Abstract: A reel frame stand for supporting a reel thereon comprises a first pair of hingedly connected legs oppositely disposed from a second pair of hingedly connected legs; a first axle bearing on the first pair of legs and a second axle bearing on the second pair of legs, and each of the first and second axle bearings comprising a base and a bushing having a cylindrical inner surface surrounding an open channel; an axle having opposing cylindrical portions being rotatably secured within the open channels of the opposing first and second axle bearings to permit selective rotation of the reel supported thereon; a first brace having one end being rotatably secured to one of the legs of the first pair of legs and a second end being selectively securable at one of a plurality of ports on the first pair of legs by a fastener that is sized and configured for engaged receipt within each of the plurality of ports; a second brace having one end being rotatably secured to one of the legs of the second pair of legs and a secon

Abstract: A back shell apparatus receives a cable having conductors extending through the apparatus for attaching to a connector. The back shell includes at least two clam shell halves that mate to surround the conductors. The back shell allows for angular configurations of the cable and connector by including flexible bellows through which the conductors extend. The bellows are respectively expandable and retractable about the conductors. The back shell apparatus further includes a modular cable adapter that receives a respectively sized cable terminus from which the conductors extend into the bellows toward a connector. The back shell apparatus further includes a coupling nut adapter holding a respectively sized coupling nut that mates with the connector.

Abstract: A system for providing a configurable hybrid electrical/optical connector assembly is disclosed. The system provides a connector housing, having a channel through which some connection between transmission elements is made. An insert cap is produced, securable to the housing within the channel. The insert cap has a plurality of universal channel apertures formed through it. An electrical channel insert is provided, and disposed within one of the plurality of channel apertures. The electrical channel insert is adapted to secure an electrical transmission element. An optical channel insert is also provided, and disposed within another of the plurality of channel apertures. The optical channel insert is adapted to secure an optical transmission element.

Abstract: A reel frame stand for supporting a reel thereon comprises a first pair of hingedly connected legs oppositely disposed from a second pair of hingedly connected legs; a first axle bearing on the first pair of legs and a second axle bearing on the second pair of legs, and each of the first and second axle bearings comprising a base and a bushing having a cylindrical inner surface surrounding an open channel; an axle having opposing cylindrical portions being rotatably secured within the open channels of the opposing first and second axle bearings to permit selective rotation of the reel supported thereon; a first brace having one end being rotatably secured to one of the legs of the first pair of legs and a second end being selectively securable at one of a plurality of ports on the first pair of legs by a fastener that is sized and configured for engaged receipt within each of the plurality of ports; a second brace having one end being rotatably secured to one of the legs of the second pair of legs and a secon

Abstract: A cable reel/assembly is provided for storing, deploying, retrieving and transporting a cable assembly (having a cable and connectors). The cable reel includes a central hub and two side flanges constructed, in one embodiment, of composite plastic material having reinforcing material(s). An annular rim and spaced apart spoke sections in each side flange function to provide multiple carrying handles. A cable holding means is provided to restrain or hold portion(s) of a cable within an outer periphery of the cable reel. In one embodiment, a secondary hub (and third flange) adjacent the central hub is positioned and disposed within a side periphery defined by the annular rim of one of the side flanges enabling stacking together such that annular rims of respective cable reels may be in close or actual contact.

Abstract: Blank insert caps (pin/socket type) for use in a connector/assembly are partially manufactured or pre-formed to a generic or universal state having a plurality of prospective terminal/contacts. Minimal subsequent processing (performed when desired) configures the blank insert cap into a hybrid insert cap having a desired combination of electrical and fiber optic pin terminals (in the case of pin-style insert cap) or electrical and fiber optic socket terminals (in the case of socket-style insert caps). The blank insert caps include partially formed structures that, when further processed by removal of specific material, are configured into a receptacle for receiving the desired terminal.

Abstract: A back shell apparatus receives a cable having conductors extending through the apparatus for attaching to a connector. The back shell includes at least two clam shell halves that mate to surround the conductors. The back shell allows for angular configurations of the cable and connector by including flexible bellows through which the conductors extend. The bellows are respectively expandable and retractable about the conductors. The back shell apparatus further includes a modular cable adapter that receives a respectively sized cable terminus from which the conductors extend into the bellows toward a connector. The back shell apparatus further includes a coupling nut adapter holding a respectively sized coupling nut that mates with the connector.

Abstract: A cable reel or cable reel assembly is provided for storing, deploying, retrieving and transporting a cable assembly (having a cable and connectors). The cable reel includes a central hub and two side flanges constructed, in one embodiment, of composite plastic material having reinforcing material(s). An annular rim and spaced apart spoke sections in each side flange function to provide multiple carrying handles. In a specific embodiment, a secondary hub (and third flange) adjacent the central hub is positioned and disposed within a side periphery defined by the annular rim of one of the side flanges enabling two cable reels to be stacked together such that the annular rims of respective cable reels may be in close or actual contact. In another embodiment, a retractable handle is disposed within the side periphery when in the retracted position.

Abstract: A cable reel or cable reel assembly is provided for storing, deploying, retrieving and transporting a cable assembly (having a cable and connectors). The cable reel includes a central hub and two side flanges constructed, in one embodiment, of composite plastic material having reinforcing material(s). An annular rim and spaced apart spoke sections in each side flange function to provide multiple carrying handles. In a specific embodiment, a secondary hub (and third flange) adjacent the central hub is positioned and disposed within a side periphery defined by the annular rim of one of the side flanges enabling two cable reels to be stacked together such that the annular rims of respective cable reels may be in close or actual contact. In another embodiment, a retractable handle is disposed within the side periphery when in the retracted position.

Abstract: A cable reel/assembly is provided for storing, deploying, retrieving and transporting a cable assembly (having a cable and connectors). The cable reel includes a central hub and two side flanges constructed, in one embodiment, of composite plastic material having reinforcing material(s). An annular rim and spaced apart spoke sections in each side flange function to provide multiple carrying handles. A cable holding means is provided to restrain or hold portion(s) of a cable within an outer periphery of the cable reel. In one embodiment, a secondary hub (and third flange) adjacent the central hub is positioned and disposed within a side periphery defined by the annular rim of one of the side flanges enabling stacking together such that annular rims of respective cable reels may be in close or actual contact.

Abstract: A cable reel or cable reel assembly is provided for storing, deploying, retrieving and transporting a cable assembly (having a cable and connectors). The cable reel includes a central hub and two side flanges constructed, in one embodiment, of composite plastic material having reinforcing material(s). An annular rim and spaced apart spoke sections in each side flange function to provide multiple carrying handles. In a specific embodiment, a secondary hub (and third flange) adjacent the central hub is positioned and disposed within a side periphery defined by the annular rim of one of the side flanges enabling two cable reels to be stacked together such that the annular rims of respective cable reels may be in close or actual contact. In another embodiment, a retractable handle is disposed within the side periphery when in the retracted position.

Abstract: A system for providing a configurable hybrid electrical/optical connector assembly is disclosed. The system provides a connector housing, having a channel through which some connection between transmission elements is made. An insert cap is produced, securable to the housing within the channel. The insert cap has a plurality of universal channel apertures formed through it. An electrical channel insert is provided, and disposed within one of the plurality of channel apertures. The electrical channel insert is adapted to secure an electrical transmission element. An optical channel insert is also provided, and disposed within another of the plurality of channel apertures. The optical channel insert is adapted to secure an optical transmission element.

Abstract: A cable reel or cable reel assembly is provided for storing, deploying, retrieving and transporting a cable assembly (having a cable and connectors). The cable reel includes a central hub and two side flanges constructed, in one embodiment, of composite plastic material having reinforcing material(s). An annular rim and spaced apart spoke sections in each side flange function to provide multiple carrying handles. In a specific embodiment, a secondary hub (and third flange) adjacent the central hub is positioned and disposed within a side periphery defined by the annular rim of one of the side flanges enabling two cable reels to be stacked together such that the annular rims of respective cable reels may be in close or actual contact. In another embodiment, a retractable handle is disposed within the side periphery when in the retracted position.

Abstract: A system for providing a configurable hybrid electrical/optical connector assembly is disclosed. The system provides a connector housing, having a channel through which some connection between transmission elements is made. An insert cap is produced, securable to the housing within the channel. The insert cap has a plurality of universal channel apertures formed through it. An electrical channel insert is provided, and disposed within one of the plurality of channel apertures. The electrical channel insert is adapted to secure an electrical transmission element. An optical channel insert is also provided, and disposed within another of the plurality of channel apertures. The optical channel insert is adapted to secure an optical transmission element.

Abstract: Blank insert caps (pin/socket type) for use in a connector/assembly are partially manufactured or pre-formed to a generic or universal state having a plurality of prospective terminal/contacts. Minimal subsequent processing (performed when desired) configures the blank insert cap into a hybrid insert cap having a desired combination of electrical and fiber optic pin terminals (in the case of pin-style insert cap) or electrical and fiber optic socket terminals (in the case of socket-style insert caps). The blank insert caps include partially formed structures that, when further processed by removal of specific material, are configured into a receptacle for receiving the desired terminal.

Abstract: A cable reel or cable reel assembly is provided for storing, deploying, retrieving and transporting a cable assembly (having a cable and connectors). The cable reel includes a central hub and two side flanges constructed, in one embodiment, of composite plastic material having reinforcing material(s). An annular rim and spaced apart spoke sections in each side flange function to provide multiple carrying handles. In a specific embodiment, a secondary hub (and third flange) adjacent the central hub is positioned and disposed within a side periphery defined by the annular rim of one of the side flanges enabling two cable reels to be stacked together such that the annular rims of respective cable reels may be in close or actual contact. In another embodiment, a retractable handle is disposed within the side periphery when in the retracted position.