Abstract: A method and apparatus (“utility”) for facilitating connection of rack-mounted data devices (50) to a data network is provided. The utility includes a distribution strip (42) and a number of network ports (44), disposed on the distribution strip (42), for use in connecting the rack-mounted data devices (50) to the network. The distribution strip (42) has a longitudinal axis, and is disposed on a rack (40) such that a length of the distribution strip (42), defined relative to the longitudinal axis, extends primarily or exclusively along a vertical axis of the rack (40). The distribution strip may further include a data network switch device. A utility is also provided that provides improved redundancy with regard to connections of rack-mounted data devices by including a distribution strip (42) that includes first and second ports (46) for connecting the distribution strip (42) to a network device (56).

Abstract: An advanced modular plug connector assembly incorporating an insert assembly disposed in the rear portion of the connector housing. In one embodiment, the connector has a plurality of ports in multi-row configuration, and the insert assembly includes a substrate adapted to receive one or more electronic components such as choke coils, transformers, or other signal conditioning elements or magnetics. The substrate also interfaces with the conductors of two modular ports of the connector, and is removable from the housing such that an insert assembly of a different electronics or terminal configuration can be substituted therefor. In this fashion, the connector can be configured to a plurality of different standards (e.g., Gigabit Ethernet and 10/100). In yet another embodiment, the connector assembly comprises a plurality of light sources (e.g., LEDs) received within the housing. Methods for manufacturing the aforementioned embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A key coded power connector and a system and method for making key coded power connections are disclosed. A power connector such as a power adapter connector is configured with either a visual keying system, a physical keying system, or both. The physical keying system prevents a user from connecting a host device to a connector of the power source which does not support that host device. The visual keying system provides the user with an early indication that the particular device is not supported by a power source. The user can visually compare a marking key on the host device with the making key on the power connector and determine whether or not the power source is capable of outputting sufficient power to operate the device. The visual and physical keying systems prevents a user from improperly connecting a host device to a power source which does not support that device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of enhanced electrical power receptacles and associated plugs. Specifically it relates to power receptacles that are easy to identify and use. It achieves these features with a receptacle that has the individual prong-holes identified and differentiated with light source or markings in a scheme that allows the user to quickly locate and identify the proper prong-holes. The associated plug can be labeled with markings for orientation. The receptacle lighting or pattern scheme will help the user easily locate the receptacle and orient the associated plug for accurate and rapid insertion.

Abstract: A conductive composition having a transparent and colorless appearance under normal or ambient lighting and at least a dyed, translucent or fluorescent appearance under artificial lighting is provided. The composition includes a photo-reactive quantity of a dye-marker.

Abstract: The invention is a terminal assembly having a casing with at least one delivery tapered-cone conductor and at least one return tapered-cone conductor routed there-through. The delivery and return tapered-cone conductors are electrically isolated from each other and positioned in the annuluses of ordered concentric cones at an off-normal angle. The tapered cone conductor service can be AC phase conductors and DC link conductors. The center core has at least one service conduit of gate signal leads, diagnostic signal wires, and refrigerant tubing routed there-through. A seal material is in direct contact with the casing inner surface, the tapered-cone conductors, and the service conduits thereby hermetically filling the interstitial space in the casing interior core and center core. The assembly provides simultaneous high-current, high-pressure, low-inductance, and high-reliability service.

Abstract: A network panel includes a panel having a plurality of openings and interconnect modules received in the openings. Each interconnect module has a mating face and a plurality of receptacle jacks. Each receptacle jack has an opening at the mating face defining a port configured to receive a plug of a patch cord having the sensing probes. The network panel also includes a sensor strip having one or more headers and one or more flexible circuits interconnecting a plurality of rigid circuit boards with the header. Each of the circuit boards have contact pads and the sensor strip is mounted to at least one of the panel and the interconnect modules such that the contact pads are aligned with respective receptacle jacks. The contact pads are configured to interface with sensing probes when the plug is mated with the receptacle jacks.

Abstract: A multifunctional wall socket related to electrical conduction connecting device, comprising socket cover (1) with a conventional power connector (2) and a USB port (3) arranged on the socket cover. The USB port (3) is connected to the output terminals of an AC-DC conversion module (4) arranged on the socket cover (1). The AC-DC conversion module (4) comprises a rectifier filter module (41), modulation step-down module (42), current sampling and protection module (43), voltage reference module (44) and feedback control module (45). A first safety shutter (6) which can be opened or closed in arranged at the USB port (3) on the socket cover (1), or a second safety shutter (7) which can be opened or closed is arranged at the conventional power connector (2).

Abstract: A card connector includes an insulating housing defining a receiving room for receiving a card, a plurality of electrical terminals disposed in the insulating housing and each having a contact portion stretching into the receiving room for electrically contacting a corresponding contact trace of the card, and a monitoring member having a base plate disposed in the insulating housing, a monitoring arm extending along the insertion direction of the card, and a connecting arm connecting the monitoring arm to the base plate. The connecting arm is inclined upward to make the monitoring arm stretched into the receiving room. Both the monitoring arm and the contact portion of one corresponding electrical terminal are aligned with each other along the insertion direction of the card for electrically contacting one same contact trace of the card so as to monitor whether the card is fully inserted in the card connector or not.

Abstract: A cable connector is to be fitted to a mating connector attached to a circuit board. The cable connector includes a housing including a terminal hole for inserting a cable with a terminal; and a movable member attached to the housing for positioning the terminal at a regular position. The movable member includes an attached portion attached to the housing and a pressing portion retained in the terminal hole to be movable to an advance position for positioning the terminal at the regular position. The attached portion includes an upper plate portion and a lower plate portion both extending forward from a rear wall portion of the movable member to be guided along a top wall of the housing. The pressing portion includes a thrust arm portion extending forward from the rear wall portion and having a pressing surface on a front edge surface thereof.

Abstract: A media component is provided for controlling home automation signals. The media component can include a housing containing management circuitry. A plurality of communication ports can also be included for the media component. The communication ports may be coupled to the housing. In addition, a plurality of light units is provided. The light units are lit in order to guide a user to take a pre-determined action with respect to the communication ports.

Abstract: An illuminated circular plastic connector is disclosed that includes a connector socket and a connector plug. The connector socket is configured to receive light from a light source and illuminate the connector socket and/or the connector plug when the connector socket and connector plug are mated. The connector socket may include a dust cover having a light pipe attachment feature that receives light from the light source.

Abstract: The invention provides a conducting device having identification function, which includes a device body, a socket part disposed on the device body, a first identification unit and a second identification unit disposed on the device body. Compared with the prior art, the conducting device having identification function of the invention has the first identification unit and the second identification unit. Therefore, it could notice a user that the connecting part provides at least two connecting components having different functions for being identified to be selectively engaged so that the engagement could be more convenient and exacter.

Abstract: A plug connector for use with a receptacle. The plug connector and receptacle combination may prevent more than one use of the single use plug connector, thereby necessitating disposal of the plug connector and associated, disposable, specialized instrumentation to which the plug connector is connected. The plug connector may be keyed and otherwise identified to the receptacle by shape, tactile indicia and visual indicia so that it cannot be mistakenly used with a different receptacle, while providing proper orientation for rapid assembly. When designed for single use or limited multiple use, the insertion of the plug connector into the receptacle moves a jumper contact in the plug connector from a first position to a second position where it is captured.

Abstract: A cable connection guiding method includes the steps of extracting conductor identification information being used to identify a conductor from a RFID tag connected to the conductor of a cable, and indicating a terminal indicating device associated with an obtained terminal, according to terminal identification information.

Abstract: An interconnect for connecting a needle electrode to a neurological testing device, the interconnect comprising: a needle-side connector and a device-side connector, wherein the needle-side connector and the device-side connector have complementary aspects so as to ensure that the correct needle electrode is used with a given neurological testing device. A method for connecting a needle electrode to a neurological testing device, the method comprising: providing an interconnect comprising a needle-side connector and a device-side connector, wherein the needle-side connector and the device-side connector have complementary aspects so as to ensure that the correct needle electrode is used with a given neurological testing device; and connecting the needle-side connector to the device-side connector.

Abstract: A connector assembly or interface cassette (300), comprising a housing (304) comprising a jack interface (314), said jack interface having a receptacle jack (370) therein, said receptacle jack being configured to receive a plug; and a sensor bezel (20) removably attachable to said jack interface, said sensor bezel comprising a cavity extending therethrough to allow passage of a plug when inserted into said receptacle jack, said sensor bezel including a circuit board proximate said jack cavity, and at least one sensor contact (340) aligned with, and configured to engage, a sensor probe associated with a plug insertable into said receptacle jack, characterised in that the bezel includes connection means (22) accessible from the front of the bezel whereby the bezel can be electrically connected to a sensing component independently of any components inside the said housing.

Abstract: An electrical assembly is disclosed that provides evidence of tampering. The assembly includes a plug housing with a seal cover attached thereto, the seal cover including latching arms. A wire dress cover is attached over the seal cover, and a locking element is placed through the wire dress cover and is rotatably latched in place to the latching arms. The locking element overlies a jack screw, which prevents the disconnection of the plug housing or removal of a wire cover without first removing the locking element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a disposable surgical connector. The surgical connector includes a first and a second member. Each of the members have compatible guide structure to cause a force fit between the members when the members are slid into place. The first member also includes compatible guide structure for slideably connecting the surgical connector with an electronic or other device. The second member includes a cable connection member which connects the electrical or similar cable to the surgical connector and which secures the cable and its contacts within the surgical connector. The first member includes a cable connection indicator, which upon complete connection of the surgical connector with the device makes both an audible sound and a distinct tactile feel to give assurance as to the proper fit between both the connector and the device.

Abstract: Insulated conductors, of either the wire or multistranded cable variety, are provided with a series of markings or visual indicators along their length on their insulation jackets. The markings include cut markings to show where the conductor is to be cut and, spaced from respective ones of the cut markings by a predetermined insertion depth, insertion markings to show a correct depth of insertion into an associated electrical connector receptacle. Depending on the type of connector for which the conductor is being furnished, the markings may further include a plurality of strip markings, spaced from respective ones of the cut markings by a predetermined strip length, and/or a plurality of final insertion markings, which are spaced from respective ones of the initial insertion markings by a predetermined connector cap compression stroke.

Abstract: A key coded power connector and a system and method for making key coded power connections are disclosed. A power connector such as a power adapter connector is configured with either a visual keying system, a physical keying system, or both. The physical keying system prevents a user from connecting a host device to a connector of the power source which does not support that host device. The visual keying system provides the user with an early indication that the particular device is not supported by a power source. The user can visually compare a marking key on the host device with the making key on the power connector and determine whether or not the power source is capable of outputting sufficient power to operate the device. The visual and physical keying systems prevents a user from improperly connecting a host device to a power source which does not support that device.

Abstract: A cable connection guiding method, comprising: extracting first conductor identification information being used to identify first conductor 5 from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 4 connected to the first conductor 5 of a cable 3; comparing the first conductor information with a conductor-terminal connection information database, which relates the first conductor identification information for identifying the first conductor 5 to a terminal identification information for identifying a terminal to connect the first conductor 5 and obtaining first terminal identification information for identifying first terminal 2 to be connected to the first conductor 5; and indicating a terminal indicating device 25 associated with the first terminal, according to the first terminal identification information.

Abstract: A connector 1 includes a connector housing 2, and a retainer 3. The retainer 3 includes lances 6 which are inserted into respective terminal receiving spaces 21 through respective opening portions 28 to be retainingly engaged respectively with metal terminals 4, and a lance abutment portion 8 which abuts against the lances 6 to hold the lances 6 in retainingly-engaged relation to the respective metal terminals 4. The amount of insertion of the lance 6 in the terminal receiving space 21 before the lance is retainingly engaged with the metal terminal 4 is equal to the amount of insertion of the lance 6 in the terminal receiving space 21 when the lance is retainingly engaged with the metal terminal 4. When the metal terminal 4 is kept half inserted, the lance 6 is located outwardly of the terminal receiving space 21, so that the lance abutment portion 8 is held in a lifted condition, from which it is detected that and the metal terminal 4 is half inserted in the terminal receiving space 21.

Abstract: A power detection jack can be connected with a plurality of power output jacks respectively to receive different power levels. Each of the power output jacks has a first insulation element, and the lengths of the first insulation elements are different from each other. The power detection jack includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a power detection element. The first electrode is disposed inside the power detection jack. The second electrode is disposed outside the power detection jack. The power detection element is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. When the power detection jack is connected with one of the power output jacks, the power level provided by the power output jack is determined according to a connection state of the power detection element and the first insulation element.

Abstract: A power meter has a measuring circuit composed entirely of analog components that measures the instantaneous current draw of one or more electrical devices, such as home appliances. The power meter may be in the form of a hand-held device that includes elongated connections that allow a homeowner to measure the current draw of an electrical device without significant displacement of the electrical device. In addition to measuring current draw, the power meter may provide an estimated wattage consumed by the measured electrical devices.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a cable management system, a computer program product, a cable, a method for manufacturing a cable, and a method for guiding a user in identifying a connection location for a cable of interest. A processor, in a data processing system, receives a cable identification from the cable of interest. The processor then matches at least one connection location with the cable of interest based on the cable identification. Responsive to matching the at least one connection location with the cable of interest, the processor activates an indicator that identifies the at least one connection location for connecting the cable of interest.

Abstract: A flap seating indicator for loadbreak and deadbreak connectors that include a substantially round ring-shaped body and a plurality of flaps located around the circumference of the body and extending from one of the side edges. Each of the plurality of flaps has a first section that attaches to the body and is pivotably connected to a second section that has an indicating surface. The seating indicator is attached to an inner surface of an elbow cuff lip on an elbow connector. When a bushing insert is properly inserted into the elbow connector, the second section of each of the plurality of flaps pivots so that the indicating surfaces of the flaps face the elbow connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device for power cables with an essentially tubular bell housing in which a tubular holding element for a power cable is arranged mobile along the central longitudinal axis of the bell housing, and with a spring which is arranged between a stop in the bell housing and the holding element and pushes the holding element away from the stop along the central longitudinal axis, a display element being arranged at the holding element, so that the tension of the spring can be learned from outside, and the spring surrounds the power cable.

Abstract: A coaxial cable connector includes an outer body, an inner body, a post interconnected with the inner body, a plurality of threads inside a first end of the outer body, and a compression sleeve disposed to fit between a second end of the outer body and an end of the inner body. The connector further includes a shoulder on an end of the post, a shoulder on an inside of the outer body, and a spring disposed between the shoulder of the post and the shoulder of the outer body. When the connector is not is not screwed completely onto an equipment port, a visible indicator on the compression sleeve is not visible to a user, but when the connector is screwed completely onto the equipment port, the connector becomes visible to the user.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor element and a body. A number of electrical contact points with which contact may be created via electrical contact elements are provided on one side of the sensor element. Electrically conductive insertion parts are introduced into the body made of a non-conductive material and create a contact with the electrical contact points of the sensor element when the sensor element and the body are mechanically joined together.

Abstract: In order to monitor connectivity status associated with an interconnect cable from the end-points to which either end of the cable is attached, a storage device storing a field replaceable unit identifier is provided to uniquely identify a cable end-point, which identifier can then be accessed to determine the connectivity status.

Abstract: An RF antenna grid design in which the antenna array is installed on a patch panel cover allows for the retrofitting of an RF antenna grid on existing patch panel based systems without disrupting network operation. An apparatus for determining connectivity between device ports on a patch panel and cable ends having corresponding RFID tags attached thereto comprises a patch panel having a plurality of device ports and a patch panel cover comprising a plurality of RFID antennas, where each of the RFID antennas comprises one or more protruding portions thereof, each of the protruding portions of the RFID antennas being in close physical proximity to one or more of the plurality of device ports when the patch panel cover is positioned in a fixed positional relationship to the patch panel (e.g., when the patch panel cover is “attached” to the patch panel).

Abstract: A plug and a communication module communicate wirelessly. The plug includes prongs that couple to sockets of a power outlet to receive power for a device associated with the plug. The plug carries circuitry that communicates wirelessly with circuitry of the communication module. The communication module is located near the power outlet in some embodiments.

Abstract: An adaptor has a body, two plug identifying members respectively inserted into the body and each having a sliding bar and multiple blocking members. When an incorrect plug with a smaller size is inserted into the body, the blocking members prevent the incorrect plug from being inserted further. When the correct plug is inserted into the body, the plug moves along the sliding bars and pushes the plug identifying members to the top of the body. Therefore, the plug can smoothly insert into the body. When the plug is pulled out of the body, the resilient plug identifying members can return to an original status and thereby exerting the function to the following plug.

Abstract: A flap seating indicator for loadbreak and deadbreak connectors that include a substantially round ring-shaped body and a plurality of flaps located around the circumference of the body and extending from one of the side edges. Each of the plurality of flaps has a first section that attaches to the body and is pivotably connected to a second section that has an indicating surface. The seating indicator is attached to an inner surface of an elbow cuff lip on an elbow connector. When a bushing insert is properly inserted into the elbow connector, the second section of each of the plurality of flaps pivots so that the indicating surfaces of the flaps face the elbow connector.

Abstract: A seating indicator for loadbreak connectors and deadbreak connectors that includes a substantially round, elastic O-ring having a body and an opening, wherein the O-ring is installed on the transition shoulder portion of a loadbreak bushing insert, and wherein the O-ring extends radially and outwardly from the bushing insert when an elbow connector is properly installed thereon. The O-ring can be hollow so that it will more easily deform and can be made from an elastomeric material in easily viewable colors.

Abstract: A contact insertion device comprises an arrangement of elements the like of independent linear multi axis actuator providing positioning and fixation for electrical connection element and cylindrical elongated electrical conductor article having a wire electrically attached to one end with opposite end being positioned in collinear fashion adjacent to an insulator cavity preselected by computer controlled enunciation and installed manually into pre selected cavity of electrical connection element. An independent linear actuator provides a test element connected to an enunciation element for verification of error free installation of conductor article into electrical connection element. Aforesaid independent actuators are being initiated by a controller having a computer assigned that is driven by an algorithm and feed back system capable of programmed selection for positioning and verification of non error completion for installation of electrical conductor article.

Abstract: A display device includes a panel comprising at least one group of electrode terminals; at least one signal transfer unit having first signal transfer unit terminals that connect with electrode terminals of the at least one group of electrodes; and alignment mark units formed on the electrode terminals and the terminals of the signal transfer units respectively in order to align positions of the terminals of the signal transfer units with respect to the electrode terminals, wherein the alignment mark units overlap each other in a region in which the electrode terminals and the terminals of the signal transfer units are arranged. The signal transfer units can be electrically connected to electrode terminals at desired positions by forming alignment mark units, which allows the desired position to be found when the electrode terminals overlap the signal transfer units, in a region in which the grouped electrode terminals and the signal transfer units are arranged.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a disposable surgical connector. The surgical connector includes a first and a second member. Each of the members have compatible guide structure to cause a force fit between the members when the members are slid into place. The first member also includes compatible guide structure for slideably connecting the surgical connector with an electronic or other device. The second member includes a cable connection member which connects the electrical or similar cable to the surgical connector and which secures the cable and its contacts within the surgical connector. The first member includes a cable connection indicator, which upon complete connection of the surgical connector with the device makes both an audible sound and a distinct tactile feel to give assurance as to the proper fit between both the connector and the device.

Abstract: An electrical cable is disclosed, for example, a flat electrical cable in which a marker on one side of the cable or in which a marker of a subsequent orientation of the cable may be formed without additional costs. The electrical cable has an orientation marker which has at least one recess in the electrical cable and which is provided in the electrical cable so as to facilitate correct alignment of the electrical cable during installation and/or manufacture of the electrical cable.

Abstract: An electrical connector according to the present teachings can be coupled together with a low insertion force. The electrical connector can utilize levers to create a mechanical advantage and reduce the input force required to couple the mating members together and interconnect the electrical terminals. When utilized as a blind mating electrical connector, the connector can include visual indicators indicative of the proper and complete coupling of the mating members and interconnection of the terminals.

Abstract: A plug which is attached to a power cord of an appliance, such as a clock or an appliance having an internal clock, includes a battery that will supply power to the appliance during a failure of utility power whereby the clock associated with the plug need not be reset after restoration of power. The plug is interposed between the plug of the appliance associated therewith and the source of utility power.

Abstract: A visual check connector comprising a body having a top surface, and a bottom surface and at least one terminal disposed within the body. The connector has at least one chamber configured to accept a wire adjacent at least one terminal, wherein the chamber can be viewed through the bottom surface of the connector that is transparent and a non-transparent feature positioned proximate the top surface, wherein the feature prevents viewing of the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring and reporting cable connectivity such as patch panel port-level connectivity on a real-time basis. For patch panel systems, the approach is based upon a distributed architecture that may be modularly scalable and may reduce, if not eliminate, the need for a centralized signal processor and complex cabling between patch panels and the centralized signal processor. Each patch panel may determine port level connectivity independently. Polling delays and polling-related overhead processing may be reduced or eliminated by supporting real-time monitoring of port connectivity at the port level. The approach provides improved real-time reporting of patch panel connectivity with reduced cabling complexity, increased reliability, and decreased maintenance costs. In addition, the approach is compatible with (i.e., may communicate with and be controlled by) a multipurpose network management system (NMS). In addition, a compatible revision system is provided.

Abstract: Terminal fittings (21A, 21B) are inserted into cavities (45) of a housing (40) from behind and are partly locked by metal locks (28). A cover (70) is mounted on the rear surface of the housing (40), and a detector (100) is insertable through the rear surface of the mounted cover (70) for detecting whether the housing (40) and a mating housing (11) are connected properly. The cover (70) has an opening (87) for exposing the terminal fittings (21A, 21B), and the detector (100) has a pushing portion (110) insertable through the opening (87). The pushing portion (110) pushes any insufficiently inserted terminal fittings (21A, 21B) to proper insertion positions as the detector (100) is inserted to a full locking position.

Abstract: A rack has a plurality of LEDs arranged on the front surface thereof correspondingly to respective units. The rack is provided with an LED lighting circuit which lights these LEDs, on the back of a display section and an input section. The LED lighting circuit has an LED lighting control section and a memory. The LED lighting control section acquires correspondence relation information indicating correspondence between servers and apparatuses from the input section, and stores the information in the memory. When a server is selected, the LED lighting circuit lights some of the plurality of LEDs based on the correspondence relation information stored in the memory.

Abstract: A modular jack (100) includes an insulative housing (1) defining a receiving cavity (151) for receiving a complementary connector, a contact module (2), a detective switch (3) and an outer metal shield (4) enclosing the housing. The detective switch includes an immovable switch (31) and a movable switch (32) abutting against the immovable switch. The immovable and movable switches respectively include an engaging portion (311, 3212) and a soldering portion (313, 323) for electrically connecting with a printed circuit board. The movable switch further includes a projecting portion (3211) for engaging with the complementary connector.

Abstract: A vehicular ground terminal, according to one embodiment of the present invention, provides a location to which an electrical connection may be made to a body of a vehicle that is easy to identify and use. The ground terminal includes a first ground block component connected to the body of the vehicle and a second ground block component detachably coupled to the first ground component. The second ground block component includes a base portion having a first width and a passageway therethrough, the first ground block component extending into the passageway and a connection portion attached to the base portion having a second width that is less than the first width and a polygonal shape.

Abstract: A termination assembly for a mini-coaxial cable wherein the connector body is conformable for use with different sized cables, the connector body can be assembled in the field with selected crimping members and centering guides of matching colors to signify the cable size to be inserted into the connector body, and each different sized cable may include a portion which is color-coded to correspond to the colors of the crimping member and guide assembled into the connector body for that size of cable.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing, a lever, and a TPA member. The housing includes a front portion to receive terminals of a mating connector and a rear portion to receive a plurality of wiring harnesses. The housing also includes a TPA slot into which the TPA member is inserted. The lever include an interference portion and is disposed on the housing body so as to rotated within a range between a predetermined position and a final position, thereby functioning as an insertion-assist mechanism. The TPA member is to assure a proper position of the terminals of the wiring harnesses inserted, engaging with the terminals. When the TPA member is improperly inserted into the housing, the interference portion comes into interference with, in accordance with rotational movement of the lever, a portion of the TPA member that protrudes from the surface of the housing.