US6611147B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus with interchangeable modules for measuring characteristics of cables and networks
Assignee: Trend Networks Ltd
•
Filing: 2001-05-22
•
Granted: 2003-08-26
•
Expires: 2021-05-22
Abstract
Abstract A test apparatus for performing line testing of cable and networks. In one embodiment, the test apparatus includes a housing configured to electrically connect with an adapter module while minimizing bends in the electrical connection. The housing and adapter module include mating connectors configured to provide a direct connection between the adapter module and the housing. One embodiment includes a guide feature to ease the insertion of the adapter module into the housing. In another embodiment, the adapter module is configured to form a continuous surface with the housing upon its insertion.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles Michael White
- 👤 William L. Redman
- 👤 S. Stanley Mintz
- 👤 Kwok Lo
- 👤 Jarek Kanikula
- 👤 Mark William Borneman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 14:31
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L43/00; H04L43/50; G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/50; G01R31/58
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 82
Claim 1
Independent Claim
211 words
A multi-piece, cable test instrument comprising: an adapter module having a cable connector located proximate to one end; a first printed circuit board connected to the adapter module to form a first wire connection; a first connector connected to the first printed circuit board on a first surface of the first printed circuit board, wherein the first connector includes a mating surface which is substantially parallel to the first surface of the first printed circuit board, and wherein there are substantially no bends in an electrical path from the first wire connection to the first mating surface; a main instrument housing having an internal recess configured to receive the adapter module; a second printed circuit board connected to the housing to form a second wire connection; and a second connector connected to the second printed circuit board on a second surface of the second printed circuit board, wherein the second connector includes a second mating surface which is parallel to the second surface, and wherein there are substantially no bends in an electrical path from the second wire connection to the second mating surface, such that the first connector engages the second connector on the first and second mating surfaces upon insertion of the adapter module into the main instrument housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
211 words
A multi-piece, cable test instrument comprising: an adapter module having a cable connector located proximate to one end; a first printed circuit board connected to the adapter module to form a first wire connection; a first connector connected to the first printed circuit board on a first surface of the first printed circuit board, wherein the first connector includes a mating surface which is substantially parallel to the first surface of the first printed circuit board, and wherein there are substantially no bends in an electrical path from the first wire connection to the first mating surface; a main instrument housing having an internal recess configured to receive the adapter module; a second printed circuit board connected to the housing to form a second wire connection; and a second connector connected to the second printed circuit board on a second surface of the second printed circuit board, wherein the second connector includes a second mating surface which is parallel to the second surface, and wherein there are substantially no bends in an electrical path from the second wire connection to the second mating surface, such that the first connector engages the second connector on the first and second mating surfaces upon insertion of the adapter module into the main instrument housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The test instrument of claim 1 , wherein the adapter module forms a substantially continuous outer surface with the main instrument housing when the adapter module is inserted within the main instrument housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The test instrument of claim 1 , wherein the test instrument is hand-held.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The test instrument of claim 1 , further comprising notches in the housing which define a non-protrusive gripping area for removal of the adapter module from the housing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The test instrument of claim 1 , wherein the housing is portable.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The test instrument of claim 1 , further comprising a guide member between the adapter module and housing, wherein the guide member pre-aligns the first connector with the second connector during insertion of the adapter module into the housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The test instrument of claim 5 , wherein the guide member includes a guide well in the adapter module and a corresponding boss in the housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The test instrument of claim 5 , wherein the guide member includes a guide well in the housing and a corresponding boss in the adapter module.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The test instrument of claim 1 , further comprising a latching mechanism between the adapter module and the housing, wherein the latching mechanism provides positive retention for the adapter module when inserted in the housing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The test instrument of claim 9 , wherein the latching mechanism includes a sliding mechanism.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The test instrument of claim 9 , wherein the latching mechanism includes a toggling mechanism.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The test instrument of claim 9 , wherein the latching mechanism extends from the adapter module into the housing.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The test instrument of claim 1 , wherein the cable connector further comprises a receptacle configured for attachment of a cable test connector plug.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
The test instrument of claim 13 , wherein the cable test connector plug is an RJ-45 plug.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The test instrument of claim 13 , wherein the cable test connector plug is a BNC coaxial plug.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The test instrument of claim 13 , wherein the cable test connector plug is a fiber optic plug.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
The test instrument of claim 1 , wherein the cable connector further comprises a cable extending from the adapter module.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The test instrument of claim 17 , wherein the cable is configured to connect to an interconnect.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
The test instrument of claim 17 , further comprising a connector sleeve extending from the adapter module and around the cable.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
The test instrument of claim 17 , wherein the cable is connected to an RJ-45 connector.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The test instrument of claim 17 , wherein the cable is connected to a BNC coaxial connector.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
The test instrument of claim 17 , wherein the cable is connected to a fiber optic connector.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
109 words
An adapter module for use with a cable test device comprising: a housing configured to mate with the hand-held, cable test instrument; an adapter module having a cable connector located proximate to one end of the adapter module; a printed circuit board connected to the housing at a first wire connection; and a connector connected to the printed circuit board on an attachment surface, wherein the connector includes a mating surface which is substantially parallel to the attachment surface when the connector is attached to the printed circuit board, and wherein there are substantially no bends in an electrical path from the first wire connection to the mating surface.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
109 words
An adapter module for use with a cable test device comprising: a housing configured to mate with the hand-held, cable test instrument; an adapter module having a cable connector located proximate to one end of the adapter module; a printed circuit board connected to the housing at a first wire connection; and a connector connected to the printed circuit board on an attachment surface, wherein the connector includes a mating surface which is substantially parallel to the attachment surface when the connector is attached to the printed circuit board, and wherein there are substantially no bends in an electrical path from the first wire connection to the mating surface.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
33 words
The adapter module of claim 23 , wherein the adapter module forms a substantially continuous outer surface with the cable test device when the adapter module is inserted within the cable test device.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
The adapter module of claim 23 , wherein the cable connector further comprises a receptacle configured for attachment of a cable test connector plug.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
The adapter module of claim 25 , wherein the cable test connector plug is an RJ-45 plug.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
The adapter module of claim 25 , wherein the cable test connector plug is a BNC coaxial plug.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
The adapter module of claim 25 , wherein the cable test connector plug is a fiber optic plug.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
20 words
The adapter module of claim 23 , wherein the cable connector further comprises a cable extending from the adapter module.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
17 words
The adapter module of claim 29 , wherein the cable is configured to connect to an interconnect.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The adapter module of claim 29 , further comprising a connector sleeve extending from the adapter module and around the cable.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
16 words
The adapter module of claim 29 , wherein the cable is connected to an RJ-45 connector.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
17 words
The adapter module of claim 29 , wherein the cable is connected to a BNC coaxial connector.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
17 words
The adapter module of claim 29 , wherein the cable is connected to a fiber optic connector.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
86 words
A connection configuration for two printed circuit boards comprising: a first printed circuit board having a first straight through connector connected to a face of the first circuit board; and a second printed circuit board having a second straight through connector connected to a face of the second circuit board, wherein the second straight through connector mates with the first straight through connector, and wherein the first circuit board is parallel to the second circuit board when the first connector is mated with the second connector.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
86 words
A connection configuration for two printed circuit boards comprising: a first printed circuit board having a first straight through connector connected to a face of the first circuit board; and a second printed circuit board having a second straight through connector connected to a face of the second circuit board, wherein the second straight through connector mates with the first straight through connector, and wherein the first circuit board is parallel to the second circuit board when the first connector is mated with the second connector.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
18 words
The connection configuration of claim 35 , wherein the connection configuration is incorporated in a portable testing instrument.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
140 words
A multi-piece, hand-held cable test instrument comprising: an adapter module having a cable connector located proximate to one end; a first printed circuit board connected to the adapter module; a first connector connected to the first printed circuit board, wherein the first connector defines a first mating surface which is substantially parallel to the first printed circuit board; a test instrument housing having an internal recess configured to receive the adapter module; a second printed circuit board connected to the test instrument housing; and a second connector connected to the second printed circuit board, wherein the second connector defines a second mating surface which is substantially parallel to the second printed circuit board, and wherein the first connector engages the second connector on the first and second mating surfaces upon insertion of the adapter module into the test instrument housing.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
140 words
A multi-piece, hand-held cable test instrument comprising: an adapter module having a cable connector located proximate to one end; a first printed circuit board connected to the adapter module; a first connector connected to the first printed circuit board, wherein the first connector defines a first mating surface which is substantially parallel to the first printed circuit board; a test instrument housing having an internal recess configured to receive the adapter module; a second printed circuit board connected to the test instrument housing; and a second connector connected to the second printed circuit board, wherein the second connector defines a second mating surface which is substantially parallel to the second printed circuit board, and wherein the first connector engages the second connector on the first and second mating surfaces upon insertion of the adapter module into the test instrument housing.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
30 words
The test instrument of claim 37 , further comprising notches in the housing which define a non-protrusive gripping area for removal of the adapter module from the test instrument housing.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
14 words
The test instrument of claim 37 , wherein the test instrument housing is portable.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
43 words
The test instrument of claim 37 , further comprising a guide member between the adapter module and test instrument housing, wherein the guide member pre-aligns the first connector with the second connector during insertion of the adapter module into the test instrument housing.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
28 words
The test instrument of claim 40 , wherein the guide member includes a guide well in the adapter module and a corresponding boss in the test instrument housing.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
28 words
The test instrument of claim 40 , wherein the guide member includes a guide well in the test instrument housing and a corresponding boss in the adapter module.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
43 words
The test instrument of claim 37 , further comprising a latching mechanism located between the adapter module and the test instrument housing, wherein the latching mechanism provides positive retention of the adapter module when the module is inserted in the test instrument housing.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
15 words
The test instrument of claim 43 , wherein the latching mechanism includes a sliding mechanism.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
15 words
The test instrument of claim 43 , wherein the latching mechanism includes a toggling mechanism.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
21 words
The test instrument of claim 43 , wherein the latching mechanism extends from the adapter module into the test instrument housing.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
24 words
The test instrument of claim 37 , wherein the cable connector further comprises a receptacle configured for attachment of a cable test connector plug.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
17 words
The test instrument of claim 47 , wherein the cable test connector plug is an RJ-45 plug.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
18 words
The test instrument of claim 47 , wherein the cable test connector plug is a BNC coaxial plug.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
18 words
The test instrument of claim 47 , wherein the cable test connector plug is a fiber optic plug.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
20 words
The test instrument of claim 37 , wherein the cable connector further comprises a cable extending from the adapter module.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
The test instrument of claim 51 , wherein the cable is configured to connect to an interconnect.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
The test instrument of claim 51 , further comprising a connector sleeve extending from the adapter module and around the cable.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
16 words
The test instrument of claim 51 , wherein the cable is connected to an RJ-45 connector.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
17 words
The test instrument of claim 51 , wherein the cable is connected to a BNC coaxial connector.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
17 words
The test instrument of claim 51 , wherein the cable is connected to a fiber optic connector.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
33 words
The test instrument of claim 37 , wherein the adapter module forms a substantially continuous outer surface with the test instrument housing when the adapter module is inserted within the test instrument housing.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
68 words
A multi-piece, hand-held cable test instrument comprising: an adapter module having a cable connector located proximate to one end; a first connector attached to the adapter module; a main instrument housing having an internal recess configured to receive the adapter module; and a second connector configured to mate with the first connector to form a substantially straight electrical path between the adapter module and the main instrument housing.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
68 words
A multi-piece, hand-held cable test instrument comprising: an adapter module having a cable connector located proximate to one end; a first connector attached to the adapter module; a main instrument housing having an internal recess configured to receive the adapter module; and a second connector configured to mate with the first connector to form a substantially straight electrical path between the adapter module and the main instrument housing.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
43 words
The test instrument of claim 58 , further comprising a guide member between the adapter module and main instrument housing, wherein the guide member pre-aligns the first connector with the second connector during insertion of the adapter module into the main instrument housing.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
148 words
A multi-piece cable test instrument comprising: an adapter module comprising: a cable connector located proximate to one end; a first connector having an electrical and mechanical attachment element extending from a first attachment surface thereon, the first connector configured for attachment to a printed circuit board, wherein a first mating surface of the first connector is substantially parallel to the first attachment surface; and a main instrument comprising: a housing having an internal recess configured to receive the adapter module; a second connector having an electrical and mechanical attachment element extending from a second attachment surface thereon and configured for attachment to a printed circuit board, wherein a second mating surface of the second connector is substantially parallel to the second attachment surface, and wherein the first connector engages the second connector on the first and second mating surfaces upon insertion of the adapter module into the housing.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
148 words
A multi-piece cable test instrument comprising: an adapter module comprising: a cable connector located proximate to one end; a first connector having an electrical and mechanical attachment element extending from a first attachment surface thereon, the first connector configured for attachment to a printed circuit board, wherein a first mating surface of the first connector is substantially parallel to the first attachment surface; and a main instrument comprising: a housing having an internal recess configured to receive the adapter module; a second connector having an electrical and mechanical attachment element extending from a second attachment surface thereon and configured for attachment to a printed circuit board, wherein a second mating surface of the second connector is substantially parallel to the second attachment surface, and wherein the first connector engages the second connector on the first and second mating surfaces upon insertion of the adapter module into the housing.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
35 words
The test instrument of claim 60 , further comprising a latching mechanism between the adapter module and the housing, wherein the latching mechanism provides positive retention for the adapter module when inserted in the housing.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
117 words
A multi-piece, hand-held cable test instrument comprising: an adapter module comprising: a cable connector located proximate to one end; a first printed circuit board connected to the adapter module; a first connector fixedly attached to the printed circuit board; and a main instrument comprising: a housing having an internal recess configured to receive the adapter module; a second printed circuit board connected to the main instrument housing; a second connector fixedly attached to the second printed circuit board and configured to mate with the first connector to form an electrical path between the first and second printed circuit boards, wherein the electrical path is substantially straight in the region between the first and second printed circuit boards.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
117 words
A multi-piece, hand-held cable test instrument comprising: an adapter module comprising: a cable connector located proximate to one end; a first printed circuit board connected to the adapter module; a first connector fixedly attached to the printed circuit board; and a main instrument comprising: a housing having an internal recess configured to receive the adapter module; a second printed circuit board connected to the main instrument housing; a second connector fixedly attached to the second printed circuit board and configured to mate with the first connector to form an electrical path between the first and second printed circuit boards, wherein the electrical path is substantially straight in the region between the first and second printed circuit boards.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
178 words
A multi-piece, hand-held cable test instrument comprising: an adapter module having a cable connector located proximate to one end; a first connector having an electrical and mechanical attachment element extending from a first attachment surface thereon, the first connector configured for attachment to a printed circuit board, wherein the first connector includes at least one locating pin extending substantially perpendicular to the first printed circuit board to which it can be attached; a main instrument housing having an internal recess configured to receive the adapter module; and a second connector having an electrical and mechanical attachment element extending from a second attachment surface thereon, the second connector configured for attachment to a printed circuit board, wherein the second connector mates with the first connector to form an electrical path between the first and second printed circuit boards to which the first and second connectors can be attached, and wherein the electrical path is parallel to the at least one locating pin in the region between the first and second printed circuit boards when the connectors are attached thereon.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
178 words
A multi-piece, hand-held cable test instrument comprising: an adapter module having a cable connector located proximate to one end; a first connector having an electrical and mechanical attachment element extending from a first attachment surface thereon, the first connector configured for attachment to a printed circuit board, wherein the first connector includes at least one locating pin extending substantially perpendicular to the first printed circuit board to which it can be attached; a main instrument housing having an internal recess configured to receive the adapter module; and a second connector having an electrical and mechanical attachment element extending from a second attachment surface thereon, the second connector configured for attachment to a printed circuit board, wherein the second connector mates with the first connector to form an electrical path between the first and second printed circuit boards to which the first and second connectors can be attached, and wherein the electrical path is parallel to the at least one locating pin in the region between the first and second printed circuit boards when the connectors are attached thereon.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
30 words
The test instrument of claim 63 , further comprising notches in the housing which define a non-protrusive gripping area for removal of the adapter module from the main instrument housing.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
165 words
A method of manufacturing a multi-piece cable test instrument comprising: connecting a first printed circuit board having a first surface to a first connector having a first mating surface, such that the first mating surface is substantially parallel to the first surface of the first printed circuit board; inserting the first printed circuit board and first connector in an adapter housing; connecting a cable connector to one end of the adapter housing; connecting a second printed circuit board having a second surface to a second connector having a mating surface, such that the second mating surface is parallel to the second surface of the second printed circuit board; providing a main instrument housing having an internal recess configured to receive the adapter housing; inserting the second printed circuit board and the second connector in the main instrument housing, such that the first connector engages the second connector on the first and second mating surfaces upon insertion of the adapter housing into the main instrument housing.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
165 words
A method of manufacturing a multi-piece cable test instrument comprising: connecting a first printed circuit board having a first surface to a first connector having a first mating surface, such that the first mating surface is substantially parallel to the first surface of the first printed circuit board; inserting the first printed circuit board and first connector in an adapter housing; connecting a cable connector to one end of the adapter housing; connecting a second printed circuit board having a second surface to a second connector having a mating surface, such that the second mating surface is parallel to the second surface of the second printed circuit board; providing a main instrument housing having an internal recess configured to receive the adapter housing; inserting the second printed circuit board and the second connector in the main instrument housing, such that the first connector engages the second connector on the first and second mating surfaces upon insertion of the adapter housing into the main instrument housing.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 65 , further comprising forming notches in the main instrument housing which define a non-protrusive gripping area for removal of the adapter module from the main instrument housing.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 65 , further comprising forming a guide well on the adapter housing and a corresponding boss on the main housing.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 65 , further comprising forming a guide well on the main instrument housing and a corresponding boss on the adapter housing.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 65 , wherein connecting the first printed circuit board to the first connector includes forming an electrical connection between the first printed circuit board and the first connector.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 65 , wherein inserting the second printed circuit board and the second connector includes securing the second printed circuit board and the second connector in the main instrument such that the second connector aligns with the first connector upon insertion of the adapter housing into the main instrument housing.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
199 words
A multi-piece cable test instrument comprising: means for forming a first wire connection between a first printed circuit board having a first surface and a first connector having a first mating surface, such that the first mating surface is substantially parallel to the first surface of the first printed circuit board; means for inserting the first printed circuit board and first connector in an adapter housing; means for attaching a cable connector sleeve to the adapter housing, such that the cable connector extends from one end of the housing and defines a cable connection location; means for forming a second wire connection between a second printed circuit board having a second surface and a second connector having a mating surface, such that the second mating surface is parallel to the second surface of the second printed circuit board; means for forming a main instrument housing having an internal recess configured to receive the adapter housing; means for inserting the second printed circuit board and the second connector in the main instrument housing, such that the first connector engages the second connector on the first and second mating surfaces upon insertion of the adapter housing into the main instrument housing.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
199 words
A multi-piece cable test instrument comprising: means for forming a first wire connection between a first printed circuit board having a first surface and a first connector having a first mating surface, such that the first mating surface is substantially parallel to the first surface of the first printed circuit board; means for inserting the first printed circuit board and first connector in an adapter housing; means for attaching a cable connector sleeve to the adapter housing, such that the cable connector extends from one end of the housing and defines a cable connection location; means for forming a second wire connection between a second printed circuit board having a second surface and a second connector having a mating surface, such that the second mating surface is parallel to the second surface of the second printed circuit board; means for forming a main instrument housing having an internal recess configured to receive the adapter housing; means for inserting the second printed circuit board and the second connector in the main instrument housing, such that the first connector engages the second connector on the first and second mating surfaces upon insertion of the adapter housing into the main instrument housing.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
20 words
The test instrument of claim 71 , further comprising means for guiding the adapter housing into the main instrument housing.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-08-25 | 2007-02-24 | 2007-08-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-08-25 | 2011-02-24 | 2011-08-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-08-25 | 2015-02-24 | 2015-08-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |