Patent Description:
The invention is what is claimed in the independent claims.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for receiving a ribbon cable, the connector comprising: a housing including an open top and a first latch extension along a first end thereof, extending in a first direction between two first notches; a cable organizer including a second latch extension along a first end thereof, extending in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, between two second notches, the cable organizer configured to be positioned within an interior of the housing in a preassembled position so that an outer edge of the first latch extension is adjacent to an outer edge of the second latch extension and the two first notches and the two second notches are aligned; and a cover configured to selectively cover the open top of the housing to enclose the cable organizer within the interior of the housing, the cover including a latch configured to engage the first latch extension and the second latch extension to both translate in a vertical direction relative to the housing and rotate relative the housing, wherein the latch includes spaced-apart extensions that extend downward from an end of the cover and a bar connected between lower ends of the extensions to define an open slot between the end of the cover, the extensions, and the bar.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a ribbon cable on a connector. The method includes rotating a cover of the connector away from a housing of the connector by engaging a latch of the cover with a first latch extension of the housing to create a cable access pathway in an open top of the housing. The method also includes positioning the ribbon cable on a cable organizer positioned within the open top of the housing, and rotating the cover back toward the housing until the latch of the cover engages a second latch extension of the cable organizer and the cover is positioned vertically above the cable organizer. The method further includes pressing the cover toward the housing to entrap the ribbon cable within the housing between the cover and the cable organizer.

In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustrations one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Such embodiments do not necessarily represent the full scope of the present disclosure, however, and reference is made therefore to the claims and herein for interpreting the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure will be better understood and features, aspects and advantages other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. Aspects of the present disclosure are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the use the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Furthermore, the use of "right", "left", "front", "back", "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "top", or "bottom" and variations thereof herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Disclosed herein is a connector for positioning and locating a flat, ribbon-style cable. The connector may be used in conjunction with such a ribbon cable for use in industrial control, monitoring, and similar power and data network systems, for example, as a node or power connection for a device within the system, passing data and/or power between the ribbon cable and the device, or a termination or splicer for cables within the system. The connectors for various purposes (e.g., power connection, node connection, termination, splicing) can incorporate one or more universal parts, enabling easy assembly of the network with common tooling for all connectors and re-use of certain components for different purposes. Some embodiments of a connector incorporate a cover configured to be coupled to a housing, where the cover is moved along a non-specific trajectory with a combination of translations and rotations, creating a moving axis and extended range of motion of the cover relative to the housing.

By way of example, <FIG> schematically illustrates a data and power network <NUM>. The network <NUM> includes a plurality of device nodes <NUM> coupled to one another via a network ribbon cable <NUM>. Each device node <NUM> can receive power and/or data signals from the ribbon cable <NUM> via a connector <NUM>. More specifically, once coupled to the ribbon cable <NUM> via a respective connector <NUM>, each device node <NUM> can transmit and receive control and data signals via the ribbon cable <NUM> in accordance with various standard protocols in addition to receiving various forms of electrical power. Various examples of device nodes <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, devices such as push-button switches, motor starters, proximity sensors, flow sensors, speed sensors, actuating solenoids, electrical relays, and electrical contactors.

Additionally, electrical power can be provided to the network <NUM> via one or more intelligent power taps <NUM>. For example, intelligent power taps <NUM> can be intelligent devices having the ability to interact with the control and data signals of the network <NUM>, in addition to providing various forms of power. The intelligent power taps <NUM> can provide power (e.g., in the form of <NUM> volts DC) to the network <NUM> by connecting to the ribbon cable <NUM> via a connector <NUM>. In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the intelligent power taps <NUM>, the network <NUM> can include one or more non-intelligent power taps <NUM> connected to the ribbon cable <NUM> via a connector <NUM>. For example, a non-intelligent power tap <NUM> may only provide power to the network <NUM>, without interacting with control and data signals. At one or both ends of ribbon cable <NUM>, a connector <NUM> can further be provided in the form of a terminator for capping the ribbon cable ends and terminating the signal conductors of the ribbon cable <NUM>. Furthermore, within the network <NUM>, one or more connectors <NUM> can be provided in the form of splicers to electrically connect and cap respective ends of two ribbon cables <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a ribbon cable <NUM> for use in such a network <NUM> can include a plurality of parallel conductors <NUM> enclosed in a common insulation jacket <NUM>. The conductors <NUM> can comprise a conductive material such as, but not limited to, copper or another conductive metal. The insulation jacket <NUM> can comprise an electrical insulating material such as, but not limited to, a plastic material. The insulation jacket <NUM> can sit on the conductors <NUM>, e.g., as an extruded integral insulation, so that a cylindrical outer contour on the top and bottom of the ribbon cable <NUM> emerges, separated by flat insulation webbing <NUM> between conductors. In this manner, the ribbon cable <NUM> can define a ribbon profile <NUM> of curved, longitudinal tracks on top and bottom surfaces thereof. In some applications, all conductors <NUM> may be identical in size and equally spaced apart, forming a symmetrical ribbon profile <NUM>; however, in other applications, the conductors <NUM> may differ in size and/or spacing, creating a varied or asymmetrical ribbon profile <NUM>. According to the non-limiting example of <FIG>, the ribbon cable <NUM> includes seven extruded conductors <NUM> of various sizes, including four conductors <NUM> dedicated to power and three conductors <NUM> dedicated to data transfer, forming an asymmetrical ribbon profile <NUM>.

In some embodiments, each connector <NUM> can be configured to be coupled to and guide the ribbon cable <NUM> to maintain power and data connections within the network <NUM>. As such, all connectors <NUM> within the network <NUM> can include generally similar components, with some components and features being universal across all connectors <NUM>, and other components and features being specific to a connector <NUM> to achieve particular physical and/or electrical connections within the network <NUM>. For example, <FIG> illustrate various connectors <NUM>-<NUM>, according to some embodiments, for use in a network, such as the network <NUM> of <FIG>.

More specifically, <FIG> illustrate a first connector <NUM> (e.g., a "power tap left connector") configured to couple a ribbon cable <NUM> to a power tap to direct power in a first direction; <FIG> illustrate a second connector <NUM> (e.g., a "power tap right connector") configured to couple a ribbon cable <NUM> to a power tap to direct power in a second direction; <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate a third connector <NUM> (e.g., a "node connector") configured to couple a ribbon cable <NUM> to a device node; <FIG> illustrates a fourth connector <NUM> (e.g., a "terminator") configured to terminate a ribbon cable <NUM>; and <FIG> illustrates a fifth connector <NUM> (e.g., a "splicer") configured to splice together two ribbon cables <NUM>. Generally, each connector <NUM>-<NUM> can include a housing <NUM>, a cable organizer <NUM>, and a cover <NUM>, as further described below. Furthermore, each of the power tap left connector <NUM>, the power tap right connector <NUM>, and the node connector <NUM> can include a protection cap <NUM>, and each of the power tap left connector <NUM>, the power tap right connector <NUM>, the node connector <NUM>, and the splicer <NUM> can include a printed circuit board <NUM>, as further described below.

More specifically, referring to <FIG>, the power tap left connector <NUM> can include a housing <NUM>, a protection cap <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a cable organizer <NUM>, and a cover <NUM>. Generally, a ribbon cable <NUM> can be positioned within (e.g., extend across) an open top <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and be supported by the cable organizer <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The ribbon cable <NUM> can be enclosed within the housing <NUM> by the cover <NUM> when the power tap left connector <NUM> is in an assembled state, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. When enclosed within the housing <NUM>, individual conductors <NUM> of the ribbon cable <NUM> can engage one or more conductor contacts <NUM> (such as insulation-displacement contacts (IDCs) and/or insulation-piercing contacts (IPCs)) extending from the printed circuit board <NUM>. The housing <NUM> can be further adapted to plug into a corresponding jack on a power tap to electrically and physically connect the ribbon cable <NUM> to the power tap.

More specifically, with respect to the housing <NUM>, in some embodiments, the housing <NUM> can support and enclose the printed circuit board <NUM> and the cable organizer <NUM> therein, and can be coupled to the cover <NUM> in a manner so that open top <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can be selectively covered by the cover <NUM>, as further described below. The housing <NUM> can be generally rectangular in shape and can include an upper section <NUM> and a lower section <NUM>, an open top <NUM> (e.g., at the upper section <NUM>) and an open bottom <NUM> (e.g., at the lower section <NUM>), a first side <NUM>, a second side <NUM>, a first end <NUM>, and a second end <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when a ribbon cable <NUM> is positioned in the housing <NUM>, the ribbon cable <NUM> terminates along the first side <NUM> within the upper section <NUM>, and extends out of the housing <NUM> from the second side <NUM>.

The upper section <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can include a first side edge <NUM>, a second side edge <NUM>, a first end edge <NUM>, and a second end edge <NUM> that define the open top <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first side edge <NUM> can be a raised edge with a substantially straight profile, including an indented cover track <NUM> and one or more cover projections <NUM> that extend upward away from the housing <NUM>. The first side edge <NUM> can be raised in order to cover a cut edge of a ribbon cable <NUM> when the ribbon cable <NUM> is coupled to the power tap left connector <NUM>, that is, so that the cut edge of the ribbon cable <NUM> remains enclosed within the housing <NUM> when the ribbon cable <NUM> is coupled to the power tap left connector <NUM>.

The second side edge <NUM> can be a lowered edge with a profile <NUM> configured to permit a ribbon cable <NUM> to extend out from the second side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> when the ribbon cable <NUM> is coupled to the power tap left connector <NUM>. For example, as described above with respect to <FIG>, a ribbon cable <NUM> can include a ribbon profile <NUM> defined by outer contours of the insulated conductors <NUM> of the ribbon cable <NUM>. The second side edge <NUM> can therefore include an inverse ribbon profile <NUM> between two cover projections <NUM> that substantially corresponds to the ribbon profile <NUM> of a ribbon cable <NUM>, allowing the ribbon cable <NUM> to sit within the profile <NUM>. As a result, the housing <NUM> can facilitate and maintain proper alignment of the ribbon cable <NUM> within the housing <NUM> when the ribbon cable <NUM> is coupled to the power tap left connector <NUM>.

Furthermore, the first end edge <NUM> of the upper section <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can include a straight profile. The second end edge <NUM> of the upper section <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can include a first latch extension <NUM>. For example, the second end edge <NUM> can include spaced apart notches <NUM> that define the first latch extension <NUM>, extending vertically upward, therebetween. As further described below, the first latch extension <NUM> and the notches <NUM> can support rotation and translation of the cover <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the lower section <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can be integral with the upper section <NUM>, though smaller than the upper section <NUM>. The lower section <NUM> can be dimensioned to define the open bottom <NUM> and also to plug into a power tap jack of a power tap (such as the intelligent power tap <NUM> or the non-intelligent power tap <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the lower section <NUM> can include spring-like protrusions <NUM> (e.g., on first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>) that facilitate coupling the connector <NUM> to a power tap jack when the housing <NUM> is plugged into the power tap jack. For example, the protrusions <NUM> can engage mating seats within the power tap jack (not shown) when the lower section <NUM> is plugged into the power tap jack. Furthermore, to facilitate proper directional (e.g., right-left) alignment of the connector <NUM> with a power tap jack, the lower section <NUM> can be longer on the second end <NUM> than the first end <NUM> to define a corner extension <NUM>. As a result, the lower section <NUM> can include a generally rectangular profile with the corner extension <NUM>, which matches a corresponding rectangular opening and corner extension of the power tap jack (not shown). With this configuration, the connector <NUM> may only be coupled to the power tap in one orientation, when the corner extensions <NUM> align.

Furthermore, the lower section <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can be selectively covered by the protection cap <NUM> in order to cover the open bottom <NUM>. As a result, the protection cap <NUM> can protect an interior of the housing <NUM> from outside elements when the connector <NUM> is not connected to a power tap and can protect components within the interior of the housing <NUM> (such as the printed circuit board <NUM>) from tooling when the connector <NUM> is placed in its assembled state, as further described below. In some embodiments, the lower section can include grooves <NUM> (e.g., along first and second sides <NUM>, <NUM>), as shown in <FIG>, configured to receive detents <NUM> of the protection cap <NUM> to couple the components together. More specifically, the protection cap <NUM> can include pivotable latches <NUM> with the detents <NUM> adjacent inner, top ends thereof. At rest, the latches <NUM> can urge inward; however, the latches <NUM> can be rotated outward when bottom ends of the latches <NUM> are pressed. As a result, a user can squeeze the bottom ends of the latches <NUM> to place the protection cap <NUM> over the lower section <NUM> of the housing <NUM> until the top ends of the latches <NUM> are adjacent the upper section <NUM>, and then release the bottom ends so that the detents <NUM> urge inward to engage the grooves <NUM> and fix the protection cap <NUM> to the lower section <NUM>. To disengage the protection cap <NUM> from the housing <NUM>, the user can again squeeze the latches <NUM> to release the detents <NUM> from the grooves <NUM> and freely slide the protection cap <NUM> off the lower section <NUM>. In some embodiments, the protection cap <NUM> can be in the form of a protection cap jack, containing circuitry and incorporating electrical contact pins which mate to the connector socket receptacle <NUM> in a fashion similar to how a device (in this example, a power tap) would mate with the connector socket receptacle <NUM>. Accordingly, should the connector <NUM> be removed from the device, for example in the event of device repair or replacement, the protection cap jack could replace the device either temporarily or permanently, thereby maintaining the data transmission and signal integrity along the ribbon cable data conductors <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the upper and lower sections <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can define an interior space <NUM> that houses the printed circuit board <NUM>. More specifically, in some embodiments, the printed circuit board <NUM>, such as a printed circuit board assembly, can sit within the housing <NUM> and can include, extending from an upper end thereof, one or more individual and distinct conductor contacts <NUM>, each of which are separately soldered or pressed-in to the printed circuit board <NUM> with a mechanical and electrical connection, sufficient to connect the printed board circuits to the various individual conductors <NUM> of the ribbon cable <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the conductor contacts <NUM> can include one or more insulation-displacement contacts (IDCs) and/or one or more insulation-piercing contacts (IPCs).

In some embodiments, the printed circuit board <NUM> and the conductor contacts <NUM> are positioned within the upper section <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For example, the upper section <NUM> can include a bottom seat <NUM> defined by an inward-stepped portion that connects that upper section <NUM> to the lower section <NUM>, and the bottom seat <NUM> can support the printed circuit board <NUM> within the upper section <NUM>. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board <NUM> can extend within the interior space <NUM> across the upper section <NUM> to define open areas between respective ends of the printed circuit board <NUM> and the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. As further described below, lower detents <NUM> of the cable organizer and/or portions of the cover <NUM> can extend into the open areas.

The conductor contacts <NUM> can be located along the printed circuit board <NUM> so that they can be configured to electrically contact individual conductors <NUM> of a ribbon cable <NUM> when the connector <NUM> is in its assembled state, as further described below. For example, in some embodiments, the printed circuit board <NUM> of the power tap left connector <NUM> is configured only to electrically engage power conductors <NUM> of a ribbon cable <NUM>. In other embodiments, however, the printed circuit board <NUM> of the power tap left connector <NUM> can be configured to engage power and data conductors <NUM> of the ribbon cable <NUM>.

The printed circuit board <NUM> further includes, extending from a lower end thereof into the lower section <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, a connector socket receptacle <NUM> electrically coupled to the conductor contacts <NUM> and accessible via the open bottom <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For example, the connector socket receptacle <NUM> can be adapted to plug into a corresponding power tap jack on a power tap to electrically and physically connect the ribbon cable to the power tap when the lower section <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is plugged into the power tap jack.

As noted above, the conductor contacts <NUM> can be positioned to individually contact conductors <NUM> of a ribbon cable <NUM>, and the cable organizer <NUM> can be configured to maintain a position of the ribbon cable <NUM> to enable such connections. More specifically, still referring to <FIG>, the cable organizer <NUM> can sit within and be supported by the housing <NUM>, positioned over top of the printed circuit board <NUM> so that it accessible via the open top <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The cable organizer <NUM> can include a first side <NUM>, a second side <NUM>, a first end <NUM>, and a second end <NUM> that generally align with the first side <NUM>, the second side <NUM>, the first end <NUM>, and the second end <NUM>, respectively, of the housing <NUM>. The cable organizer <NUM> can also include a generally flat surface <NUM> with one or more lower detents <NUM> that extend generally downward from the flat surface <NUM> (e.g., along corners of the cable organizer <NUM> or at other positions along the sides <NUM>, <NUM> or ends <NUM>, <NUM>) and one or more upper detents <NUM> that extend generally upward from the flat surface <NUM> (e.g., along corners of the cable organizer <NUM> or at other positions along the sides <NUM>, <NUM> or ends <NUM>, <NUM>). Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, the cable organizer <NUM> can include a second latch extension <NUM> that extends from the second end <NUM>. For example, the second end <NUM> can include spaced apart notches <NUM> that define the second latch extension <NUM>, extending horizontally outward, therebetween. As such, the second latch extension <NUM> extends generally perpendicular relative to the first latch extension <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the cable organizer <NUM> can include a plurality of longitudinal grooves or guideways <NUM> in the flat surface <NUM> extending from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM> thereof and configured to receive insulated conductors <NUM> of a ribbon cable <NUM>. For example, as described above, a ribbon cable <NUM> includes a ribbon profile <NUM> defined by outer contours of the insulated conductors <NUM>. The longitudinal guideways <NUM> of the cable organizer <NUM> can define an inverse ribbon profile <NUM> that substantially corresponds to the ribbon profile <NUM> of the ribbon cable <NUM> (e.g., matching the inverse ribbon profile <NUM> of the second side edge <NUM> of the housing <NUM>), thus permitting proper alignment of individual conductors <NUM> of the ribbon cable <NUM> within the connector <NUM> when the ribbon cable <NUM> is placed on the cable organizer <NUM>.

The cable organizer <NUM> further includes a plurality of apertures <NUM> extending through one or more of the longitudinal grooves <NUM> and configured to axially align with the conductor contacts <NUM>, as further described below. In some embodiments, to facilitate proper alignment of the ribbon cable <NUM> within the cable organizer so that respective conductor contacts <NUM> engage desired conductors <NUM>, especially for ribbon cables <NUM> with asymmetric profiles <NUM>, one or more guideways <NUM> of the cable organizer <NUM> can include an orientation indicator, such as a colored stripe (not shown). The colored stripe can be aligned with a mating colored strip <NUM> on a ribbon cable <NUM> when the ribbon cable <NUM> is placed on the cable organizer <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the cable organizer <NUM> and/or the ribbon cable <NUM> can include other types of orientation indicators.

To further facilitate ribbon cable installation, the cable organizer <NUM> can be moveable in an axial direction within the housing <NUM>, for example, along an axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cable organizer <NUM> can be moved between a first position when the connector <NUM> is in a preassembled state (as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) and a second, lower position when the connector <NUM> is in an assembled state (as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). For example, in some embodiments, the housing <NUM> can include one or more upper slots <NUM> extending through the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>, and one or more lower slots <NUM> extending through the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> and positioned a distance below the upper slots <NUM>. In some embodiments, the upper slots <NUM> and the lower slots <NUM> can extend entirely through the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>, while in other embodiments, the slots <NUM>, <NUM> may be blind holes that extend only partially through the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> from the interior <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The lower detents <NUM> of the cable organizer <NUM> can be configured to engage or snap into the slots <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM> when the cable organizer <NUM> is in the first position and the second position, respectively.

More specifically, in the preassembled state, the lower detents <NUM> can each engage a respective upper slot <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In this position, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the flat surface <NUM> of the cable organizer <NUM> can generally align with the flat, first end edge <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (thus placing the cable organizer <NUM> within, or extending across, the open top <NUM>) and the inverse ribbon profile <NUM> of the cable organizer <NUM> can be positioned above the inverse ribbon profile <NUM> of the second side edge <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Furthermore, in the preassembled state, an outer edge of the second latch extension <NUM> can generally align with and be adjacent to an outer edge the first latch extension <NUM> at the second end edge <NUM> of the housing <NUM> so that the respective notches <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned. Additionally, in the preassembled state, the cable organizer <NUM> is spaced a first distance above the printed circuit board <NUM> so that the conductor contacts <NUM> do not extend through the apertures <NUM> of the cable organizer <NUM>.

In the assembled state, the cable organizer <NUM> can be pressed axially downward along the axis <NUM> into the housing <NUM> so that the lower detents <NUM> disengage the upper slots <NUM> and slide down the interior <NUM> of the housing until they each engage (e.g., snap into) a respective lower slot <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In this position, the inverse ribbon profile <NUM> of the cable organizer <NUM> can be aligned with the inverse ribbon profile <NUM> of the second side edge <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Furthermore, in the assembled state, the upper detents <NUM> of the cable organizer <NUM> can align with and be adjacent to the projections <NUM> on the first and second side edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and the second latch extension <NUM> can be positioned below the first latch extension <NUM>. Additionally, in the assembled state, the cable organizer <NUM> is spaced a second distance above the printed circuit board <NUM> so that the conductor contacts <NUM> extend through the apertures <NUM> and, as a result, can engage the individual conductors <NUM> of the ribbon cable <NUM> received within the longitudinal grooves <NUM>.

In the assembled state, the cable organizer <NUM> can be enclosed within the housing <NUM> by the cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> can be generally rectangular in shape and include a first side <NUM>, a second side <NUM>, a first end <NUM>, and a second end <NUM>. The cover <NUM> can also include an upper surface <NUM> with extended edges <NUM> along the first end <NUM>, the second end <NUM>, and the first side <NUM>. A bottom surface <NUM> of the cover <NUM> can include an inverse cable profile <NUM> extending from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM> (e.g., corresponding to the cable profile <NUM> of a ribbon cable <NUM>) and one or more apertures or indentations <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). The cover <NUM> can include one or more notches <NUM> at or adjacent the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM>, extending partially or completely through the upper and bottom surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. Furthermore, the cover <NUM> includes a latch <NUM> extending downward from the second end <NUM>. For example, the latch <NUM> can be substantially U-shaped with two extensions <NUM> extending downward from the second end <NUM> and a horizontal bar <NUM> connecting lower ends of the extensions <NUM> to define an open slot <NUM> between the second end <NUM>, the extensions <NUM>, and the bar <NUM>. In some embodiments, the open slot <NUM> can be sized to receive the first latch extension <NUM> or the second latch extension <NUM>, and the extensions <NUM> can be sized to permit their free movements within the notches <NUM>, <NUM>, as further described below.

When in the assembled state, the cover <NUM> can cover the open top <NUM> of the housing <NUM> to capture and entrap the ribbon cable <NUM> within the housing <NUM> between the cover <NUM> and the cable organizer <NUM>. That is, the ribbon cable <NUM> can be held between the lower inverse ribbon profile <NUM> of the cable profile and the inverse cable profile <NUM> of the bottom surface <NUM> of the cover <NUM>, thereby preventing vertical and/or horizontal movement of the ribbon cable <NUM> within the connector <NUM> to facilitate secured connections between the cable conductors <NUM> and the conductor contacts <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first side <NUM>, the second side <NUM>, the first end <NUM>, and the second end <NUM> of the cover <NUM> can generally align with the first side edge <NUM>, the second side edge <NUM>, the first end edge <NUM>, and the second end edge <NUM>, respectively, of the housing <NUM>. The extended edges <NUM> of the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> and the first side <NUM> can also rest upon the first and second end edges <NUM>, <NUM> and the first side edge <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, respectively. Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, the notches <NUM> of the cover <NUM> can align with and receive the projections <NUM> and upper detents <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the cable organizer <NUM>, respectively. More specifically, as shown in <FIG>, each notch <NUM> can include a shoulder <NUM> onto which a respective upper detent <NUM> can engage when the cover <NUM> is pressed onto the housing <NUM>, thus locking together the connector <NUM> in the assembled state, coupling the cover <NUM> to the cable organizer <NUM>.

Additionally, in some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the upper surface <NUM> of the cover <NUM> can include one or more features <NUM> that provide information to a user, for example, when the connector <NUM> is in the assembled or preassembled state. According to a first example, the cover <NUM> can include a first feature in the form of a horizontal line 170a adjacent the first or second end <NUM>, <NUM>. The line 170a may be an indented or protruding line formed in the upper surface <NUM>, or a colored line applied (e.g., painted on, etched on, etc.) to the upper surface <NUM>. The line 170a can align with the cable orientation strip along the cable organizer <NUM> to further assist proper positioning of a ribbon cable <NUM> in the connector <NUM> and assist with proper orientation of the connector <NUM> relative to a power tap. In another example, the cover <NUM> can include a second feature in the form of a terminated edge indicator 170b adjacent the first side <NUM> or the second side <NUM>. The indicator 170b can be a square, rectangle, line, arrow, or other shape formed as an indent or protrusion in the upper surface <NUM> or applied to the upper surface <NUM>. For example, in the power tap left connector <NUM>, a cut end of a ribbon cable <NUM> is adjacent a first, or left, side thereof, and the ribbon cable <NUM> extends out of the connector from the second, or right, side thereof. Thus, the terminated edge indicator 170b can indicate to a user a position of a cut edge of an installed ribbon cable <NUM> (e.g., along the first side <NUM>) and/or a direction of ribbon travel (e.g., toward the second side <NUM>). Alternatively, the horizontal line 170a can indicate both alignment of the cable orientation strip and direction of ribbon travel. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the horizontal line 170a extends across the upper surface <NUM> to the second side <NUM>, but stops short of the first side <NUM>, indicating that ribbon travel does not extend past the first side <NUM>.

In some embodiments, in the preassembled state, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cover <NUM> can remain coupled to, and also move relative to, the housing <NUM> via the latch <NUM> engaging with the first latch extension <NUM> and/or the second latch extension <NUM>. For example, in the preassembled state, the latch extensions <NUM>, <NUM> can be positioned relative to one another to prevent the latch <NUM> from being disengaged with the latch extensions <NUM>, <NUM>. In this manner, the latch <NUM> of the cover <NUM>, the first latch extension <NUM> and notches <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and the second latch extension <NUM> and notches <NUM> of the cable organizer <NUM> form a latch assembly of the connector <NUM> that permits the cover <NUM> to be moved relative to the housing <NUM>. More specifically, as described above, in the preassembled state, the cable organizer <NUM> is positioned relative to the housing <NUM> so that second latch extension <NUM> aligns with a top edge the first latch extension <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and the notches <NUM> align with the notches <NUM>. Furthermore, the second latch extension <NUM> can extend through the open slot <NUM> of the cover latch <NUM>, thus maintaining the bar <NUM> within the interior <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

As a result, the cover <NUM> can freely translate along the axis <NUM> in a first, upward direction, with the extensions <NUM> able to move through the notches <NUM>, until reaching an upward-most position when the bar <NUM> engages the second latch extension <NUM> and stops vertical movement. And the cover <NUM> can freely translate in a second, downward direction until reaching a downward-most position when the second end <NUM> of the cover <NUM> engages the second latch extension <NUM> and stops vertical movement. Thus, the cover <NUM> can freely translate along the axis <NUM> a specified vertical distance between the upward-most position and the downward-most position.

Furthermore, while vertical movement is permitted, horizontal movement of the cover <NUM>, along a plane perpendicular to the axis <NUM>, can be generally restricted in a first direction (e.g., toward the first end <NUM>) due to the extensions <NUM> contacting the cable organizer <NUM>, in a second, opposite direction (e.g., toward the second end <NUM>) due to the extensions <NUM> and/or the bar <NUM> contacting the second end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and in third and fourth directions perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., toward the first and second sides <NUM>, <NUM>) due to the extensions <NUM> contacting the second latch connector <NUM>.

However, because the notches <NUM> of the housing <NUM> align with the notches <NUM> of the cable organizer <NUM> in the preassembled state, the cover <NUM> can freely rotate relative to the housing <NUM>. More specifically, the cover <NUM> can be rotated away from the housing <NUM> so that the extensions <NUM> of the latch <NUM> move from the notches <NUM> of the cable organizer <NUM> into the notches <NUM> of the cover <NUM>, until the first latch extension <NUM> extends through the slot <NUM>. For example, the latch <NUM> can rotate within the notches <NUM>, <NUM> until the bar <NUM> engages a lower surface of the second latch extension <NUM>. Due to the free vertical movement of the cover <NUM>, as described above, the latch <NUM> is not rotated about a fixed axis but, rather, can be rotated about a moving axis anywhere along the specific vertical distance. For example, the axis may be defined by the vertical position of the cover and, more specifically, by a position of the second latch extension <NUM> within the open slot <NUM>.

Accordingly, the cover <NUM> can be moved along a non-specific trajectory with a combination of translations and rotations, creating a moving axis and an extended range of motion greater than, for example, a fixed axis hinge joint or a floating hinge with two parallel axes of rotation. In this manner, the cover <NUM> can be closed in a less constrained manner, regardless of varying cable cross-sections, multiple conductors of equal or mixed sizes, and other obstructive physical barriers and features.

Additionally, when in the assembled position, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the latch <NUM> engages with the second latch extension <NUM>, which is positioned below the first latch extension <NUM>. For example, the second latch extension <NUM> can be positioned below the first latch extension <NUM> so that the notches <NUM> no longer align with the notches <NUM> but, rather, align with the solid surface of the second end <NUM> of the housing. The cover <NUM>, therefore, cannot rotate because the extensions <NUM> engage the solid second end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> rather than the open notches <NUM>. Thus, the cover <NUM> can be rotated so that the latch <NUM> engages the first latch extension <NUM> in the preassembled state to facilitate insertion of a ribbon cable <NUM>, as described below. And to assemble the connector <NUM> in the assembled state, the latch <NUM> can be rotated back so that the latch <NUM> engages the second latch extension <NUM>. In some embodiments, to facilitate proper alignment once rotated back, the cable organizer <NUM> can include a protrusion <NUM> that can fit into an aperture (e.g., a blind hole, not shown) through the bottom surface <NUM> of the cover <NUM> adj acent the first end <NUM>. Once aligned, the cover <NUM> is translated downward into the housing <NUM> so that further rotation is hindered.

The latch assembly described above allows re-use of the cover <NUM> with a multiplicity of connectors (as further described below), thus creating several variant combinations which take advantage of the same, universal cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cover <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM> at all times, in both the preassembled and assembled states, therefore reducing the chances of losing components. However, in some embodiments, the cover <NUM> may be configured to be selectively uncoupled from the housing <NUM>.

While the connector described above with respect to <FIG> is a power tap left connector <NUM>, one or more of the above-described components and features can be incorporated into other connectors in a network, such as the network <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, <FIG> illustrate a power tap right connector <NUM>; <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate a node connector <NUM>; <FIG> illustrates a terminator <NUM>; and <FIG> illustrates a splicer <NUM>. In some embodiments, unless specified otherwise below, any one or more of the above-described components of the power tap left connector <NUM> can be incorporated into any one of the power tap right connector <NUM>, the node connector <NUM>, the terminator <NUM>, and/or the splicer <NUM>. Thus, in <FIG>, like numerals illustrate like components as described above with respect to the power tap left connector <NUM> of <FIG>. And, while any of the above-described features of the like components of the power tap left connector <NUM> can be incorporated into any one of the power tap right connector <NUM>, the node connector <NUM>, the terminator <NUM>, and/or the splicer <NUM> in some embodiments, such features will not be described in detail again below for the sake of brevity.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the power tap right connector <NUM> can include a housing <NUM>, a protection cap <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a cable organizer <NUM>, and a cover <NUM>. However, the power tap right connector <NUM> can generally be a mirror image of the power tap left connector <NUM>. More specifically, in the power tap left connector <NUM>, as described above, a cut end of a ribbon cable <NUM> is adjacent the first, or left, side thereof, and the ribbon cable extends out of the connector from the second, or right, side thereof. However, in the power tap right connector <NUM>, a cut end of a ribbon cable <NUM> is adjacent a second, or right, side thereof, and the ribbon cable extends out of the connector from the first, or left, side thereof.

As such, with respect to the housing <NUM>, while the first latch extension <NUM> can remain positioned along the second end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, like the power tap left connector <NUM>, features on the first side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the power tap left connector <NUM> (such as the raised edge with substantially straight profile) can be incorporated on the second side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the power tap right connector <NUM>, and features on the second side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the power tap left connector <NUM> (such as the inverse ribbon profile <NUM>) can be incorporated on the first side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the power tap right connector <NUM>. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the printed circuit board <NUM> can include conductor contacts <NUM> in the same relative locations, so that the power tap right connector <NUM> can engage the same conductors <NUM> as the power tap left connector <NUM>.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cable organizer <NUM> of the power tap right connector <NUM> can be identical to the cable organizer <NUM> of the power tap left connector <NUM>, and oriented within the housing <NUM> so that the second latch extension <NUM> aligns at the same end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> as the first latch extension <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cable organizer <NUM> can include additional apertures <NUM> so as to accommodate multiple patterns of conductor contacts <NUM> to be used in any one of the power tap left connector <NUM>, the power tap right connector <NUM>, the node connector <NUM>, the terminator <NUM>, and/or the splicer <NUM>. As such, the cable organizer <NUM> can be a universal cable organizer <NUM> for use in any type of connector <NUM>-<NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the cable organizer <NUM> can include apertures <NUM> specific only to one, two, or more types of connectors <NUM>-<NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG> and the power tap right connector <NUM>, the cover <NUM> can be a mirror image of the cover <NUM> of the power tap left connector <NUM>. For example, while the latch <NUM> can remain positioned along the second end <NUM> of the cover <NUM>, like the power tap left connector <NUM>, features on the first side <NUM> of the cover <NUM> of the power tap left connector <NUM> (such as the extended edge <NUM>) can be incorporated on the second side <NUM> of the cover <NUM> of the power tap right connector <NUM>, and features on the second side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the power tap left connector <NUM> can be incorporated on the first side <NUM> of the cover <NUM> of the power tap right connector <NUM>.

Furthermore, the upper surface <NUM> of the cover <NUM> can include one or more features <NUM>, such as a terminated edge indicator 170b adjacent the second side <NUM> (e.g., in an opposite position as the terminated edge indicator 170b of the power tap left connector <NUM>). For example, as described above, in the power tap right connector <NUM>, a cut end of a ribbon cable <NUM> is adjacent a second, or right, side thereof, and the ribbon cable <NUM> extends out of the connector <NUM> from the first, or left, side thereof. Thus, the terminated edge indicator 170b can indicate to a user a position of a cut edge of an installed ribbon cable <NUM> (e.g., along the second side <NUM>) and/or a direction of ribbon travel (e.g., toward the first side <NUM>). Alternatively, as shown in <FIG>, the upper surface <NUM> can include a horizontal line 170a that extends across the upper surface <NUM> to the first side <NUM>, but stops short of the second side <NUM>, indicating that ribbon travel does not extend past the second side <NUM>.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the only difference between the covers <NUM> of the power tap left connector <NUM> and the power tap right connector <NUM> may be the extended edge <NUM> along the first or second side <NUM>, <NUM>, and a placement of the features <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the cover <NUM> may be manufactured without such components. For example, the cover <NUM> may not include the components, or the components can be applied to the cover <NUM> after manufacture based on its use with a desired connector. As such, in some embodiments, a universal cover <NUM> can be manufactured, applicable or adaptable to any type of connector within the network.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a node connector <NUM>, according to some embodiments, is illustrated. The node connector <NUM> can include a housing <NUM>, a protection cap <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a cable organizer <NUM>, and a cover <NUM>. However, unlike the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, which include one side <NUM>, <NUM> accommodating a cut end of a ribbon cable <NUM>, in the node connector <NUM>, the ribbon cable extends out of the connector <NUM> from both sides <NUM>, <NUM>.

As such, with respect to the housing <NUM>, while the first latch extension <NUM> can remain positioned along the second end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, like the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, both sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can include an inverse ribbon profile <NUM>. Additionally, in some embodiments, a lower section <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the node connector <NUM> can be similar in shape, but smaller than the lower section <NUM> of the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM>. More specifically, the lower section <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the node connector <NUM> can be sized to correspond to a node jack of a device node so that the housing <NUM> can be plugged into the node jack, thus physically and electrically coupling the ribbon cable <NUM> to the device node via the node connector <NUM>. As a result, the protection cap <NUM> of the node connector <NUM> can also be smaller than the protection cap of the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM> in order to fit to the lower section <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the lower section <NUM> and protection cap <NUM> can be identical to the lower section <NUM> and protection cap <NUM>, respectively, of the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, for example, depending on a size of the node jack. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the protection cap <NUM> can be in the form of a protection cap jack, containing circuitry and incorporating electrical contact pins which mate to the connector socket receptacle <NUM> in a fashion similar to how a device (in this example, a node device) would mate with the connector socket receptacle <NUM>. Accordingly, should the connector <NUM> be removed from a device, for example in the event of device repair or replacement, the protection cap jack could replace the device either temporarily or permanently, thereby maintaining the data transmission and signal integrity along the ribbon cable data conductors <NUM>.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the printed circuit board <NUM> can include conductor contacts <NUM> in different relative locations than those of the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM> so as to engage different conductors <NUM> of the ribbon cable. However, in other embodiments, the printed circuit board <NUM> can include conductor contacts <NUM> in the same relative locations as those of the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM> so as to engage the same conductors <NUM> of the ribbon cable <NUM>. Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, the printed circuit board <NUM> can further include a connector socket receptacle <NUM> sized and adapted to plug into a corresponding node jack on a node device to electrically and physically connect the ribbon cable <NUM> to the node device when the lower section <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is plugged into the node jack.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cable organizer <NUM> of the node connector <NUM> can be identical to the cable organizer <NUM> of the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., a universal cable organizer <NUM>). However, in other embodiments, the cable organizer <NUM> can include apertures <NUM> specific only to the node connector <NUM>, that is, specific to the locations of the conductor contacts <NUM> on the printed circuit board <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> and the node connector <NUM>, the cover <NUM> can include the latch <NUM> positioned along the second end <NUM> thereof, like the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM>. However, the cover <NUM> may not include an extended edge <NUM> on either side <NUM>, <NUM>. Furthermore, the upper surface <NUM> of the cover <NUM> can include one or more features <NUM>, such as a horizontal line 170a that extends across the upper surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the horizontal line 170a can extend entirely across the upper surface <NUM> from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM>, indicating that a ribbon cable <NUM> can extend out from both sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the cover <NUM>.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the only difference between the covers <NUM> of the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM> and the node connector <NUM> may be the extended edge <NUM> along the first or second side <NUM>, <NUM>, and a placement of the features <NUM>. However, as discussed above, in some embodiments, the cover <NUM> may be a universal cover manufactured without such components. For example, the cover <NUM> may not include the components, and the features <NUM> can be applied to the upper surface <NUM> post-manufacture for use with the node connector <NUM>.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the node connector <NUM> can incorporate a cutter <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cutter <NUM> can be configured to sever a specific cable conductor <NUM> (such as a "Select Line" of the ribbon cable <NUM> of some embodiments) which is dedicated to locate the relative position of a device on the ribbon cable <NUM>, thereby enabling "nodal geography. " For example, first and second conductor contacts <NUM> can be positioned on either side of the severed portion of the ribbon cable <NUM> to make electrical connection to the conductor <NUM> (such as the Select Line). The other end of the first conductor contact <NUM> (opposite the end making the electrical connection to the conductor <NUM>) connects to a certain position of the connector socket receptacle <NUM>, to a mating pin on a device printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), to electronic circuitry within the device PCBA, back to another mating pin on the device PCBA, back to another certain position of the connector socket receptacle <NUM>, and back to the other end of the second conductor contact <NUM>, thereby establishing a connection loop which bypasses the severed portion and locates the position of the device on the ribbon cable <NUM>. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the cutter <NUM> can be configured to sever other cable conductors <NUM>, such as two cable conductors <NUM> of a Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) bus (that is, SPE+ and SPE-). Electrical contacts on either side of the severed portions can connect to in-line (e.g., series) inductors on the printed circuit board <NUM> to offset added capacitance created by the node and maintain signal integrity.

Referring now to <FIG>, a terminator <NUM>, according to some embodiments, is illustrated. The terminator <NUM> can include a housing <NUM>, a cable organizer <NUM>, and a cover <NUM>. Like the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, the terminator <NUM> can include one side <NUM>, <NUM> accommodating a cut end of a ribbon cable <NUM>. However, unlike the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM> and the node connector <NUM>, the terminator <NUM> is not adapted to electrically or physically couple the ribbon cable <NUM> to a device in the network <NUM>. Thus, the terminator <NUM> may not require certain features to accomplish this coupling.

For example, in some embodiments, the housing <NUM> of the terminator <NUM> can be substantially identical to the upper section <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the power tap right connector <NUM> (e.g., including a similar width, length, and/or height as the upper section <NUM>). That is, rather than including a lower section <NUM> defining an open bottom <NUM>, the terminator <NUM> can include a rectangular housing with a closed bottom (e.g., the bottom seat <NUM> extends entirely across the bottom of the housing <NUM>). Additionally, in some embodiments, the housing <NUM> of the terminator <NUM> can include one or more loop holes <NUM>, for example, on either end <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the loop holes <NUM> can be sized to receive cable ties (not shown). As a result, the loop holes <NUM> and corresponding cable ties can be used to secure the terminator <NUM> physically to a convenient fixed portion of an electrical control cabinet or a device within the cabinet, for example, instead of the terminator <NUM> being unsupported and "hanging" in free space.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, the cable organizer <NUM> of the terminator <NUM> can be identical to the cable organizer <NUM> of the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the node connector <NUM> (e.g., a universal cable organizer <NUM>). However, in other embodiments, the cable organizer <NUM> can be specific only to the terminator <NUM>, for example, without any apertures.

Also, the cover <NUM> of the terminator <NUM> can be identical to the cover <NUM> of the power tap right connector <NUM>. Accordingly, when installed on the terminator <NUM>, a cut end of a ribbon cable <NUM> is adjacent a second, or right, side thereof, and the ribbon cable <NUM> extends out of the terminator <NUM> from the first, or left, side thereof. That is, while no conductors <NUM> of the ribbon cable <NUM> are selectively severed by the terminator <NUM>, the cut end of the ribbon cable <NUM> can be covered by the second side <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, with the cover <NUM> providing a visual indication of such termination.

Referring now to <FIG>, a splicer <NUM>, according to some embodiments, is illustrated. The splicer <NUM> can include a housing <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, two cable organizers <NUM>, and two covers <NUM>. Like the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM> and the terminator <NUM>, the splicer <NUM> can accommodating cut ends of ribbon cables <NUM>. Furthermore, unlike the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM> and the node connector <NUM>, splicer <NUM> is not adapted to electrically or physically couple the ribbon cable <NUM> to a device in the network <NUM>. Thus, the splicer <NUM> may not require certain features to accomplish this coupling.

For example, in some embodiments, the housing <NUM> of the splicer can be substantially identical to upper sections <NUM> of the housings <NUM> of the power tap left connector <NUM> and the power tap right connector <NUM>, coupled together side-by-side (e.g., equal in width and height as the connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, but at least double the length). Thus, a first side <NUM> of the housing can include an inverse ribbon profile <NUM>, like the power tap right connector <NUM>, to receive a first ribbon cable <NUM>, a second side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can include an inverse ribbon profile <NUM>, like the power tap left connector <NUM>, to receive a second ribbon cable <NUM>, and a central raised edge <NUM> can extend through a center of the housing <NUM>, similar in function to the raised edge profile sides of power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, to cover cut ends of the first and second ribbon cables <NUM>. The central raised edge <NUM> can be a separate component coupled to the housing <NUM>, or can be integral with the housing in some embodiments.

Additionally, rather than the housing <NUM> including lower sections <NUM> defining open bottoms <NUM>, the splicer <NUM> can include a rectangular housing with a closed bottom (e.g., the bottom seat <NUM> extends entirely across the bottom of the housing <NUM>). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the housing <NUM> of the splicer <NUM> can include one or more loop holes <NUM>, for example, on either end <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the loop holes <NUM> can be sized to receive cable ties (not shown).

In some embodiments, the central raise edge <NUM> does not extend through an entire depth of the housing <NUM>, so that the interior space <NUM> can be defined within the housing <NUM>, extending from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM> thereof. The splicer <NUM> can include a printed circuit board <NUM> that generally extends across the interior space <NUM>, with two sets of conductor contacts <NUM> configured to contact individual conductors of the first and second ribbon cables <NUM>, respectively. The printed circuit board <NUM> can further include traces that electrically couple the conductors of the first and second ribbon cables <NUM> together via the two sets of conductor contacts <NUM>.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, the splicer <NUM> can include two side-by-side cable organizers <NUM>, for example, each identical to the cable organizer <NUM> of the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, the node connector <NUM>, and/or the terminator <NUM> (e.g., a universal cable organizer <NUM>). However, in other embodiments, the cable organizers <NUM> can be specific only to the splicer <NUM>. Furthermore, as no electrical connections need to be made at to an external device, the interior space <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can accommodate the cable organizers <NUM> and a printed circuit board <NUM> without a socket receptacle.

Also, the splicer <NUM> can include two covers <NUM>, substantially identical to the covers <NUM> of the power tap left connector <NUM> and the power tap right connector <NUM>, positioned side-by-side to engage a respective latch <NUM> and cable organizer <NUM> on either side of the housing <NUM>. That is, the housing <NUM> includes two latch assemblies to accommodate individual movement of two separate covers <NUM>. Accordingly, when installed on the splicer <NUM>, a cut end of a first ribbon cable <NUM> is adjacent the central raised edge <NUM> and extends out of the splicer <NUM> from the first, or left, side thereof, and a cut end of a second ribbon cable <NUM> is adjacent the central raised edge <NUM> and extends out of the splicer <NUM> from the second, or right, side thereof. In light of the above description, while the splicer <NUM> can include a larger housing <NUM> than the other connectors <NUM>-<NUM>, the splicer <NUM> can still incorporate the same covers <NUM> and/or cable organizers <NUM>.

As all connectors <NUM>-<NUM> described above can include similar parts, such as similar covers <NUM> and/or housings <NUM>, a ribbon cable <NUM> can be installed on any connector <NUM>-<NUM> using substantially the same method and/or the same tooling. For example, in some embodiments, a ribbon cable <NUM> can be installed on a desired connector <NUM>-<NUM> using traditional tooling, such as conventional pliers. However, in other embodiments, specialty tooling specific to the connector <NUM>-<NUM> may be used.

Thus, according to the present invention, the following method can be executed to install a ribbon cable <NUM> on a connector <NUM>-<NUM>. First, while the connector <NUM>-<NUM> is in the preassembled state, the cover <NUM> is translated and/or rotated away from the housing <NUM> to create a cable access pathway <NUM>, for example, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>. In some embodiments, the cover <NUM> is rotated away from the housing <NUM> by engaging the latch <NUM> with the first latch extension <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The ribbon cable <NUM> can then be inserted and positioned, via the cable access pathway <NUM>, onto the cable organizer <NUM> so that the ribbon profile <NUM> of the ribbon cable <NUM> conforms to and aligns with the inverse ribbon profile <NUM> of the cable organizer <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The ribbon cable <NUM> is inserted on the cable organizer <NUM> so that the respective strips <NUM> on the cable organizer <NUM> and the ribbon cable <NUM> can be aligned. In addition, in some embodiments, with respect to the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, the terminator <NUM>, and/or the splicer <NUM>, a cut end of the ribbon cable <NUM> can be aligned adjacent the raised profile of a respective side edge <NUM>, <NUM> or central raised edge <NUM>.

Once the ribbon cable <NUM> is aligned, the cover <NUM> can be rotated back toward the housing <NUM> so that it is aligned over the open top <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cover <NUM> is rotated back toward the housing <NUM> by engaging the latch <NUM> with the second latch extension <NUM> of the cable organizer <NUM>.

Once the cover <NUM> is positioned vertically above the cable organizer <NUM>, the cover <NUM> can be pressed toward the housing <NUM> to entrap the ribbon cable <NUM> within the housing <NUM> between the cover <NUM> and the cable organizer <NUM>. For example, a tool, such as a pliers, can then engage the upper surface <NUM> of the cover <NUM> and a lower surface of the connector <NUM>-<NUM>. The lower surface can be, for example, the lower surface of the housing <NUM> (e.g., the lower section <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM> or the node connector <NUM>, or the enclosed bottom seat <NUM> of the terminator <NUM> or the splicer <NUM>). In some embodiments, to protect the open bottom <NUM> of the power tap connectors <NUM>, <NUM> and the node connector <NUM>, the protection cap <NUM> can first be placed over the lower section <NUM> of the housing <NUM> so that the tool can instead engage the protection cap <NUM>.

Once engaged, the tool can be actuated to press the cover <NUM> toward the housing <NUM>, as shown by arrows <NUM> in <FIG>. The tool can press the cover <NUM> toward the housing <NUM> with enough force to disengage the lower detents <NUM> of the cable organizer <NUM> from the upper slots <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, moving the cable organizer <NUM> downward until the lower detents <NUM> snap into the lower slots <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the upper detents <NUM> engage the notches <NUM> of the cover <NUM> (e.g., by snapping onto the shoulders <NUM>). In some embodiments, at the end of this movement, the compression forces (indicated by the arrows <NUM> in <FIG>) can be distributed fully onto the housing <NUM> (e.g., due to the extended edges <NUM> of the cover engaging respective edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> of the housing. This clamping further completes termination of each conductor contact <NUM> onto the ribbon cable <NUM>, thus electrically coupling the conductors <NUM> to the socket receptacle <NUM> in the power tap and node connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and coupling the conductors <NUM> of adjacent ribbon cables <NUM> together in the splicer <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A connector for receiving a ribbon cable, the connector comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) including an open top (<NUM>) and a first latch extension (<NUM>) along a first end thereof, extending in a first direction between two first notches (<NUM>);
a cable organizer (<NUM>) including a second latch extension (<NUM>) along a first end thereof, extending in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, between two second notches (<NUM>), the cable organizer (<NUM>) configured to be positioned within an interior of the housing (<NUM>) in a preassembled position so that an outer edge of the first latch extension (<NUM>) is adjacent to an outer edge of the second latch extension (<NUM>) and the two first notches (<NUM>) and the two second notches (<NUM>) are aligned; and
a cover (<NUM>) configured to selectively cover the open top (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) to enclose the cable organizer (<NUM>) within the interior of the housing (<NUM>), the cover (<NUM>) including a latch (<NUM>) configured to engage the first latch extension (<NUM>) and the second latch extension (<NUM>) to both translate in a vertical direction relative to the housing (<NUM>) and rotate relative the housing (<NUM>),
wherein the latch (<NUM>) includes spaced-apart extensions (<NUM>) that extend downward from an end (<NUM>) of the cover (<NUM>) and a bar (<NUM>) connected between lower ends of the extensions (<NUM>) to define an open slot (<NUM>) between the end (<NUM>) of the cover (<NUM>), the extensions (<NUM>), and the bar (<NUM>).