Abstract: A latching connector assembly includes a mechanism which provides audible and tactile sensation indicating that the parts of the connector assembly are latched or unlatched (opened). The mechanism includes fixed obstructions or protrusions (molded-in detents) disposed on both sides of the latching shaft located in the fixed portion of the plug part of the connector assembly. Latching posts are provided on the movable portion (latch mechanism) of the plug part. The posts co-act with the protrusions, as the latching mechanism is moved forward or backward in the latch shaft, causing an audible sound and positive/tactile feel, when latching or unlatching the plug part to the receptacle part of the connector assembly.

Abstract: A connector socket may receive either a plain old telephone service (POTS) connector plug or an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) Basic Rate connector plug. The connector socket comprises a body having a plug-receiving chamber for receiving either a POTS or an ISDN connector plug. The chamber has eight contact terminals are disposed along a top side for providing connectivity to the corresponding eight contact terminals of the ISDN connector plug when inserted within the chamber. Likewise, six contact terminals are disposed along a bottom side of the chamber for providing connectivity to the corresponding two, four or six contact terminals of the POTS connector plug when inserted within the chamber. The chamber further has a POTS plug guide for guiding and locking the POTS plug in the chamber and an ISDN plug guide for guiding and locking the ISDN plug in the chamber.

Abstract: A connector/cable identification system comprises a plug having an extension and a female housing having at least two pairs of optical emitter/sensors. Each emitter/sensor pair detects whether the extension is therebetween. Because different extensions have different lengths or aperture configurations, the type of connector (and thus associated cable) can be determined. Voltage isolation between the cable (i.e., a common carrier transmission line) and the apparatus receiving the cable (i.e., a personal computer) is maintained by physically separating the transmission circuitry from the identification circuitry.

Abstract: A unique system for packing and distributing electrical signals within an electrical machine is disclosed. Electrical distributing circuit conductors are pre-printed or pre-plated directly onto the inside surface of the machine covers. A pluggable edge connector is provided for interfacing the plated electrical conductors with pluggable electrical devices or electrical cards. The connector is fitted with independently switchable contacts which allow a pluggable electrical device or card to be electrically coupled with a respective pre-plated/pre-printed conductor or a discrete wire conductor. As a result, changes in the distributing system can be made without changing the plated lands pattern on the machine covers.

Abstract: An integral hinge structure for securing a cover to a terminal base includes a generally cylindrical strip of material extending along one edge of an opening to be covered. The cylindrical strip is integral with the base but is spaced from the base by a thin, continuous neck. The cover includes a generally C-shaped strip of material circumscribing an arc of at least 180.degree.. The outer diameter of the cylindrical strip and the inner diameter of the C-shaped strip are approximately the same, allowing the C-shaped strip to be snapped onto and retained by the cylindrical strip. The cover is aligned by one or more radial ribs on the cylindrical strip and one or more complementary slots in the C-shaped strip.

Abstract: A data entry terminal has a base unit and keyboard unit which can be assembled to provide an integrated configuration or separated to provide a distributed configuration. No tools are required. The base unit has a recess with vertical guides and a protruding electrical connector providing an input path to the device electronics. The keyboard unit has complementary guides and a connector which mates with the base unit connector when the keyboard unit is slipped into place along the guides. The terminal is readily converted from an integrated configuration to a distributed configuration by removing the keyboard unit from the base unit, adding an auxiliary cable to carry signals between the keyboard unit connector and the base unit connector and concealing the base unit recess with a filler panel having the same guide structure as the keyboard unit.