Abstract: An arrangement for retaining wires or cables inside a trough having base wall, and first and second side walls extending generally parallel to one another from the base wall. The arrangement includes one or more pairs of trapezoidal retainer plates supported on the side walls so that each pair of plates are in confronting relation to one another above the trough. Each retainer plate has a base portion, and an end portion forming an outside edge which defines an approximately 45-degree angle with respect to parallel side edges of the plate. The outside edges of each pair of confronting plates form a gap through which wires or cables can be inserted into or withdrawn from the trough. The gap forms an acute angle with respect to the side walls of the trough, so that inserted wires or cables will be retained by each pair of confronting retainer plates.

Abstract: A patch panel with reverse cordage exit patch cord incorporates a plurality of jacks, with each of the jacks having a plug-receiving cavity formed therein. The jacks are mounted to the patch panel so that their respective plug-receiving cavities are oriented away from the mounting surface to which the panel is mounted. In a preferred embodiment, the patch panel incorporates patch cords with cordage extending from their respective patch cord plugs in a first direction. Each patch cord plug is adapted to matingly engage a plug-receiving cavity of a patch panel jack when the patch cord plug is inserted into the plug-receiving cavity in the first direction. Thus configured, the cordage of the patch cord is directed toward the mounting surface when the plug of the patch cord engages the plug-receiving cavity of the patch panel.

Abstract: A patch panel with patch cord plug keyway incorporates at least one jack. The jack communicates with a transmission medium, such as a cable, with the jack including a plug-receiving cavity and a keyway. The plug-receiving cavity is configured to receive and securely mount the plug of a patch cord so that the transmission medium cooperating with the jack electrically communicates with the patch cord when the plug is in an engaged position. The keyway is formed through the jack and communicates with the plug-receiving cavity. Additionally, the patch cord plug incorporates a key which engages the keyway of the jack. So configured, the key assists a technician in aligning the patch cord plug with the plug-receiving cavity of a jack during patching operations. In a preferred arrangement, they key is formed on a rotatable lever which places the plug in a locking and unlocking orientation.

Abstract: An easily assembled connecting block provides interconnection between modular plugs and insulated telephone wires or the like. The connecting block includes: (i) a metallic lead frame comprising a number of flat elongated conductive elements that terminate in closely spaced flat wires at one end thereof, each conductive element terminating in two pairs of insulation-displacing contact fingers at the other end; and (ii) a dielectric block for receiving the closely spaced wires within a jack housing contained therein and for supporting the metallic lead frame. In one embodiment the connectors are an integral part of the lead frame itself and are "sandwiched" between a pair of dielectric blocks, each block having a plurality of corresponding slots for guiding wires into the region between opposing contact fingers of the connectors.

Abstract: An easily assembled connecting block provides interconnection between modular plugs and insulated telephone wires or the like. The connecting block includes: (i) a metallic lead frame comprising a number of flat elongated conductive elements that terminate in closely spaced flat wires at one end thereof, (ii) an equal number of metallic connectors that electrically couple to the conductive elements of the lead frame and further provide at least two pairs of opposing contact fingers for insulation displacement; and (iii) a dielectric block for receiving the closely spaced wires within a jack housing contained therein and for supporting the metallic lead frame. In one embodiment the connectors are an integral part of the lead frame itself and are "sandwiched" between a pair of dielectric blocks, each block having a plurality of corresponding slots for guiding wires into the region between opposing contact fingers of the connectors.

Abstract: The connector assembly includes (1) a pair of connectors (300,300') for respectively terminating the individual conductors of a pair of multiconductor cables (200,200') and (2) a pair of adapters (500,600) that are respectively electrically connected to the connectors. The adapters come in different configurations and are user interchangeable to permit connection to external connectors having particular configurations.

Abstract: An armored cord has flexibility and tensile strength for securing a telephone handset to a telephone housing. The cord includes an outer armored sheath which is designed for increased flexibility in that it allows the cord to bend readily over small radii. Tensile strength between the handset and housing is provided by an internal cable which absorbs the stress applied to the cord when subjected to unusually large longitudinal forces. The service life of the cord is lengthened, and the number of incidents causing out-of-service conditions is thereby reduced.