Abstract: A fiber-optic cable routing and bend limiting device having a base with a top surface that defines a plane. A bend limiter and a mounting plate extend generally perpendicular to and away from the plane at opposite ends of the base. A separation bar also extends generally perpendicular to and away from the plane and is positioned between the bend limiter and mounting plate. The bend limiter has a generally arcuately-shaped surface and a generally planar surface that enables adjacent placement of two fiber-optic cable routing and bend limiting devices constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. When two devices in accordance with the present invention are positioned adjacent each other with their respective planar surfaces confrontingly opposite each other, their respective arcuate surfaces define a generally continuous cable routing path between the two adjacently positioned devices.

Abstract: A locking device suitable for NID housing security. The device includes a slotted cylinder, a key and key tool. The slotted cylinder has a resistance component contained in the cylinder. The key is mateable with the slotted cylinder and is held in place by the force of the resistance component. The key head has a cavity therein of a complimentary shape to the key tool so that the tool may be used to turn the key for locking or unlocking. A cylindrical sleeve is used for additional security. The sleeve fits over the mated key and slotted cylinder to protect against release of the parts and may further provide a barrier to removal from a structure being locked. By use of different key head cavity shapes each subscriber may only access their own line in a NID.

Abstract: A fiber optic splice holder with a slack storage feature has a reel having a hub for fiber slack storage, and a means for holding a splice at its center, whereby fiber slack can be stored and retrieved while protecting the fiber splice, in a manner which avoids entanglement with other splices and fibers. The reel is supported by a reel holder, which can be reversibly mounted in a modular rack for easy storage, and permits easy access to individual splices and accompanying slack.

Abstract: Apparatus for shaping a selected end region and the opening at a selected end of a hollow cylindrical glass tube includes a support member for holding and rotating the tube in a controlled manner and a heat source for supplying sufficient heat to the selected end region of the tube to place it in a malleable state. The apparatus also includes an actuatable mechanical holding means for holding a multi piece mold and for selectively applying the mold to the selected end region of the tube, when the tube is rendered malleable, for shaping the selected end region of the tube including its rim and for controlling the inner diameter of the tube throughout its end region. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a temperature sensor for controlling the operation of the mechanical holding means and the action of the heat source and a micro-controller for automatically activating the application and retraction of the mold.

Abstract: A fiber-optic cable routing management system comprising a fiber-optic splice tray rack that provides for vertical stacking of a plurality of fiber-optic splice trays to increase the density of splice trays and fiber-optic splices in a predetermined footprint. The system also comprises a fiber-optic splice tray having an integral buffer tube strain relief, and a high-density splice holder.

Abstract: A secure cable trough includes a tray, a retaining member, and an adjustable fastening mechanism. The tray includes a first retaining arm. The retaining member includes a second retaining arm. The retaining member is slideably engaged to the tray. The first retaining arm, the second retaining arm, the tray, and the retaining member define a cavity for housing the cables. The first retaining arm and the second retaining arm extend toward each other and are offset and overlapping. The distance between the first and second retaining arm defines a gap. The gap provides access to cables and allows cables to be inserted and extracted from the trough. The first and second retaining arms inhibit cables housed within the trough from inadvertently falling out. The adjustable fastening mechanism slideably engages and locks the retaining member to the tray. The adjustable fastening mechanism allows the retaining member to be positioned relative to the tray.

Abstract: An insulation displacement connector (IDC) having a body and a cap pivotably connected thereto. A wire channel is defined through the pivotable cap and has an insertion opening and an exit opening that provide separate ingress and egress openings for the wire channel. An insulated wire may be inserted into the wire channel via the insertion opening, and may exit the wire channel via the exit opening. Similarly, any insulation separated from the wire during use of the IDC is not trapped in the wire channel, but may easily be cleared therefrom via either the insertion or exit opening.

Abstract: A protective tape used to protect an electrical connection from the effects of ultraviolet radiation. The protective tape comprises a silicone gel that contains a UV inhibitor such as zinc oxide. The protective tape is used to wrap a connection, such as a coaxial connection, in order to provide a long lasting, secure environment for the connection and to shield against the effects of UV radiation that can otherwise cause a deterioration of tape. As one embodiment, the silicone gel is a two layer gel with each layer having a different hardness. The tape is formed by casting the silicone gel on a suitable backing and that backing is removed from the tape at the time the tape is used to wrap around the electrical connection.

Abstract: A mold for shaping the end region and the opening at a selected end of a first, hollow, generally cylindrical, glass tube to enable a second tube, of smaller diameter than the first tube, to be inserted snuggly a first distance within the selected end of the first tube resulting in the two tubes nesting and being self-centered. The mold includes two complementary elongated side pieces having inner side surfaces for, when joined, encircling the periphery of the first tube along a given portion of its selected end region, and an end cap with a cylindrical stub for insertion within the opening of the first tube at its selected end.

Abstract: A fiber-optic cable routing and bend limiting device and system that can be used to route fiber-optic cable, or other types of cable, to various locations within a room or a building structure, and into and out of electronic equipment enclosures and cabinets, without risk of damage to the cable. The device and system enable routing of fiber-optic (or other types) cables in any direction within a 360° radius without pinching or cutting the cable.

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: A fiber-optic cable routing and bend limiting device having a base with a top surface that defines a plane. A bend limiter and a mounting plate extend generally perpendicular to and away from the plane at opposite ends of the base. A separation bar also extends generally perpendicular to and away from the plane and is positioned between the bend limiter and mounting plate. The bend limiter has a generally arcuately-shaped surface and a generally planar surface that enables adjacent placement of two fiber-optic cable routing and bend limiting devices constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. When two devices in accordance with the present invention are positioned adjacent each other with their respective planar surfaces confrontingly opposite each other, their respective arcuate surfaces define a generally continuous cable routing path between the two adjacently positioned devices.

Abstract: An insulation displacement connector (IDC) having a body and a cap pivotably connected thereto. A wire channel is defined through the pivotable cap and has an insertion opening and an exit opening that provide separate ingress and egress openings for the wire channel. An insulated wire may be inserted into the wire channel via the insertion opening, and may exit the wire channel via the exit opening. Similarly, any insulation separated from the wire during use of the IDC is not trapped in the wire channel, but may easily be cleared therefrom via either the insertion or exit opening.

Abstract: A fiber-optic cable routing and bend limiting device and system that can be used to route fiber-optic cable, or other types of cable, to various locations within a room or a building structure, and into and out of electronic equipment enclosures and cabinets, without risk of damage to the cable. The device and system enable routing of fiber-optic (or other types) cables in any direction within a 360° radius without pinching or cutting the cable.

Abstract: A fiber-optic cable routing management system comprising a fiber-optic splice tray rack that provides for vertical stacking of a plurality of fiber-optic splice trays to increase the density of splice trays and fiber-optic splices in a predetermined footprint. The system also comprises a fiber-optic splice tray having an integral buffer tube strain relief, and a high-density splice holder.

Abstract: A fiber strain relief apparatus is disclosed with bend radius limiter and slack storage. The strain relief mechanism is a bend limiter drum with three lugs, a strain relief pivoting top with latch, a latch stopper handle, a compressible gasket, and a base with latch. Fiber slack is wound around the bend limiter drum. Fibers are prevented from sliding of by the lugs. A gasket compresses on to the fibers producing a strain relief action, while the slack is being stored on the drum. Unlatching the strain relief top is performed by compressing the top latch against the latch stopper. The strain relief top pivots around a living hinge producing access to the drum. Cable is coiled around the drum and the strain relief top is latched, holding the fiber against the drum. A base latch is provided allowing the device to be mounted and removed from a panel.

Abstract: A fiber strain relief apparatus is disclosed with bend radius limiter and slack storage. The strain relief mechanism is a bend limiter drum with three lugs, a strain relief pivoting top with latch, a latch stopper handle, a compressible gasket, and a base with latch. Fiber slack is wound around the bend limiter drum. Fibers are prevented from sliding off by the lugs. A gasket compresses on to the fibers producing a strain relief action, while the slack is being stored on the drum. Unlatching the strain relief top is performed by compressing the top latch against the latch stopper. The strain relief top pivots around a living hinge producing access to the drum. Cable is coiled around the drum and the strain relief top is latched, holding the fiber against the drum. A base latch is provided allowing the device to be mounted and removed from a panel.

Abstract: A secure cable trough includes a tray, a retaining member, and an adjustable fastening mechanism. The tray includes a first retaining arm. The retaining member includes a second retaining arm. The retaining member is slideably engaged to the tray. The first retaining arm, the second retaining arm, the tray, and the retaining member define a cavity for housing the cables. The first retaining arm and the second retaining arm extend toward each other and are offset and overlapping. The distance between the first and second retaining arm defines a gap. The gap provides access to cables and allows cables to be inserted and extracted from the trough. The first and second retaining arms inhibit cables housed within the trough from inadvertently falling out. The adjustable fastening mechanism slideably engages and locks the retaining member to the tray. The adjustable fastening mechanism allows the retaining member to be positioned relative to the tray.

Abstract: A quarter turn latch for joining a cover to a housing of an enclosure enables a technician to lock the enclosure by simply slamming the cover shut. The latch also enables a technician to unlock the enclosure by rotating the shaft by a quarter turn. The latch includes a shaft and a clasp. The shaft includes a head and a tail. The tail includes peripherally alternating sets of longitudinally spaced teeth and tail cam surfaces. Each tooth has a shoulder facing the head of the shaft and a tooth cam surface. The perimeter of a cross section of each tail cam surface is arcuate. The clasp includes pawls. When the tail is inserted into the clasp, each pawl is in contact with the tail cam surface, the tooth cam surface, or the shoulder. The latch prevents unauthorized access to the enclosure by requiring specific tools to rotate the shaft.

Abstract: A fiber optic splice holder with a slack storage feature has a reel having a hub for fiber slack storage, and a means for holding a splice at its center, whereby fiber slack can be stored and retrieved while protecting the fiber splice, in a manner which avoids entanglement with other splices and fibers. The reel is supported by a reel holder, which can be reversibly mounted in a modular rack for easy storage, and permits easy access to individual splices and accompanying slack.