Abstract: The present invention provides for a customer bridge used to couple a network line of a telecommunications system to customer equipment and has a SPST normally open switch which when closed connects an energy detecting device to the network line without disconnecting the network line from the customer equipment.

Abstract: An unbundling demarcation device (UDD) is disclosed for disconnecting the equipment of a local exchange carrier (LEC) from a subscriber in order to permit a competing local exchange carrier (CLEC) to provide local service to the subscriber. The unbundling demarcation device (UDD) and related CLEC equipment may be positioned at any point in the subscriber loop, between the LEC switch and the subscriber equipment. The unbundling demarcation device (UDD) is an electro-mechanical or electro-optical coupling device, such as a sensitive relay, a latching relay, a switching mechanism or a solid state device that simulates a relay. The unbundling demarcation device (UDD) connects the LEC equipment to the CLEC equipment when a voltage or other trigger signal is applied to the subscriber loop by the LEC.

Abstract: A surge protector for an electrical line is disclosed. The surge protector includes a pair of conductive pins respectively connectable to electrical lines. A first pin is soldered to a lead from a gas tube surge arrester. The lead is further fixed adjacent to the first pin and then attached to the second pin. A ground bracket having an opening is positioned between and connected with the other side of the surge arrester. As an electrical surge travels through the lines, the gas tube surge arrester begins to spark over, shunting overload conditions to the ground bracket. As the temperature begins to build, the solder flows, causing an open condition in which the surge arrester disconnects from the first pin, thereby eliminating the destructive effects of a prolonged electrical surge on the lines.

Abstract: The invention is a surge protector which can provide voltage and current protection in coaxial cable systems. The protector includes a central conductor which is coupled in series with a variable resistance, and a voltage surge arrestor which is coupled between the conductor and the housing of the protector. A capacitor may also be coupled in parallel with the resistor. The protector provides both an ac and dc signal path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a maintenance termination unit which is protected against lightening strikes and excessive currents. Resistors are placed in series with the tip and ring switches of the unit. Voltage breakdown devices, such as gas tube protectors, are coupled in a parallel with the resistors and switches.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit which permits automatic switching between a main line and spare line at a subscriber's network interface device. A relay is provided between the two lines, which relay is triggered by a ringing signal on the line to be used.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for providing an interface between a customer and a combined telecommunications and cable TV network. The device includes a bottom portion including cable TV interdiction equipment which is connected through the top portion by a coaxial jumper cable. The top and bottom portions are mounted so as to prevent access to the interdiction equipment by the customer.