Abstract:
A sideswipe contact system for an add in PC card consisting of an apparatus for identifying the card as having a sideswipe connector and apparatus on a header for causing the header connectors to be electrically isolated from an inserted PC card unless the PC card is equipped with the sideswipe connectors. The header assembly includes a frame mechanically shaped to receive the card frame in an inserting relationship. A plurality of connector assemblies are movably mounted to the header frame. Each of the connector assemblies consists of an insulating standoff having substantially the same specified shape as the first cavity and fitting therein and a second electrical conductor adjacent to and smaller than the standoff. The plurality of connector assemblies are movable from a first position when the PC card is not inserted in the header frame to a second position when the card is fully inserted into the header. The movement from the first position to the second position is in a direction substantially orthogonal to the long dimension of the PC card. When the plurality of connectors assemblies are in the second position, each connector assembly fits into a matching connector receptacle and the first and second electrical conductors are in electrical contact. The plurality of connector assemblies move to a third position intermediate between the first and second positions if a PC card not having the plurality of connector receptacles is inserted into the header frame.
Abstract:
A computer network distribution system including a plurality of network couplers fixedly installed in a building, and dual cables for connecting the network couplers to personal computers, each network coupler including two coaxial cable connectors for connecting a respective personal computer to the network system by a dual cable. A network junction box is provided having a plurality of network couplers for connecting additional personal computers to a computer network system being fixed in a building.
Abstract:
A hub for the distribution of a plurality of network signal transmission lines, including a base plate, and an upright hub body fastened to the base plate by swivel joint, wherein the base plate has a plurality of upright posts for stopping the electric plug of the power cable in place and for allowing the network signal transmission lines to be arranged in proper order and extended through the space defined between the upright posts.
Abstract:
An improved current mode coupler comprising a base (100) and a housing (300) for current mode coupling onto a twisted pair cable (22) of a data bus (20). The coupler base (100) is mountable to a panel (224), having movable mounting body members (106) and a fixed engaging member (108) and is capable of single-motion mounting to the panel, which has a plurality of predetermined apertures (228) with engagement surfaces (226,227) which correspond to the mounting body members (106) and the fixed engaging member (108). The mounting body members (106) are movable within and removable from the coupler base (100) and contain a spring (218) which exerts a force in the direction away from the fixed engaging member (108) ensuring that the coupler base (100) is securely mounted to the panel (224) by engaging a groove (124) on the mounting feet (106) with an engagement surface (226) on the panel (224).
Abstract:
An electric outlet safety plate incorporates sliding cover elements which, in various positions, cover the electric outlet when not in use, open for insertion of an electric plug, and grasp the plug to prevent removal. A plate member includes a groove extending outwardly to the side from each of the electric outlet openings. A pair of substantially identical sliding members engage the groove from opposing sides of the plate member. The sliding members include an outlet covering portion which is spaced from the outer surface of the electric outlet and has its inner edges toothed to enhance their grasp upon the electric plug. The sliding members are lockable against outward movement on the plate member. Teeth are formed upon the plate member so as to extend within the groove, and a second set of teeth are formed upon the sliding member so as to releasably engage the teeth of the plate member. The sliding member teeth are formed upon a resilient arm which is biased to engagement, but may be disengaged by finger pressure. Where the plate member teeth are formed on both sides of the groove and the sliding member teeth are formed on each of a pair of resilient arms thereon, release occurs by pressing the two arms towards each other. A ratchet tooth structure may be used to allow direct inward movement of the sliding members, but which requires disengagement to move the sliding members outwards toward the uncovered position.
Abstract:
The present invention comprises an apparatus for electrically and mechanically coupling first and second electronic devices (304, 302), the apparatus comprising a connector (108) for coupling the first and second electronic devices (304, 302) and a cradle (100) for fixing the position of the first electronic device (304). The cradle (100) provides an opening that allows entry and movement of the second electronic device (302) towards the connector (108) while substantially aligning the second electronic device (302) with the connector (108). The cradle (100) further comprises a movable bulkhead (110) mechanically coupled to the connector (108) for substantially aligning the connector (108) with the first and second electronic devices (304, 302) during installation.
Abstract:
A digital communication network having a digital cross-connect system is described for facilitating the insulation, testing, monitoring, restoration and repair of digital telecommunication apparatus. The system includes a plurality of digital cross-connect modules 10. Each module 10 has an input jack 32, and output jack 34, cross-connect input jack 36 and cross-connect output jack 38 mounted on the front panel for providing front panel access. Each of the jacks is mounted to a printed circuit board having printed circuit board terminals. BNC or TNC coaxial connectors are mounted on the rear panel. The jacks and the connectors are interconnected via printed circuit board traces. Each of the modules has a switch structure for interconnecting jacks and for providing termination before break capability. Each of the jacks automatically interrupts the circuit when a coaxial plug is inserted into a respective jack to isolate the conductor.
Abstract:
A plug for interconnecting a pair of wires at its input with a pair of insulation displacement connectors (IDC) at its output is improved. The plug comprises a dielectric housing and a pair of non-insulated conductors within the housing that cross over and are spaced-apart from each other. Each conductor comprises a generally flat blade portion for insertion into an IDC at one end, and a terminal for making electrical contact with a wire at the other. In the illustrative embodiment of the invention, the terminal comprises an insulation displacement connector. Additionally, the conductors are identical to each other, but are reverse-mounted with respect to each other to achieve crossover.
Abstract:
Cover assemblies, capable of being locked and unlocked by means of a key, are configured to be placed over the connectors at each end of an external computer system cable. When these cover assemblies are locked in place, the cable cannot be unplugged from the connector ports of the system devices. When these cover assemblies are unlocked, they can be removed from the cable, and the cable can then be unplugged from the connector ports.A first type of cover assembly is designed to operate with a connector which is fastened in place in its plugged position by means of a pair of screws, while a second type of cover assembly is designed to operate with a connector which is fastened in placed by means of a pair of rotatable wire bails. These cover assemblies may also be used to prevent access to connector ports to which cables are not attached by locking in place terminators commonly used on such ports, or by locking in place shells configured for this purpose, if such terminators are otherwise not required.
Abstract:
A coupler assembly for noninvasive coupling to conductor wires of a twisted pair cable of a data bus uses mating pairs of E-shaped electromagnets defining a pair of electromagnet cores having windings about central legs thereof electrically connected to a control unit for sensing and transmitting signals along the data bus. A lower member with lower electromagnets is mounted to a panel, while an upper member with upper electromagnets includes a circuit substrate having trace windings about substrate apertures receiving the central legs of the upper electromagnets, an electronic subassembly to which the windings are electrically connected to amplify signals received and signals to be sent, and a shielded electrical connector secured at a connector end connected to circuits of the electronic subassembly and matable with a connector of a cable extending to the control unit. After the conductor wires are placed in channels between the legs of the lower electromagnets through the lower member, the upper member is rotated at the connector end for its coupler end containing the upper electromagnets to mate with the coupler end of the lower member containing the lower electromagnets, whereafter the members are fastened.