Reversible Faceplate Terminal Adapter Which Changes Signal Flow Direction
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A directional terminal adapter for use in a cable network, the cable network having a plurality of distribution cables which carry both upstream and downstream signals, comprising:
- a housing having a first receiver port and a second receiver port, each of which connects to one distribution cable;
a detachable faceplate which attaches to the housing, the faceplate having an exterior side and an interior side;
an upstream contact point on the interior side of the faceplate, the upstream contact point communicating upstream signals to one of the receiver ports when the faceplate is attached to the housing; and
the faceplate attaching to the housing in one of two orientations, the receiver port in communication with the upstream contact point being different between the orientations.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A directional terminal adapter has a housing and a reversible faceplate. Distribution cables of a cable network are connected to the housing and conduct downstream and upstream signals through the housing. Signals flow through the faceplate in a predetermined direction. Reversing the orientation of the faceplate with respect to the housing reverses the direction of flow of the upstream and downstream signals through the directional terminal adapter.
-
Citations
11 Claims
-
1. A directional terminal adapter for use in a cable network, the cable network having a plurality of distribution cables which carry both upstream and downstream signals, comprising:
-
a housing having a first receiver port and a second receiver port, each of which connects to one distribution cable; a detachable faceplate which attaches to the housing, the faceplate having an exterior side and an interior side; an upstream contact point on the interior side of the faceplate, the upstream contact point communicating upstream signals to one of the receiver ports when the faceplate is attached to the housing; and the faceplate attaching to the housing in one of two orientations, the receiver port in communication with the upstream contact point being different between the orientations. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. A method of reversing flow directions of both upstream and downstream signals conducted by cables through a directional terminal adapter in a cable network, the terminal adapter having a faceplate and directional circuitry which permits the upstream and downstream signals to flow in one respectively opposite relationship, the method comprising:
-
moving the faceplate from one orientation of attachment to the housing to another different orientation of attachment to reverse the flow directions of both the upstream and downstream signals in the cables; and conducting the upstream and downstream signals from the cables through the directional circuitry in the one permitted flow relationship in either orientation of attachment of the faceplate. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
-
Specification