Abstract: Apparatus for shaping a selected end region of a hollow cylindrical glass tube includes an internal mold placed within the selected end region for supporting the walls of the tube and controlling the shape of the internal surface of selected end region of the tube, during the period of time heat is applied to the tube and the tube is being shaped. In one embodiment the internal mold has a variable configuration and may be selectively set to an extended (open) configuration or to a collapsed (closed) configuration. With the internal mold set to its extended configuration, sufficient heat may be applied to the selected end region to render it malleable. Then, compression forces may be applied to the exterior surface of the tube to press the inner surface of the selected end region of the tube against the outer surface of the internal mold, causing the inner surface of the selected end region to conform to the outer surface of the internal mold.

Abstract: A high-density, small fiber optic enclosure permits the cross-connection and interconnection of optical fibers, through the use of an open-faced compact layering technique. The optical fiber enters an aperture in the bottom of the enclosure which includes a first section attachable to a wall surface, and a second section connected to the first enclosure section by a hinge. The first enclosure section includes an optical fiber splice holder and a plurality of hooks and clips for holding the optical fibers. The second enclosure section includes a plurality of hooks and clips also. The fibers enter the first section, are connected to the hooks and clips, and cross over to the second section and return to the first section and ultimately pass through an exit aperture in such a fashion as to form a plurality of FIG. 8 layers. If the optical fibers are not shielded, it is possible to use two opposing S-shaped fiber tubes to protect them at the crossover between the first and second enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved communications interface device for existing interface devices, capable of providing improved and enhanced functional features to the traditional limited services of telephone-based and communications interface devices without requiring modification to physical characteristics of existing interface devices. The apparatus includes a module having electrical connectors for establishing electrical connection to one or more service provider cables and one or more subscriber cables and a replaceable motherboard and one or more replaceable daugbterboards capable of providing access to additional bandwidth, sharing of bandwidth, access to high-speed and multimedia data, distribution of data by residential gateways and/or across existing telephone wiring, access to cable-related data, analog to digital conversion of data, or power surge damage-protection.

Abstract: A hand-driven deburring and assembly tool for deburring and assembly of fasteners in a minimal amount of time. The hand-driven deburring and assembly tool includes a housing assembly including a housing having top, bottom, front, back, side walls and an open side; and also includes a drive assembly being mounted to the housing; and further includes assembly and deburring tool support members being mounted to the drive assembly.

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 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 high-density, small fiber optic enclosure permits the cross-connection and interconnection of optical fibers, through the use of an open-faced compact layering technique. The optical fiber enters an aperture in the bottom of the enclosure which includes a first section attachable to a wall surface, and a second section connected to the first enclosure section by a hinge. The first enclosure section includes an optical fiber splice holder and a plurality of hooks and clips for holding the optical fibers. The second enclosure section includes a plurality of hooks and clips also. The fibers enter the first section, are connected to the hooks and clips, and cross over to the second section and return to the first section and ultimately pass through an exit aperture in such a fashion as to form a plurality of FIG. 8 layers. If the optical fibers are not shielded, it is possible to use two opposing S-shaped fiber tubes to protect them at the crossover between the first and second enclosure.

Abstract: An economical protective shield assembly of a dielectric substrate and an EMI shield, substantially free of the effects of board coupling and air coupling which requires less hardware for securing an EMI shield than present devices and methods, is provided for. The inventions use of simply finished shield edges with an unimproved substrate having a conductive intermediary interconnected with a grounding path and simply finished or unfinished shield edges with an improved substrate having a mating groove cooperatively adapted to fit the shield edge, interacts to exclude EMI signals and requires less precision in positioning the shield onto the substrate. The invention also provides a simplified method to exclude EMI effects for an assembly by a process of fabrication requiring less finishing steps than present processes.

Abstract: A method to precisely position an electronic component within a cutout on a printed circuit board before attachment to said board. A nest precisely positions and firmly holds the component in place. Inner walls of the nest match the component's dimensions while the outer walls are stepped and match the cutout dimensions. In the preferred embodiment, the nest is mounted on a top plate above the circuit board. The operator places and centers the component in the nest, by means of the nest's shape or leaf springs which hold the component centered. Components are positioned by wiggling the nest until the stepped sides engage the PCB. In an alternative embodiment, the operator turns an eccentric cam applying force to a spring, pushing the component towards one edge of the nest for alignment. Both embodiments, hold the component so the operator can fasten the component to the board with both hands.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, rather than embedding them collectively in potting compound, wire to pin connections on a connector block are separately coated with protective gel for resisting corrosion. The coating can be effected with high volume gel dispensing equipment in shop environments and by manual gel dispensing in the field, providing significant advantages rework and repair in the field.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for containing and supporting electronic components during electrical connection are described. The apparatus is a housing which includes a main body, a cover and a back member. A base is attached to the back member. The base includes sockets in a grid pattern. Movable elements having protrusions for insertion into the sockets are mounted on the base to provide support to a circuit board, which itself is attached to the base through mounting studs and guide posts. The moveable elements can be relocated on the base.

Abstract: A method secures wire to an electrical contact using an insulation displacement contact (IDC) strain relief cap. The electrical contact has a bifurcated end for engaging and retaining the wire and is engaged with the strain relief cap in securing the wire. The cap attaches to the contact via means on the electrical contact for engaging both the cap and the wire. The wire is secured by placing cap onto the contact, aligning the wire with exit holes, and turning cap until locked into place.

Abstract: An assembly includes an enclosure and a device for storing fiber slack. The device has a pair of spool portions on opposite sides of the device. Each spool portion is shaped so that fiber slack can be wound back and forth between the two spool portions. The device is pivotally mounted within the enclosure, so that the pair of spool portions can be accessed by pivoting the device. Each spool portion may have a semicircular shape. Each spool portion has a radius at least as large as a minimum bend radius for a fiber to be stored on the device. A length of a fiber portion extending between the pair of spool portions is substantially greater than a perimeter of one of the spool portions. The device has top and bottom U-shaped channels connecting the tops and bottoms of the spool portions, respectively. The pair of spool portions and the top and bottom U-shaped channels form an elongated spool for storing fiber, the elongated spool extending around three sides of the device.

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 multiple layer hinged enclosure utilizes two sets of parallel hinge pins to be able to stack as many layers as desired. An outer set of hinge pins is utilized by the cover and an inner set of hinge pins is utilized by intermediate layers to form an offset “shingle”effect.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing, moderating and/or controlling the temperature of an outdoor enclosure, such as a network interface device, using room-temperature air from the associated building. A fan draws the room temperature (or moderate-temperature) air through a conduit from the interior of the dwelling to the outdoor enclosure. The outdoor enclosure is temperature-stabilized as indoor air flows through it. The air may flow through the same conduit that accommodates the data lines. A power line for the fan may be located in the same conduit. The system may be arranged to prevent insects and contaminants from entering the enclosure.

Abstract: A modular jack for telephone and data equipment test access ports including a cover having substantially the same thermal coefficient of expansion as its housing, and which is integral with the housing to prevent its being lost during usage or testing. The cover extends inwardly of the housing, to rotate further inwardly, automatically, upon the insertion of the plug into the housing to complete the electrical circuit.

Abstract: An insulation displacement contact (IDC) strain relief cap to interconnect a wire with an electrical contact is disclosed. The strain relief cap has a “U” shaped end to engage and retain the wire and is engageable with the contact. Means in the form of two star shaped openings are provided on the strain relief cap to retain the wire whereby the electrical contact, wire, and strain relief cap may be moved as a single unit. The star shaped openings and “U” shaped member allow for flexible retention of the wire to the strain relief cap.

Abstract: A quarter-turn latch for fastening a first panel to a second panel includes a bolt with a bayonet key that rotationally engages a keyhole in the second panel, and a capture key that engages with the first panel to prevent loss of the bolt. A track on the underside of the second panel, surrounding a portion of the keyhole, secures the bolt in the closed position. Bump stops engageable with the bayonet key define open and closed positions. A spring integrated with the bolt prevents rattles, overcomes misalignment and/or assists disengagement of the latch. The system may be used, for example, in network interface devices (NIDs), plastic enclosures, and other devices.

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.