EP0204675A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular distribution frame including protector modules adapted for break access testing
Assignee: Commscope Connectivity LLC
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Filing: 1986-05-20
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2006-05-20
Abstract
Abstract A distribution frame module (20) comprising a generally rectangular module block (54) having a front face with two parallel opposing rows of wire connectors (46) and a row of protector apertures (40) between the connector rows for accepting overload protector elements (32). Each wire connector has a spring contact finger (50) extending into one of the protector apertures, and each protector element has at least two external contacts (120, 126) and a conductor (132) therebetween to make an electrical connection between opposing spring contact fingers when inserted into a protector aperture. In the absence of a protector element therein, opposing spring contact fingers are in contact for electrical connection with each other.
Inventors
- 👤 Loren A. Singer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 10:48
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05K; H05K7/00; H05K7/14; H04; H04Q; H04Q1/00; H04Q1/02; H04Q1/14; H04Q1/146; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/18; H04Q1/149; H05K7/1438; H05K7/1447; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S439/00; Y10S439/922
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
183 words
A distribution frame module, comprising: (a) a generally rectangular module block having a front face, said module including first and second parallel opposing rows of wire connectors supported therein and connector apertures in said front face through which individual wire connectors may be accessed for terminating wires, said module further including a row of protector apertures disposed between said first and second wire connector rows, said protector apertures for accepting overload protector elements; (b) said wire connectors each having a wire terminating end and a spring contact finger end, the spring contact finger end of corresponding opposing connectors extending into one of said protector apertures and in the absence of a protector element therein contacting the opposing spring finger to make electrical connection therewith; and (c) an overload protector element having one end adaptable for insertion in a protector aperture between opposing spring fingers, said element having at least two external contacts each for making contact with one of said spring fingers, and including a conductor between said external contacts whereby an electrical connection between opposing wire connectors is made through said element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
183 words
A distribution frame module, comprising: (a) a generally rectangular module block having a front face, said module including first and second parallel opposing rows of wire connectors supported therein and connector apertures in said front face through which individual wire connectors may be accessed for terminating wires, said module further including a row of protector apertures disposed between said first and second wire connector rows, said protector apertures for accepting overload protector elements; (b) said wire connectors each having a wire terminating end and a spring contact finger end, the spring contact finger end of corresponding opposing connectors extending into one of said protector apertures and in the absence of a protector element therein contacting the opposing spring finger to make electrical connection therewith; and (c) an overload protector element having one end adaptable for insertion in a protector aperture between opposing spring fingers, said element having at least two external contacts each for making contact with one of said spring fingers, and including a conductor between said external contacts whereby an electrical connection between opposing wire connectors is made through said element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said protector element includes at least one external probe contact located at the non-inserted end of said element, said probe contacts in electrical communication with at least one of said external contacts so that test and monitoring access to lines in electrical communication with said external contacts may be had via the non-inserted end of said element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
110 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said protector element includes near the inserted end thereof a notch which may provide a key to a second less than fully inserted position in which at least one of said spring fingers is moved out of contact with one of said two external contacts whereby said electrical connection between wire connectors is broken, and wherein said element includes an additional contact for contacting said moved out of contact spring finger, and a probe contact accessible at the non-inserted end of said protector in electrical communication with said additional contact whereby break access testing may be performed via said non-inserted end of said element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said element includes overvoltage protection means connected between one of said external contacts and a ground, and wherein said protection means remains effective on an outside line connected to said external contact when said protector element is in either of said positions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
79 words
Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said module includes a ground strip disposed along the bottom thereof, said strip including ground clips disposed at the bottom of said protector apertures for clipping onto the inserted end of a protector element mounted therein and wherein said protector element includes contacts in electrical communication with said ground clips when said element is clipped in an aperture, whereby protector ground may be provided to each individual protector element disposed in a module.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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