In-jack shunt connections and methods therefor

Details In-jack shunt connections and methods therefor In-jack shunt connections and methods therefor

1999-12-29

2001-05-29

Donovan, Lincoln (Department: 2839)

Electrical connectors

With insulation other than conductor sheath

Plural-contact coupling part

C439S188000, C379S399010

Reexamination Certificate

active

06238250

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND
The present invention is directed to telephone network interface devices of the type used to provide demarcation between a telephone company's lines and a telephone subscriber's wiring.
Network interfaces provide an interconnection between external telephone company lines and a subscriber's internal wiring. Line modules are the assemblies that are typically used to provide this interface. These devices are useful to provide a demarcation between the telephone company lines and the subscriber's wiring so that responsibility for faults or malfunctions in the system can be segregated. In practice, a number of the line modules are usually housed in a side-by-side relation within a network interface box. Examples of conventional line modules and network interface box assemblies are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,497,416; 5,479,505; 5,416,837; and 5,313,519.
The line modules generally include a base structure with a hinged cover. The base structure houses a device known as a jacktop that secures the telephone company's incoming lines within the base structure. A telephone jack receptacle is also disposed with the base portion to accept a complimentary RJ-11 style telephone plug. When the plug is inserted within the jack receptacle, an electrical connection is established.
One disadvantage of the RJ-11 style plug and jack is that, during normal operation, the electrical contacts of the plug are very close together, and this can permit arcing from one contact to another. In addition, RJ-11 arrangements are prone to insulation resistance problems that show up as noise on the phone line. In addition, the RJ-11 style plug and jack were designed primarily for indoor use. These devices are not robust enough for long-term outdoor use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides devices and methods by which an effective electrical connection between the telephone company lines and subscriber wiring can be established and maintained within a line module. Exemplary line modules are described having novel jack assemblies that contain a pair of tip contacts and a pair of ring contacts. In some described embodiments, two of the contacts are generally fixed while the other two are selectively moveable along a pair of channels within the jacktop. The movable contacts are to be brought into contact with the fixed contacts, thereby forming an electrical connection between the telephone company's line and the subscriber's wiring.
In other described embodiments, the fixed contacts are replaced by a contact plate that is preferably formed of a conductive plating on a surface of the jacktop. A conductor extends between the contact plate and screw-type connectors within another portion of the line module.
Other aspects of the present invention comprises a plug member that can be inserted into the jack receptacle to close the tip and ring contacts to create a shunt connection. The plug member is inserted into the jack receptacle when the cover of the module is closed onto the base. Since no electrical connection is established through the plug member itself, the plug can be made entirely from non-conductive material, thereby making this component virtually invulnerable to damage from weather or other hazards.
Additionally, when the cover is closed, the two moveable contacts are maintained a suitable distance from one another to reduce the possibility of arcing between the electrical connections formed by the contacts.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2802083 (1957-08-01), Lapeyre
patent: 4699443 (1987-10-01), Goodrich et al.
patent: 5017154 (1991-05-01), Matsuoka
patent: 5037320 (1991-08-01), Stolte
patent: 5111497 (1992-05-01), Bliven et al.
patent: 5313519 (1994-05-01), Mickelson et al.
patent: 5333193 (1994-07-01), Cote et al.
patent: 5359654 (1994-10-01), Jensen et al.
patent: 5416837 (1995-05-01), Cote et al.
patent: 5479505 (1995-12-01), Butler et al.
patent: 5497416 (1996-03-01), Butler et al.
patent: 5888079 (1999-03-01), Norden
patent: 5964614 (1999-10-01), Daoud
patent: 6074239 (2000-06-01), Camps

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

In-jack shunt connections and methods therefor does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with In-jack shunt connections and methods therefor, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and In-jack shunt connections and methods therefor will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2437339