Abstract: A gas tube fail safe device for use in individual subscriber circuit telephone mmodules and related equipment, in which a fusible element is adapted to by-pass the conductive function of the gas tube in the event of gas tube failure. In one embodiment the construction provides for the fusing of the fusible element upon the occurrence of a sustained current overload. In another embodiment, this operation is supplemented by provision of secondary air gap means operative upon the occurrence of momentary excess voltage surges in the presence of a defective gas tube.

Abstract: An improved telephone subscriber circuit protector module providing plural surge voltage and excess current protection elements including so-called sneak current protection. The module includes a three-element gas tube which protects against voltage surges in the range of 200 to 300 volts, and includes fail safe protection relative to the gas tube should the gas tube become non-conductive over its intended range of protection. The fail safe protection is thermally operated under the influence of high current. Secondary air gap protection supplements the operation of the gas tube in the event of gas tube failure, and is operative to ground momentary voltage surges in the area of 1500 volts. Separate sneak current protection employing heat coils are operative in a range below one ampere flow, and an alternate form provides for the opening of the subscriber side of the line rather than the grounding of it. All of the protective elements communicate with a common ground plane forming part of a ground assembly.

Abstract: An individual subscriber circuit protector module employing solid state circuitry for protection against momentary voltage surges, and having firmly sensitive heat coil assemblies for protecting against continuous excess current surges. Fail-safe protection is also provided which becomes operative in the event of failure of the heat coil protection.

Abstract: A flexible synthetic resinous hinged cover for use in protecting the exposed face of a telephone connector block having connector terminals disposed in a recessed area in said face. The cover is flexible to form an inwardly extending V fold engageable within a corresponding slot or groove in the block to obtain a high degree of rigidity and prevent accidental dislodgment of the cover with respect to the block. The outer surface of the cover may be provided with delineated areas for inscribing circuit identifying notation.

Abstract: A fail-safe secondary fuse device for assuring the grounding of a conductive gas tube used in modular protection devices for individual subscriber circuit pairs. The device resiliently engages each of the three end and center electrodes normally provided on the tube. In the case of the end electrodes, the device is insulated from direct electrical communication by a fusible sleeve of insulative material which fuses under heat emanating from the gas tube with the occurrence of continued current overload.

Abstract: A drain ground structure for use with telephone connector blocks interconnecting shielded conductor pairs in installations requiring maximum noise and induced current suppression. The structure includes an elongated coil spring capable of frictional engagement with the ground wire of the shielded conductor cable between adjacent convolutions. To prevent the development of induced current in the spring itself, a metallic shorting bar is positioned parallel to the axis of the spring, the bar having lanced tabs which extend laterally from the plane of the bar and are engaged between the convolutions of the spring at periodic intervals.

Abstract: A multiple cradle structure for use in supporting a plurality of cradle-mounted telephone connector blocks upon a main frame or backboard wherein the wired blocks may be pressed into position to be supported thereon. The cradle is configured to provide separate passages for outside plant cable and inside office wiring so as to maintain cross talk and noise on individual subscriber pairs at a minimum.

Abstract: A laminar type telephone protector block of quick clip type including grounding means incorporated into the individual laminae, and a novel protector module of gas tube type communicating with said grounding means.

Abstract: An improved subscriber circuit identification construction for use directly upon telephone connector blocks having detachable block engaging device selectively positioning the identifying indicia in one of plural locations relative to an exposed surface of the block. The construction includes an elongated holder element having resilient projections arranged in parallel rows and selectively engaging corresponding bores extending from the surface of the connector block, the holder element retaining a replaceable indicia bearing strip. Depending upon the selected location, the holder element is positioned laterally of identified contacts on the block so as to allow ready access to them, or the holder element is positioned to overlie said contacts to provide a protective cover function.

Abstract: An improved telephone subscriber circuit protector module particularly suited for use in interconnecting with protector blocks having exposed quick clip terminals on an exposed surface thereof. The module features a relatively few number of metallic parts, and can be assembled with a series of simple hand operations. A three-element gas tube is employed in which the contacts are formed with elongated extensions, the extensions providing interconnections with contacts in such manner as to maintain the contacts in operative position when the module is assembled.

Abstract: A solid state protector module for individual subscriber circuits particularly suited for use with laminar type quick clip connector blocks. The module comprises a printed circuit board mounting integrated circuit protector units which are thermally sensitive. Solder preforms are resiliently urged against integrated circuit units by a shorting spring, mounting the solder preforms allowing the shorting spring to ground the individual circuit. The solder preforms including a camming circuit allowing the shorting spring to urge the preform perpendicularly to the normal direction of spring movement.

Abstract: A quick clip telephone connector block having a grounding strip extending axially along an exposed surface thereof, the grounding strip having means for electrical and mechanical interconnection with the grounding strip of a second axially aligned block for ultimate connection with a source of ground potential.

Abstract: A telephone connector block with slotted openings and having shaped wire guide elements located in said slotted openings particularly suited for bracket or cradle type installation with or without a wall-mounted backboard. This block offers total front administration with the possiblility of rear connection for cutover and test access by temporarily disconnecting the block from the cradle. Improved strain relief is obtained by threading the individual conductors into angularly configured passageways leading to front mounted quick clip connectors.

Abstract: An improved quick clip type connecter block for telephone use in which exposed metallic terminals are mounted upon discrete supporting structure each separated from adjacent structure by a substantial air gap to inhibit the formation of short circuits by increasing the effective length of the path over which progressively growing corrosed materials must travel to establish a conductive path between adjacent terminals.