Corning Cable Systems

Robert J Bennett

Casimir Z Cwirzen

Christian Shane Duran

Kathleen E Blake

Gustavo A Gonzalez, Jr

Methodologies and structure are provided for use in a communications line that transmit data without plain old telephone service (POTS), or splits the POTS service from the data service, to inhibit oxidation of electrical connections within the physical communications line between the central office of a service provider and a subscriber premises and/or subscriber equipment. A direct current load is drawn by a sealing current terminator circuit that is electrically coupled across the communications line at a convenient location proximate or within the subscriber's location so as to assist in providing oxidation reducing direct current flow along a portion of the communications loop coupling the service provider with the subscriber.

Sealing current terminator for inhibiting oxidation and methods therefor

A central office surge protector having at least one gas tube and at least one varistor. The at least one varistor interacts with the at least one gas tube to lower the impulse breakdown voltage of the gas tube. The at least one gas tube may be a two or a three element gas tube. Alternative embodiments of the surge protector further include at least one sneak current protection element.

Central office surge protector with interacting varistors

A surge protector having a failsafe mechanism including at least one overvoltage protection element, at least one arm assembly, at least one ground element, at least one resilient member, and at least one protrusion. The at least one resilient member is electrically connected to the at least one ground element and the at least one protrusion is generally positioned between the at least one resilient member and the at least one arm assembly. The at least one protrusion is in thermal contact with the at least one resilient member, prevents the at least one resilient member from electrically contacting the at least one arm assembly during normal operation, and is spaced away from the at least one arm assembly. As a result of a sustained overvoltage condition, the temperature of the at least one resilient member increases thereby softening the at least one protrusion and allowing the at least one resilient member to electrically contact the at least one arm assembly to short the at least one arm assembly to the ground element.

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Lewisville, TX, United States of America

Robert J Bennett