Abstract: A system is disclosed for agitating multiple specimen containers each containing a sample and a growth medium. The system includes a plurality of racks. The racks have a plurality of receptacles, each of which is adapted for holding a specimen container. The racks include a first rack oriented in a first direction and a second rack oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. The system also includes a rotating turret having a frame holding the racks. The frame is rotatable about an axis, wherein the rotating turret operates to rotate the racks about the axis to an access position, e.g., where a user may access the specimen containers. The system also includes an agitation assembly coupled to the racks. The agitation assembly rocks the racks back and forth thereby agitating specimen containers held by the racks. In one configuration, the system is incorporated into an automated instrument detecting whether a microbiological agent is present in the specimen container.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for agitating multiple specimen containers each containing a sample and a growth medium. The system includes a plurality of racks. The racks have a plurality of receptacles, each of which is adapted for holding a specimen container. The racks include a first rack oriented in a first direction and a second rack oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. The system also includes a rotating turret having a frame holding the racks. The frame is rotatable about an axis, wherein the rotating turret operates to rotate the racks about the axis to an access position, e.g., where a user may access the specimen containers. The system also includes an agitation assembly coupled to the racks. The agitation assembly rocks the racks back and forth thereby agitating specimen containers held by the racks. In one configuration, the system is incorporated into an automated instrument detecting whether a microbiological agent is present in the specimen container.

Abstract: A cabinet (10) that provides full access to equipment (12) mounted therein broadly comprises a housing (13) for housing the equipment (12), an access door (24) for selectively protecting the equipment (12), a rack (40) for supporting the equipment (12), and a frame (60) for rotatably and slidably supporting the rack (40). The rack (40) preferably includes two vertical members (42,44) spaced apart such that the equipment (12) mounts between the vertical members (42,44), and top and bottom crossbars (46,48) rigidly separating the vertical members (42,44). The frame (60) preferably includes a substantially vertical support (66) presenting a substantially horizontal flange (70), and a substantially horizontal shelf (68) extending from the vertical support (66) below the rack (40). The rack (40) is rotatably secured to the frame (60) through vertical axles (72,74) and rigidly fixed by a locking mechanism (80) for selectively preventing rotation of the rack (40).

Abstract: A cabinet (10) that provides full access to equipment (12) mounted therein broadly comprises a housing (13) for housing the equipment (12), an access door (24) for selectively protecting the equipment (12), a rack (40) for supporting the equipment (12), and a frame (60) for rotatably and slidably supporting the rack (40). The rack (40) preferably includes two vertical members (42,44) spaced apart such that the equipment (12) mounts between the vertical members (42,44), and top and bottom crossbars (46,48) rigidly separating the vertical members (42,44). The frame (60) preferably includes a substantially vertical support (66) presenting a substantially horizontal flange (70), and a substantially horizontal shelf (68) extending from the vertical support (66) below the rack (40). The rack (40) is rotatably secured to the frame (60) through vertical axles (72,74) and rigidly fixed by a locking mechanism (80) for selectively preventing rotation of the rack (40).

Abstract: An expandable, modular electronic equipment enclosure (8) for telecommunications, signaling, or other electronic equipment, wherein the enclosure (8) includes male and female expansion interfaces (20,22) that allow for expanding the enclosure (8) by adding substantially similar modules (110,210) whenever increased capacity is needed. Broadly, each module (10) includes a housing body (12); a lid (14); a base (16); the male and female expansion interfaces (20,22); and a cap (24). A single cable interface and pressurization control componentry (18) serves all of the modules (10,110,210) of the enclosure (8). To expand the enclosure (8), the male or female expansion interface (120,122) of a subsequent module (110) is interfaced or mated with the corresponding exposed, unmated female or male expansion interface (20,22) of a preceding module (10). The cap (24) seals and protects the exposed, unmated expansion interface (120,122) of the last or end module (110) of the enclosure (8).

Abstract: An expandable, modular electronic equipment enclosure (8) for telecommunications, signaling, or other electronic equipment, wherein the enclosure (8) includes male and female expansion interfaces (20,22) that allow for expanding the enclosure (8) by adding substantially similar modules (110,210) whenever increased capacity is needed. Broadly, each module (10) includes a housing body (12); a lid (14); a base (16); the male and female expansion interfaces (20,22); and a cap (24). A single cable interface and pressurization control componentry (18) serves all of the modules (10,110,210) of the enclosure (8). To expand the enclosure (8), the male or female expansion interface (120,122) of a subsequent module (110) is interfaced or mated with the corresponding exposed, unmated female or male expansion interface (20,22) of a preceding module (10). The cap (24) seals and protects the exposed, unmated expansion interface (120,122) of the last or end module (110) of the enclosure (8).

Abstract: A telecommunications cable section (12) for connection with telecommunications or signaling equipment or other outside plant equipment, wherein the cable section (12) comprises a plurality of conductors (30) surrounded by an intermediate layer of corrugated material (32). A flexible braided or mesh protective sheathing (34) substantially surrounds the intermediate layer (32). The braided sheathing (34) is preferably a braided or mesh sock or tubular sleeve or sleeve of copper or other metal or material. An exterior layer of substantially moisture-proof shrinkable tubing (36) substantially surrounds the braided sheathing (34).

Abstract: A pressurization control device (10) for controlling positive pressurization of an electronic equipment enclosure, such as, for example, a telecommunications equipment enclosure (12 or 14), wherein the device (10) combines and integrates a number of valves or other control components and functions into a single, common valve body (28) or manifold providing a single, shared penetration point (54) into the enclosure (12 or 14), thereby advantageously minimizing the number of penetrations into and potential leakage points from the enclosure (12 or 14). The valves or other control components may be substantially conventional and may include, for example, a cable air tube connection fitting (30); a pressure cutoff valve (32); a pressure relief valve (34); and a static pressure valve or air stem (36); an express fitting (38); and an on/off valve (40).

Abstract: A telecommunications equipment enclosure (10) that more effectively dissipates heat from electronic cards without transferring the heat to adjacent cards and without transferring the heat to air within an enclosed chamber surrounding the cards. The enclosure (10) includes a floor (12) and a plurality of card-receiving sleeves (14) attached to the floor (12). Each of the sleeves (14) defines a separate enclosed cell or holder that is configured for receiving and enclosing a single electronic card. The sleeves (14) are spaced apart to define a plurality of open air channels therebetween for convecting heat away from the sleeves (14) and the cards received therein while preventing heat from transferring from sleeve to sleeve.

Abstract: A telecommunications equipment enclosure (10) that more effectively dissipates heat from electronic cards without transferring the heat to adjacent cards and without transferring the heat to air within an enclosed chamber surrounding the cards. The enclosure (10) includes a floor (12) and a plurality of card-receiving sleeves (14) attached to the floor (12). Each of the sleeves (14) defines a separate enclosed cell or holder that is configured for receiving and enclosing a single electronic card. The sleeves (14) are spaced apart to define a plurality of open air channels therebetween for convecting heat away from the sleeves (14) and the cards received therein while preventing heat from transferring from sleeve to sleeve.

Abstract: A cable interface (10) operable to interface a cable trunk line with an electronic equipment enclosure (12) via a pendant cable (14), thereby providing for quick and convenient connection and disconnection, when desired, of the equipment enclosure (12) from the pendant cable (14). The equipment enclosure (12) may house a variety of electronic equipment, such as, for example, telecommunications, signaling, and similar electronic equipment, including, for example, repeater and doubler cards. The preferred cable interface (10) broadly comprises a first connector half (16); a mounting plate (18); a second connector half (20); a free-spinning nut (22); a security cover (24); and a flexible cable extension (26). The security cover (24) cooperates with the second connector half (20) to restrict unauthorized access to the connection.

Abstract: A telecommunications equipment enclosure (10) that more effectively dissipates heat from electronic cards without transferring the heat to adjacent cards and without transferring the heat to air within an enclosed chamber surrounding the cards. The enclosure (10) includes a floor (12) and a plurality of card-receiving sleeves (14) attached to the floor (12). Each of the sleeves (14) defines a separate enclosed cell or holder that is configured for receiving and enclosing a single electronic card. The sleeves (14) are spaced apart to define a plurality of open air channels therebetween for convecting heat away from the sleeves (14) and the cards received therein while preventing heat from transferring from sleeve to sleeve.

Abstract: A telecommunications equipment enclosure (10) that more effectively dissipates heat from electronic cards without transferring the heat to adjacent cards and without transferring the heat to air within an enclosed chamber surrounding the cards. The enclosure (10) includes a floor (12) and a plurality of card-receiving sleeves (14) attached to the floor (12). Each of the sleeves (14) defines a separate enclosed cell or holder that is configured for receiving and enclosing a single electronic card. The sleeves (14) are spaced apart to define a plurality of open air channels therebetween for convecting heat away from the sleeves (14) and the cards received therein while preventing heat from transferring from sleeve to sleeve.

Abstract: A telecommunications equipment enclosure (10) that more effectively dissipates heat from electronic cards without transferring the heat to adjacent cards and without transferring the heat to air within an enclosed chamber surrounding the cards. The enclosure (10) includes a floor (12) and a plurality of card-receiving sleeves (14) attached to the floor (12). Each of the sleeves (14) defines a separate enclosed cell or holder that is configured for receiving and enclosing a single electronic card. The sleeves (14) are spaced apart to define a plurality of open air channels therebetween for convecting heat away from the sleeves (14) and the cards received therein while preventing heat from transferring from sleeve to sleeve.