Abstract: A splice tray for use in splicing fiber optic cables has an outer periphery and a cable splicing area inwardly of the outer periphery. A main cable guideway for receiving a pair of side-by-side cables to be spliced extends along a portion of the outer periphery adjacent thereto. The main cable guideway splits into first and second continuation guideways, the first of which curves inwardly from the outer periphery to intersection with the splicing area from one direction. The second continuation guideway continues along another portion of the outer periphery to intersection with the splicing area from another direction. The two fiber optic cables that extend along the main guideway are separated to extend through the first and second continuation guideways to the splicing area for being joined together in a splice. A cable looping device is provided in the splicing area for receiving cable loops to take up slack, and a splice receiving recess is provided in the splice area for holding a splice.

Abstract: An ONU includes circuit cards, a card cage, and electrical connector hardware. The card cage releaseably engages and supports the circuit cards in installed positions in the card cage. At least one pair of the circuit cards have serial interconnections with each other. The electrical connector hardware defines all of those serial interconnections and is free of a backplane.

Abstract: A multi-service, adaptable optical network unit (ONU) is disclosed for use in a fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC) digital loop carrier system, including a multi-service common card and a plurality of multi-media service cards that are connected to the common card using a card-link interface. The card-link interface is preferably a high-speed LVDS serial-bus connection that is organized in a star configuration such that each service card is connected to the multi-service common card using a separate point-to-point card-link. By eliminating the traditional backplane structure found in present ONU designs, the present invention provides a scalable, adaptable, future-proof FTTC system that can transport present-day multi-media services as well as yet-to-be-defined future high-bandwidth applications.

Abstract: A helmet or the like which has a rigid central shell and inner and outer inflatable impact absorbing liners with one-way valve means for inflating same. A plurality of inserts of foam or spongy material is secured to the inner shell and adapted to contact the head of the wearer. The liners may be removably secured to the shell.