Abstract: A cascadable modem apparatus includes a modem housing having a top and a bottom. A plurality of angled feet are attached to the housing bottom in cantilever fashion to define a distal portion of each foot. The feet serve both to support the modem on an platform as well as to attach the modem to a similarly configured, adjacent modem assembly. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of receiving slots are defined in the housing top and are correspondingly disposed to receive the distal portions of a plurality of angled feet from an adjacent modem housing. In this way, insertion of the distal portions of the feet snugly into the receiving slots of an adjacent modem effectively attaches the two adjacent modem assemblies. Preferably, a resilient locking tab is attached to the housing bottom in cantilever fashion to define a distal portion directed away from the housing bottom. As a result, the tab is responsive to force applied to the distal portion to flex inwardly toward the housing bottom.

Abstract: A PCMCIA credit card sized modem for use with a portable computer includes a modular data access arrangement (DAA). The modem includes a substantially rectangular modem frame configured for mounting within the case of the portable computer. The frame has a first end configured to interface with the computer. The second end includes an interface opening through which an interface module is inserted. The interface module includes the DAA. The interface module may be quickly and easily replaced to meet varying international telecommunication requirements.

Abstract: An information panel assembly comprised of liquid crystal display devices, positioned on a mounting member and sandwiched between a cover member and a circuit member. Elastomeric connectors connect the liquid crystal display devices to drive circuitry on the circuit member. The cover member includes rear projecting members which are accepted by apertures on the circuit member and are disposed to engage threaded fasteners, locking the assembly together. A switch member including a matrix of membrane switches is mounted over the cover member connecting each switch to the circuit member thereby, selectively controlling the information displayed.

Abstract: A display apparatus including a liquid crystal device is disposed to turn on or off in the presence or absence of a control voltage respectively. Information located under the liquid crystal device and normally occulted, becomes visible when the display turns on.

Abstract: A momentary contact actuator and designation cap assembly designed to be used with a single switch of a laminated flat-panel keyboard. The assembly consists of a housing which snaps over the flat-panel switch, a cantilivered actuator located within the interior of the housing, a designation insert installed over the actuator including switch identification printed thereon, and a transparent cover installed over the insert. Manual pressure applied to the actuator operates the associated flat-panel switch.

Abstract: A low insertion force electrical connector assembly for connecting to a printed circuit board, having a plurality of spaced contacts carried by and adjacent one edge. The body member has a circuit board receiving channel extending longitudinally along the body member for receiving the edge of the printed circuit board having the spaced contacts. The channel includes a pair of opposing fulcrums intermediate the bottom and the opening edge, one on each interior wall of the channel. The fulcrums leave a space therebetween for the passage of the circuit board. A first series of conductive strips is positioned along a first interior wall of the connector channel between said fulcrum and the bottom of the channel, and a second series of conductive strips is positioned along a second interior wall of said connector channel between the fulcrum and the opening edge of the channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to mounting blocks for receiving electrical components encased in individual cases. The mounting blocks include a plurality of openings and the electrical component containers include a pair of tabs which are adapted to releasably hold the cases on the mounting block. A binding post module is also disclosed for use with the mounting block, the binding post module also including a pair of tabs which allow the module to be releasably engaged with the apertures in the mounting blocks.

Abstract: A case for electrical components is disclosed in which a pair of arms extend outward from the annular wall of the case, the arms being flexible and adapted to allow the case to be attached to a mounting member having spaced apart edges by pressing the free ends of the arms against the spaced apart edges where upon the flexible arms move outward and allow the case to be snapped onto the mounting member.