Abstract: The invention is a switched patch module which provides convenient access to a plurality of communications or data lines, without undesirable mixing of signals. The patch module is formed on a printed circuit board which completes connections between the conductors of two sets of receptacles, such that these receptacles are hard-wired together. The user can connect either the first or second receptacle to a third receptacle, by selecting the position of a manually-operated two-position switch. However, insertion of a plug into the receptacle selected by the manually-operated switch disconnects the third receptacle from the other receptacles, while insertion of a plug into the non-selected receptacle has no such effect. Also, insertion of a plug into the third receptacle dissconnects the third receptacle from the others, and overrides the effect of the manually-operated switch. When the plugs are removed, the connections selected by the manually-operated switch are restored.

Abstract: A patch module is disclosed, into which a plug can be easily inserted. In the preferred embodiment, the patch module has two sets of receptacles, the first set having three receptacles and the second set having two receptacles. Both sets are mounted on a printed circuit board which makes the desired electrical connections. The first receptacle of the first set is permanently connected to the first receptacle of the second set. The second receptacle of the first set is permanently connected to the second receptacle of the second set. The conductors of the first and second receptacles of the second set are normally connected together by contacts on a spring-biased, slidable panel, the panel being mounted for movement along the circuit board. When a plug is inserted into one of the first two receptacles of the first set, the panel slides to its other position, breaking the connection between the first and second receptacles of the second set.