Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for clamping cable. The apparatus has an elongate body having an interior passage extending from a first end to a second end. An end of the cable inserts into the first end, is pushed through the interior passage, and pushed out the second end. A roller is mounted within the interior passage, and the cable rolls along the roller as the cable is pushed through the interior passage. A wedge slides within the body to a position adjacent the roller, and the wedge clamps the cable between the roller and the wedge. Tension in the cable in one direction causes the wedge to slide away from the roller, thus permitting the apparatus to be slid along the cable to a desired location. Tension in the opposite direction, however, causes the wedge to slide to the roller, thus clamping the cable within the apparatus.

Abstract: Vehicle safety flag assemblies include a mounting member configured for mounting to a vehicle. A flag is movably coupled to the mounting member. The flag is movable between a first position and a second position. An ignition override switch is connected to the mounting member and/or the flag. The ignition override switch is open when the flag is in the first position to override operation of the vehicle ignition and closed when the flag is in the second position to allow operation of the vehicle. Methods of using the vehicle safety flag assemblies to safely operate a vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: A vibration ringer for vibrating a pillow responsive to a signal includes a vibration generator adapted for placement adjacent the pillow and adapted to vibrate the pillow providing a reduced sound vibration ring, and an actuator adapted to actuate the vibration generator responsive to the signal.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for accessing a Network Interface Device of a telecommunications network. The apparatus has a main body having a first end, a second end, and an interior cavity. The interior cavity is open at the first end and extends into an interior region of the main body. The interior cavity is bound by a side wall and terminates within the main body at an end wall. The second end of the main body has at least one of a square drive, a socket, and a screwdriver bit, with the square drive for attaching conventional sockets, extensions, and other tools. The second end of the main body thus allows for engagement with various types and sizes of fasteners.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for cutting cable. The apparatus has an elongate handle with a longitudinal axis extending from a first to a second end. An eyelet extends from the second end and defines an opening through which the cable is inserted. A first cutting surface slides within the elongate handle and extends beyond the inner wall of the eyelet. When the end of the cable is inserted into the opening of the eyelet, the first cutting surface may be extended beyond the inner wall of the eyelet and into contact with the cable. As the handle is rotated about the cable, the first cutting surface cuts the cable. A second cutting surface may protrude from the handle for slitting an outer sheath of the cable.

Abstract: A jack for a communications line can include first and second input terminals configured to receive respective first and second conductors of a communications line, and first and second output terminals electrically coupled to the respective first and second input terminals. The first and second output terminals can be configured to provide electrical coupling with respective first and second conductors of a communications device. A test switch can electrically couple the first and second input terminals responsive to activation thereof, and an indicator circuit can provide indication of a completed electrical circuit through the test switch. Related test circuits and methods are also discussed.

Abstract: A safety device includes a base portion and a body portion. The body includes a power source and has an opening at a first end thereof. The opening in the body is configured to receive the end of the base such that the base carries the body thereon. A light is disposed on the body and is configured to receive power from the power source. The body with the lights disposed thereon may be used to enhance the effectiveness of the base as a safety device. The lights may be particularly effective as a warning mechanism in low light conditions or when the color of the base tends to blend in to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for caller identification messaging are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a calling party uses a Caller ID Messaging Device that supplants the incoming calling line identification (ICLID) signal with a Caller ID Messaging Signal and transmits the Caller ID Messaging Signal to a destination communications address. An alternate embodiment provides that the calling party may use a conventional telephone to access a communications network, activate Caller ID Messaging Services, compose or retrieve a stored Caller ID Message of the Caller ID Messaging Signal, and transmit the Caller ID Messaging Signal to the destination communications address. The Caller ID Message and Caller ID Messaging Signal may include text, video, voice, and/or digital data.

Abstract: Rod assemblies for guiding, routing or feeding a wire and/or cable in a target space of an existing structure having a plurality of frame members and a target internal routing space for the cable or wire, include: (a) an elongate rod having opposing first and second end portions; and (b) an anchoring member attached to the rod first end portion. In position, the anchoring member resides against a surface of a structural frame member to hold the first end portion outside of the target internal routing space and allow the second end portion to extend into the target internal routing space, thereby allowing one end of the rod to remain in a fixed location without requiring a second installer. The elongate rod can be a glow rod.

Abstract: A communications device can include first and second input terminals configured to provide coupling with respective first and second conductors of a communications line, and first and second signal conductors respectively coupled with the first and second input terminals. A communications circuit can be coupled to the first and second signal conductors wherein the communications circuit provides a communications interface. A test switch can be configured to electrically couple the first and second signal conductors responsive to activation thereof, and an indicator circuit can be configured to provide indication of a completed electrical circuit through the test switch. Related circuits and methods are also discussed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for caller identification messaging are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a calling party uses a Caller ID Messaging Device that supplants the incoming calling line identification (ICLID) signal with a Caller ID Messaging Signal and transmits the Caller ID Messaging Signal to a destination communications address. An alternate embodiment provides that the calling party may use a conventional telephone to access a communications network, activate Caller ID Messaging Services, compose or retrieve a stored Caller ID Message of the Caller ID Messaging Signal, and transmit the Caller ID Messaging Signal to the destination communications address. The Caller ID Message and Caller ID Messaging Signal may include text, video, voice, and/or digital data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for caller identification messaging are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a calling party uses a Caller ID Messaging Device that supplants the incoming calling line identification (ICLID) signal with a Caller ID Messaging Signal and transmits the Caller ID Messaging Signal to a destination communications address. An alternate embodiment provides that the calling party may use a conventional telephone to access a communications network, activate Caller ID Messaging Services, compose or retrieve a stored Caller ID Message of the Caller ID Messaging Signal, and transmit the Caller ID Messaging Signal to the destination communications address. The Caller ID Message and Caller ID Messaging Signal may include text, video, voice, and/or digital data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for caller identification messaging are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a calling party uses a Caller ID Messaging Device that supplants the incoming calling line identification (ICLID) signal with a Caller ID Messaging Signal and transmits the Caller ID Messaging Signal to a destination communications address. An alternate embodiment provides that the calling party may use a conventional telephone to access a communications network, activate Caller ID Messaging Services, compose or retrieve a stored Caller ID Message of the Caller ID Messaging Signal, and transmit the Caller ID Messaging Signal to the destination communications address. The Caller ID Message and Caller ID Messaging Signal may include text, video, voice, and/or digital data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for caller identification messaging are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a calling party uses a Caller ID Messaging Device that supplants the incoming calling line identification (ICLID) signal with a Caller ID Messaging Signal and transmits the Caller ID Messaging Signal to a destination communications address. An alternate embodiment provides that the calling party may use a conventional telephone to access a communications network, activate Caller ID Messaging Services, compose or retrieve a stored Caller ID Message of the Caller ID Messaging Signal, and transmit the Caller ID Messaging Signal to the destination communications address. The Caller ID Message and Caller ID Messaging Signal may include text, video, voice, and/or digital data.

Abstract: Vehicle safety flag assemblies include a mounting member configured for mounting to a vehicle. A flag is movably coupled to the mounting member. The flag is movable between a first position and a second position. An ignition override switch is connected to the mounting member and/or the flag. The ignition override switch is open when the flag is in the first position to override operation of the vehicle ignition and closed when the flag is in the second position to allow operation of the vehicle. Methods of using the vehicle safety flag assemblies to safely operate a vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for electrically connecting a conductor to a terminal. The connector has a body and an electrically conductive member. The body has a passage for positioning the conductor therein. The passage has an aperture to an outer surface of the body. The electrically conductive member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends through the aperture for crimping the conductor in the passage, and the second portion is for electrically connecting to the terminal. The electrically conductive member moves to disconnect the second portion from the terminal while still crimping the conductor in the passage.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for electrically connecting a conductor to a terminal. The connector has a body and an electrically conductive member. The body has a passage for positioning the conductor therein. The passage has an aperture to an outer surface of the body. The electrically conductive member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends through the aperture for crimping the conductor in the passage, and the second portion is for electrically connecting to the terminal. The electrically conductive member moves to disconect the second portion from the terminal while still crimping the conductor in the passage.

Abstract: A safety device is disclosed for cautioning passing motorists or pedestrians. One embodiment has a mount and a rigid standard affixed to the mount. The standard is extensible in length. The standard has at least a first section moving in relation to a second section to extend the length of the standard. Another embodiment of the standard telescopes in length to enhance visibility. This embodiment of the standard has a tubular cross-section and an inner section sliding within an outer section.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for accessing a Network Interface Device of a telecommunications network. The apparatus has a main body and a wrench. The main body has a first end, a second end, and an interior cavity. The interior cavity is open at the first end and extends into an interior region of the main body. The interior cavity is bound by a side wall and terminates within the main body at an end wall. The wrench is a 216-Type can wrench extending from the second end of the main body. The 216-Type can wrench has a thin-walled, polygonally-shaped interior cross-section.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for cutting cable. The apparatus has an elongate handle with a longitudinal axis extending from a first to a second end. An eyelet extends from the second end and defines an opening through which the cable is inserted. A first cutting surface slides within the elongate handle and extends beyond the inner wall of the eyelet. When the end of the cable is inserted into the opening of the eyelet, the first cutting surface may be extended beyond the inner wall of the eyelet and into contact with the cable. As the handle is rotated about the cable, the first cutting surface cuts the cable. A second cutting surface may protrude from the handle for slitting an outer sheath of the cable.