Rollover cable

Abstract: A cable winder is disclosed. The winder takes into consideration the minimum-bending radius of the optical fiber cables and minimizes cable attenuation when optical fiber cables are being stored. The winder allows only one end of the cable to be extended and rewind, while the other end of the cable, which operatively connects to the retractable cable, remains stored inside the cable winder without being damaged by the axial twist resulted from the winding action of the retractable cable. The winder enables a user to pre-determine the dimension of cable length and cable efficiency in order to maximize operation effectiveness.

Abstract: A network communications system is provided for allowing a group of computer users in a conference room or similar small work environment to access an Ethernet local area network (LAN) and to provide peer-to-peer group networking without connection to a backbone network. The system includes multiple (for example, 4 or 8) client computer ports each including a removable spring loaded cable dispenser carrying an extendible/retractable Category 5 LAN cable terminated with an RJ-45 plug for connection to a client computer's network adapter. Combined power/Ethernet LAN cables connect the system to an enterprise network and to a source of electrical power, and permit cascading of up to three 8-port systems. In use, a computer user pulls out the cable from one of the client ports and inserts the RJ-45 plug into the RJ-45 jack on the network adapter carried by the computer. After completion of the networking session, the user unplugs the cable which is automatically retracted by the spring loaded cable reel. A cable management system is thereby provided which eliminates the tangle or clutter of multiple cables encountered in existing systems.

Abstract: A multipoint data communication system is disclosed for transmitting data to and from a plurality of communicating devices via an interconnecting cable This interconnecting drop cable couples a transceiver unit to a communicating device, such as a personal computer, workstation, printer, or the like The drop cable herein has only two twisted, jointly shielded, pairs of wires to transmit the three signals (transmit, receive, collision) and power AC differences in the pairs constitute the third, phantom, signal channel DC differences in the pairs provide the power source for transceiver operations This cable is considerably less expensive than the industry standard cable

Abstract: A method by which the each module of a token passing local area network (24) complying with IEEE standard 802.4 determines if the communication cable (28A) from which it is receiving signals is faulty and switches to a second, or redundant cable (28A). Each module transmits the same signals over both cables, but can receive signals from only one, its selected cable. In normal operations, all modules (30,36) receive signals from the same cable. Each of the modules has the capability of detecting faults in its selected cable, and of switching cables so that its second cable becomes its selected cable. Each module also has the capability of initiating the process of re-establishing the network whenever a module switches cables in response to detecting a fault. Each module in response to the process of initiating re-establishing the network, switching cables so that all modules are listening to, or receiving signals from the same cable. Each module periodically checks to determine if low level noise is present on its selected cable, and if it is, the module switches cables. A module in the listen only mode of operation will periodically check to determine if the signals it is receiving or valid. If not, it will switch cables. A module whose redundant cable has been identified as being silent, will periodically check to determine if its redundant cable remains silent.