Traceable patch cord and connector assembly and method for locating patch cord ends

An indicator assembly adapted for attachment to a patch cord receptacle, the receptacle configured to mate with a patch cord connector disposed on one end of a cable having a main signal transmission member, the connector having two electrical leads that are electrically connected to corresponding conductive members that extend along the cable, the indicator assembly comprising:

• an indicator module having an electrical indicator disposed therein that indicates the presence of a current through the indicator, said module having a pair of leads connected to the electrical indicator that are located to contact the pair of leads of the connector when the connector engages the receptacle;
• and
• means for attaching said indicator module to the receptacle.

A connector for attachment to one end of patch cord and adapted to mate the patch cord with a device receptacle, the receptacle having an electrical indicator associated therewith, the patch cord having a main signal transmission member and a pair of conductive members, said connector comprising:

• a main body for attaching the signal transmission member to the receptacle;
• a terminal housing having a pair of channels, each channel having an electrical terminal attached to a respective conductive member, said housing having a forward facing surface with a pair of apertures providing access to said channels so a pair of contacts can be inserted into the channels to contact the electrical terminals so an electrical connection can be completed with the indicator and a rearwardly facing surface having a pair of apertures allowing access to said channels so that a pair of leads from a power supply can be inserted into the channels to contact the electrical terminals so a voltage can be applied across the indicator.

A method for locating corresponding ends of a patch cord used to conduct a signal between a pair of receptacles, the patch cord including a cable having a main signal transmission member, a pair of electrically conductive members and at least one connector attached to one end of said cable for removably mating with one of the receptacles, the connector having a pair of leads associated therewith, each lead connected to and corresponding to one of the conductive members;

• the method comprising:
• attaching an indicator module to the one receptacle, the indicator module having an electrical indicator disposed therein that indicates the presence of a current through the indicator, the module having a pair of leads connected to the electrical indicator that are located so that the connector leads are electrically attached to the pair of leads of the indicator;
• supplying a current to the conductive members so as to activate the indicator.