Abstract: Electrical connections between a cable connector and an electronics module—that has a corresponding panel connector—are made/broken quickly and easily with a light, low-bulk half-shell that is an exclusively mechanical, nonelectrical intermediary from connector to module. A rack receives and holds the module, and a connector holder, formed in the rack, receives and holds the cable and panel connectors aligned. A cam is associated with the rack or module, and a cam-follower with the other—preferably in duplicate opposed sets. A single, one-hand-actuated lever on the rack or module operates the cam or follower to bodily shift module vs. rack and engage/disengage the connectors. Preferences: each holder easily and quickly engages/disengages from a corresponding cable connector. Typically a module weighs at least several pounds. The cam has a concave arcuate segment to draw the module in and seat the connectors, and a convex arcuate segment to eject the module and unseat them.

Abstract: Method as well as apparatus makes and breaks electrical connections between at least one electrical cable connector and an electronics module that has at least one corresponding panel connector. A rack receives and holds the module. A cable-connector holder, formed in the rack, receives and holds the cable connector(s) in positions aligned with the panel connector(s) when the electronics module is held in the rack. Each cable-connector holder easily and quickly engages, or disengages from, a corresponding cable connector. The rack itself provides only a mechanical intermediary, not an electrical intermediary, between the panel connectors and cable connectors. Preferably there are numerous cable connectors, with corresponding cable-connector holders and panel connectors. In this case the rack includes a device for quickly and easily disengaging the electronics module from the rack, and all the cable connectors from panel connectors, essentially simultaneously.

Abstract: The system provides electricity to operate any of a multiplicity of device and most typically receives power from a source and passes power to any of the devices. The system also accepts electronic-device identification information for any particular one of such devices. The system also has one or more programmed digital electronic microprocessors that use the identification information to select power parameters--for passage of power from the source to the powered device. The system activates its own power-passing capability to apply power to each device according to the power parameters selected by the microprocessor.

Abstract: The system provides electricity to operate any of a multiplicity of device and most typically receives power from a source and passes power to any of the devices. The system also accepts electronic-device identification information for any particular one of such devices. The system also has one or more programmed digital electronic microprocessors that use the identification information to select power parameters--for passage of power from the source to the powered device. The system activates its own power-passing capability to apply power to each device according to the power parameters selected by the microprocessor.

Abstract: An erasable circuit provides a nonvolatile memory for holding key codes in at least two memory locations. At least one of these locations is a master key code address. "Master key" here means a key that can command a lock to store a key code or to erase a stored key code. An input device makes electrical connection to an electronic key--such as a ROM key--to receive from the key an electronic code that is in essence unique to that key. The lock also has provision for comparing such a received code with the contents of each of the address locations, and it responds to the comparison by performing a lock-management function. Such functions include opening or closing a lock, changing the state of a key switch, rejecting a key, and validating or invalidating a key--particularly including a master key--by physically changing the contents of the nonvolatile memory. Perceptible signals identify the lock-management function for human users.

Abstract: A compact hand-holdable implement or key for controlling an electronic lock mechanism is disclosed. The implement is sized and configured for easy, convenient and comfortable gripping, aligning with a mating receptacle of the lock mechanism, and bringing into and out of desired engagement with the receptacle. The illustrated implement includes a memory chip. It has an elongated handle with a front-to-rear axis and electrical implement contacts at its front end connected to the memory chip. The user grips the handle with the user's thumb and at least one finger generally aligned with the handle axis for clear visibility of the front end and the receptacle. This also allows for easy and comfortable combined movement which both aligns the implement with the receptacle and moves it forwardly into the receptacle.

Abstract: A compact hand-holdable implement or key for controlling an electronic lock mechanism is disclosed. The implement is sized and configured for easy, convenient and comfortable gripping, aligning with a mating receptacle of the lock mechanism, and bringing into and out of desired engagement with the receptacle. The illustrated implement includes a memory chip. It has an elongated handle with a front-to-rear axis and electrical implement contacts at its front end connected to the memory chip. The user grips the handle with the user's thumb and at least one finger generally aligned with the handle axis for clear visibility of the front end and the receptacle. This also allows for easy and comfortable combined movement which both aligns the implement with the receptacle and moves it forwardly into the receptacle.

Abstract: The system provides electricity to operate any of a multiplicity of device and most typically receives power from a source and passes power to any of the devices. The system also accepts electronic-device identification information for any particular one of such devices. The system also has one or more programmed digital electronic microprocessors that use the identification information to select power parameters—for passage of power from the source to the powered device. The system activates its own power-passing capability to apply power to each device according to the power parameters selected by the microprocessor.