Patent ID: 8876560
Filing Date: 2014-11-04
Classification: B65H,H02G

Abstract:
1. A rollable field communication apparatus for use with a cable formed by a plurality of cable conductor pairs to enable temporary connection of communication devices to the conductor pairs, the cable terminating in a cable connector including pairs of terminals for each of the conductor pairs, the apparatus comprising: (a) a cable reel having a hollow hub connected at a first end to a first annular flange and at a second end to second and third annular flanges, the third annular flange extending outboard from the second flange, the first and second annular flanges having a first diameter and the third annular flange having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter; (b) the hub forming a weatherproof housing; (c) a panel positioned in said housing and having a plurality of groups of connector devices mounted thereon; (d) each of the connector devices including a pair of insulation displacement connectors therein which enable connection thereto of unstripped insulated conductors of a communication device; (e) a box connector having a plurality of box conductor pairs, each of the box connector pairs being connected to a respective pair of insulation displacement connectors of one of the connector devices, the box connector being compatible with the cable connector to enable removable connection of the cable to the box connector; (f) an electrical data connector mounted on the panel and configured to carry an electrical data signal; and (g) an auxiliary connector on the panel and having auxiliary connector terminals connected to the insulation displacement connectors of a selected connector device, the auxiliary connector being of a standard configuration to enable connection of a communication device having a connector compatible with the auxiliary connector to a conductor pair of the cable.