Abstract: A cable having at least two twisted wire pairs, each of the wires in the twisted wire pairs having wire jacket with a respectively different color, is automatically assembled by automatically detecting the colors of the wire jackets and automatically positioning the wires of the twisted wire pairs in a predetermined sequence based on the colors of the wire jackets. A machine vision system is used for detecting the colors of the wire jackets. A connector is then automatically attached to the automatically positioned wires. The connector may be a 110 connector, a D8GS connector, an RJ45 connector or an RJ11 connector.

Abstract: A modular type electrical connector comprises multiple unit connectors which again may be divided into multiple sub-units. Multiple number of unit connectors are attached together for the multiple wires of a cable making the modular type connector. The number of the unit connectors being used depends on the number of the wires of a cable. Each of the unit connectors is shielded with a highly conductive material. As a result, upon being attached together, each of the signal conducting paths, i.e. the wires of a cable, IDCs, contact blades, are separated from each other by a highly conductive coating material on the surface of the unit connectors thereby reducing near end cross talk of the modular type connector while providing flexibility in configuration and assembly.

Abstract: A spring biased mechanical fastener comprises two side-by-side first rods fixedly secured at first ends to an end support. The two first rods terminate in two oppositely facing detents, and each rod includes a V-bent camming surface. A horizontal bar mounted on the end of a second bar slidably mounted though the end support engages and drives the camming surfaces. Forced sliding movements of the second bar relative to the two first rods causes elastic flexure of the two rods for moving the two detents towards one another for reduced lateral extent and for passage through an opening through objects fastened together by the fastener.

Abstract: A protective enclosure for equipment situated out of doors. The enclosure is formed as hollow panels by a blow molding process and allows the introduction at the installation site of protective material into any desired ones of the internal cavities of the panels, thereby reducing manufacturing and transportation costs.

Abstract: An optoelectronic module is disclosed in which an optoelectronic device is precisely aligned with an optical fiber. The optoelectronic module comprises a first member, a second member for supporting an end of the optical fiber in a fixed position relative the first member along an axis, and a third member for mounting at least one optoelectronic device. A plurality of positioning members are adjustably positioned on the first member for supporting the third member to maintain aligned relation of the optoelectronic device with the axis.

Abstract: A tool (10) is provided for inserting a wire (12) into a wire-receiving slit (13) of an IDC (14) and for trimming the excess portion of the wire following insertion. The tool includes a prime mover (24) coupled to a guide member (36) having a wire-receiving notch (60) in one end, and a slot (64) coextensive with the notch. The guide member (36) has a blade (46) that is pivotally coupled to the guide member for movement across the wire-receiving notch (60). When the guide member (36) is positioned to partially envelop the IDC (14) in the slot (64), and the prime mover (24) is actuated, the guide member forces the wire (12) seated in the notch (62) into the slit (13) of the IDC. Simultaneously, the blade (46) pivots across the guide member (36) to sever any excess portion of the wire extending beyond the IDC (14).

Abstract: Glass particles (14) are mixed within an uncured silicone resin (13). The fluid uncured resin is placed in a portion of a terminal block (11) and cured to form a gel (13') by subjecting it to microwaves in a microwave oven (22). Conductors (25, 26) to be interconnected are next inserted into the cured silicone gel and interconnected. The cured gel containing the glass particles thereafter constitutes a dependable insulator for the conductors, particularly the portions of the conductors that are interconnected.

Abstract: A module, such as a terminal block (10), configured of a body (12) having an open end (20) and at least one window (24) spaced from the open end, is fixtured and sealed by way of a channel (28) comprised of a pair of parallel, spaced-apart, generally elastic walls (30,32) jointed by a bottom member (34). The walls (30,32) and the bottom member (34) run longitudinally a distance at least as long as the width of the terminal block (10) to allow the block to be received between, and to be held by, the walls. At least one protrusion extends out from a separate one of the walls (30,32) and the base member (34) for receipt in the window (24) in the terminal block to seal the same.

Abstract: A method is provided for sealing openings (24, 26) in a module (10). In accordance with the method, each opening is sealed by providing a readily-puncturable sealing membrane (30, 30') within the module itself to overlie each opening. Each membrane advantageously prevents a gel (28), admitted into the module, from leaking out.