Abstract:
The disclosure herein describes embodiments of a cable connector that can be easily attached at a variety of points along the length of a cable as desired by a user for a particular application. The cable connector can easily be secured to the cable by snapping or otherwise securing the base and cover of the connector around the cable. The cable connector can include a device interface for coupling an electronic device to the cable connector. The cable connector can supply a power and control signal to the coupled device via terminals adapted to pierce the insulation on the cable and contact the conductors inside. The terminals of the cable connector can sever at least one of the conductors of the cable, disrupting the flow of current through the conductor. The device interface can bridge the severed ends of the conductor to enable unabated current flow when a device is not coupled thereto or redirect the current through an electronic device coupled to the interface. The cable connector enables easily connecting an electronic device in series between the severed ends of a conductor and providing current flow between the ends when the device is disconnect.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     In various applications, such as video display applications, a multitude of individual electronic devices functioning in unison or separately are employed. For example, an array of small display devices may be used to form a larger image. These electronic devices require a power source and often a control signal. A cable connector with a device interface can couple such electronic devices to a cable carrying a power supply and a control signal for the device. Such cable assemblies are often prefabricated with a plurality of cable connectors attached to the cable at fixed intervals. 
     In particular applications, the desired distance between electronic devices often varies from the fixed distance between the cable connectors. To achieve the desired distance and placement of the devices, the excess cable between adjacent connectors must be bundled and secured. The excess bundle of cable, however, interferes with the smooth application of the cable and devices. The excess cable bundle may be difficult to hide and increase installation time of the electronic devices. 
     A cable connector with a device interface capable of attaching at a point desired by a user along the length of a cable would reduce or possibly eliminate the need to bundle excess cable when employing electronic devices spaced apart at varying distances. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments described herein are directed to a cable connector that can be easily attached at a variety of points along the length of a cable, as desired by a user for a particular application. The cable connector can be easily secured to the cable by snapping or otherwise securing the base and cover of the connector around the cable. The cable connector can include a device interface for coupling an electronic device to the cable connector. The cable connector can supply a power and control signal to the coupled device via terminals adapted to pierce the insulation on the cable and contact the conductors inside. The terminals of the cable connector can sever at least one of the conductors of the cable, disrupting the flow of current through the conductor. The device interface can bridge the severed ends of the conductor to enable current flow when a device is not coupled thereto or redirect the current through an electronic device coupled to the interface. The cable connector enables easily connecting an electronic device in series between the severed ends of a conductor and providing current flow between the ends when the device is disconnected. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a cable connector can comprise: a base; a cover, the cover connecting to the base, the base and cover when connected defining a conduit receiving a cable, the cable having a first conductor and insulation; a first insulation displacement terminal disposed on the base; a second insulation displacement terminal disposed on the base; and a first isolation terminal disposed on the base between the first insulation displacement terminal and second insulation displacement terminal. 
     In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a device interface of a cable connector can comprise: a first contact; a second contact; a third contact; a fourth contact; the first, second, third, and fourth contacts in electrical communication when a device is not coupled to the interface, the first and second contacts electrically isolated and the third and fourth contacts electrically isolated when a device is coupled to the interface, the first and fourth contacts in electrical communication when a device is coupled to the interface. 
     In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a device interface of a cable connector can comprise: a bottom member; a top member coupled to the bottom member, the top member rotatable relative to the bottom member between a first position and a second position; a first contact; a second contact in electrical and physical communication with the first contact when the top member is in the first position, the second contact spaced apart from the first contact when the top member is in the second position; a first receptacle for receiving a first terminal of a device; and a second receptacle for receiving a second terminal of a device. 
     The Detailed Description and accompanying Drawings further describe these and other exemplary embodiments of the cable connector and device interface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1   a  illustrates an embodiment of a cable connector with a device interface. 
         FIG. 1   b  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an isolation terminal. 
         FIG. 1   c  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a single piece isolation terminal. 
         FIG. 1   d  illustrates a cable connector attached to a cable. 
         FIG. 2   a  illustrates a base of an exemplary embodiment of a cable connector for use with a cable having multiple separate conductors. 
         FIG. 2   b  illustrates the base of a cable connector attached to a cable. 
         FIG. 2   c  illustrates a cable connector attached to a cable. 
         FIG. 2   d  illustrates a cable connector with exemplary device interface components. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment of a cable connector. 
         FIG. 4   a  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of device interface. 
         FIG. 4   b  illustrates a device interface coupled with a device. 
         FIG. 4   c  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a device interface for interfacing with a device having a single terminal. 
         FIG. 4   d  illustrates a device interface coupled with a device with a single terminal. 
         FIG. 5   a  illustrates a rotatable device interface with contacts in the closed position. 
         FIG. 5   b  illustrates a rotatable device interface with contacts in the open position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1   a  illustrates an embodiment of a cable connector  100  with a device interface  170 . The cable connector comprises a base  110  and a cover  120 . The cover  120  can be coupled to the base  110 . The base  110  and cover  120  when coupled define an internal cavity that serves as a conduit that can receive a cable. 
     The cable connector  100  can comprise a first insulation displacement terminal  130  and a second insulation displacement terminal  140 , both disposed on the base  110 . The first and second insulation displacement terminals  130  and  140  are preferably composed of a conductive material. The first and second insulation displacement terminals  130  and  140  can be in electrical communication with the device interface  170 . In an exemplary configuration, the first and second insulation displacement terminals  130  and  140  each can comprise a pair of pointed prongs extending from the base, spaced apart by a selected distance. 
     The cable connector  100  can further comprises a first isolation terminal  150  disposed on the base between the first and second insulation displacement terminals  130  and  140 .  FIG. 1   b  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an isolation terminal  150 . The isolation terminal  150   b  can be substantially flat and rectangular, having a first surface  151  and an opposite second surface  152 . The portion of the isolation terminal  150  distal the base  110  can comprise a leading edge  153 . The leading edge  153  is preferably sufficiently sharp to bisect a conductor within a cable when the cover  120  is coupled to the base  110 . The isolation terminal  150  can comprise a first nonconductive element  154  disposed on the first surface  151 . A second nonconductive element (not pictured) can be disposed on the second surface  152 . The first nonconductive element  154  and the second nonconductive element are preferably in contact with the bisected ends of the conductor when the cover  120  is coupled to the base  110 . In an alternative embodiments, the second nonconductive element can be omitted. 
       FIG. 1   c  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a single piece isolation terminal  150 . The isolation terminal  150  can be formed from a single element having a first surface  151 , a second surface  152 , and a leading edge  153 . The isolation terminal  150  can be composed of a nonconductive element. For example, the isolation terminal  150  can be composed of plastic or another suitable nonconductive element. The material selected is preferably sufficiently strong enough such that the leading edge  153  can cut through or bisect a conductor within a cable when the cover  120  is coupled to the base  110 . Because the isolation terminal  150  in this embodiment is itself nonconductive, the first nonconductive element  154  and second nonconductive element described in relation to  FIG. 1   b  can be omitted. 
       FIG. 1   d  illustrates a cable connector  100  attached to a cable  160 . The cable  160  preferably comprises a conductor  162  surrounded by insulation  161 . The cable connector  100  can attach to cable  160  by disposing the cable  160  between the cover  120  and the base  110  while coupling the base  110  and the cover  120 . The cover  120  of the cable connector  110  in  FIG. 1   c  is removed to illustrate the details of the attachment. 
     As the base  110  and cover  120  are coupled, the first and second insulation displacement terminals  130  and  140  preferably cut through the insulation  161  and come in physical and electrical communication with the conductor  162 . Preferably, the first and second insulation displacement terminals  130  and  140  are narrower than the width of the cable  160  in order to minimize cutting through portions of the insulation  161  in order to maintain the structural integrity of the cable  160 . Further, during coupling, the cable  160  can be aligned such that the conductor  160  is urged between the prongs of the first and second insulation displacement terminals  130  and  140  and is not severed or bisected. In other contemplated embodiments, the first and second insulation displacement terminals  130  and  140  can each comprise a single cutting element, rather than dual prongs, that cuts through the insulation  161  and comes in contact with the conductor  162 . 
     The first isolation element  150  also can cut through the insulation  161  as the base  110  and cover  120  are coupled. The leading edge  153  can cut through a portion of the cable  160  or bisect the entire cable  160 . The leading edge  153  preferably bisects the conductor  162  into a first bisected end  163  and a second bisected end  164 . Bisected ends of a conductor as used herein refer to the portions of the conductor that have been physically and electrically isolated by an isolation terminal during coupling of the base  110  and cover  120 , which were adjacent prior to the coupling. Bisected ends of the cable as used herein with refer to portions of the cable wherein the bisected ends of a conductor are disposed. As the base  110  and cover  120  are coupled, the first isolation element  150  can be urged through the cable  160  such that the first nonconductive element  154  is in physical contact with the first bisected end  163  of the conductor  162  and the second nonconductive element is in physical contact with the second bisected end  164  of the bisected conductor  162 . Upon attaching the cable connector  100  to cable  160 , electrical communication through conductor  162  is precluded as the first isolation element  150  cuts the conductor  162  into bisected ends  163  and  164 , which are electrically isolated. 
     The device interface  170  can bridge the ends  163  and  164  by connecting to the bisected ends  163  and  164  using the first and second insulation displacement terminals  130  and  140 . The device interface can selectively enable, disable, or otherwise regulate current flow between the bisected ends  163  and  164 . This selective electrical communication will be described in greater detail below in relation to embodiments of the device interface  170 . Consequently, when the cable connector  100  is attached to the cable  160 , the conductor  162  within the cable is severed into two electrically isolated portions. Electrical communication between the bisected ends  163  and  164  preferably can occur through the first and second insulation displacement terminals  130  and  140  via the device interface  170 . 
     In all embodiments of the cable connector  100 , the base  110  can be attached to the cable  160  prior to coupling the base  110  and the cover  120 . For example, the cable can be placed onto and pressed against the base  110  so that the insulation displacement terminals  130  and  140  cut through the insulation of the cable and isolation terminal  150  bisects the conductor of the cable. The cable can be pressed against the base  110  by hand or using a suitable tool. The cover  120  can then be coupled to the base  110 . 
       FIG. 2   a  illustrates a base  210  of an exemplary embodiment of a cable connector for use with a cable having multiple separate conductors. The base  210  illustrated in  FIG. 2   a  is part of an exemplary embodiment of a cable connector adapted to attach to a flat cable having four parallel electrically isolated conductors. In this embodiments, it is contemplated that the two outside conductors are power and ground, and the inside conductors are data signals. The quantity and arrangement of power and data lines may be adapted based on system design preferences. The base  210  can comprise first and second insulation displacement terminals  230   a  and  230   b  and first and second isolation terminals  250   a  and  250   b  disposed there between. The first and second insulation displacement terminals  230   a  and  230   b  and first and second isolation terminals  250   a  and  250   b  are disposed in a single line to cut through or bisect the insulation surrounding a first conductor of a cable and come in physical and electrical communication with the first conductor. 
     The base  210  can further comprises third and fourth insulation displacement terminals  230   c  and  230   d  and third and fourth isolation terminals  250   c  and  250   d , arranged similar to and substantially parallel with the first and second insulation displacement terminals  230   a  and  230   b  and first and second isolation terminals  250   a  and  250   b . Alternatively, the insulation displacement terminals  230   c  and d can be offset from insulation displacement terminals  230   a  and  b . The third and fourth insulation displacement terminals  230   c  and  230   d  and third and fourth isolation terminals  250   c  and  250   d  can cut through or bisect the insulation surrounding a second conductor of a cable and come in physical and electrical communication with the first conductor. 
     The base  210  can further comprise fifth and sixth insulation displacement terminals  230   e  and  230   f . The fifth and sixth insulation displacement terminals  230   e  and  230   f  are disposed in a single line to cut through or bisect the insulation surrounding a third conductor of the cable. 
     The base  210  can further comprise seventh and eighth displacement terminals  230   g  and  230   h . The seventh and eighth insulation displacement terminals  230   g  and  230   h  are disposed in a single line to pass through or bisect the insulation surrounding a fourth conductor of the cable and come in physical and electrical communication with the fourth conductor. 
     In the accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the base  210 , the first and second conductors may be disposed between the third and fourth conductors. Consequently, the first, second, third, and fourth isolation terminals  250   a - d  and insulation displacement terminals  230   a - d  can be disposed between the fifth and sixth insulation displacement terminals  230   e  and  230   f  and the seventh and eighth insulation displacement terminals  230   g  and  230   h . In other contemplated embodiments, the arrangement and number of conductors may vary. Consequently, the arrangement and number of insulation displacement and isolation terminals can vary as well depending on the type of cable used. 
     In this exemplary embodiment, the first, second, and fourth isolation terminals  250   a - d  can be substantially similar to the first isolation displacement terminal  150  described above. Further, the first through eighth insulation displacement terminals  230   a - h  can be substantially similar to the first and second insulation displacement terminals  130  and  140 . The first and second insulation displacement terminals  230   a  and  230   b  can be in electrical communication via a device interface  270 . Similarly, the third and fourth insulation displacement terminals  230   c  and  230   d , fifth and sixth insulation displacement terminals  230   e  and  230   f , and seventh and eighth insulation displacement terminals  230   g  and  230   h  can be in electrical communication via the device interface  270 . 
     The base  210  can further comprise cable retention members  290 . The cable retention member  290  can be protrusions in the housing of the base  210  through which a cable passes. The cable retention member  290  can press against or cut into the insulation of the cable when the connector  200  is attached to the cable. In this manner, the cable retention member can prevent the cable from sliding relative to the connector  200  and potentially breaking the terminals. A single or multiple cable retention members  290  can be employed depending on the size of the cable, the size of the cable retention member  290  and the particular type of application of the connector  200 . For example, if the cable and cable connector  200  are likely to be physically disturbed or jostled, a multiple and/or stronger cable retention member  290  can be employed. 
       FIG. 2   b  illustrates a base  210  of a cable connector  200  attached to a cable  260 . The cable  260  is preferably of a flat ribbon type, comprising insulation  261  electrically isolating first, second, third, and fourth conductors  262   a - d . In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the first and second conductors  262   a  and  262   d  can carry a control signal, while the third and fourth conductors  262   c  and  262   d  can carry a power signal and ground. The cable connector  200  can attach to cable  260  by coupling the base  210  and the cover and disposing the cable  260  there between. The cover of the cable connector  200  in  FIG. 2   b  is removed to illustrate the details of the attachment between the base  210  and the cable  260 . 
     The first and second insulation displacement terminals  230   a  and  230   b  can pass completely though the insulation  261  and come in physical and electrical communication with conductor  262   a  without bisecting the conductor  262   a . As described above, the first and second insulation displacement terminals  230   a  and  230   b  can comprise two prongs, passing on either side of the conductor  262   a . In other contemplated embodiments, the first and second insulation displacement terminals  230   a  and  230   b  may comprise a single prong or blade that cuts through the insulation  261  to reach the conductor  262   a.    
     The first isolation terminal  250   a  can cut through the insulation  261  and bisect the first conductor  262   a . The first isolation terminal  250   a  can comprise a first nonconductive element  254   a  and a second nonconductive element (not pictured) disposed on opposite surfaces of the first isolation terminal  250   a  as described above in relation to  FIG. 1   b . The first nonconductive element  254   a  and second nonconductive element preferably also pass through the insulation  261  and are in physical communication with the bisected ends of the first conductor  262   a.  Consequently, the bisected ends of the first conductor are physically and electrically isolated by the first insulation terminal  250   a . The second isolation terminal  250   b  is preferably substantially identical to the first isolation terminal  250   a  and similarly bisects the first conductor  262   a . The second isolation terminal  250   b  is provided for redundancy and can be omitted in other contemplated embodiments. 
     The arrangement and function of the third and fourth isolation terminals  250   c  and  250   d  and third and fourth insulation displacement terminals  230   c  and  230   d  with respect to the second conductor  262   b  is preferably substantially similar to the first and second isolation terminals  250   a  and  250   b  and first and second insulation displacement terminals  230   a  and  230   b  and the first conductor  262   a.    
     The fifth and sixth insulation displacement terminals  230   e  and  230   f  can cut through the insulation  261  and come in physical and electrical communication with the third conductor  262   c.  As described above, the fifth and sixth insulation displacement terminals  230   e  and  230   f  can comprise two prongs adapted to pass through the insulation  261  on either side of the third conductor  262   c  without bisecting the conductor  262   c.    
     The sixth insulation displacement terminal  230   f  can be provided for redundancy to ensure that electrical communication is established with the third conductor  262   c  and/or to facilitate the penetrating of the insulation  261  with certain embodiments of the cover. For example, the cover can comprise elements disposed relative to the fifth and sixth insulation displacement terminals  230   e  and  230   f  for urging cable  260  onto the terminals  230   e  and  230   f . In embodiments omitting the sixth insulation displacement terminal  230   f , two such element may be required disposed on the cover in positions corresponding to either side of the fifth insulation displacement terminal  230   e . In embodiments employing the sixth insulation displacement terminal  230   f , a single element may be disposed on the cover in a position corresponding to an area between the fifth and sixth insulation displacement terminals  230   e  and  230   f.    
     The arrangement and function of the seventh and eighth insulation displacement terminals  250   g  and  250   h  respect to the fourth conductor  262   d  is preferably substantially similar to the fifth and sixth insulation displacement terminals  250   e  and  250   f  and the third conductor  262   c.    
     In accordance with the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2   b , attaching the cable connector to the cable  260  does not disrupt current flow through the third and fourth conductors  262   c  and  262   d  as the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth insulation displacement terminals  230   e - h  do not cut the conductors  262   c  and  262   d . As previously discussed, the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth insulation displacement terminals  230   e - h  are preferably in electrical communication with the device interface  270  and the conductors  262   c  and  262   d . The fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth insulation displacement terminals  230   e - h  preferably provide a power source and ground to a device coupled to the device interface  270  by providing electrical communication to the conductors  262   c  and  262   d.    
     Attaching the cable connector to the cable  260  does disrupt current flow through the first and second conductors  262   a  and  262   b  as the first, second, third, and fourth isolation terminals  250   a - d  bisect and electrically isolate the first and second conductors  262   a  and  262   b . The first, second, third, and fourth insulation displacement terminals  230   a - d  provide electrical communication between the bisected ends of conductors  262   a  and  262   b  via the device interface  270 . This electrical communication, however, preferably occurs whether or not a device is coupled to the device interface  270  as discussed in greater detail below. 
     The electrical communication between the bisected ends of conductors  262   a  and  262   b  may be regulated by the device coupled to the device interface  270 . For example, the conductors  262   a  and  262   b  may carry control signals. These signals may be input to a device coupled to the device interface  270  via the first and third insulation displacement terminals  230   a  and  230   c  and the device interface  270 . The signals may be processed by the device and output to the conductors  262   a  and  262   b  via the second and fourth insulation displacement terminals  230   b  and  230   d.    
     The exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  and described above is adapted to be employed with a flat cable having four parallel conductors. In particular, the cable can have power and ground conductors and two control signal conductors there between. In other contemplated embodiments, more or fewer conductors may be employed. Further, the arrangement of the conductors relative to one another may vary. A plurality of embodiments of the cable connector are contemplated to correspond to different cable types having a varying number of conductors and arrangement of such conductors. 
       FIG. 2   c  illustrates a cable connector  200  attached to a cable  260 . The cable  260  and base  210  illustrated in  FIG. 2   c  are substantially similar to those illustrated in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b . The base  210  and cover  220  are coupled and substantially envelope a portion of the cable  260 . The cover  220  and the base  210  can preferably easily be coupled by a user either with or without the assistance of tools. In an exemplary embodiment, the base  210  and cover  220  can be coupled using an integrated locking mechanism  280  that does not require additional tools depending on the embodiment. The integrated locking mechanism  280  could be a latch that forces the base  210  and cover  220  together and locks both in place relative to one another. Alternatively, the locking mechanism  280  could be another fastening means or mechanism suitable for urging the base  210  and cover  220  together and keeping the base  210  and cover  220  secure. The integrated locking mechanism  280  preferably releasably locks the base  210  and cover  220  together such that the two elements can be decoupled if desired. 
     In other embodiments, the cable connector  200  may not include an integrated locking mechanism  280 , rather a fastening element and tool may be necessary for locking the base  210  and cover  220  together. For example, the base  210  and cover  220  could be locked together using a fastener such as a screw. Additionally 
     In another contemplated embodiments, the base  210  and cover  220  can form a watertight or water resistant seal around the portion of the cable  260  disposed therein. 
       FIG. 2   d  illustrates a cable connector with exemplary device interface components. In an exemplary embodiments, the device interface  270  of the cable connector  200  can comprise additional interface components  271 ,  272 , and  273  for coupling and securing a device to device interface  270 . The interface components  271 ,  272 , and  273  are merely exemplary and not intended to specify a particular structure employed with embodiments of the cable connector  200 . More or fewer components may be necessary for coupling a device to the device interface  270  depending on the type of device being employed. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the cable connector  300 . The connector  300  preferably comprises a base  310  and a cover  320  that can be coupled to the base  310 . When coupled, the base  310  and cover  320  attach the cable connector  300  to a cable  360 . The base  310  and cover  320  are preferably coupled using one or more fastening elements  350 . The fastening elements  350  preferably comprise counter threaded portions at opposite ends of each element. The counter threaded portions preferably correspond to similarly threaded receptacles in the base  310  and cover  320 . Turning or pressing the fastening elements  350  preferably urges the base  310  and cover  320  together. 
     An exemplary cable  360  employed with the cable connector  300  comprises four parallel conductors. In particular, the cable  360  can comprise a first conductor  362   a  and a second conductor  362   b  disposed adjacent one another, and a third conductor  362   c  and fourth conductor  362   d  disposed on the edges of the cable  360 . In an exemplary configuration of the cable  360 , conductors  362   a  and  362   b  carry control signals, and conductors  362   c  and  362   d  provide a power source and ground for a device coupled to the cable connector  300 . 
     Prior to attaching the cable connector  300 , the cable  360  preferably is pierced at a location desired for coupling a device to the cable  360 . The cable  360  is preferably pierced with a suitable tool creating an aperture  390  in the cable  360 . The aperture  390  preferably bisects and disrupts electrical communication through the first and second conductors  362   a  and  362   b.    
     The cable connector  300  preferably comprises a lower sealing element  380   a  and an upper sealing element  380   b . The upper and lower sealing elements  380   a  and  380   b  preferably comprise apertures corresponding to the aperture  390  of the cable  360 . The upper and lower sealing elements  380   a  and  380   b  assist in attaching the cable connector  300  to the cable  360  and assure a snug and water tight fit. The aperture of the lower sealing element  380   a  preferably has substantially the same diameter as the aperture  390  of the cable  360 . The cable connector  300  further can comprise a guide  391  preferably substantially equal in diameter to the aperture  390 . Prior to coupling the base  310  and cover  320 , the lower sealing element  380   a  can be disposed onto the base  310  such that the guide  391  extends through the aperture of the element  380   a . The cable  360  preferably is disposed atop the lower sealing element  380   a  such that the guide  391  extends through the aperture  390 . The upper sealing element  380   b  preferably is disposed atop the cable  360  such that its aperture overlaps the aperture  390  of the cable  360 . 
     The cable connector preferably comprises a plurality of insulation displacement elements  330 . The number and types of insulation displacement terminals  350  can vary based on the type of cable  360  being employed and the number of conductors within the cable  360 . In an exemplary embodiment, the cable connector  300  comprises at least one insulation displacement terminal adapted to pierce the insulation  361  of the cable  360  and come in physical and electrical communication with a conductor carrying a power source. The cable connector further comprises at least one insulation displacement terminal adapted to pierce the insulation  361  of the cable  360  and come in physical and electrical communication with a conductor providing a ground. 
     The cable connector  300  can further comprises insulation displacement terminals  330  adapted to pierce the insulation  361  and come in physical and electrical communication with each of the conductors  362   a - d . The cable connector  300  preferably comprises at least one insulation displacement terminal adapted to pierce the insulation  361  and come in physical and electrical communication with conductor  262   c  and at least one insulation displacement terminal adapted to pierce the insulation  361  and come in physical and electrical communication with conductor  262   d.    
     The cable connector  300  preferably further comprises at least one insulation displacement terminal adapted to pierce the insulation  361  and come in physical and electrical communication with a portion of conductor  362   a  on a first side of aperture  390  and at least one insulation displacement member adapted to pierce the insulation  361  and come in physical and electrical communication with a portion of conductor  362   a  on an opposite side of aperture  390 . The cable connector preferably further comprises insulation displacement terminals adapted to pierce the insulation and come in physical and electrical communication with the conductor  362   b  on opposing sides of aperture  390 . 
     Prior to piercing through the insulation  361 , the insulation displacement terminals  330  may pass through the upper sealing element  380   b . After piercing through insulation  361 , the insulation displacement terminals  330  may pass through the lower sealing element  338   a.  Elements  380   a  and  b  can be gel mats or another suitable material used to form a water tight seal around portions of cable  360  where the insulation  361  has been pierced, stripped, or otherwise removed. 
     The insulation displacement terminals  330  can be in electrical communication with a device interface  370 . The insulation displacement terminals  330  in electrical communication with conductors  362   c  and  d  can provide a power and ground to the device interface  370 . Similarly, the insulation displacement terminals  330  in electrical communication  362   a  and  b  can provide a control signal input and output for the device interface  370 . 
     Upon attaching the cable connector  300  to cable  360 , a device may be coupled to the device interface  370 . The device can receive power and ground from conductors  362   c  and  d  via insulation displacement terminals  330 . The device can further receive a control signal input from conductors  362   a  and  b  via insulation displacement terminals  330  in electrical communication with conductors  362   a  and  b  on one side of aperture  390 . The device can output a signal via insulation displacement terminals in electrical communication with conductors  362   a  and  b  on an opposing side of aperture  390 . In this manner, a control signal propagating through conductors  362   a  and  b  can be processed by a device as it is input into the device and output by the device in processed form. 
     The embodiment of the cable connector  300  as illustrated and described is adapted for use with a flat cable having four conductors. In other contemplated embodiments, the cable connector  300  can be employed with a having a different number of conductors without substantially departing from the design described above. 
       FIG. 4   a  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a device interface  470 . The device interface  470  can be an integral or separable part of any of the embodiments of the cable connector described above. The device interface  470  preferably comprises a housing  475  having a plurality of openings. The openings can enable a device  490  to couple with a device interface  470  by receiving the terminals of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing  470  comprises a first opening  475  and a second opening  476 . This exemplary embodiment is adapted to couple with a device  490  having a first terminal  491  and a second terminal  492 . 
     In other contemplated embodiments, the housing  475  could have a different number of openings corresponding to the terminals of a particular device. For example, the housing  470  could have 4 openings corresponding to the four terminals of a device. In further contemplated embodiments, the device housing  475  could having more openings than there are terminals of a device being used, the additional openings not being employed when coupling with such a device. 
     The device interface  470  can have a plurality of articulating contacts. The device interface  470  of the exemplary embodiment preferably has at least four contacts  471 - 474 . When a device is not coupled to the device interface  470 , the contacts  471 - 474  are preferably in electrical communication. Line  495  illustrates current from in an exemplary embodiment from contact  471  to contact  474 . The contacts  471  and  472  preferably are in electrical and physical communication as are contact  473  and  474 . Contacts  471 - 474  are preferably in electrical communication with a conductor of the cable to which the cable connector is coupled. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact  471 - 474  are preferably in electrical communication with a conductor carrying a control signal that as been bisected as described in the embodiments above. Contact  471  can be in direct electrical communication with a first end of a bisected conductor via an insulation displace terminal such as described in the embodiments above. Contact  474  can be in direct electrical communication with a second end of the conductor also via an insulation displacement terminal. As discussed above, the ends of a bisected conductor are electrically isolated. The contacts  471 - 474  can enable electrical communication with the bisected ends. 
     When a device is not coupled to the device interface  470 , the contacts  471 - 474  directly communicate current from a first bisected end of a conductor to a second bisected end. When device  490  is coupled to the device interface  470 , the current from the first end of the bisected conductor preferably passes through the device before reaching the second end of the conductor, as will be discussed in more detail below. 
     In further contemplated embodiments, the device interface  470  can comprise fewer or more contacts corresponding to the number of openings in the housing  475  and terminals of a device without substantially departing from the design of the exemplary embodiments described herein. 
       FIG. 4   b  illustrates a device interface coupled with a device. The contacts  471 - 474  are preferably disposed proximate openings  475  and  476 . In the exemplary embodiment, contacts  471  and  472  are preferably disposed proximate the first opening  475  and contacts  473  and  474  are preferably disposed proximate the second opening  476 . The contacts  471 - 474  are preferably shaped to receive terminals  491  and  492 . In an exemplary embodiment, contacts  471 - 474  can articulate relative to one another to receive a terminals  491  and  492 . Contacts  471  and  472  preferably can be pushed apart as terminal  491  is coupled to the device interface  470  and inserted between contacts  471  and  472 . Similarly, Contacts  473  and  474  preferably can be pushed apart as terminal  492  is coupled to the device interface  470  and inserted between contacts  473  and  474 . 
     The contacts  471  and  472  can be under tensional forces that urge contacts  471  and  472  against each other when device  490  is not coupled to the interface  470  and urge contacts  471  and  471  against the terminal  491  when device  490  is coupled to interface  470 . Similarly, contacts  473  and  474  can be under tensional forces that urge contacts  473  and  474  against each other when device  490  is not coupled to the interface  470  and urge contacts  473  and  474  against terminal  492  when device  490  is coupled to interface  470 . The tensional forces in the contacts  471 - 474  preferably are greater when a device is coupled to interface  470  and the terminals  491  and  492  are inserted between the contacts  471 - 474 . The tensional forces in the contacts  471 - 474  can urge the contacts toward each other to return to physical and electrical communication with each other when device  490  is decoupled from the device interface  470 . 
     Terminal  491  preferably can have a conductive side  491   a  and a nonconductive side  491   b.  Similarly, terminal  492  preferably can have a conductive side  492   a  and a nonconductive side  492   b . When terminals  491  and  492  are coupled to device interface  470  the electrical communication between contacts  471 - 474  is interrupted. In an exemplary embodiment, when device  490  is coupled to interface  470 , contact  471  preferably is in physical and electrical communication with conductive side  491   a  and contact  472  preferably is in physical communication with nonconductive side  491   b . Similarly, when device  490  is coupled to interface  470 , contact  473  preferably is in physical and electrical communication with conductive side  492   a  and contact  474  preferably is in physical communication with nonconductive side  492   b . Because nonconductive sides  491   b  and  492   b  preferably do not conduct electricity, contacts  472  and  473  preferably are not in electrical communication with side  491   b  and  492   b . Consequently, contacts  472  and  473  are preferably isolated from contacts  471  and  474 . Conductive sides  491   a  and  492   a  are preferably in electrical communication via device  490 . Consequently, contacts  471  and  474  are preferably in electrical communication with each other when device  490  is coupled to device interface  470 . Line  496  illustrates current flow when device  490  is coupled to interface  470 . 
     In the exemplary embodiments described above, current can flow from a first end of a bisected conductor to a second end through contacts of a device interface when a device is not coupled to the device. When a device is coupled to the device interface, current can flow from a first end of a bisected conductor to a second end through the device. The current passing through the device is preferably processed such that the input and output of the signal from the device differ. When the device is decoupled from the interface, current can again flow from the first end of the bisected conductor through the device interface to a second end of the conductor. 
       FIG. 4   c  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a device interface for interfacing with a device having a single terminal. The device interface  470  is preferably substantially similar as described above with the exceptions noted below. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4   c  the device interface  470  preferably comprises a housing  475  having first opening  475  for coupling with a device  490  having a first terminal  491 . Unlike the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4   a , the second opening  476  and second terminal  492  are preferably omitted in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4   c.    
     The device interface  470  can have a plurality of articulating contacts. The device interface  470  of the exemplary embodiment preferably has a first contact  471  and a second contact  472 . When a device is not coupled to the device interface  470 , the contacts  471 and  472  are preferably in electrical communication. Line  495  illustrates current from in an exemplary embodiment from contact  471  to contact  472 . The contacts  471  and  472  preferably are in electrical and physical communication. Contacts  471  and  472  are preferably in electrical communication with a conductor of the cable to which the cable connector is coupled. In an exemplary embodiment, contacts  471  and  472  are preferably in electrical communication with a conductor carrying a control signal that as been bisected as described in the embodiments above. Contact  471  can be in direct electrical communication with a first end of a bisected conductor via an insulation displace terminal such as described in the embodiments above. Contact  472  can be in direct electrical communication with a second end of the conductor also via an insulation displacement terminal. As discussed above, the ends of a bisected conductor are electrically isolated. Contacts  471  and  472  can enable electrical communication with the bisected ends. 
     When a device is not coupled to the device interface  470 , the contacts  471  and  472  directly communicate current from a first bisected end of a conductor to a second bisected end. When device  490  is coupled to the device interface  470 , the current from the first end of the bisected conductor preferably passes through the device before reaching the second end of the conductor, as will be discussed in more detail below. 
       FIG. 4   d  illustrates a device interface coupled with a device with a single terminal. The contacts  471 and  472  are preferably disposed proximate opening  475 . Contacts  471  and  472  are preferably shaped to receive terminal  491 . In an exemplary embodiment, contacts  471  and  472  can articulate relative to one another to receive a terminal  491 . Contacts  471  and  472  preferably can be pushed apart as terminal  491  is coupled to the device interface  470  and inserted between contacts  471  and  472 . 
     Contacts  471  and  472  can be under tensional forces that urge contacts  471  and  472  against each other when device  490  is not coupled to the interface  470  and urge contacts  471  and  472  against the terminal  491  when device  490  is coupled to interface  470 . The tensional forces in the contacts  471  and  472  preferably are greater when a device in coupled to interface  470  and the terminal  491  is inserted between contacts  471  and  472 . The tensional forces in contacts  471  and  472  can urge the contacts toward each other to return to physical and electrical communication with each other when device  490  is decoupled from the device interface  470 . 
     Unlike the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , the in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4   c  and  4   d  terminal  491  preferably can have a first conductive side  491   a  and a second conductive side  491   b . The conductive sides  491   a  and  491   b  are preferably in electrical communication via the electronic circuitry of the device  490 . In an exemplary embodiment, when device  490  is coupled to interface  470 , contact  471  preferably is in physical and electrical communication with first conductive side  491   a  and contact  472  preferably is in physical communication with second conductive side  491   b . Consequently, contacts  471  and  472  are in electrical communication via conductive sides  491   a  and  491   b  and the circuitry within the device  490 . Line  496  illustrates current flow when device  490  is coupled to interface  470 . 
     In the exemplary embodiments described above, current can flow from a first end of a bisected conductor to a second end through contacts of a device interface when a device is not coupled to the device. When a device is coupled to the device interface, current can flow from a first end of a bisected conductor to a second end through the device. The current passing through the device is preferably processed such that the input and output of the signal from the device differ. When the device is decoupled from the interface, current can again flow from the first end of the bisected conductor through the device interface to a second end of the conductor. 
     In another contemplated embodiment, an electrical switch could be used in place of contacts  471 - 474 . The electrical switch can open and close depending on the status of the device coupled to the interface. For example, if a device is coupled to the interface, the electrical switch can be open so that current from a first end of a bisected conductor can be routed through the device before reaching the second end of a bisected conductor. If the device is decoupled/removed from the interface, the switch can close so that current passes from a first end of a bisected conductor to the second end of a bisected conductor through the device interface. Similarly, the switch can close when a module fails or malfunctions so that that current passes from a first end of a bisected conductor to the second end of a bisected conductor through the device interface. This is advantageous over the physical contacts  471 - 474 , which cannot detect whether a device has malfunctioned. For example, if the device illustrated in  FIG. 4   b  malfunctions and is no longer able to conduct current, current will not flow from a the first bisected end of a conductor to the second bisected end. 
       FIG. 5   a  illustrates an alternative rotatable device interface  570  with contacts in the closed position. In an exemplary embodiment, interface  570  comprises a portion fixed relative to the cable connector and a portion rotatable relative to the cable connector. The rotatable portion having a closed position in which contacts are closed and an open position in which contacts are open. The closed position adapted for providing continuous current flow through a cable when a device is not coupled to the device interface  570 . The open position can enable current to be channeled through the device coupled to the device interface  570 . The exemplary embodiments of the rotatable device interface  570  can be employed with the above described embodiments of the cable connector. 
     The device interface  570  preferably can have a plurality of receptacles adapted to receive the terminals of a device. In an exemplary embodiment, the device interface can have receptacles  560   a - d . The device interface  570  preferably can have a plurality of contacts. The contacts are preferably in electrical communication with opposite ends of a bisected conductor via insulation displacement terminals as described above in various embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, the device interface  570  can have contacts  581 - 584 . Contacts  581  and  582  are preferably in physical and electrical communication when in the closed position and enable electrical communication between the bisected ends of a first conductor. Similarly, Contacts  583  and  584  are preferably in physical and electrical communication when in the closed position and enable electrical communication between the bisected ends of a second conductor. Lines  510  and  520  depict this current flow through the device interface in the closed position. 
     The device interface  570  can comprise a first channel  530  and a second channel  531 . The device interface  570  can further comprise a first contact pin  540  and a second contact pin  541 . The contact pins  540  and  541  preferably translate through the first and second channels  530  and  531 , respectively, as the rotatable portion of the device interface  570  is transitioned between the open and closed positions. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, first and second contact pins  540  and  541  preferably are at a first end of the channels  530  and  531  when in the closed position. When the rotatable portion of the device interface  470  is transitioned to the open position, the contact pins  540  and  541  translate to the second end of channels  530  and  531 . During the translation, the contact pins  540  and  541  preferably come into contact with contacts  581  and  584 , respectively. The contact pins  540  and  541  preferably push contacts  581  and  584  away from contacts  582  and  583  such that the contacts are no longer in physical and electrical communication as the contact pins  540  and  541  transition to the open position. In other contemplated embodiments, the channels  530  and  531  can be omitted. 
       FIG. 5   b  illustrates a rotatable device interface  570  with contacts in the open position. Contact pins  540  and  541  preferably have pushed contacts  581  and  584  away from contacts  582  and  583 . Consequently, electrical communication through the contacts  581 - 584  is disrupted and the bisected ends of the first and second conductors are electrically isolated. The receptacles  560   a - d  preferably are adapted to receive the terminals of a device. The receptacles  560   a - d  preferably are in electrical communication with the bisected ends of the first and second conductors and the terminals of the device. Therefore, when a device is coupled to the interface  570  electrical communication is preferably enabled between the bisected ends of the first and second conductors via receptacles  560   a - d  and the device itself. Line  511  and  521  depict this current flow. As described in the embodiments above, the device can process the signal such that the input and output are different. When the device is decoupled, the interface  570  can be returned to the closed position and current flow through the contacts  581 - 584  can be restored. 
     In other exemplary embodiments, the interface  570  can have a different number and arrangement of receptacles, contacts, and contact pins depending on the cable and device type employed without substantially departing from the embodiments described above. 
     Various exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts, can be made therein without substantially departing from the design function of the embodiments described herein. Therefore, other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.