Abstract: A switching system has N inputs and M outputs and three stages of matrices. The first stage includes n substage matrices, each with x inputs and x outputs where N equal nx. The second stage provides x substage matrices each with n inputs and m outputs, an output from each first substage matrix being connected to an input of each second stage matrix. A third stage employs m substage matrices each with x inputs and x outputs where M=mx, an output from each second stage being connected to an input of each third substage matrix. Switching means are provided at each node of each substage matrix. Means is provided for choosing a proper sequence of switches to reach a selected output to be connected to a selected input.By the addition of an extra input and output to each substage of the second stage with output to input connections between all substages of that stage, it is possible to connect an input from one substage to an output in another.

Abstract: A transfer bus matrix provides a single channel of a plurality of conductors to which multiple inputs and multiple outputs are connected by ports or control gates which allow them to be selectively interconnected by control means. Individual matrices or groups of matrices may be involved, including a multistage matrix having individual substage matrices using a transfer bus. Each matrix may be monitored by monitor means having connections to each of the conductors and a multistage matrix may be monitored in each substage and arranged so that each single input may be selectively monitored at various stages throughout the multistage matrix.

Abstract: A patch module permitting selective on-line connection between alternative first sets of transmission lines and single second set of transmission lines and permitting access to the off-line first set. The module provides a selector switch for determining which of the first sets is on-line, and a disconnect switch for connecting the selected first set to the single second set. The off-line first set is connected to a wand receptacle for access.

Abstract: A patch module assembly consists of a two piece frame structure, which provides three parallel jack receptacles entering the frame through one end for receiving patch cord wand. The sides of the frame are closed by printed circuit boards which are electrically connected through plug connectors through the other end wall. The circuit boards support T-Bar.RTM. type switch wafers whose normally closed switches are in series in the various printed circuits between connectors. The printed circuitry also connects spring contacts at one of the wand support receptacles to one side of one of the switches. Another wand support receptacle has spring contacts connected to the opposite side of the switches. A third wand support receptacle has spring contacts connected to either one side or the other of the switches. The contacts of the respective receptacles mate with contacts on an insertable wand, which enable patch connection to other circuits.

Abstract: A patch module assembly consists of a two piece frame structure, which provides three parallel jack receptacles entering the frame through one end for receiving patch cord wand. The sides of the frame are closed by printed circuit boards which are electrically connected through plug connectors through the other end wall. The circuit boards support T-Bar.RTM. type switch wafers whose normally closed switches are in series in the various printed circuits between connectors. The printed circuitry also connects spring contacts at one of the wand support receptacles to one side of one of the switches. Another wand support receptacle has spring contacts connected to the opposite side of the switches. A third wand support receptacle has spring contacts connected to either one side or the other of the switches. The contacts of the respective receptacles mate with contacts on an insertable wand, which enable patch connection to other circuits.

Abstract: Various data systems as represented by several processing units have permanent multiple switch connections to a common set of peripheral devices. A coordinating actuator means is provided for each set of switches connecting together a peripheral device and a CPU so that the coordinating actuator means for all possible combinations may be conceived as being arranged in a matrix consisting of columns and rows, along one axis of which are arranged the CPU's and along the other axis of which are arranged the peripheral devices. The present invention provides a panel means having indicator elements arranged in a matrix pattern of columns and rows to simulate the switching matrix so that each column repesents a particular device of one kind, CPU or peripheral device, and each row represents a particular device of the other kind.

Abstract: Multiple sets of parallel flat resilient conductive switch blades arranged side-by-side support opposed contact pairs and in turn are cantilever supported by engagement of each blade at a position remote from its contact area in an insulating wall of a relatively rigid support frame. One of the blades of each pair is moved by actuator means engaging the end remote from the point of support. The actuator means rotatably supported on the frame provides a slot which closely engages the ends of at least some of the blades essentially in the plane of the slot so that actuator rotation opens and closes supported contacts.