Abstract: A network comprising: (a) a plurality of different receptacles for facilitating a connection to different information networks requiring different access authorization, each different receptacle optically or electrically coupled to one and only one different information network, each different receptacle having an inner surface with a unique first geometry; and (b) a plurality of different plugs for optically or electrically coupling with the different receptacles, each different plug having a unique second geometry, each unique first geometry corresponds to one, and only one, unique second geometry of a plug such that plugs and receptacles having corresponding unique first and second geometries are mating pairs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a removable cage for a computer chassis assembly. Such cage is comprised of a frame. The frame includes a top, a bottom and two sides. In an exemplary embodiment, a midplane is coupled to the frame for providing a place to mount at least one disk drive. The midplane may include a midplane cover plate. Such plate provides protection to the midplane upon removal and insertion of the midplane. In an exemplary embodiment, the midplane cover plate is operationally coupled to the midplane which is in turn coupled to the frame via tooling pins. Finally, a plurality of fasteners are coupled to the frame for attaching the frame to the midplane and computer chassis assembly. The fasteners align and mount the frame including the midplane to the computer chassis assembly allowing for removal of the midplane without affecting the computer chassis configuration.

Abstract: A device includes a first conductive member configured to be electrically coupled to a first component and a second conductive member configured to be electrically coupled to a second component. The second conductive member is separated from the first conductive member by a gap. A conductive connecting member is moveable to make an electrical connection between the first and second conductive members across the gap. A housing receives the first conductive member, the second conductive member, and the connecting member. The housing includes an insulating layer and a conductive layer. The movement of the connecting member to make the electrical connection is visible through at least a portion of the insulating layer and the conductive layer.

Abstract: A looping plug for use with coaxial telecommunications jacks to loop the signal between a pair of adjacently mounted jacks. The loop plug includes a molded non-conductive housing which fits about a pair of identical die cast, conductive, inner housing halves. A pair of outer conductive barrels are mounted to and extend from the inner housing. The barrels are spaced apart to accommodate the spacing of the jack pair to be engaged. A continuous center conductor extends between and within the two conductor barrels and is electrically isolated from the barrels. The barrels and the center conductor may be of either gender as required to engage the jack pair. The non-conductive housing defines a gripping portion at a distal end. In various embodiments, symmetrical and non-symmetrical gripping portions are provided.

Abstract: A looping plug for use with coaxial telecommunications jacks to loop the signal between a pair of adjacently mounted jacks. The loop plug includes a molded non-conductive housing which fits about a pair of identical die cast, conductive, inner housing halves. A pair of outer conductive barrels are mounted to and extend from the inner housing. The barrels are spaced apart to accommodate the spacing of the jack pair to be engaged. A continuous center conductor extends between and within the two conductor barrels and is electrically isolated from the barrels. The barrels and the center conductor may be of either gender as required to engage the jack pair.

Abstract: Indicator means located in a plug or connector indicates when at least one phase of an AC multi-phase voltage is absent. The indicator means can be any one of a variety of light sources and/or an audible generator. The light source can be, for example, an LED, an illuminating ring visible from any angle around the body of the plug or connector, etc. An opaque barrier can be used to totally or partially block the light from the light source when light from the light indicator may be objectionable such as during a stage lighting application. The indicator means for detecting the absence of at least one phase can be on a printed circuit board connected to receive power from the conductors in the plug or connector.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a housing and a pointing device. The housing has an outside wall that includes an outer surface exposed outward of said housing, and an operation area in the outer surface. The pointing device has a flat input surface laid on the inner surface of the operation area, and the flat input surface receives input operations through the operation area.

Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag is provided with a porous tube member, in which a portion opposing the ejecting direction of a flame and the like generated due to an activation of an ignition unit stored in an inner cylindrical member is formed as a flame-preventing annular portion having no opening, disposed in a gas generator housing. Further, a multistage gas generating apparatus prevents an erroneous connection between a plurality of igniters stored in a gas generator and outputting portions of an ignition signal outputting device. In the multistage air bag apparatus, the gas generator includes a plurality of igniters, and a defining unit for specifying the unique connection between the respective ignition signal outputting unit and the respective igniters is provided in a connector provided in a lead wire for sending an ignition signal to each of the igniters.

Abstract: A device and method for identification marking of cables, especially electric cables, that are continuously provided with unambiguous markings at least in their end sections. The cable is cut such that the marking of interest is visible directly behind the shell of a connector when mounting the connector to the cable at the end thereof, and wherein the connector is provided with a strain relief clamp. The strain relief clamp is provided with a transparent portion such as a window for making visible the marking of interest when the strain relief clamp has been arranged on the connector.

Abstract: A power plug with overloaded display providing users with a function of a warning display for protecting the power plug from over-heated melting and from shorting and catching on fire. The plug includes an embedded positioned block arranged on a periphery of electric metal-pins of the power plug, and a thermochromic film is coated on the surface of the embedded positioned block, and warning characters are printed on the embedded positioned block. The external body of the power plug is made by injection modeling with mixed transparent PVC and thermochromic materials, or the embedded positioned block may be directly injected with thermochromic materials, or connected with a detecting transistor linked by a light emitting diode (LED). When the power plug is over-heated and the temperature of the power plug generally increases, the thermochromic materials or the LED will display a warning message.

Abstract: A tool joint part has a PIC incorporated therein for storing data which can be used to identify the tool to which the joint part is interconnected. PICs are incorporated into tool conditioning circuits. An intermediate circuit operates to match the identity stored digitally in a first PIC with the identity stored digitally in another PIC and thereby connect the tool to the appropriate tool conditioning circuit.

Abstract: A shape memory actuator device, comprising of a shape memory cable assembled through a sheath and susceptible of being supplied with an electric current to cause it to heat up. The sheath is placed in such a way to allow a manual activation of the controlled mechanism, acting as a transmission element, alternatively to the electric activation through the shape memory cable. Means are foreseen to detect the stop end position of the shape memory cable following its heating up in order to disconnect the electricity supply to such cable and to protect it from the risk of overheating. It is possible to foresee more shape memory cables placed parallel between them.

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 a visual and physical keying system. 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 combination of 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: Interchangeable identification bands are manually stretchable over coaxial cable TV connectors to identify the intended application of the connector and can be used alone or in combination with other color designations, such as, color designations for different cable sizes. The connector body has an external groove sized to receive the band, and the outer surface of the band can be of different configurations or designs, such as, flat or ribbed.

Abstract: An electrical connector (100) is mounted on a printed circuit board (4) and is adapted for mating with a complementary connector. The printed circuit board has a detecting pad (41). The electrical connector includes an insulative housing (1), a conductive contact (3) retained in the housing and a metal shell (2) substantially covering the housing. The metal shell has a resilient detecting tab (22) to elastically abut against and electrically contact with the detecting pad during the electrical connector fully mating with the complementary connector.

Abstract: A color coding system is provided for multiple port fiberoptic illuminators and corresponding fiberoptic cables. A first color indicator is mounted to the illuminator proximate each illuminator port. Each first color indicator has a distinctive coloration. A like plurality of distinctly colored second color indicators are carried by the respective cables that correspond to the ports.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying electrodes attached to a defibrillator and adjusting patient therapy delivered by a defibrillator in response thereto.

Abstract: A device for providing electricity includes a frame, an outlet, a plug, and a cavity cover. The outlet is capable of providing electricity to devices plugged into the outlet. The plug is operable to provide electricity to the outlet from an external power source. The frame forms a cavity that is capable of storing a cord. Additionally, the cavity cover is capable of allowing access to the cavity through a cavity opening when a force is applied to the cavity cover and covering the cavity opening when the force is removed from the cavity cover.

Abstract: A kit for marking a predetermined position of at least one wire connected to an electronic device includes at least one male plug that has an elongated prong section integral with the body. The prong section includes an end portion spaced forwardly of the body and is removably positionable into an input jack of an electronic device. The rear end portion of the body has indicia thereon unique to a select input jack. The kit further includes at least one female plug that has a groove formed therein and extends along the longitudinal axis thereof for receiving a male end portion of a wire when removed from an input jack. The body further has a visible front end portion provided with indicia thereon wherein the front end portion indicia of the female plug corresponds to the rear end portion indicia of the male plug so that a user can identify a select input jack for receiving a corresponding wire.

Abstract: A connector for medical instruments has an elongated plate-like electrode provided in a socket connected to a plug of the medical instrument and extending in a moving operation direction in which the socket is connected to the medical instrument and an elongated plate-like electrode provided in the plug and extending in a moving operation direction in which the socket is connected. The connector further has an annular wall provided in the plug to surround the electrode of the plug.

Abstract: A power connector assembly includes a power cord having a connector end portion integral therewith. The connector end portion includes a plurality of spaced apart prongs extending outwardly therefrom. The connector end portion also has at least one illuminating portion. The assembly also includes a power outlet having a plurality of slots for receiving the plurality of prongs respectively. At least one of the plurality of slots has an illuminating portion for identifying the at least one slot. The power cord is insertable into the power outlet by guiding the at least one illuminating connector end portion toward the at least one illuminating slot portion. The at least one illuminating connector end portion may be disposed adjacent to the plurality of prongs. Alternately, the at least one illuminating connector end portion may be attached to at least one of the plurality of prongs.

Abstract: The present invention determines and monitors the connection pattern of data ports which are connected by multiconductor cables without requiring special patch cables or patch panels. An adapter jacket having an external contact is placed over a standardized cable such as an RJ45 cable which connects the data ports. An adapter board having a plurality of socket contacts is placed adjacent a plurality of data ports. An output and input module are coupled to the socket contacts. A micro-processor which is coupled to the output and input module scans the socket contacts to determine the connection pattern of the data ports.

Abstract: A monitoring module of a multi-card connector includes a electrically inslulative housing comprising a base; a monitoring module; two side arms respectively extending from the base at two sides in same direction; a receiving space defined between two side arms for receiving a memory card; a sliding member disposed in the receiving space and having at least one sliding surface; a common terminal and a contact terminal, being fixed respectively to the sliding member and the side arm nearby; and the common terminal includes at least one contact member, thereby after a memory card is inserted into the housing, the memory card moves the sliding member towards inward horizontally through the pushing surface, and the contact member of the common terminal is electrically connected with the corresponding contact terminals in sequence as to concurrently achieve the objectives of detecting a circuit connection, a memory card installation and a write protect function.

Abstract: An electronic control unit (ECU) is mounted to a non-conductive material housing for installation in a vehicle. In order to diagnose whether or not the ECU is properly installed within the vehicle, a conductive member is placed within the housing. The conductive member includes a pair of pins that are insert molded into the housing such that one end of each pin is electrically connected to the ECU and an opposite end of each pin is exposed at a mounting surface presented by the housing. A fastener is used to mount the housing to the vehicle and includes an enlarged head portion that contacts the exposed ends of the pins, forming an electrical circuit. The ECU monitors the resistance or voltage between the two pins to determine if the ECU is properly mounted. A closed circuit indicates proper mounting and an open circuit indicates improper mounting.

Abstract: A jumper assembly for a DSX system is disclosed herein. The jumper assembly includes a messenger wire for electrically connecting tracer lamp circuits corresponding to two cross-connected DSX modules. The jumper assembly also includes tracer lamp devices carried with the messenger wire.

Abstract: A system includes a first bus coupler element, a second bus coupler element, and a visual element associated with the second bus coupler element and including a transparent media enabling the second coupler element to be visually aligned with the first coupler element.

Abstract: An indicia-equipped actuator assembly for removably coupling a CPU with a socket assembly, the actuator assembly comprising an engaging assembly for use in placing a socket assembly in an open or close position to couple or uncouple the CPU from said socket assembly; and an indicia portion for indicating whether the socket assembly is in an opened or closed position.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system has a motor in a motor housing in a canister with a receptacle. In the motor housing is a motor control circuit with a printed circuit board. The motor control circuit is mounted to the motor housing using a mounting post having a light guide. The mounting post receives light from a light source on the printed circuit board and guides the light through the mounting post to outside the motor housing. The mounting post can guide the light through structural or non-structural elements. The light provides illuminated information messages to a user. The mounting post has a low voltage connection section for receiving low voltage conductors from outside the motor housing. As the motor control circuit is within the motor housing, the motor housing is a motor control housing. The motor control housing can be separate from the motor housing.

Abstract: An information apparatus includes a housing, a cover mounted to the housing in an openable and closable manner, a detection device that detects an open state and a closed state of the cover, a penetrating hole provided in one of the housing or the cover and a protruding portion provided in the housing or the cover where the penetrating hole is not provided.

Abstract: A transparent window for a multiple socket includes a housing and a transparent plate. Wherein, the socket is provided with receptacles and an embedding region. The embedding region is for forming a transparent window by covering the transparent plate thereon, and the transparent plate is further formed with indicative or decorative texts and symbols, thereby indicating uses of individual receptacles of the multiple socket and decorating the multiple socket.

Abstract: A plug includes a disabling mechanism that, upon activation, resists removal of the shaft when inserted into a socket. The plug can also include an indicator that provides an indication that the disabling mechanism has been activated. The plug, which once inserted, changes the state of an electronic device in a substantially permanent manner.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a receptacle having an indictor which identifies the receptacle as being a hospital grade receptacle. The indicator can be a green colored window in the face of the receptacle that is always visible. A light emitting means such as a light emitting diode located behind the window and coupled across the phase and neutral contacts of the receptacle provides a positive indication that the receptacle is connected to a live circuit.

Abstract: By incorporating visually distinctive and readily identifiable indicia on at least a portion of a cable and/or conduit connector and/or its associated locking member, a unique conduit and/or cable connecting member is achieved which immediately informs any user of the precise electrical wires and circuit connections associated with the cable and/or conduit affixed thereto. By incorporating the visually distinctive and readily identifiable indicia on the portion of the connector mounted in the junction box and/or cable box, any individual is able to immediately recognize and understand the precise electrical connections for the wires associated with the metal clad cables or electrical tubes or conduits affixed to the connector, since the portion of the connector displaying the indicia remains visible after final installation.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a receptacle having an indictor which identifies the receptacle as being a hospital grade receptacle. The indicator can be a green colored window in the face of the receptacle that is always visible. A light emitting means such as a light emitting diode located behind the window and coupled across the phase and neutral contacts of the receptacle provides a positive indication that the receptacle is connected to a live circuit.

Abstract: An indicia-equipped actuator assembly for removably coupling a CPU with a socket assembly, the actuator assembly comprising an engaging assembly for use in placing a socket assembly in an open or close position to couple or uncouple the CPU from said socket assembly; and an indicia portion for indicating whether the socket assembly is in an opened or closed position.

Abstract: A card connector system that detachably supports a PC card and electrically connects the PC card to an electrical device. The system includes a temperature sensor to monitor temperature of the PC card to prevent the deleterious effect of heat generated by the PC card on the PC card itself and the electrical device. The sensor detects the surface temperature of the supported PC card and transmits the obtained temperature information to the electrical device. In this case, it is preferable that a transition board 33, electrically connected between the PC card and the electrical device, is used to transmit the temperature information.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided having a plug with a sensor probe extending therefrom and a housing having a receptacle jack therein. The receptacle jack is configured to receive the plug, and the housing has a sensor channel associated with the receptacle jack. A sensor contact is retained in the sensor channel and located adjacent the receptacle jack. The sensor contact is aligned with, and engages, the sensor probe when the plug is inserted into the receptacle jack.

Abstract: A tool joint part 18 has a PIC 19 incorporated therein for storing data which can be used to identify the tool 12 to which the joint part is interconnected. Further PICs (32 FIG. 2) are incorporated into tool conditioning circuits 23A, B and C. An intermediate circuit 20 operates to match the identity stored digitally in the PIC 19 with the identity stored digitally in the PIC 32 and thereby connect the tool to the appropriate tool conditioning circuit 23A, B or C.

Abstract: A press contact terminal has a press contact blade portion pressed on an electric wire, a pair of tab portions arranged mutually in opposite directions with the press contact blade portion as a middle position, and a middle connection portion that connects the pair of tab portions to the press contact blade portion.

Abstract: A computer system includes a plurality of installation code elements (40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47). Each installation code element is associated with a particular system connector (11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 24, 25a, 25b) and the respective external connector (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36a, 36b, 37) which connects with the particular system connector. The installation code element marks both the respective system connector and associated external connector, and also marks the installation documentation (51) included with the system. This installation documentation contains a plurality of information sections (52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59), with each information section providing information relating to making the connection between a particular system connector and its corresponding external connector. Each information section is marked with the same installation code element which also marks the system connector and external connector to which the information section pertains.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring connectivity in a cable system includes radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders on cable ends and RFID sensors at connection points. The RFID sensors are connected to a central monitoring system. Presence of a particular cable end at a particular connection point is detected and recorded by the central monitoring system.

Abstract: A power distribution outlet having a connector body, a distributing block, an insulation plate, a fuse, and an insulation housing is disclosed. The connector body is connected to the electrode of the battery. The distributing block has a plurality of wire inlets for connecting a plurality of power cords. The connector body and the distributing block are fixed on an insulation plate and insulated to each other thereby. The fuse electrically connects the connecting block and the distributing block, which are enclosed in the insulation housing. The above structure allows multiple power cords to be conducted with the battery at the same time, while the fuse can be easily inspected and replaced to protect the electronic products connected to the power cords, and the structure is easily fabricated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting plug types capable of being inserted into a socket includes a processor, a housing having a plug receiving cavity for one or more plug types including a proper and improper plug type. Actuators are associated with the housing, and are coupled to switches electrically coupled to the processor. A first actuator is capable of contacting the proper and improper plug type and a second actuator is capable of contacting only the proper plug type. Switches may provide a signal to the processor when the improper and proper plug type has been plugged into the socket.

Abstract: A steering column switch is provided with an electrical connecting device mounted in a housing that is affixed to the steering column jacket between the steering wheel and the steering column, said connecting device comprising a flexible, electrical conductor wound in the form of a spiral, which is inserted in an upper part of the housing and covered by a lid affixed to the steering wheel, wherein the conductor is coupled to the side of the steering wheel by means of a connecting unit and to a central printed circuit board that is connected to the electric system of the vehicle. A rotor of a steering angle sensor is assigned to the connecting device inside the housing, the stator on the housing side of said sensor contacting the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a housing and a pointing device. The housing has an outside wall that includes an outer surface exposed outward of said housing, and an operation area in the outer surface. The pointing device has a flat input surface laid on the inner surface of the operation area, and the flat input surface receives input operations through the operation area.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an electrical cable assembly which is inexpensive and allows a user to make a proper connection between devices. Electrical connectors which are fixed on both ends of the cable are provided with a visual indicator which enables a user to make a proper connection with a tuner or PDP (Plasma Display Panel) even with the interchangeable mating surfaces of the electrical connectors.

Abstract: A system includes a first bus coupler element, a second bus coupler element, and a visual element associated with the second bus coupler element and including a transparent media enabling the second coupler element to be visually aligned with the first coupler element.

Abstract: A telephone plug receptacle assembly 8 includes conductors 35-38 bearing the colors that match the colors of the color code of the wires 25-28 of a cable, such as category 3 or category 5 telephone cable. The junctions 31-34 that connect the cable wires to the assembly are color coded to match the colors of a second type of cable, such as station wire. The junctions can be screws of different colors or the color identifications can be directly applied to the mounting block 13 adjacent each junction. The color identifications on the mounting block can be the colors themselves or indicia such as initials of the colors: “B” for black, “R” for red, etc. This permits rapid and accurate connection of either type cable to the assembly.

Abstract: An elongate, columnar micro-mechanical structure disposed along a central longitudinal axis; the structure is made up of laminated structural layers, each comprised of a structural material. The layers define a substantially rigid base portion at a proximal end of the structure, a resilient intermediate portion extending from the base portion along the central axis, and a contact tip extending from the resilient portion at a distal end of the structure. The resilient portion of the contact structure is comprised of resilient arms defined in the layers. Opposite ends of the resilient arms may be angularly offset with respect to one another around the central axis. Accordingly, when the contact structure is compressed in an axial direction, the contact tip will rotate around the central axis, while the base remains fixed, providing beneficial wiping action to the contact tip.

Abstract: A jumper assembly for a DSX system is disclosed herein. The jumper assembly includes a messenger wire for electrically connecting tracer lamp circuits corresponding to two cross-connected DSX modules. The jumper assembly also includes tracer lamp devices carried with the messenger wire.