Abstract: A quarter-turn latch for fastening a first panel to a second panel includes a bolt with a bayonet key that rotationally engages a keyhole in the second panel, and a capture key that engages with the first panel to prevent loss of the bolt. A track on the underside of the second panel, surrounding a portion of the keyhole, secures the bolt in the closed position. Bump stops engageable with the bayonet key define open and closed positions. A spring integrated with the bolt prevents rattles, overcomes misalignment and/or assists disengagement of the latch. The system may be used, for example, in network interface devices (NIDs), plastic enclosures, and other devices.

Abstract: A method for environmentally sealing an electrical contact including spraying a curable gel sealant in an uncured fluid form onto all exposed surfaces of the electrical contact and curing it to form an environmentally protective gel coating on all of the exposed surfaces of the contact. In another embodiment of the method, at least one bead of the curable gel sealant in its fluid form is deposited onto an electrical contact and spread across all exposed surfaces of the contact with a stream of air directed against the bead of the sealant. The sealant is then cured to form an environmentally protective gel coating on all of the exposed surfaces of the contact.

Abstract: A cable-supporting cable port of an electrical or similar box comprises two mating hollow semi-cylindrical members. The two members join, when the box is closed to form a unified cable port through which various cables or wires travel. Each semi-cylindrical member comprises a sidewall. In the rear member, the sidewall defines an aperture. A barbed projection extends from an internal edge of the sidewall into the aperture. The edge and the barbed projection define a channel for accepting an intermediate portion of a tie strap which has been bent into substantially a U-shape. The barbed projection has a longitudinal portion and a substantially horizontal barb portion. The tie strap is secured about the longitudinal portion, and prevented from disengaging the projection by engaging the barb portion. In this manner, the cable is secured to the projection by tightening the tie strap. The cable is securely held in place, without requiring access to the rear of the cable port.

Abstract: A network interface device includes a base, a cover and a circuit board secured in the base. The circuit board includes terminations for input and output communication lines. Each pair of input and output communication lines corresponds to a single standard telephone line, a high speed data line or other type of line. The communication line terminations may be implemented as insulation displacement connectors, and the cover may include projections on its inner surface such that closing the cover also closes the insulation displacement connectors on the circuit board. For each communication line, the circuit board may include a subscriber bridge which establishes a breakable connection between the input and output line terminations via traces in the circuit board. In fixed wireless, fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and other similar applications, the circuit board may also include terminations for input and output power lines, and the base and cover may be extended to accommodate an uninterruptible power supply.

Abstract: The input resistance of an electrical protective device connected to protect telecommunication transmission lines and associated telecommunication equipment is reduced by connecting a resistor in parallel with the coil of resistance wire of a heat coil. The resistor is a low resistance positive temperature coefficient resistor.

Abstract: A bracket mount for precise antenna adjustment includes a lever or mechanical assist to permit slight movements to the antenna simply by manipulating the lever. The adjustable lever may be a built-in cam or yoke, or may be removably attached to the mount and antenna by an anchoring screw which acts to secure the antenna in place once the desired direction is achieved. The bracket mount may further include two adjusting levers, one for adjusting antenna direction in an up/down direction, and the other for adjusting the antenna in a left/right direction.

Abstract: A telecommunications protection unit includes a voltage unit having an electrically insulating base configured to house a diode module assembly and a voltage limiting cell therein. The voltage limiting cell and diode module assembly are retained within the housing by a bus clip. The housing includes structure for preventing damage to the voltage limiting cell and diode module assembly during placement of the bus clip thereon. The diode module assembly is a one-piece article including a bus bar and several diodes and terminals which can be used by itself or in a voltage unit to provide desired electrical effects and facilitate assembly of an electrical system such as a telecommunications protection unit.

Abstract: A protective enclosure for housing heat-generating electronics, having a sorption device for controlling humidity and a heater for heating the sorption device. The invention protects electronics placed within the enclosure from the effects of water vapor and condensation during normal operation and in the event of power loss. The sorption device adsorbs water vapor during normal operation or power loss when the temperature in the enclosure falls below the dew point. The sorption device releases collected water as water vapor when power is restored and the temperature in the enclosure rises above the dew point. The invention thereby prevents failure of the electronics due to condensation build-up and provides for effective long-term use of the sorption device.

Abstract: A network interface device includes a base, a cover and a circuit board secured in the base. The circuit board includes terminations for input and output communication lines. Each pair of input and output communication lines corresponds to a single standard telephone line, a high speed data line or other type of line. The communication line terminations may be implemented as insulation displacement connectors, and the cover may include projections on its inner surface such that closing the cover also closes the insulation displacement connectors on the circuit board. For each communication line, the circuit board may include a subscriber bridge which establishes a breakable connection between the input and output line terminations via traces in the circuit board. In fixed wireless, fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and other similar applications, the circuit board may also include terminations for input and output power lines, and the base and cover may be extended to accommodate an uninterruptible power supply.

Abstract: A telecommunications protection unit includes a voltage unit having an electrically insulating base configured to house a diode module assembly and a voltage limiting cell therein. The voltage limiting cell and diode module assembly are retained within the housing by a bus clip. The housing includes structure for preventing damage to the voltage limiting cell and diode module assembly during placement of the bus clip thereon. The diode module assembly is a one-piece article including a bus bar and several diodes and terminals which can be used by itself or in a voltage unit to provide desired electrical effects and facilitate assembly of an electrical system such as a telecommunications protection unit.

Abstract: A telecommunications protection unit includes a voltage unit having an electrically insulating base configured to house a diode module assembly and a voltage limiting cell therein. The voltage limiting cell and diode module assembly are retained within the housing by a bus clip. The housing includes structure for preventing damage to the voltage limiting cell and diode module assembly during placement of the bus clip thereon. The diode module assembly is a one-piece article including a bus bar and several diodes and terminals which can be used by itself or in a voltage unit to provide desired electrical effects and facilitate assembly of an electrical system such as a telecommunications protection unit.

Abstract: A current limiting circuit for use in broadband and combined broadband and telecommunications networks is described. A current limiting element is triggered into a high impedance state in the event of excess current on the line. A sensing element detects the resulting decrease in voltage and operates a switch which disconnects the current limiting element. Timing circuitry reconnects the current limiting element a predetermined period of time after the current limiting element returns to its low impedance state.