Abstract: A patch cord tracing system for tracing patch cords in a telecommunications patching system. The system includes a plurality of tracing interface modules that attach to the patch panels in a telecommunications closet. On the patch panels in a telecommunications closet are located a plurality of connector ports that receive the terminated ends of patch cords. The tracing interface modules mount to the patch panels and provide a passive sensor that can detect when a patch cord connector has been added to, or removed from, a connector port within the telecommunications closet. Accordingly, by connecting a computer controller to the various passive sensors, the computer can monitor and log all changes to the patch cord interconnections in an automated fashion. In alternate embodiments, the passive sensors can be built into the structure of the patch port assemblies that contain the various connector ports.

Abstract: A graphics overlay for displaying the location of a traced connector port in a telecommunications patching system. The graphics overlay is the visible portion of a tracing interface module that is viewed by a technician performing a patch cord tracing procedure. The graphics overlay serves three primary functions. The first function is to provide is a visual indication that can inform a technician as to the location of a patch cord in a telecommunications patch system. The second function is to provide a trace button so that a technician can initiate a trace from any patch cord connect port in the patching system. Lastly, the third function is to identify the patch cord at each connector port in the telecommunications patching system. The present invention provides different embodiments of a graphics overlay that all embody the necessary functions yet are uniquely adapted for use in a telecommunications patch cord tracing system.

Abstract: A strain relief housing for use in a communication plug terminating a cable carrying a plurality of conductors. The housing includes a plurality of prongs for segregating the conductors from a cable that is received through a passage in the housing. Means for anchoring the cable in the passage serve to effectively eliminate stress on the electrical connections with the conductors inside the plug. In a preferred embodiment, the strain relief housing segregates the conductors in a substantially circular array, largely conforming to the arrangement of the conductors in a round cable.

Abstract: A tracing interface module for use in a patch cord tracing system, wherein the patch cord tracing system traces patch cords in a telecommunications patching system. The tracing interface module attaches to the face of the patch panels in a telecommunications closet. The tracing interface modules provide a means of detecting when patch cords have been removed from, or added to, the connector ports on the patch panels. The tracing interface module has three primary components. The first component is a support plate that attaches to the patch panel. The second component is a printed circuit board that is supported by the support plate. The support plate is manufactured with voids that correspond in position to surface mounted components on the printed circuit board. Consequently, the components on the printed circuit board pass into the support plate, thereby creating a highly space efficient assembly.

Abstract: A communication plug that generates crosstalk that complements the compensating crosstalk in a legacy jack or connector. The communication plug includes a dielectric carrier on which a plurality of electrical conductors are disposed. Each conductor is configured to wrap around a first end of the carrier thereby forming a series of adjacent inductive loops. Complementary crosstalk is generated between the conductors as a result of the fields created from current flow through the inductive loops and can be fixed to a desired level by modifying certain engineerable parameters. The inductive loops are positioned in the nose or front region of the plug where the conductors engage the jack spring wires or terminals thus minimizing the propagation delay between the crosstalk signals generated in the plug and the crosstalk signals generated in the jack or connector.

Abstract: A communication plug for terminating a cable carrying a plurality of conductors. The communication plug includes a strain relief housing for receiving the cable and a jack interface housing for communication with a jack. Confined within the two housing components are a plurality of conductive members carried by a blade carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the jack interface housing segregates the conductive members in a substantially circular array largely conforming to the arrangement of the conductors in a round cable.

Abstract: Connectors, such as 110-type patch plugs, are designed to reduce near-end crosstalk that is generated between the twisted pairs of multi-wire cordage. Connectors of the present invention have a wire guide having a plurality of channels within which the different twisted pairs and ultimately the individual wires are distributed from the cordage to corresponding conducting contacts of the connectors. The channels of the wire guide enable improved control over the twist rates of the different twisted pairs as well as the routing paths between the cordage and the contacts which reduces the level of near-end crosstalk as well as variability in that level from one connector assembly to another. In one particular embodiment, the connector has a four-piece modular design (not counting the individual contacts) having separate wire guide, contact base, top cover, and bottom cover.

Abstract: A plug for interconnecting a pair of wires at its input with a pair of insulation displacement connectors (IDC) at its output is improved. The plug comprises a dielectric housing and a pair of non-insulated conductors within the housing that cross over and are spaced-apart from each other. Each conductor comprises a generally flat blade portion for insertion into an IDC at one end, and a terminal for making electrical contact with a wire at the other. In the illustrative embodiment of the invention, the terminal comprises an insulation displacement connector. Additionally, the conductors are identical to each other, but are reverse-mounted with respect to each other to achieve crossover.

Abstract: A terminal arrangement for interconnecting electrical conductors includes a plastic block (121) in which are supported a plurality of terminals (20--20) arranged in rows and columns. Each terminal is formed from a flat strip (81) of metallic material as the strip is advanced through a progressive punch and die apparatus. The terminal includes a first portion 21 which has a seam 33 that is welded to join butted longitudinal edges of that portion after it has been formed into a cylindrical shape from a flat blank on the strip. After its seam has been welded, the first portion is internally threaded to receive a terminal screw. A second portion 51 of the terminal, which is formed integrally with the first portion, has a generally square cross-section. The second portion of each terminal is disposed in a similarly configured cavity (127) of the plastic block to prevent relative rotational movement between the terminal and the block.