Abstract: A surge protection cartridge adapted for use with a double-sided modular connector block system. The protector cartridge advantageously mounts in the front or rear of a connector module of the connector block in a variety of orientations in order to protect an entire row of terminations on the block. Two L-shaped brackets adapted to couple to a mounting bracket of the connector block form an internal ground bus within the protector cartridge. The brackets include a series of cantilever connecting clips which couple directly to the surge protection devices. Spring contacts having similar cantilever clips couple the remaining leads of the surge protection devices and the terminals of the connecting block which are to be protected. Each individual spring contacts is seated within an individual insulated well of the cartridge housing.

Abstract: An insulation displacement connecting (IDC) terminal that accepts two insulated wires in a single slot for the making of an electrical connection. The IDC portion of the terminal, which cuts into the insulation of the wire to establish contact, is designed with large flat spring contacts about a centrally located slot, wherein the contacts displace torsionally when normal forces placed on the terminals exceed a fixed load. The torsional displacement is enabled by the inclusion of a widened slot proximate a base portion of the terminal. The widened slot in combination with an angular orientation of the terminal contained within an insulated connector module housing enables the contacts to twist to away from one another. This displacement effect allows for larger gauge and more than one conductor to be inserted into the terminal without permanently yielding the beam contacts of the terminal.

Abstract: A hinged mounting bracket and attachable ground bar used in conjunction with a telephone wire termination block. The mounting bracket is adapted to accept modular connectors in order to form any size connecting block. The hinged bracket consists of two pieces, a bracket base and a front flap which receives the modular connectors. In a preferred embodiment, the front flap is coupled to the base by a hinge which enables the bracket to rotate open so that rear terminals of the modular connectors may be easily accessed. The ground bar is attachable to the front or rear of the mounting bracket in order to provide a ground for gas tube circuit protectors that may be inserted into the modular connectors. The ability to secure the ground bar to the mounting bracket in a variety of orientations provides additional flexibility for all types of wiring schemes. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ground bar couples to support posts on the mounting bracket utilizing a force fit insertion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector module which permits termination of cross-connect wires on one surface and cable wires on an opposite surface. The module exhibits a generally "Z" shaped configuration which permits test access, jumper insertion, and protector mounting on either surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector module which permits a make-before-break contact when inserting jumper or test access leads. The stem portions of the contacts make physical and electrical contact at two points which are aligned with slots in the module so that one point remains closed while one point opens due to lead insertion. Ribs may also be provided to guide the lead insertion and control deflection of the leads and stems.

Abstract: Portable test apparatus utilized to access a field of test points comprises either a single access tool (100) or a multiple access adaptor (200) depending on the mode of testing required. Tool (100) is usually employed for accessing the field to effect aperiodic testing whereas adaptor (200) is generally used for planned test activities.Tool (100) comprises body (111), guide assembly (150) and cover plater (170) which house clamp assembly (130) and pin contact assembly (180). Clamp assembly (130) operates in scissor-like fashion for engaging and disengaging tool (100) from test field grips (401). Spring-loaded pins (181) penetrate apertures (403) within the test field to contact the test points.Adaptor (200) comprises body (211), center panel (240) and guide (260) which enclose pin contact assembly (280); in addition, cam-lever drive assembly (210) attached to body (211). Drive assembly (210) has means for grasping a frame (50) associated with the test field so as to draw body (211) towards frame (50).

Abstract: An adjustable clamp (10) comprising a pair of substantially identical clips (15) is employed to align and retain a plurality of members, typically cables, in a stiff, planar arrangement to facilitate manipulation. Each clip comprises a ratcheting detail (41) on one of its legs (40) and a slotted beam (33) on the other of its legs (30). The slotted leg from one clip slidably engages and adjustably interlocks with the ratchet mechanism of the other clip to form a coupling arrangement which binds cables in the interstice of the clamp.

Abstract: A modularized main distributing frame system (100) for interconnecting outside plant cables (140-143) with central office equipment leads (230,231) includes an overhead racking arrangement to route tie cables (130,131) and the equipment leads to framework line-ups (110,120). The tie cables connect the outside plant cables to widely dispersed appearances of frame terminals. To avoid crosses of tie cables as well as minimizing cable lengths and routes, the tie cables are routed using a methodology which partitions the cables in groupings. Each grouping is allocated a separate in-line spreading rack (160-163) to distribute the tie cables. In multiple line-up systems, another level of overhead racks (150,170,171) distributes the tie cables to the horizontally displaced spreading racks. Equipment leads are routed on a complementary racking structure (190-195) utilizing a methodology similar to the tie cabling technique.

Abstract: An electrical protector device (10) for grounding excessive voltage and excessive current to safeguard telecommunications circuits includes a heat coil assembly (100) for sensing and directing excessive current to ground, and a spark gap arrester (200), axially aligned with the heat coil assembly (100), for sensing and controlling excessive voltage. Whenever an overcurrent condition is encountered, heat coil mechanism (110) is displaced to provide metallic contact of the incoming line to a ground structure (300). In addition, the device is adapted to provide protected testing of both incoming pairs and office equipment. Two test points (123) formed as part of the heat coil assembly (100) are in contact with the individual wires of the incoming line. These two test points are accessible through apertures (402) in the protector housing (400).

Abstract: Portable test apparatus utilized to access a field of test points comprises either a single access tool (100) or a multiple access adaptor (200) depending on the mode of testing required. Tool (100) is usually employed for accessing the field to effect a periodic testing whereas adaptor (200) is generally used for planned test activities. Tool (100) comprises body (111), guide assembly (150) and cover plater (170) which house clamp assembly (130) and pin contact assembly (180). Clamp assembly (130) operates in scissor-like fashion for engaging and disengaging tool (100) from test field grips (401). Spring-loaded pins (181) penetrate apertures (403) within the test field to contact the test points. Adaptor (200) comprises body (211), center panel (240) and guide (260) which enclose pin contact assembly (280); in addition, cam-lever drive assembly (210) attached to body (211). Drive assembly (210) has means for grasping a frame (50) associated with the test field so as to draw body (211) towards frame (50).

Abstract: A self-tensioning wire reel comprises two flanges threaded together such that, when a brake shoe applies a braking force to one flange, the other flange is free to continue rotating. This rotation on the threaded hubs brings the flanges closer together, exerting a lateral force on the wire coil therebetween and thus keeping the coil sufficiently tight to prevent binding during the unreeling operation. The brake shoe is a resilient cylindrical disk applied to the outer rim of one flange when tension is relieved on the wire. The tightness of fit between the disk brake and the shaft upon which it rotates controls the frictional braking force.