Abstract: The present invention includes a sand sculpting tool including at least one generally planar body, The planar body includes a central portion defined by a dominant silhouette of the body. Also, the planar body includes at least one sculpting feature substantially protruding from the dominant silhouette. The sculpting feature being substantially disposed in a common plane with the body. Further, the sculpting feature includes a unitary protruding shape capable of forming a solitary impression of the shape in the sand.

Abstract: A network interface device for Ethernet networks using unshielded twisted pair cables comprising an overvoltage protection module and an interconnection module connected to the overvoltage protection module, both modules being connected in series in the Ethernet network.

Abstract: A network interface device for connecting telephone company lines and subscriber lines comprising an enclosure with a base and a cover and a socket having at least two sets of three switchable contacts, the first and second contacts (telco and customer) of each set being of a heavier gauge material than the third contact (test) of each set to improve reliability, the socket providing a point of demarcation between the telephone company and subscriber lines. Use of operational plugs (FIGS. 44, 47, 50) and dummy plugs (FIGS. 46, 49) is disclosed.

Abstract: Combination coaxial surge arrestor and power extraction apparatus for providing overvoltage protection for a coaxial transmission line carrying both an RF signal and AC power and for extracting AC power from the coaxial transmission line. The surge arrestor comprises a coaxial gas discharge tube with a center conductor and a conductive body. The apparatus includes an inductor for extracting the AC power, the inductor having a high reactance at the frequency of the RF signal and a low reactance at the frequency of the AC power, and a capacitor for passing the RF signal, the capacitor having a low reactance at the frequency of the RF signal and a high reactance at the frequency of the AC power.

Abstract: A plug-actuated switchable electrical socket having at least one set of three electrical contacts, two of the three contacts being of a heavier wire gauge than the third contact, the insertion of a plug in the socket effecting a switching action between at least two of the three contacts.

Abstract: A wire termination device for terminating insulated wires using insulation displacement contacts. The device may employ a pivotally mounted lever with a curved slot for receiving a pin or may employ a pivotally mounted rocker arm, movement of the lever and rocker arm effecting termination of the insulated wire by forcing the wire into engagement with the insulation displacement contact.

Abstract: A network interface enclosure for mounting on a vertical surface and for enclosing network interface devices. The network interface enclosure has subscriber and telco covers that permit access to subscriber and telco compartments. The subscriber cover and telco cover are attached to the base of the network interface enclosure by detent mechanisms so that the covers generally hinge about the detent mechanisms and can be retained in a variety of open positions. The detent mechanisms are attached to the upper portion of the subscriber and telco covers so that the subscriber and telco covers are lifted upwardly to open. Particular constructions of detent mechanisms are disclosed.

Abstract: A modular device for connecting telephone company wiring and subscriber telephone wiring in a telephone network interface apparatus, the modular device having a replaceable protection and/or electronics unit, a plug-actuated switchable socket or a switch connected to an external socket for providing a point of demarcation between the telephone company wiring and the subscriber wiring, wire termination mechanisms for terminating and unterminating the telco and subscriber wiring at the network interface apparatus without the use of tools and slidable security covers.

Abstract: An improved fiber optic connector including a selectively positioned attenuation barrel which forms part of a connector plug. As contrasted with the prior art construction which it replaces, structure is provided for preventing rotational movement of the attenuation barrel relative to an adapter body element of the connector in the form of a rotary locking ring, so that upon interconnection, any relative rotation between the abutted finished ends of a pair of fiber optic cores is prevented, thereby eliminating any possible abrasive action therebetween.