Method and apparatus for tracing remote ends of networking cables

• US 6,577,243 B1
• Filed: 12/14/1999
• Issued: 06/10/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/14/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Alan J. Brown
• Original Assignee: Alan J. Brown
• Inventors: Helgerson, Ronald, Dannenmann, John
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland, Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US09/460,775
• Time in Patent Office: 1,274 Days
• Field of Search: 340/815.45, 340/815.47, 340/596, 324/66, 324/67, 439/490, 370/241, 370/248
• US Class Current: 340/815.45
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/60 Identification of wires in a multicore cable
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/641 by indicating incorrect coupling; by indicating correct or full engagement
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6641 with diode with LED H01R13/7175
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/717 with built-in light source
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7175 Light emitting diodes (LEDs)
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7177 filament or neon bulb
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/065 with built-in electric apparatus

Abstract

This specialized networking cable includes a plurality of twisted copper wire pairs encased in a flexible sheath for effectuating transmissive interconnections, electrically activated telltales affixed to both ends of the cable at positions adjacent to and connected to at least one of the copper wire pairs for providing an identification signal when activated; and apparatus for selectively applying a current to the cable that activates the telltales and does not interfere with the flow of data through the cable whereby the telltales may be activated on at least one of the twisted copper pairs. An LED and an electric power connector suitable for plug-in connection of a power pack are affixed to the cable adjacent each end such that both LEDs are lighted whenever power is applied to either of the electrical connectors. The attendant illumination of the LEDs readily indicates where both ends of the networking cable are located. The networking cable also may be used for convenient telephonic communication by service personnel. One embodiment includes the cable as described above except with one end having a connector mateable with a standard Category 5 networking cable thereby providing for a standard networking cable to be converted into a specialized networking cable usable for tracing cable ends.

Claims

1. An indicator circuit for signaling a cable connection between two computer-related devices joined by a networking cable comprising a plurality of twisted copper wire pairs encased in a flexable sheath comprising:

an electrically activated switch for energizing an electrically activated telltale when energy is applied to the circuit, wherein the electrically activated switch comprises at least one of a field effect transistor, a switching relay, a programmable gate array, a programmable digital computer, or a transistor that performs a switching function when the voltage is greater than a preselected level; and

an electrically activated telltale for visually indicating the cable connection.

2. The circuit of claim 1 wherein the electrically activated switch is in a high impedance state until the voltage exceeds a pre-defined threshold such as 7 volts and the electrically activated telltale is activated.

3. The circuit of claim 1 wherein the electrically activated switch is in a high impedance state when energy is not applied to the circuit.

4. The circuit of claim 1 wherein the electrically activated telltale comprises at least one of a light emitting diode, liquid crystal visual indicator, Frantie indicator, or conventional light bulb.

5. An indicator circuit for signaling a cable connection between two computer-related devices joined by a networking cable comprising a plurality of twisted copper wire pairs encased in a flexible sheath comprising:

means for appearing high impedance when power is not applied to the circuit, wherein the means for appearing high impedance comprises at least one of a field effect transistor, a switching relay, a programmable gate array, a programmable digital computer, or a transistor that performs a switching function when the voltage is greater than a preselected level; and

means for activating electrically activated telltales indicating that the circuit is energized.

6. The circuit of claim 5 wherein the means for appearing low impedance occurs when the voltage is greater than 7-Volts and the electrically activated telltale is activated.

7. The circuit of claim 5 wherein the means for appearing high impedance is in a low impedance state when energy is not applied to the circuit.

8. The circuit of claim 5 wherein the electrically activated telltale comprises at least one of a light emitting diode, liquid crystal visual indicator, Faranti indicator, conventional light bulb, or audible alert device.

9. A networking cable for transmitting data comprising:

a plurality of twisted copper wire pairs encased in a flexible sheath for effectuating transmissive interconnections;

electrically activated telltales affixed to both ends of the cable at positions adjacent to and connected to at least one of the copper wire pairs for providing an identification signal when activated;

an electrically activated switch for energizing an electrically activated telltale when energy is applied, wherein the electrically activated switch comprises at least one of a field effect transistor, a switching relay, a programmable gate array, a programmable digital computer, or a transistor that performs a switching function when the voltage is greater than a preselected level; and

means for selectively applying a current to the cable that activates the telltales and does not interfere with the flow of data through the cable whereby the telltales may be activated on at least one of the twisted copper pairs.

10. The invention of claim 9 wherein the twisted copper pairs are capable of transmitting data between two computer-related devices.

11. The invention of claim 9 wherein the telltale provides a visible signal when activated.

12. The invention of claim 9 wherein the telltale includes light emitting devices and light emitting diodes.

13. The invention of claim 9 wherein electric power controls are electric power connectors.

14. A computer networking cable adapter comprising:

a plurality of twisted copper pairs for effectuating transmissive interconnections;

twisted copper pair connections at both ends of the cable;

an electrically activated telltale affixed to one end of the cable at a position adjacent to at least one of the copper pairs for providing an identification signal when activated,

an electric power control adjacent to the telltale; and

an electrically activated switch for energizing the electrically activated telltale, wherein the electrically activated switch comprises at least one of a field effect transistor, a switching relay, a programmable gate array, a programmable digital computer, or a transistor that performs a switching function when thee voltage is greater than a preselected level and wherein the telltale may be activated by manipulation of the electric power control transmitting power on at least one of the twisted copper pairs.

15. The invention of claim 14 wherein the electrically activated switch is in a low impedance state when the voltage is greater than 7-Volts and the electrically activated telltale is activated.

16. The invention of claim 14 wherein the electrically activated telltale comprises at least one of a light emitting diode, liquid crystal visual indicator, Faranti indicator, or conventional light bulb.