Abstract: An articulating handle for an item of cookware is provided. The articulating handle is configured for connection with the cookware through a hinge assembly. The handle may be locked into substantially horizontal position such as for use of the cookware, or a substantially vertical position for storage. As such, cookware including such a handle can be stacked in a space-saving manner. A method for stacking cookware and a stack of cookware incorporating such a handle are also provided.

Abstract: A head portion of a nodally mounted rotating toothbrush is removable from a handle portion, which has a driving system therein. The head portion includes a spring assembly, having two spring sections, the spring assembly having a node point between the two ends and a nodal mount member at the node point which is connected to a cover member of the head portion. A driving assembly is arranged to drive the first spring section, the second section rotating in an opposing direction from the first spring section, the second spring section having a drive shaft extending therefrom, upon a free end of which a brushhead is mounted. When the head portion is removed from the handle, the spring assembly is removed therewith.

Abstract: Cookware containers providing a support to rest a utensil during cooking. Particularly, containers and cookware apparatuses configured to support a utensil when a portion of the utensil is cantilevered over the opening of the container.

Abstract: The vibrating toothbrush includes a first arm portion with a brushhead mounted at a free end and a second arm portion joined by a hinge-like portion. The first and second arm portions have first and second natural resonant frequencies. A spring member connects the second arm portion to the first arm portion, and a solenoid actuator is also connected between the first and second arm portions. A contact switch assembly is responsive to a DC battery voltage such that when the switch is closed, the first arm portion is drawn in one direction by the actuator, which results in compression of the spring and opening of the switch, with the compressed spring moving the first arm portion in the opposing direction until the switch again closes, so that the brushhead moves back and forth with the opening and closing of the switch. A pressure feedback arrangement makes use of the spring element and a nodal mount which extends from the spring at a selected point therealong to the handle of the toothbrush.

Abstract: A telecommunication assembly having a plurality of slots for receiving a plurality of modules therein. The telecommunication assembly couples to a telecommunication network and includes a plurality of distinct backplane circuit boards secured therein for each coupling to one of the plurality of modules. Each of the plurality of distinct backplane circuit boards includes a bounding edge, a back side partially encompassed by the bounding edge, a plurality of first connectors coupled to the back side for receiving a telecommunication signal from the telecommunication network, a front side coupled to the back side, and a second connector mounted on the front side and spaced apart from the at least one jack for coupling to one of the plurality of modules. The telecommunication assembly is operable with one or more of the plurality of distinct backplane circuit boards removed from the assembly.

Abstract: The vibrating toothbrush includes a first arm portion with a brushhead mounted at a free end and a second arm portion joined by a hinge-like portion. The first and second arm portions have first and second natural resonant frequencies. A spring member connects the second arm portion to the first arm portion, and a solenoid actuator is also connected between the first and second arm portions. A contact switch assembly is responsive to a DC battery voltage such that when the switch is closed, the first arm portion is drawn in one direction by the actuator, which results in compression of the spring and opening of the switch, with the compressed spring moving the first arm portion in the opposing direction until the switch again closes, so that the brushhead moves back and forth with the opening and closing of the switch. A pressure feedback arrangement makes use of the spring element and a nodal mount which extends from the spring at a selected point therealong to the handle of the toothbrush.

Abstract: A telecommunication module that has a circuit board disposed therein with a bounding edge. The module includes a jack coupled to the edge of the circuit board for receiving a plug therein with an active state and an inactive state. A switch is mounted on the circuit board and a switch operation shaft is mechanically and electrically coupled to the switch and extending outward therefrom such that the switch operation shaft is adjacent to the jack. When the plug is inserted into the jack, the switch operation shaft is rotated thereby changing states of the switch. An angled ramp is coupled to the switch operation shaft and spaced apart from the switch. The jack further includes an opening disposed therein for receiving the angled ramp therein. Moreover, when the plug is inserted into the jack, the plug contacts the angled ramp within the jack causing the switch operation shaft to rotate, thereby changing states of the switch as the angled ramp is biased from within the jack.

Abstract: A telecommunication fiber optic distribution apparatus 10 is illustrated in the drawings and includes a plurality of vertically spaced tray housings or shelves 18 that are mounted between vertical frame columns 16. Each of the tray housings slidably supports a plurality of optical fiber trays 20 that are movable linearly outward from a storage retracted position within the housing to an extended service position. Each of the trays has one or more cable carriers 60 that support and protect the optical fibers from being bent in an arc having a radius of curvature less than a predetermined value. Each of the trays 20 includes reels for storing extra lengths of the optical fibers. Releasable guides 46 are mounted along the outside of the housing for guiding fiber optic cable in a vertical direction to the desired shelves. Additionally, individual cable guides 44 are positioned adjacent the rear corners of the housing for additionally guiding the individual cables into and out of the carriers 60.

Abstract: The disclosed telecommunication overhead cable distribution system 10 includes a plurality of "T"-shaped distribution units 20 that are located at desired distribution locations. A plurality of cable support sections 22 extend, protect, and support the telecommunication cables between the distribution locations. Each section includes a plurality of identical support units 24 that are releasably interconnected to each other. Each unit is pivotable about a horizontal intra-unit axis "A" and about an inter-unit vertical axis "B". Each unit is comprised of a female member 26 and a male member 28 in which the male member is releasably interlocked with an adjacent female member. Such a system provides for a system having a minimum of components with a maximum of versatility. The ends of the section 22 fit into receptive cavities formed in the "T"-shaped distribution units 20.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a telecommunication multiple cable carrier 10 is illustrated in the drawings for receiving and supporting a bundle of telecommunication cables between one component 14 and a space component 16 in which one component is movable relative to the other. The carrier 10 comprises a plurality of interconnected links 18 that are pivotal with respect to each other and may be easily disconnected. The links have a central section with a female end section and an opposite male end section for interconnecting with adjacent sections. Side walls extend upward to a removable cover for defining a cavity 36 for receiving the cables.

Abstract: A digital communication network having a digital cross-connect system is described for facilitating the insulation, testing, monitoring, restoration and repair of digital telecommunication apparatus. The system includes a plurality of digital cross-connect modules 10. Each module 10 has an input jack 32, and output jack 34, cross-connect input jack 36 and cross-connect output jack 38 mounted on the front panel for providing front panel access. Each of the jacks is mounted to a printed circuit board having printed circuit board terminals. BNC or TNC coaxial connectors are mounted on the rear panel. The jacks and the connectors are interconnected via printed circuit board traces. Each of the modules has a switch structure for interconnecting jacks and for providing termination before break capability. Each of the jacks automatically interrupts the circuit when a coaxial plug is inserted into a respective jack to isolate the conductor.

Abstract: A unique telecommunication coaxial front access jack and plug assembly 50 is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 for mounting on a front panel 52 of telecommunication terminal equipment in which the front panel has a plurality of front panel apertures 94 to receive jacks 56. Each jack 56 has a barrel housing 80 with a front section 82 projecting into an aperture 54. The front section 82 has a locking groove 104 formed therein for receiving bayonet prongs 142 of a plug sleeve 128. The prongs 142 are positioned at a rear section 136 of the sleeve adjacent a resilient "O"-ring 147 that provides locking compression of the bayonet prongs in the locking groove 104 to prevent inadvertent removal of the plug 124 from the jack 56.

Abstract: A display device including a plurality of pixel elements arranged in matrix form. Each of the pixel elements can be set to one of two alternative states. In the first state, each pixel element includes a portion that transmits light and an adjacent portion that reflects light. In the second, alternate state, each pixel element includes a single portion that is substantially non-reflective. The display device includes a substrate having a plurality of hole disposed therein for respectively receiving a plurality of pixel elements.

Abstract: A display element designed to permit easy assembly of an electronic display device and which utilizes an electromagnet having an L-shaped pole piece and reverse windings. Specifically, the invention resides in a display element for use in an information display device having a plurality of holes provided therein for receiving a plurality of the display elements.