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: A splice connector assembly for mechanically and electrically connecting a conductor pair including a first conductor member and a second conductor member, and for use with an electrical probe, includes a connector body adapted to receive the first and second conductor members. The connector body includes first and second body members. The first body member has first and second opposed sides. The second body member is adapted to engage the first body member. A terminal member is provided. The terminal member includes a first terminal disposed on the first side of the first body member and adapted to electrically engage the first conductor member, and a second terminal disposed on the second side of the first body member and electrically connected to the first terminal. The second terminal is adapted to electrically engage the second conductor member. An access hole is formed in the connector body and is adapted to receive the probe such that the probe can selectively contact the terminal member.

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: A splice connector assembly for mechanically and electrically connecting a conductor pair including a first conductor member and a second conductor member, and for use with an electrical probe, includes a connector body adapted to receive the first and second conductor members. The connector body includes first and second body members. The first body member has first and second opposed sides. The second body member is adapted to engage the first body member. A terminal member is provided. The terminal member includes a first terminal disposed on the first side of the first body member and adapted to electrically engage the first conductor member, and a second terminal disposed on the second side of the first body member and electrically connected to the first terminal. The second terminal is adapted to electrically engage the second conductor member. An access hole is formed in the connector body and is adapted to receive the probe such that the probe can selectively contact the terminal member.

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: 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: 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: 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: An apparatus is disclosed for pulling communication cable through conduit. The apparatus has a winch mounted to a stand. The stand includes a base connected to an upper frame by at least three supports. At least one of the supports is pivotally mounted to at least one of the base and the upper frame such that the upper frame collapses toward the base. The stand is positioned above the conduit, the communication cable is attached to the winch, and the winch is used to pull the communication cable through the conduit.

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 splice connector assembly for mechanically and selectively electrically connecting first and second conductor members includes a connector body adapted to receive the first and second conductor members. The connector body includes a first body member and a second body member adapted to engage the first body member. First and second electrically conductive terminals in the connector body are adapted to electrically engage the first and second conductor members, respectively. An electrically conductive bridge member is mounted in the connector body such that the bridge member is movable between a closed position, wherein the bridge member electrically connects the first and second terminals and thereby the first and second conductor members, and an open position, wherein the bridge member does not electrically connect the first and second terminals so that the first and second conductor members are not electrically connected by the splice connector assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for cutting cable. The apparatus has an elongate handle having a first end and a second end, and the first end has a first jaw member. A second jaw member pivots about the handle to form a set of jaws moving between an open position and a closed position. The set of jaws has a first cutting surface opposite a shaped supporting surface that receives and holds the cable being cut. The first cutting surface cuts the cable when the set of jaws is moved to the closed position. A channel in an outer surface of the apparatus includes a second cutting surface protruding from the channel for slitting an outer sheath of the cable. Wherein the cable is laid in the channel and, as the cable is pulled along the channel, the second cutting surface slits the outer sheath of the cable.