Abstract: A Network Interface Device (NID) component includes a base configured to receive, in a cavity, both a subscriber wire contact and a provider wire contact. The component also includes a cover in movable attachment to the base, the cover including a bridge contact, wherein the bridge contact makes electrical connection between the subscriber wire contact and the provider wire contact when the cover is in a closed position and breaks the electrical connection when in an open position.

Abstract: A line module includes a plurality of pivoting insulation displacement connector holders, an insulation displacement connector (IDC) positionable in at least one holder when the holder is in a connected position, and a gel-less jack in electrical communication with at least one IDC.

Abstract: A low cost universal network interface device capable of accommodating various terminating devices. The network interface device generally including a base defining an interior cavity, and being further defined by a provider portion and a subscriber portion. The network interface device further including a protective outer cover having an integrated override feature operable for permitting access to the provider portion and the subscriber portion of the base in one step. The network interface device also includes an improved terminating device having a locking feature having a locking slide and a movable latch for preventing unauthorized access to the interior of the terminating device. The network interface device further comprises a sealing grommet having a wave like shape for sealingly enveloping provider or subscriber lines that are routed into the base, thereby preventing outside contaminants from entering.

Abstract: A network interface device (NID) for a fiber optic communications network is provided for housing optical, electrical and/or coaxial connections and active and/or passive components. The NID includes a base and a movable panel defining a connections area and a components area. In one embodiment, a first base defines a first compartment for housing the panel and a second base defining a second compartment for storing drop cable slack, the first base being movably attached to the second base to provide access to the drop cable slack without disturbing the connections. In another embodiment, the panel defines a first compartment for optical and electrical connections and a second compartment for active and passive components, the second compartment being accessible to only the service provider. In another embodiment, the panel is removable and interchangeable to permit the service provider to upgrade the services or to expand services provided to a subscriber.

Abstract: A network interface device (NID) for a fiber optic communications network is provided for housing optical, electrical and/or coaxial connections and active and/or passive components. The NID includes a base and a movable panel defining a connections area and a components area. In one embodiment, a first base defines a first compartment for housing the panel and a second base defining a second compartment for storing drop cable slack, the first base being movably attached to the second base to provide access to the drop cable slack without disturbing the connections. In another embodiment, the panel defines a first compartment for optical and electrical connections and a second compartment for active and passive components, the second compartment being accessible to only the service provider. In another embodiment, the panel is removable and interchangeable to permit the service provider to upgrade the services or to expand services provided to a subscriber.

Abstract: A termination module for terminating TELCO wiring and subscriber wiring within a network interface enclosure at a subscriber premises includes a subscriber bridge having burglar alarm connections. The subscriber bridge includes a base, a pair of conductive contact elements disposed within the base and defining a plurality of connection terminals, and a base cap positioned over the base and the contact elements. The termination module provides a demarcation point for electrically disconnecting the subscriber wiring from the subscriber wiring and the subscriber bridge further includes burglar alarm connection points that permit a burglar alarm to be wired in series between the demarcation point and the contact elements such that the subscriber-owned equipment, including the burglar alarm, can be electrically disconnected from the TELCO wiring to fault test a telephone line.

Abstract: A slack storage receptacle for storing an excess length of a pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable extending between an optical connection terminal and a network interface device (NID) includes a housing and a storage means disposed within the housing for receiving the drop cable such that the drop cable slack is stored external to the NID. The slack storage receptacle may be secured to an exterior wall of a subscriber premises and the NID mounted thereon. Alternatively, the slack storage receptacle may be positioned around and formed to the NID. Alternatively, the slack storage receptacle may be buried in the ground adjacent the NID. The drop cable slack may be wound onto the storage means after deployment. Alternatively, the slack storage receptacle may be pre-assembled, shipped to the subscriber premises, and the drop cable unwound from the storage means with the drop cable slack remaining wound on the storage means.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a compact solid state protector unit which comprises an inner insert structure, and an outer cover member having an open base end and adapted to be removably disposed over the insert structure, and a base member adapted to releasably seal the open base end of the cover member. The inner insert structure is constructed and arranged to support the components of a protector circuit mounted thereon in insulated spaced relationship. The disclosed protector circuit comprises two bidirectional solid state voltage sensitive switch devices with an associated ground terminal, two variable resistance devices, and line protector means for protecting the solid state protector unit from high voltage transients and abnormal currents.

Abstract: A screw-in station protector assembly includes a carrier housing containing a shorting cage which is biased by a compression to urge the cage and gas tube arrester assembly outwardly. The gas tube assembly contained within the cage includes a two electrode gas tube. The gas tube is within a jacket which forms a sealed external back-up air gap protector. The screw-in-assembly is particularly adapted for retro-fitting/replacement of carbon block arresters without modification.

Abstract: Gas filled surge arrester is equipped with a thermally responsive short circuit switch for overload protection and air gap shorting for back up overload protection. The switch and air gap device is disclosed in three orientations; namely, separate and external to the gas tube; unitized with the air gap interior to the switch; and unitized with the air gap exterior to the switch. The unitized arrangements have application in circuitry with gas tubes where back up air gap protection of the thermal switch is desired.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are surge arrester configurations employing non-metallic and preferably plastic fusible elements which normally insulate biased short circuiting members from shorting the surge arrester but which, in the event of certain forms of excessive overloads, fuse to thereby permit the shorting elements to short circuit the arrester gap. In addition, the embodiments include integral backup air gaps to provide additional backup protection covering certain gas tube failure modes. In the illustrated embodiments, the shorting elements each take the form of a conductive clip with one set of spring fingers in electrical contact with the line (end) electrode and another set urged in the direction of the ground electrode but separated therefrom by an annular plastic fusible sleeve coaxially coupled to the center body housing.