Method and device for identifying a specific patch cord connector as it is introduced into, or removed from, a telecommunications patch system
First Claim
1. A telecommunications system, comprising:
- at least one rack structure;
a plurality of patch panels mounted to each said rack structure;
a plurality of connector ports disposed on each of said patch panels;
a plurality of patch cords for selectively interconnecting different pairs of connector ports, each of said patch cords being terminated with patch cord connectors, wherein each of said patch cord connectors contains a unique identifier; and
modules mounted to said patch panels above said connector ports, wherein said modules contain sensors that read the unique identifier on each of said patch cord connectors when said patch cord connectors are either connected to, or removed from, said connector ports.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system having a plurality of patch cords, wherein each of the patch cord is terminated with patch cord connectors. Each of the patch cord connectors, in turn, contains a unique identifier that can be used to distinguish one patch cord from among the many patch cords in a telecommunication patch system. Within the telecommunications closet is at least one rack structure. A plurality of connector ports are disposed on the rack structure. Each of said connector ports is adapted to receive a patch cord connector. Each of the connector ports has a sensor that reads the unique identifier of any of the patch cord connectors as a patch cord connector is either inserted into, or removed from, a connector port. As the identifier on each patch cord connector is read, the overall system can automatically keep track of which specific patch cords are being added and removed from the system.
343 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A telecommunications system, comprising:
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at least one rack structure;
a plurality of patch panels mounted to each said rack structure;
a plurality of connector ports disposed on each of said patch panels;
a plurality of patch cords for selectively interconnecting different pairs of connector ports, each of said patch cords being terminated with patch cord connectors, wherein each of said patch cord connectors contains a unique identifier; and
modules mounted to said patch panels above said connector ports, wherein said modules contain sensors that read the unique identifier on each of said patch cord connectors when said patch cord connectors are either connected to, or removed from, said connector ports. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 20)
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5. A telecommunications patching system, comprising:
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a plurality of patch cords, wherein each of said patch cord is terminated with patch cord connectors having a unique identifier;
at least one rack structure; and
a plurality of connector ports disposed on said rack structure, each of said connector ports being adapted to receive a patch cord connector, wherein each of said connector ports has a sensor that senses the unique identifier of one of said patch cord connectors each time that patch cord connector is either inserted into or removed from a connector port. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of identifying specific patch cord connectors of patch cords used within a telecommunications closet as the patch cord connectors are both added to, and removed from, connector ports within the telecommunications closet, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing a unique identifier on the patch cord connectors of patch cords used within the telecommunications closet; and
providing a sensor proximate each of the connector ports in the telecommunications closet, wherein each sensor reads the unique identifier on the patch cord connector and identifies that patch cord connector as the patch cord connector is moved past that sensor. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification