US5553136A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular device for telephone network interface apparatus
Assignee: TII Industries Inc
•
Filing: 1995-12-21
•
Granted: 1996-09-03
•
Expires: 2015-12-21
Abstract
Abstract A modular device for connecting telephone company wiring and subscriber telephone wiring in a telephone network interface apparatus, the modular device having a replaceable protection and/or electronics unit, a plug-actuated switchable socket or a switch connected to an external socket for providing a point of demarcation between the telephone company wiring and the subscriber wiring, wire termination mechanisms for terminating and unterminating the telco and subscriber wiring at the network interface apparatus without the use of tools and slidable security covers.
Inventors
- 👤 Carl H. Meyerhoefer
- 👤 Thomas J. Smith
- 👤 Adolfo M. Escobar
- 👤 Robert J. Cannetti
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 20:42
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04Q; H04Q1/00; H04Q1/02; H04Q1/028; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/66; H01R13/70; H01R13/703; H01R13/7031; H01R13/7032; H01R4/00; H01R4/24; H01R4/2416; H01R4/242; H01R4/2425; H01R4/2429; H01R4/2433; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/738; H04M1/74; H04Q1/021; H04Q1/023; H01R13/62; H01R13/629; H01R13/62933; H01R2201/00; H01R2201/16; H01R24/00; H01R24/60; H01R24/62
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 70
Claim 1
Independent Claim
260 words
A modular device adapted to be mounted in an enclosure with a plurality of similar devices and suitable for use in a telephone network interface apparatus for connecting at least one subscriber line and at least one telephone company line, each line comprising at least two wires, the modular device comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a first line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the telephone company line, the line termination device comprising at least two insulation displacement contacts; (c) a second line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the subscriber line, the line termination device including at least two insulation displacement contacts; and (d) a socket having an electrical switch, the switch having two sets of first, second and third contacts, the first contacts of both sets for being connected to the telephone company line, the second contacts of both sets for being connected to the subscriber line, the first and second contacts of each set being normally connected in the absence of a plug being inserted in the socket, thereby connecting the telephone company and subscriber lines, the first contacts of both sets being disconnected from the second contacts of both sets and being connected to the third contacts of both sets when a plug is inserted in the socket, thereby disconnecting the telephone company line from the subscriber line and connecting the telephone company line to the third contacts of both sets which in turn connect with contacts in the plug and provide a demarcation point between the telephone company and subscriber lines.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
260 words
A modular device adapted to be mounted in an enclosure with a plurality of similar devices and suitable for use in a telephone network interface apparatus for connecting at least one subscriber line and at least one telephone company line, each line comprising at least two wires, the modular device comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a first line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the telephone company line, the line termination device comprising at least two insulation displacement contacts; (c) a second line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the subscriber line, the line termination device including at least two insulation displacement contacts; and (d) a socket having an electrical switch, the switch having two sets of first, second and third contacts, the first contacts of both sets for being connected to the telephone company line, the second contacts of both sets for being connected to the subscriber line, the first and second contacts of each set being normally connected in the absence of a plug being inserted in the socket, thereby connecting the telephone company and subscriber lines, the first contacts of both sets being disconnected from the second contacts of both sets and being connected to the third contacts of both sets when a plug is inserted in the socket, thereby disconnecting the telephone company line from the subscriber line and connecting the telephone company line to the third contacts of both sets which in turn connect with contacts in the plug and provide a demarcation point between the telephone company and subscriber lines.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The modular device of claim 1 further comprising a maintenance termination unit connected to said first line termination device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The modular device of claim 1 further comprising a half ringer connected to said first line termination device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
92 words
The modular device according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the line termination devices comprises: (a) at least one rocker arm with a pivot for mounting the rocker arm to the housing; (b) an opening in the rocker arm for receiving an insulated wire inserted in the opening; and (c) a cavity in the rocker arm adapted to receive at least one insulation displacement contact when the rocker arm is rotated to force the wire into engagement with the insulation displacement contact and the insulation displacement contact into the cavity.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
117 words
The modular device according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the line termination devices comprises: (a) a lever with a curved slot and a pivot point for mounting the lever to the housing; (b) a main body having an opening for receiving an insulated wire inserted in the opening; (c) a pin mounted to the housing and adapted to fit in the slot of the lever; and (d) a cavity in the main body adapted to receive an insulation displacement contact, rotational movement of the lever about the pivot point causing translational movement of the body, thereby forcing the wire into engagement with the insulation displacement contact and the insulation displacement contact into the cavity.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The modular device according to claim 5 wherein the distance between the pivot point and the slot varies between one end of the slot and the other end of the slot as the lever is rotated about the pivot point.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The modular device according to claim 1 wherein the first and second contacts of both sets have a current carrying capacity at least as great as that of an equivalent 20 gauge wire.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The modular device according to claim 7 wherein the first and second contacts in both sets have a current carrying capacity at least as great as that of an equivalent 18 gauge wire.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
The modular device according to any of claims 1, 7 and 8 wherein the current carrying capacity of the first and second contacts of both sets is greater than the current carrying capacity of the third contacts of both sets.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The modular device according to claim 9 wherein the socket is adapted to receive an RJ-11 plug.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
138 words
An individual subscriber line module adapted to be mounted in an enclosure with a plurality of similar devices and suitable for use in a telephone network interface apparatus for connecting subscriber lines and telephone company lines, the device comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a first line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the telephone company line; (c) a second line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the subscriber line; and (d) an electrical switch having at least two positions; the switch in one position for connecting the telephone company and subscriber lines; and the switch in another position for disconnecting the telephone company line from the subscriber line and connecting the telephone company line to an external socket and providing a point of demarcation between the telephone company and subscriber lines for fault isolation.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
138 words
An individual subscriber line module adapted to be mounted in an enclosure with a plurality of similar devices and suitable for use in a telephone network interface apparatus for connecting subscriber lines and telephone company lines, the device comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a first line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the telephone company line; (c) a second line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the subscriber line; and (d) an electrical switch having at least two positions; the switch in one position for connecting the telephone company and subscriber lines; and the switch in another position for disconnecting the telephone company line from the subscriber line and connecting the telephone company line to an external socket and providing a point of demarcation between the telephone company and subscriber lines for fault isolation.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The modular device according to claim 11 wherein the housing further includes an overvoltage protection device connected to the first line termination device.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
97 words
The modular device according to claim 11 wherein at least one of the line termination devices comprises: (a) an insulation displacement contact mounted on the housing; (b) a rocker arm with a pivot for mounting the rocker arm to the housing; (c) an opening in the rocker arm for receiving an insulated wire inserted in the opening; and (d) a cavity in the rocker arm adapted to receive the insulation displacement contact when the rocker arm is rotated to force the wire into engagement with the insulation displacement contact and the insulation displacement contact into the cavity.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The modular device according to claim 11 wherein the housing further includes a maintenance termination unit connected to the first line termination device.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The modular device according to claim 14 wherein the housing includes a half ringer connected to the first line termination device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
126 words
The modular device according to claim 11 wherein at least one of the line termination devices comprises: (a) an insulation displacement contact mounted on the housing; (b) a lever with a curved slot and a pivot point for mounting the lever to said housing; (c) a main body having an opening for receiving an insulated wire inserted in the opening; (d) a pin mounted on the housing and adapted to fit in the slot of the lever; and (e) a cavity in the main body adapted to receive the insulation displacement contact, rotational movement of the lever about the pivot point causing translational movement of the body, thereby forcing the wire into engagement with the insulation displacement contact and the insulation displacement contact into the cavity.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
39 words
The modular device according to claim 16 wherein the distance between the pivot point and the slot varies between one end of the slot and the other end of the slot as the lever rotates about the pivot point.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
188 words
A modular device adapted to be mounted in an enclosure with a plurality of similar devices and suitable for use in a telephone network interface apparatus for connecting subscriber lines and telephone company lines, the device comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a first line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the telephone company line; (c) a second line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the subscriber line; at least one of the line termination devices having (1) an insulation displacement contact mounted on the housing, (2) a lever with a curved slot and a pivot point for mounting the 1ever to the housing, (3) a main body having an opening for receiving an insulated wire inserted in the opening, (4) a pin mounted on the housing and adapted to fit in the slot of the lever, and (5) a cavity in the body adapted to receive the insulation displacement contact, rotational movement of the lever about the pivot point causing translational movement of the body, thereby forcing the wire into engagement with the insulation displacement contact and the insulation displacement contact into the cavity.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
188 words
A modular device adapted to be mounted in an enclosure with a plurality of similar devices and suitable for use in a telephone network interface apparatus for connecting subscriber lines and telephone company lines, the device comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a first line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the telephone company line; (c) a second line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the subscriber line; at least one of the line termination devices having (1) an insulation displacement contact mounted on the housing, (2) a lever with a curved slot and a pivot point for mounting the 1ever to the housing, (3) a main body having an opening for receiving an insulated wire inserted in the opening, (4) a pin mounted on the housing and adapted to fit in the slot of the lever, and (5) a cavity in the body adapted to receive the insulation displacement contact, rotational movement of the lever about the pivot point causing translational movement of the body, thereby forcing the wire into engagement with the insulation displacement contact and the insulation displacement contact into the cavity.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
40 words
The modular device according to claim 18 wherein the distance between the pivot point and the slot varies between one end of the slot and the other end of the slot as the lever is rotated about the pivot point.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
97 words
The modular device according to claim 18 wherein at least one of the line termination devices comprises: (1) an insulation displacement contact mounted on the housing, (2) a rocker arm with a pivot for mounting the rocker arm to the housing, (3) an opening in the rocker arm for receiving an insulated wire inserted in the opening; and (4) a cavity in the rocker arm adapted to receive the insulation displacement contact when the rocker arm is rotated to force the wire into engagement with the insulation displacement contact and the insulation displacement contact into the cavity.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
75 words
The modular device according to claim 18 further comprising: an electrical switch having at least two positions; the switch in one position for connecting the telephone and subscriber lines; and the switch in another position for disconnecting the telephone company line from the subscriber line and connecting the telephone company line to a socket located external to the network interface device and thereby providing a point of demarcation between the telephone company and subscriber lines.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The modular device according to claim 18 further including an overvoltage protection device connected to the first line termination device.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
29 words
The modular device according to claim 22 wherein the overvoltage protection device or the current limiting device forms part of a unit that is removable from the modular device.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
The modular device according to claim 18 wherein the housing further includes a maintenance termination unit connected to the first line termination device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
The modular device according to claim 24 wherein the housing includes a half ringer connected to the first line termination device.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
The modular device according to claims 24 or 25 wherein the maintenance termination unit or the half ringer forms part of a unit that is removable from the modular device.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
161 words
The modular device according to claim 18 further including a socket, the socket having an electrical switch, the switch having two sets of first, second and third contacts, the first contacts of both sets for being connected to the telephone company line, the second contacts of both sets for being connected to the subscriber line, the first and second contacts of both sets being connected in the absence of a plug being inserted in the socket, thereby connecting the telephone company and subscriber lines, the first contacts of both sets being disconnected from the second contacts of both sets and connected to the third contacts of both sets when a plug is inserted in the socket, thereby disconnecting the telephone company line from the subscriber line and connecting the telephone company line to the third contacts of both sets which in turn connect with contacts in the plug and provide a point of demarcation between the telephone company and subscriber lines.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
33 words
The modular device according to claim 27 wherein the first and second contacts of both sets have a current carrying capacity at least as great as that of an equivalent 20 gauge wire.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
33 words
The modular device according to claim 28 wherein the first and second contacts of both sets have a current carrying capacity at least as great as that of an equivalent 18 gauge wire.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
40 words
The modular device according to any of claims 27, 28 or 29 wherein the current carrying capacity of the first and second contacts of both sets is greater than the current carrying capacity of the third contacts of both sets.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
160 words
A modular device adapted to be mounted in an enclosure with a plurality of similar devices and suitable for use in a telephone network interface apparatus for connecting subscriber lines and telephone company lines, the device comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a first line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the telephone company line; (c) a second line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the subscriber line; at least one of the line termination devices having (1) an insulation displacement contact located on the housing, (2) a rocker arm with a pivot for mounting the rocker arm to the housing, (3) an opening in the rocker arm for receiving an insulated wire inserted in the opening, and (4) a cavity in the rocker arm adapted to receive the insulation displacement contact when the rocker arm is rotated to force the wire into engagement with the insulation displacement contact and the insulation displacement contact into the cavity.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
160 words
A modular device adapted to be mounted in an enclosure with a plurality of similar devices and suitable for use in a telephone network interface apparatus for connecting subscriber lines and telephone company lines, the device comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a first line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the telephone company line; (c) a second line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the subscriber line; at least one of the line termination devices having (1) an insulation displacement contact located on the housing, (2) a rocker arm with a pivot for mounting the rocker arm to the housing, (3) an opening in the rocker arm for receiving an insulated wire inserted in the opening, and (4) a cavity in the rocker arm adapted to receive the insulation displacement contact when the rocker arm is rotated to force the wire into engagement with the insulation displacement contact and the insulation displacement contact into the cavity.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
69 words
The modular device according to claim 31 further comprising: an electrical switch having at least two positions; the switch in one position for connecting the telephone company and subscriber lines; and the switch in another position for disconnecting the telephone company line from the subscriber line and connecting the telephone company line to an external socket and providing a point of demarcation between the telephone company and subscriber lines.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
126 words
The modular device according to claim 31 wherein at least one of the line termination devices has (1) an insulation displacement contact mounted on the housing, (2) a lever with a curved slot and a pivot point for mounting the lever to the housing, (3) a main body having an opening for receiving an insulated wire inserted in the opening, (4) a pin mounted on the housing and adapted to fit in the slot of the lever, and (5) a cavity in the main body adapted to receive the insulation displacement contact, rotational movement of the lever about the pivot point causing translational movement of the body, thereby forcing the wire into engagement with the insulation displacement contact and the insulation displacement contact into the cavity.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
40 words
The modular device according to claim 33 wherein the distance between the pivot point and the slot varies between one end of the slot and the other end of the slot as the lever is rotated about the pivot point.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The modular device according to claim 31 further including an overvoltage protection device connected to the first line termination device.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
The modular device according to claim 35 wherein the overvoltage protection device forms part of a unit that is removable from the modular device.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
23 words
The modular device according to claim 31 wherein the housing further includes a maintenance termination unit connected to the first line termination device.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
24 words
The modular device according to claim 37 wherein the maintenance termination unit forms part of a unit that is removable from the modular device.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
153 words
The modular device according to claim 31 further including a socket, the socket having an electrical switch, the switch having two sets of first, second and third contacts, the first contacts of both sets for being connected to the telephone company line, the second contacts of both sets for being connected to the subscriber line, the first and second contacts of both sets being connected in the absence of a plug being inserted in the socket, the first contacts of both sets being disconnected from the second contacts of both sets and connected to the third contacts of both sets when a plug is inserted in the socket, thereby disconnecting the telephone company line from the subscriber line and connecting the telephone company line to the third contacts of both sets which in turn connect with contacts in the plug and provide a point of demarcation between the telephone company and subscriber lines.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
33 words
The modular device according to claim 39 wherein the first and second contacts of both sets have a current carrying capacity at least as great as that of an equivalent 20 gauge wire.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
33 words
The modular device according to claim 39 wherein the first and second contacts of both sets have a current carrying capacity at least as great as that of an equivalent 18 gauge wire.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
40 words
The modular device according to any of claims 39, 40 or 41 wherein the current carrying capacity of the first and second contacts of both sets is greater than the current carrying capacity of the third contacts of both sets.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
150 words
A telephone network interface apparatus for connecting subscriber and telephone company lines, the apparatus comprising: (a) an enclosure adapted to receive a plurality of similar modular devices; (b) a socket mounted in the enclosure; (c) a modular device adapted to be mounted in the enclosure with a plurality of similar devices, the device including: (1) a housing; (2) a first line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the telephone company line; (3) a second line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the subscriber line; (4) an electrical switch having at least two positions; the switch in one position for connecting the telephone company and subscriber lines; the switch in another position for disconnecting the telephone company line from the subscriber line and connecting the telephone company line to an external socket and providing a demarcation point between the telephone company and subscriber lines for fault isolation.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
150 words
A telephone network interface apparatus for connecting subscriber and telephone company lines, the apparatus comprising: (a) an enclosure adapted to receive a plurality of similar modular devices; (b) a socket mounted in the enclosure; (c) a modular device adapted to be mounted in the enclosure with a plurality of similar devices, the device including: (1) a housing; (2) a first line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the telephone company line; (3) a second line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the subscriber line; (4) an electrical switch having at least two positions; the switch in one position for connecting the telephone company and subscriber lines; the switch in another position for disconnecting the telephone company line from the subscriber line and connecting the telephone company line to an external socket and providing a demarcation point between the telephone company and subscriber lines for fault isolation.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus according to claim 43 wherein the modular device includes a maintenance termination unit or a half ringer connected to the first line termination device.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
96 words
The apparatus according to claim 43 wherein at least one of the line termination devices comprises: (a) an insulation displacement contact mounted on said housing; (b) a rocker arm with, a pivot for mounting the rocker arm to the housing; (c) an opening in the rocker arm for receiving an insulated wire inserted in the opening; and (d) a cavity in the rocker arm adapted to receive the insulation displacement contact when the rocker arm is rotated to force the wire into engagement with the insulation displacement contact and the insulation displacement contact into the cavity.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus according to claim 43 wherein the enclosure has a subscriber cover and a telco cover.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
125 words
The apparatus according to claim 43 wherein at least one of the line termination devices comprises: a) an insulation displacement contact mounted on the housing; (b) a lever with a curved slot and a pivot point for mounting said lever to said housing; (c) a main body having an opening for receiving an insulated wire inserted in the opening; (d) a pin mounted to the housing and adapted to fit in the slot of the lever; and (e) a cavity in the main body adapted to receive the insulation displacement contact, rotational movement of the lever about the pivot point causing translational movement of the body, thereby forcing the wire into engagement with the insulation displacement contact and the insulation displacement contact into the cavity.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus according to claim 47 wherein the distance between the pivot point and the slot varies between one end of the slot and the other end of the slot as the lever is rotated about the pivot point.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
224 words
A modular device adapted to be mounted in an enclosure with a plurality of similar devices and suitable for use in a telephone network interface apparatus for connecting subscriber lines and telephone company lines, the device comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a first line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the telephone company line; (c) a second line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the subscriber line; and (d) a socket having an electrical switch, the switch having two sets of first, second and third contacts, the first contacts of both sets for being connected to the telephone company line, the second contacts of both sets for being connected to the subscriber line, the first and second contacts of both sets being normally connected in the absence of a plug being inserted in the socket, thereby connecting the telephone company and subscriber lines, the first contacts of both sets being disconnected from the second contacts of both sets and being connected to the third contacts of both sets when a plug is inserted in the socket, thereby disconnecting the telephone company line from the subscriber line and connecting the telephone company line to the third contacts of both sets which in turn connect with contacts in the plug and provide a demarcation point between the telephone company and subscriber line.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
224 words
A modular device adapted to be mounted in an enclosure with a plurality of similar devices and suitable for use in a telephone network interface apparatus for connecting subscriber lines and telephone company lines, the device comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a first line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the telephone company line; (c) a second line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the subscriber line; and (d) a socket having an electrical switch, the switch having two sets of first, second and third contacts, the first contacts of both sets for being connected to the telephone company line, the second contacts of both sets for being connected to the subscriber line, the first and second contacts of both sets being normally connected in the absence of a plug being inserted in the socket, thereby connecting the telephone company and subscriber lines, the first contacts of both sets being disconnected from the second contacts of both sets and being connected to the third contacts of both sets when a plug is inserted in the socket, thereby disconnecting the telephone company line from the subscriber line and connecting the telephone company line to the third contacts of both sets which in turn connect with contacts in the plug and provide a demarcation point between the telephone company and subscriber line.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
33 words
The modular device according to claim 49 wherein the first and second contacts of both sets have a current carrying capacity at least as great as that of an equivalent 20 gauge wire.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
33 words
The modular device according to claim 49 wherein the first and second contacts of both sets have a current carrying capacity at least as great as that of an equivalent 18 gauge wire.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
126 words
The modular device according to claim 49 wherein at least one of the line termination devices comprises: (a) an insulation displacement contact mounted on the housing; (b) a lever with a curved slot and a pivot point for mounting the lever to the housing; (c) a main body having an opening for receiving an insulated wire inserted in the opening; (d) a pin mounted on the housing and adapted to fit in the slot of the lever; and (e) a cavity in the main body adapted to receive the insulation displacement contact, rotational movement of the lever about the pivot point causing translational movement of the body, thereby forcing the wire into engagement with the insulation displacement contact and the insulation displacement contact into the cavity.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
96 words
The device according to claim 49 wherein at least one of the line termination devices comprises: (a) an insulation displacement contact mounted on the housing; (b) a rocker arm with a pivot for mounting the rocker arm to the housing; (c) an opening in the rocker arm for receiving an insulated wire inserted in the opening; and (d) a cavity in the rocker arm adapted to receive the insulation displacement contact when the rocker arm is rotated to force the wire into engagement with the insulation displacement contact and the insulation displacement contact into the cavity.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
40 words
The modular device according to any of claims 49, 50 or 51 wherein the current carrying capacity of the first and second contacts of both sets is greater than the current carrying capacity of the third contacts of both sets.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
17 words
The modular device according to claim 54 wherein the socket is adapted to receive an RJ-11 plug.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
39 words
The device according to claim 54 wherein the distance between the pivot point and the slot varies between one end of the slot and the other end of the slot as the lever is rotated about the pivot point.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
238 words
A modular device adapted to be mounted in an enclosure with a plurality of similar devices and suitable for use in a telephone network interface apparatus for connecting subscriber lines and telephone company lines, the modular device comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a first line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the telephone company line; (c) a second line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the subscriber line; and (d) a removable unit mounted on the housing, the removable unit having a socket having an electrical switch, the switch having two sets of first, second and third contacts, the first contacts of both sets for being electrically connected to the telephone company line, the second contacts of both sets for being electrically connected to the subscriber line, the first and second contacts in each set being normally connected in the absence of a plug being inserted in the socket, thereby connecting the telephone company and subscriber lines, the first contacts of both sets being disconnected from the second contacts of both sets and being connected to the third contacts of both sets when a plug is inserted in the socket, thereby disconnecting the telephone company line from the subscriber line and connecting the telephone company line to the third contacts of both sets which in turn connect with contacts in the plug and provide a demarcation point between the telephone company and subscriber line.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
238 words
A modular device adapted to be mounted in an enclosure with a plurality of similar devices and suitable for use in a telephone network interface apparatus for connecting subscriber lines and telephone company lines, the modular device comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a first line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the telephone company line; (c) a second line termination device mounted on the housing for terminating the subscriber line; and (d) a removable unit mounted on the housing, the removable unit having a socket having an electrical switch, the switch having two sets of first, second and third contacts, the first contacts of both sets for being electrically connected to the telephone company line, the second contacts of both sets for being electrically connected to the subscriber line, the first and second contacts in each set being normally connected in the absence of a plug being inserted in the socket, thereby connecting the telephone company and subscriber lines, the first contacts of both sets being disconnected from the second contacts of both sets and being connected to the third contacts of both sets when a plug is inserted in the socket, thereby disconnecting the telephone company line from the subscriber line and connecting the telephone company line to the third contacts of both sets which in turn connect with contacts in the plug and provide a demarcation point between the telephone company and subscriber line.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
33 words
The modular device according to claim 57 wherein the first and second contacts of both sets have a current carrying capacity at least as great as that of an equivalent 20 gauge wire.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
33 words
The modular device according to claim 57 wherein the first and second contacts of both sets have a current carrying capacity at least as great as that of an equivalent 18 gauge wire.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
37 words
The modular device according to any of claim 57 wherein the current carrying capacity of the first and second contacts of both sets is greater than the current carrying capacity of the third contacts of both sets.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
27 words
The modular device according to claim 57 wherein the modular unit includes a maintenance termination unit or a half ringer connected to the first line termination device.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
21 words
The modular device according to claim 57 wherein the removable unit includes both a maintenance termination unit and a half ringer.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
17 words
The modular device according to claim 57 wherein the socket is adapted to accept an RJ-11 plug.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-09-03 | 2000-03-04 | 2000-09-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-09-03 | 2004-03-04 | 2004-09-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-09-03 | 2008-03-04 | 2008-09-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |