The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 19, 2002
Filed:
Mar. 02, 2000
Todd Jason Youngman, Rochester, MN (US);
Patrick James Zuroski, Rochester, MN (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for grounding network cabling prior to insertion in a network device. The apparatus includes a cable connector receptor for receiving a standardized network cable connector. The apparatus also includes a current limiting device coupled to the cable connector receptor for reducing any electrical potential present on the cable. The current limiting device is coupled to electrical ground via a ground connector which provides a discharge path for any electrical potential present on the cable. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus can exist as a standalone device, as an integrated feature of a grounding wrist strap, or as an integrated feature of a computer system or network hub.