Patent ID: 6729913
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: H01R,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for expanding a control and monitoring network, the method comprising:coupling a branch connector to a network receptacle, the branch connector including a connector body having first and second sides, an orientation-sensitive, multi-conductor plug on the first side, the plug being configured to be inserted into the network receptacle for transmitting data and power from the network, a pair of orientation-sensitive, multi-conductor connector receptacles on the second side, the receptacles being configured to receive mating plugs for transmitting data and power from the network to a pair of downstream devices without interruption of data and power to either device, and a plurality of conductive elements disposed within the body to define at least four separate conductive paths between the plug and the receptacles, including two data paths and two power paths; and coupling cable assemblies to the branch connector receptacles, the cable assemblies including plugs independently and removably matable with the connector receptacles for transmitting data and power from the network to the pair of downstream devices.