(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`(19) World Intellectual Property
`=
`Organization
`International Bureau
`
`QQTETA
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 2015/027033 Al
`
`Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM,
`AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BN, BR, BW, BY,
`BZ, CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM,
`DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT,
`HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IR, IS, JP, KE, KG, KN, KP, KR,
`KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MA, MD, ME,
`MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ,
`OM, PA, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS, RU, RW, SA,
`SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TH, TJ, TM,
`TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM,
`ZW.
`
`=
`(43) International Publication Date
`26 February 2015 (26.02.2015) WIPO!| PCT
`
`(31)
`
`International Patent Classification:
`GO02B 6/36 (2006.01)
`HOIR 13/717 (2006.01)
`HOIR 13/641 (2006.01)
`
`(81)
`
`(21)
`
`International Application Number:
`
`PCT/US2014/052040
`
`(22)
`
`International Filing Date:
`
`21 August 2014 (21.08.2014)
`
`Filing Language:
`
`Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(25)
`
`(26)
`
`(30)
`
`(72)
`7)
`
`(74)
`
`
`
`
`
`wo2015/027033Ai[IINITIMNINMINIMTIIMAANICITHAA
`
`Priority Data:
`61/868,193
`
`21 August 2013 (21.08.2013)
`
`US (84)
`
`Inventors; and
`Applicants : SCHERER, Christopher, B. [US/US]; c/o
`Mertek Industries, LLC, 2101 East St. Elmo Road, Suite
`330, Austin, TX 78744 (US). SHOLTIS, Jon [US/US];
`c/o Mertek Industries, LLC, 2101 East St. Elmo Road,
`Suite 330, Austin, TX 78744 (US).
`
`Agent: ROBINSON, Eagle, H.; Fulbright & Jaworski
`LLP, 98 San Jacinto Blvd., Suite 1100, Austin, TX 78701
`(US).
`
`Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH,
`GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, RW, SD, SL, ST, SZ,
`TZ, UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU,
`TJ, TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE,
`DK, EE, ES, FL FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU,
`LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK,
`SM, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ,
`GW, KM, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`Published:
`
`with international search report (Art. 21(3))
`
`(54) Title: TRACEABLE NETWORKING CABLES WITH REMOTE-RELEASE CONNECTORS
`
`
`
`(57) Abstract: Disclosed are traceable remote-release networking cables withtelltales at their ends to facilitate tracing of the cables
`and their ends, such as, for example, in data rooms that can include hundreds ofindividual networking cables. Some cables include
`conductive wire transmissionline(s), Other cables include one or more fiber-optic transmissionlines.
`
`US Conec EX1003
`
`IPR2024-001 16
`U.S. Patent No. 11,307,369
`
`US Conec EX1003
`IPR2024-00116
`U.S. Patent No. 11,307,369
`
`

`

`WO 2015/027033
`
`PCT/US2014/052040
`
`DESCRIPTION
`
`TRACEABLE NETWORKING CABLES WITH REMOTE-RELEASE
`
`CONNECTORS
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001]
`
`This
`
`application claims priority to United Stated Provisional Patent
`
`Application No. 61/868,193, filed August 21, 2013, which is incorporated by referencein its
`
`entirety.
`
`1.
`
`Field of the Invention
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002]
`
`The present
`
`invention relates generally to fiber optic cables, and more
`
`particularly, but not by wayoflimitation, to traceable (e.g., networking) cables.
`
`2.
`
`Description of Related Art
`
`[0003]
`
`Examples of traceable networking cables are disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
`
`7,221,284; U.S. Patent No. 6,577,243; and US 2013/0039624. Examples offiber-optic
`
`networking cables with remote release tabs are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,465,317.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0004]
`
`This disclosure includes embodiments oftraceable (e.g., networking) cables
`
`and related kits and methods.
`
`[0005]
`
`Some embodiments of the present networking cables for transmitting data,
`
`comprise: one or more transmission lines encased in a flexible sheath; a connector hood on
`
`each end of the networking cable (each connector hood comprising: a distal end configured
`
`to extend into a mating connectoror jack; a lever configured to engage the mating connector
`
`or jack to resist removal of the distal end; and an extender configured to be coupled to the
`
`lever and configured to be pulled longitudinally away from the distal end to draw a portion of
`
`the lever laterally toward one or more cables); at least one conducting wire deployed along
`
`the length of the one or more transmissionlines; an electrically activated telltale incorporated
`
`into one of the connector hoods; an electric power source incorporated into one of the
`
`connector hoods; a manually operated switch incorporated into one of the connector hoods
`
`

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`and electrically connected to the electrically activated telltale, the electric power source, and
`
`the at least one conductor, and configured to be actuated to activate the electrically activated
`
`telltale.
`
`[0006]
`
`Some embodiments of the present networking cables further comprise: a
`
`second electrically activated telltale incorporated into the other of the connector hoods; where
`
`the manually operated switch is configured be actuated to activate both telltales.
`
`In some
`
`embodiments, the electrically activated telltale is coupled to the extender of the connector
`
`hood.
`
`In some embodiments, the manually operated switch is coupled to the extender of the
`
`connector hood.
`
`In some embodiments, the electric power source is coupled to the extender
`
`of the connector hood. Some embodiments further comprise: a flexible circuit coupled to the
`
`extender of one of the connector hoods and electrically coupled the electrically activated
`
`telltale, the electric power source, the at least one conductor, and the manually operated
`
`switch.
`
`In some embodiments, the one or more transmission lines comprise one or more fiber
`
`optic cables.
`
`In some embodiments, the one or more transmission lines comprise two fiber
`
`optic cables.
`
`[0007]
`
`In some embodiments of the present networking cables,
`
`the one or more
`
`transmission lines comprise a plurality of conductor wire pairs. Some embodiments further
`
`comprise:
`
`a separator mechanism incorporated into each connector hood to provide
`
`separation of the conductor wire pairs to minimizecrosstalk.
`
`[0008]
`
`In some embodiments of the present networking cables, at least one of the
`
`connector hoods further comprises a connector body, and the extenderis slidably coupled to
`
`the connector body.
`
`In some embodiments,
`
`the connector body defines a slot, and the
`
`extenderis configured to be slidably disposed in the slot. In some embodiments, the extender
`
`is configured to be removably coupled to the connector body.
`
`In some embodiments, the
`
`extender comprises a circuit that includes the electrically activated telltale, the electric power
`
`source, the manually operated switch, and at least one first conductive contact;
`
`the at least
`
`one conductor is in electrical communication with at least one second conductive contact on
`
`the connector body; and the at least onefirst conductive contact is configured to contacttheat
`
`least one second conductive contact to provide an electrical connection between the circuit
`
`and the at
`
`least one conductor that can be maintained during movement of the extender
`
`relative to the connector body. In some embodiments, the circuit comprises a flexible circuit.
`
`In some embodiments,
`
`the at least one second conductive contact is unitary with the at least
`
`one conductor.
`
`

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`[0009]
`
`Some embodiments of the present networking cables further comprise: an
`
`integrated circuit chip, incorporated into at least one of the connector hoodsand in electrical
`
`connection with the electrically activated telltale; where the integrated circuit chip completes
`
`the circuit for a prescribed amount of time when activated by the manually operated switch.
`
`In some embodiments, the integrated circuit chip pulses the powerto the electrically activated
`
`telltale for a prescribed amount of time.
`
`In some embodiments, the electrically activated
`
`telltale emits an audio or visual signal.
`
`In some embodiments, the electrically activated
`
`telltale is selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode, a conventionallight
`
`bulb, and a liquid crystal visual indicator.
`
`In some embodiments, the electric power source
`
`includes a battery.
`
`In some embodiments, the electric power source includes a solar cell
`
`configured to charge the battery.
`
`[0010]
`
`Some embodiments of the present methods (e.g., of assembling a connector
`
`hood for a networking cable) comprise: coupling an extender to a connector body such that
`
`the extender can slide relative to the connector body.
`
`In some embodiments, the connector
`
`body comprises: a distal end configured to extend into a mating connector or jack; and a
`
`lever configured to engage the mating connector or jack to resist removal of the distal end;
`
`the extender is coupled to the lever such that the extender can be pulled longitudinally away
`
`from the distal end to draw a portion of the lever laterally inward toward a longitudinal axis
`
`of the connector body; an electrically activated telltale incorporated into one of the connector
`
`body and the extender; and a manually operated switch is incorporated into one of the
`
`connector body and the extender, and electrically connected to the electrically activated
`
`telltale.
`
`In some embodiments, the connector hood is coupled to a cable that comprises one
`
`or more transmission lines and at least one conducting wire deployed along the length of the
`
`one or more transmission lines.
`
`In some embodiments, the one or more transmission lines
`
`comprise one or morefiber optic cables.
`
`In some embodiments, the one or more transmission
`
`lines comprise twofiber optic cables.
`
`[0011]
`
`In some embodiments of the present methods, the one or more transmission
`
`lines comprise a plurality of conductor wire pairs.
`
`In some embodiments, a separator
`
`mechanism is incorporated into each connector hood to provide separation of the conductor
`
`wire pairs to minimize crosstalk.
`
`In some embodiments, an electric power source is
`
`incorporated into one of the connector body and the extender; and the manually operated
`
`switch is electrically connected to the electrically activated telltale, the electric power source,
`
`and the at least one conductor, and configured to be actuated to activate the electrically
`
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`
`activated telltale.
`
`In some embodiments, the electric power source includes a battery.
`
`In
`
`some embodiments,
`
`the electric power source includes a solar cell configured to charge the
`
`battery.
`
`In some embodiments,
`
`the electrically activated telltale is coupled to the extender of
`
`the connector hood.
`
`In some embodiments, the manually operated switch is coupled to the
`
`extender of the connector hood.
`
`In some embodiments, the electric power source is coupled
`
`to the extender of the connector hood. In some embodiments,a flexible circuit is incorporated
`
`into the extender and electrically coupled the electrically activated telltale and the manually
`
`operated switch.
`
`In some embodiments, the connector body definesa slot, and the extenderis
`
`configured to be slidably disposed in the slot.
`
`In some embodiments,
`
`the extenderis
`
`configured to be removably coupled to the connector body.
`
`In some embodiments,
`
`the
`
`extender comprises a circuit that includes the electrically activated telltale,
`
`the manually
`
`operated switch, and at least one first conductive contact; at least one second conductive
`
`contact is incorporated into the connector body; andtheat least one first conductive contactis
`
`configured to contact the at least one second conductive contact to provide an electrical
`
`connection between the circuit and the at least one second conductive contact that can be
`
`maintained during movement of the extender relative to the connector body.
`
`In some
`
`embodiments,the circuit comprisesa flexible circuit.
`
`[0012]
`
`The term “coupled”is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly,
`
`and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are “coupled” may be unitary with each
`
`other. The terms “a” and “tan” are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly
`
`requires otherwise. The term “substantially” is defined as largely but not necessarily wholly
`
`whatis specified (and includes whatis specified; e.g., substantially 90 degrees includes 90
`
`degrees and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by a person of ordinary
`33 Ge,
`“approximately,” and
`
`In any disclosed embodiment, the terms “substantially,”
`
`skill in the art.
`
`“about” may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of’ what is specified, where the
`
`percentage includes.1, 1, 5, and 10 percent.
`
`[0013]
`
`Further, a device or system that is configured in a certain way is configured in
`
`at least that way, but it can also be configured in other ways than those specifically described.
`
`[0014]
`
`The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and
`
`“comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”’), “include” (and
`
`any form of include, such as “includes” and “‘including”), and “contain” (and any form of
`
`contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. Asa result, an
`
`apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more elements possesses
`
`

`

`WO 2015/027033
`
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`
`those one or more elements,but is not limited to possessing only those elements. Likewise, a
`39 ce
`99 cer
`“includes,” or “contains” one or more steps possesses those
`
`method that “comprises,”
`
`“has,”
`
`one or moresteps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or moresteps.
`
`[0015]
`
`Any embodiment of any of the apparatuses, systems, and methodscan consist
`
`of or consist essentially of — rather than comprise/include/contain/have — any of the described
`
`steps, elements, and/or features. Thus,
`
`in any of the claims, the term “consisting of” or
`
`“consisting essentially of” can be substituted for any of the open-ended linking verbsrecited
`
`above, in order to change the scope of a given claim from what it would otherwise be using
`
`the open-endedlinking verb.
`
`[0016]
`
`The feature or
`
`features of one embodiment may be applied to other
`
`embodiments, even though not described orillustrated, unless expressly prohibited by this
`
`disclosure or the nature of the embodiments.
`
`[0017]
`
`Details associated with the embodiments described above and others are
`
`described below.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0018]
`
`The following drawingsillustrate by way of example and not limitation. For
`
`the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structure is not always labeled in
`
`every figure in which that structure appears.
`
`Identical reference numbers do not necessarily
`
`indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate a
`
`similar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as may non-identical reference
`
`numbers. The figures are drawn to scale (unless otherwise noted), meaning the sizes of the
`
`depicted elements are accurate relative to each other for at least the embodiment depicted in
`
`the figures.
`
`[0019]
`
`[0020]
`
`cables.
`
`[0021]
`
`[0022]
`
`[0023]
`
`[0024]
`
`FIG.1 is a schematic view of a networked computer environment.
`
`FIG.2 is a side view of an end of one embodimentof the present networking
`
`FIG.3 is an enlarged side view of the end of FIG. 2.
`
`FIG.4 is a cross-sectional view of a control unit of the cable of FIG. 2.
`
`FIG.5 is a perspective view of the control unit of FIG. 4.
`
`FIG.6 is a lower perspective view ofa portion of the cable of FIG 2.
`
`

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`
`[0025]
`
`[0026]
`
`[0027]
`
`[0028]
`
`[0029]
`
`FIG,7 is a schematic view of the control unit of FIG. 4.
`
`FIG. 8 is a view ofa separator portion of the cable of FIG. 2.
`
`FIG.9 is an exploded perspective view ofa portion ofthe cable of FIG. 2.
`
`FIG. 10 is a perspective view ofa fiber optic cable connector hood.
`
`FIG. 11 is plan view of a first embodiment of a dual-fiber-optic cable
`
`connector hood with a remote release tab.
`
`[0030]
`
`FIG. 12 is plan view of a second embodiment of a dual-fiber-optic
`
`cable
`
`connector hood with a remote release tab.
`
`[0031]
`
`FIG. 13 is plan view of a third embodiment of a dual-fiber-optic cable
`
`connector hood with a remote release tab.
`
`(0032)
`
`FIG.14 includes cutaway side view of a fourth embodimentofa single-fiber-
`
`optic cable connector hood with a remote release tab, and an inset bottom view of an extender
`
`fo the connector hood.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0033]
`
`Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, shown and
`
`designated by reference numeral 10 is an example of a networked environmentthat includes
`
`servers, computers, hubs, peripheral devices, and a cable panel.
`
`In the example, shown
`
`computers 32, 34, 38, and 42 are each connected by networking cables to a cable panel 28.
`
`The computers can be at multiple locations. Also attached to panel 28 by networking cables
`
`are peripheral devices such as printer 46 and scanner 48. Panel 28 is often located at a central
`
`room where service personnel can access it.
`
`From panel 28, multiple computers and
`
`peripheral devices are often linked by networked cables to hubs such as 22 and 24, which
`
`may be connected to servers 12 and 16. Multiple servers and hubs may be housed in a room.
`
`Various protocols (e.g., Ethernet) can be used to support data transfer between computers and
`
`servers. The example shownis relatively a small network, and networks may often be much
`
`larger.
`
`In addition to the devices shown in FIG. 1, networks can include, for example, other
`
`electronic devices such as workstations, switches, tape drives, storage devices, telephone
`
`switches, VOIP devices, routers, and/or any other device that may be connected to a network
`
`(e.g., a camera). With large networks, the total number of networking cables may be very
`
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`large, and routine maintenance functions (e.g., the addition or change of computers) can
`
`require significant time and manpowerto trace connections throughout the network.
`
`[0034]
`
`In some embodiments, panel 28 may also represent an external power source
`
`that provides powerto the various devices (32 34, 36, 38, 42, 46, 48), and at least some of the
`
`cables extending between the various devices and panel 28 may comprise powercables(e.g.,
`
`AC powercables).
`
`[0035]
`
`FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment 50 of the present networking cables that may be
`
`used in the networked environment of FIG. 1. Cable 52, as used in networking applications,
`
`may comprise a plurality of insulated twisted conductor wire pairs encased in a flexible outer
`
`sheath (e.g., an outer cover sheath). The number of twisted conductor wire pairs (e.g., four
`
`conductor pairs with eight conductor wires, five conductor pairs with then conductor wires,
`
`etc.) can vary depending on the application.
`
`In the embodiment shown, a connector assembly
`
`or hood 54 comprises a connector 56 coupled to a boot 58, and the connector hood is coupled
`
`to an end of cable 52. An example of a typical connector 56 used for Ethernet networking
`
`applications is an RJ-45 or 8P8C connector, an eight-wire or eight-pin connector commonly
`
`used in networking computers. Another example of a connector 56 that may be used is an
`
`RJ-50 or 10P10C connector, a ten-conductor or ten-pin connector. Boot 58 may, for
`
`example, be overmolded onto connector 56 and/or cable 52.
`
`The overall connecter
`
`(connector plus boot) will be referred to as the connector hoodin this description and in the
`
`appendedclaims.
`
`[0036]
`
`Some well known standards for networking cables that may be included in
`
`cable 52 include Categories: 5 (which generally includes four insulated twisted copper wires
`
`encased in a flexible outer jacket layer), SA, SE, 6 (e.g., for Gigabit Ethernet and/or other
`
`network protocols), 7, and/or additional categories later developed. Later standards (e.g.,
`
`Cat-6) are often backward compatible with earlier standards (e.g., CAT 5, CAT 3). Relative
`
`to Cat-5, Cat-6 specifications are generally more stringent for crosstalk and system noise.
`
`Cat-6, for example, provides performance of up to 250 MHz, and may be suitable for
`
`10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX(Fast Ethernet), 1000BASE-T / 1O00BASE-TX (Gigabit Ethernet)
`
`and 1OGBASE-T (10-Gigabit Ethernet). Cat-6 has a relatively lower maximum length when
`
`used for 1|OGBASE-T. Cat-6A cable, or Augmented Cat-6, is characterized for 500 MHz and
`
`has further improved alien crosstalk characteristics, allowing 1OGBASE-T to be run for the
`
`same maximum cable length as other protocols. Several other standards are in use, and may
`
`be used in embodiments of the present traceable networking cables.
`
`In some embodiments,
`
`ahs
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`

`

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`one or more(e.g., two in a conductor wire pair) additional conductor wires (which may be
`
`referred to as tracer wires or indicator wires) can be added to or included in a networking
`
`cable (e.g., a Cat-5 or Cat-6 cable) such that the additional conductor wire(s) are used in the
`
`tracing function described herein. For example, the use of a cable 52 with ten wires or
`
`conductors with eight-wire RJ-45 connectors allows one of the five conductor-wire pairs to
`
`be used as a continuous continuity path between electrically activated telltales (e.g., light) at
`
`the end of the cable. Cables, conductor wires, conductor wire pairs, and/or conductors in the
`
`present embodiments may be coaxial, twin-axial, twisted, untwisted, shielded, unshielded,
`
`and/or bonded, as is knownin theart.
`
`[0037]
`
`FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged view of connector assembly or hood 54.
`
`In the
`
`embodiment shown, cable 50 comprises an electrically activated telltale 64 (which can be
`
`configured to produce a visual and/or an audio signal) incorporated into at least one of the
`
`connector hoods (e.g., hood 54, as shown).
`
`In the embodiment shown, telltale 64 is
`
`incorporated into a rear or proximal end of boot 58 near the cable. As used in this disclosure
`
`and the claims, an electrically activated telltale is any electrically triggered device that emits
`
`a visual or audio signal that can be detected by a human. One exampleofa suitable telltale is
`
`a light emitting diode (LED), but may alternatively or additionally include one or more other
`
`visual
`
`indicators (e.g., an incandescent or conventional
`
`light bulb, a liquid crystal visual
`
`indicator, etc.).
`
`In the embodiment shown,
`
`the cable also includes a button 68 that
`
`is
`
`configured to be manually pressed to engage a manual switch (72) incorporated into at least
`
`one of the connector hoods and configured to activate the telltale by initiating electrical
`
`communication between the electric power source andthetelltale (e.g., via one or more of the
`
`conductors, such as, for example, a conductor wire, a conductor wire pair, an indicator wire,
`
`and/or indicator wire pair). For example, the switch can complete an indicator circuit that
`
`includes an LED to cause the LED to flash repeatedly for a predetermined time.
`
`In some
`
`embodiments,
`
`the indicator circuit
`
`includes the indicator wire or wire pair that runs the
`
`complete length of the networking cable.
`
`It is important to note that in some embodiments,
`
`the present networking cables include the hood of FIG. 2, on a first or “left” end of the
`
`networking cable, and a second hood (e.g., substantially similar to hood 54) on the second or
`
`“right” end of the cable (e.g., such that
`
`the two hoods are in electrical communication
`
`connection via a conductor wire, a conductor wire pair, an indicator wire, and/or indicator
`
`wire pair). For example, in an embodiment with a connector hood at each end of the cable,
`
`where each connector hood includes a switch anda telltale, the operation of either switch can
`
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`activate both telltales if the telltales are not activated, or the operation of either switch can
`
`deactivate both telltales if the telltales are activated, as described in more detail below.
`
`[0038]
`
`Telltale 64 and button 68 are shownin one suitable configuration relative to
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`hood 54; in other embodiments,telltale 64 and/or button 68 can be incorporated into hood at
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`any suitable position in hood 54.
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`In other embodiments, the present cables can include
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`connector hoods spaced apart from the terminal or end connectors of the cable. For example,
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`some embodiments of the present cables can include a connector hood spaced inward relative
`
`to an end of the cable (e.g., by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more inches), and the inwardly-spaced
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`connector hood can include one or more of the tracing features or elements (e.g., a button,
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`telltale, etc.) described in this disclosure.
`
`[0039]
`
`Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional side view of
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`what maybereferred to as a control unit of at least some internal components of the present
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`cables, with the outline of the overall hood 54 shown for reference, and FIG. 5 depicts a
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`perspective view of the control unit of FIG. 4.
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`In the embodiment shown, button 68 is
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`coupled (e.g., connected physically) to a switch 72 that, when manually engaged, completes
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`an electrical circuit that powerstelltale 64.
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`In the embodiment shown, the cable comprises a
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`printed circuit board (PCB) 76 to which switch 72 is coupled, and a controller 82 (e.g.,
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`integrated circuit) configured to have at
`
`least some of the functionality described in this
`
`disclosure.
`
`In some embodiments,
`
`the cable comprises more than one controller, each
`
`configured to provideat least a part of the functionality of the respective embodiment.
`
`In the
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`embodiment shown, PCB 76 is coupled (e.g., such that an electrical connection or circuit can
`
`be completed through PCB 76)via a first or positive connection 86 and a second or negative
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`connection 88. PCB 76 can be configured to include (e.g., via one or more appropriate
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`conductive traces) a complete and/or completable (e.g., via switch 72) electrical circuit
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`betweentelltale 64, switch 72, integrated circuit 82, and power source 90. Embodiments with
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`two connector hoods may include a controller and/or battery in each of the two connector
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`hoods (e.g., with one controller a “master” and one controller a “slave”), or can include a
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`single controller and/or a single battery. For example,
`
`in some embodiments,
`
`the cable
`
`includes a single controller and a single battery in one of the two connection hoods, but
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`includes a switch and telltale in each of the two connection hoods, such that depressing a
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`switch at either end of the cable activates the telltales at both ends of the cable.
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`In such
`
`embodiments, a similar PCB maybe used in the hood without a controller or power source to
`
`provide the circuit between the switch andtelltale.
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`Bix
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`[0040]
`
`In various embodiments of the present cables, the controller can be configured
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`to include various functions.
`
`In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: activate
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`the telltale for a predetermined amountof time (e.g., equal to, greater than, or between any
`
`of: 10, 15, 20, or 30 seconds) responsive to the switch being operated if (or when) thetelltale
`
`is not active; and inactivate (or stop activation of) the telltale responsive to the switch being
`
`operated if the telltale is activated (e.g., during the predetermined amount of time during
`
`whichthetelltale is activated).
`
`In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: activate
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`the telltale for a first predetermined amount oftime (e.g., equal to, greater than, or between
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`any of: 10, 15, 20, or 30 seconds) responsive to the switch being operated in a first manner
`
`(e.g., depressed and released once)if the telltale is not active; and activate the telltale for a
`
`second predetermined amountof time (e.g., equal to, greater than, or between any of: 30, 40,
`
`50, or 60 seconds) responsive to the switch being operated in a second manner(c.g.,
`
`depressed and released twice within 2 seconds, depressed and held down for 2 seconds or
`
`more, etc.) if the telltale is not active.
`
`In such embodiments (in which the controller is
`
`configured to activate the telltale for one of two predetermined periods of time depending on
`
`the mannerin which the switch is operated), the circuit may include multiple timing resistors
`
`(136), as described below.
`
`In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the
`
`telltale (e.g., differently than the way in whichthetelltale is activated responsive to the
`
`switch being operated) if the voltage of the battery falls below a threshold voltage (e.g., 1.8V
`
`for a 3V battery). For example, in some embodiments,the controller is configured to turn the
`
`telltale on continuously, or to pulse the telltale intermittently at a rate that is slower than the
`
`rate at whichthetelltale is pulsed responsive to operation of the switch, if the battery voltage
`
`falls below the threshold voltage.
`
`[0041]
`
`In some embodiments, an integrated circuit
`
`is used that provides several
`
`options for an end user. For example, an integrated circuit can be configured to activate the
`
`telltales to a) flash for 20 seconds responsive to a button being pushed once, and then shut off
`
`automatically, b) flash for 40 seconds responsive to a button being held downfor 3 seconds,
`
`and then shut off automatically, c) shut off responsive to a button being pushed once on either
`
`end while the telltales are active, and d) flash indefinitely responsive to a button being
`
`pressed 3 times in a row, and shut off responsive to a button being pushed once.
`
`(0042)
`
`FIG. 6 depicts a lower perspective view of boot 58.
`
`In the embodiment
`
`shown, boot 58 is configured for an embodiment in which powersource 90is a battery. For
`
`example, in the embodiment shown, boot 58 comprises a door 92 configured to be moved to
`
`Se 1Os
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`WO 2015/027033
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`an open position to expose a battery port 94 configured to receive the battery (e.g., into which
`
`the battery can be inserted). A variety of batteries can be used for embodiments of the
`
`present cables. For example, for the circuit components discussed above, a CR927 lithium or
`
`other 3-volt battery can be used. A numberof similar batteries are available from a variety of
`
`manufacturers, and any battery can be used that permits the functionality described in this
`
`disclosure.
`
`[0043]
`
`FIG. 7 depicts a schematic of one embodiment 120 of a direct current (DC)
`
`circuit for a connection hood of the present cables. An integrated circuit 124 is shown as an
`
`example of a controller 82 (FIG. 4). A light emitting diode (LED) 128 is shown as an
`
`example ofa telltale 64.
`
`In the embodiment shown, LED 128 is in electrical connection with
`
`pin 7 of chip 124 anda first or positive connection 132 of battery 90, as well as with pin 11 of
`
`chip 124 via the connection between LED 128 and battery 90. Resistor 136 is connected
`
`across pins 8 and 9 of chip 124, and is configured to determine the frequency and duration of
`
`powerpulses sent to LED 128. For example with an X1622 IC chip (available from Fulikai
`
`Electronic Technologies (China)), a 220-ohm resistor 136 will deliver pulses that cause LED
`
`128 to blink for about 19 seconds. A smaller resistor (resistor with lower resistance) will
`
`increase the frequencyof blinking and shorten the total duration of blinking.
`
`In embodiments
`
`in which the controller (e.g., IC chip) is configured to activate the telltale(s) for one of two or
`
`more predetermined times depending on the mannerin which a switchis operated, the circuit
`
`can include two or moreresistors 136 (e.g., each with a different resistance) to provide
`
`different durations of activation for the telltale(s). A switch 140 is shownas an example of
`
`switch 72 (FIG. 5) is operable to start the pulsing of power to the LED for the prescribed or
`
`predetermined amountof time. The ground or negative side 133 of battery 90 is connected to
`
`a first side 142 of switch 140, as well as pins | and 14 of integrated circuit 124. Finally,
`
`circuit 120 is connected to an indicator wire pair with conductors 144 and 148.
`
`Indicator
`
`wire pair 144 and 148 can connect to a secondcircuit in the second connector hood, and as
`
`discussed above, the second circuit can be identical to or may differ from circuit 120, as long
`
`as whena switch (e.g., 140) on either end is engaged, bothtelltales are activated.
`
`[0044]
`
`FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment 150 of a separator for reducing crosstalk
`
`between conductor wire pairs.
`
`In the embodiment shown, separator 150 is sized to fit
`
`completely within connector hood 54. Separator 150 can comprise (e.g., can be molded
`
`from) a non-conductive material, and can include