaces of the contact.

Abstract: A cable-supporting cable port of an electrical or similar box comprises two mating hollow semi-cylindrical members. The two members join, when the box is closed to form a unified cable port through which various cables or wires travel. Each semi-cylindrical member comprises a sidewall. In the rear member, the sidewall defines an aperture. A barbed projection extends from an internal edge of the sidewall into the aperture. The edge and the barbed projection define a channel for accepting an intermediate portion of a tie strap which has been bent into substantially a U-shape. The barbed projection has a longitudinal portion and a substantially horizontal barb portion. The tie strap is secured about the longitudinal portion, and prevented from disengaging the projection by engaging the barb portion. In this manner, the cable is secured to the projection by tightening the tie strap. The cable is securely held in place, without requiring access to the rear of the cable port.

Abstract: A network interface device includes a base, a cover and a circuit board secured in the base. The circuit board includes terminations for input and output communication lines. Each pair of input and output communication lines corresponds to a single standard telephone line, a high speed data line or other type of line. The communication line terminations may be implemented as insulation displacement connectors, and the cover may include projections on its inner surface such that closing the cover also closes the insulation displacement connectors on the circuit board. For each communication line, the circuit board may include a subscriber bridge which establishes a breakable connection between the input and output line terminations via traces in the circuit board. In fixed wireless, fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and other similar applications, the circuit board may also include terminations for input and output power lines, and the base and cover may be extended to accommodate an uninterruptible power supply.

Abstract: The input resistance of an electrical protective device connected to protect telecommunication transmission lines and associated telecommunication equipment is reduced by connecting a resistor in parallel with the coil of resistance wire of a heat coil. The resistor is a low resistance positive temperature coefficient resistor.

Abstract: A bracket mount for precise antenna adjustment includes a lever or mechanical assist to permit slight movements to the antenna simply by manipulating the lever. The adjustable lever may be a built-in cam or yoke, or may be removably attached to the mount and antenna by an anchoring screw which acts to secure the antenna in place once the desired direction is achieved. The bracket mount may further include two adjusting levers, one for adjusting antenna direction in an up/down direction, and the other for adjusting the antenna in a left/right direction.

Abstract: A telecommunications protection unit includes a voltage unit having an electrically insulating base configured to house a diode module assembly and a voltage limiting cell therein. The voltage limiting cell and diode module assembly are retained within the housing by a bus clip. The housing includes structure for preventing damage to the voltage limiting cell and diode module assembly during placement of the bus clip thereon. The diode module assembly is a one-piece article including a bus bar and several diodes and terminals which can be used by itself or in a voltage unit to provide desired electrical effects and facilitate assembly of an electrical system such as a telecommunications protection unit.

Abstract: A protective enclosure for housing heat-generating electronics, having a sorption device for controlling humidity and a heater for heating the sorption device. The invention protects electronics placed within the enclosure from the effects of water vapor and condensation during normal operation and in the event of power loss. The sorption device adsorbs water vapor during normal operation or power loss when the temperature in the enclosure falls below the dew point. The sorption device releases collected water as water vapor when power is restored and the temperature in the enclosure rises above the dew point. The invention thereby prevents failure of the electronics due to condensation build-up and provides for effective long-term use of the sorption device.

Abstract: A network interface device includes a base, a cover and a circuit board secured in the base. The circuit board includes terminations for input and output communication lines. Each pair of input and output communication lines corresponds to a single standard telephone line, a high speed data line or other type of line. The communication line terminations may be implemented as insulation displacement connectors, and the cover may include projections on its inner surface such that closing the cover also closes the insulation displacement connectors on the circuit board. For each communication line, the circuit board may include a subscriber bridge which establishes a breakable connection between the input and output line terminations via traces in the circuit board. In fixed wireless, fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and other similar applications, the circuit board may also include terminations for input and output power lines, and the base and cover may be extended to accommodate an uninterruptible power supply.

Abstract: A telecommunications protection unit includes a voltage unit having an electrically insulating base configured to house a diode module assembly and a voltage limiting cell therein. The voltage limiting cell and diode module assembly are retained within the housing by a bus clip. The housing includes structure for preventing damage to the voltage limiting cell and diode module assembly during placement of the bus clip thereon. The diode module assembly is a one-piece article including a bus bar and several diodes and terminals which can be used by itself or in a voltage unit to provide desired electrical effects and facilitate assembly of an electrical system such as a telecommunications protection unit.

Abstract: A telecommunications protection unit includes a voltage unit having an electrically insulating base configured to house a diode module assembly and a voltage limiting cell therein. The voltage limiting cell and diode module assembly are retained within the housing by a bus clip. The housing includes structure for preventing damage to the voltage limiting cell and diode module assembly during placement of the bus clip thereon. The diode module assembly is a one-piece article including a bus bar and several diodes and terminals which can be used by itself or in a voltage unit to provide desired electrical effects and facilitate assembly of an electrical system such as a telecommunications protection unit.

Abstract: A current limiting circuit for use in broadband and combined broadband and telecommunications networks is described. A current limiting element is triggered into a high impedance state in the event of excess current on the line. A sensing element detects the resulting decrease in voltage and operates a switch which disconnects the current limiting element. Timing circuitry reconnects the current limiting element a predetermined period of time after the current limiting element returns to its low impedance state.