Abstract: A joystick switch assembly including a housing with an open-top covered with a cover shell, a stick extended out of the cover shell and having a contact plate at the bottom received within the housing, a membrane circuit mounted around the stick and disposed between the cover shell and the contact plate of the stick, a conductive rubber mounted around the stick and disposed between the membrane circuit and the contact plate of the stick, wherein when the stick is moved within the housing, the circular contact plate is forced to press the conductive rubber and the membrane circuit, causing the membrane circuit to produce a signal output corresponding to the direction of the movement of the stick.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle includes a nonconductive contact carrier that mounts a set of female electrical contacts that are configured to receive and conductively engage plural conductive prongs of a male plug. The carrier has a generally cylindrical outer wall that is received within a generally cylindrical chamber that is defined by a nonconductive housing. The housing mounts the carrier for rotation about a center axis that extends centrally through the chamber. When the carrier is rotated about the center axis relative to the housing to an "on" position (that resides within a relatively wide angular range of "on" positions), housing-carried electrical contacts that extend through housing-defined passages engage carrier-carried electrical contacts that extend through carrier-defined passages. When the carrier is rotated about the center axis relative to the housing to an "off" position, electrical connection is interrupted between selected pairs of the housing-carried and carrier-carried contacts.

Abstract: An alarm system for securing an air powered hand tool having a threaded female air intake coupling. The alarm sensor has a secured and an unsecured state which is detectable by an alarm system. The alarm sensor includes an sensor housing and an elongate cord containing a first and second conductor extending from the sensor housing for electrical communication with the alarm system. A male coupling is rotatably mounted to the sensor housing and cooperatively threaded to engage the threaded female coupling. A switch is carried by the male coupling and connected between the first and second conductors. The switch is responsive to the relative position of the male coupling with respect to the threaded female coupling. By unscrewing the male coupling from the threaded female coupling, the alarm sensor is placed in the unsecured state.

Abstract: A miniature coax jack module includes a grounded conductive housing with coax conductors disposed of within the housing. A dielectric insert maintains the conductors in electrically spaced relation to the housing. The housing has internal surfaces surrounding the conductors to provide coax shielding to the conductors.

Abstract: A self terminating phone plug having a switch armature disposed between the inner signal carrying shaft and the outer ground shaft wherein the armature is biased to electrically ground the inner shaft except when an actuator carried by the armature and protruding through the outer shaft is urged inward toward the inner shaft, as when the plug is inserted into a jack, in which case the armature disconnects from the outer shaft and ungrounds the inner shaft.

Abstract: A connector system is provided wherein a first connector (12, FIG. 1) has outer and inner contacts (50, 52) that are normally "shorted" to one another until the first connector is mated to a second one (14), which facilitates the conversion of one or more coax regions of each connector for switching. A conductive switch element (60) can be mounted on the pin-shaped inner contact, the switch element including a sleeve (62) that tightly fits around the pin and also including a pair of switch arms (64, 66) extending rearwardly and radially outwardly from the front of the sleeve. A corresponding coax region of the second connector is devoid of outer and inner contacts, but instead includes an actuator (80) with an insulative tubular part (82) that is mounted in the second housing in place of an outer contact thereat.

Abstract: An annunciator for indicating the removal of an electrical plug from the electrical receptacle. The electrical receptacle includes neutral switching contacts actuated in response to the insertion of a plug into the receptacle. An input circuit in the annunciator apparatus monitors the state of the neutral switching contacts and couples signals produced when a plug is removed to a latching circuit thereby to produce an audible or electrical indication of plug removal. The input Circuit and latching circuit are electrically isolated, and the annunciator detects any attempts to disconnect the apparatus from an external power supply or to remove any internal battery.

Abstract: An anti-electrostatic discharge electrical connector assembly (10) includes a housing (12, 18), a plurality of terminals (14, 20) supported in the housing, and a grounding system (36) for electrically connecting at least a group of the terminals to ground when the connector (10) is not fully mated to a mating connector. In the preferred embodiment, the grounding system (36) includes a printed circuit board (26) that is in contact with the terminals (20) and has a grounding area thereon, a conductive grounding bar (48) that is biased into contact with the grounding area (38), and a camming system (54, 60) for moving the grounding bar away from the grounding area when the connector assembly is substantially fully mated with a mating connector or interface. When the assembly (10) is connected to a mating connector or interface, ally electrostatic discharges will be passed to ground through the terminals, the grounding area and the ground bar.

Abstract: The present invention is illustrated in one form as an inline electrical circuit breaker system for an electrical extension cable comprising an intermediate coupler having opposite end terminals adapted for electrically coupling a female terminal of a first electrical cable to a male terminal of a second electrical cable. A recess is formed in the coupler and has a pair of opposite end walls, the recess being adapted for receiving a circuit breaker. A first power bus segment extends from one of the opposite end terminals through an adjacent one of the opposite end walls and partially into the recess. A second power bus segment extends from another of the opposite end terminals through an adjacent one of the pair of opposite end walls and partially into the recess. The circuit breaker includes terminals for coupling the first and second power bus segments for establishing a current path through the coupler when the breaker is installed in the recess.

Abstract: An electrical connector component assembly terminates discrete conductors of a multiconductor data cable. The component assembly includes an insulative component housing having a mating end for engagement with a mating electrical connection device and a cable receiving end for terminating the multiconductor cable. A plurality of electrical contacts are supported by the component housing. Each of the contacts has a conductor terminating end and a mating connection end. The contacts are supported in the component housing in a pair of horizontally extending, vertically spaced rows with each contact of one row being aligned with a respective contact of the other row. The contacts of one row are directly electrically shunted to the aligned contacts of the other row.

Abstract: A conductive spring device (46, FIG. 8 ) is described, which shorts a pair of connector terminals (14, 16) when the connector (12) is not mated to a second connector device (18). The spring device is of the type having a fixed anchor end (50) connected to a first terminal and an opposite contacting end potion (44) which can pivot in a shorting direction (S) to move outwardly (O) and also sidewardly (A) against the second terminal, and which can be forced to pivot in an unshorting direction (U) to move inwardly and sidewardly away from the second terminal. An isolator (92) of insulative material surrounds an inner portion of the second terminal, so when the contacting end portion is in its unshorting position, it cannot move sidewardly against the second terminal.

Abstract: The contacts of an electrical connector are joined by the biasing force of the contact elements and in practice are separated by a probe to interconnect therebetween an additional circuit member. A probe which has a terminal end with an oblique surface to cause the wiping of the contact elements against each other at the interface during insertion or removal will improve contact and extend the life of the contact elements.

Abstract: A BNC T-type adapter includes a lower female conducting portion, an upper male conducting portion which is connected electrically to the female conducting portion, a grounding unit, and an insulating housing which is sleeved around the female conducting portion and which confines the grounding unit therein such that the grounding unit is disposed below the female conducting portion. The female conducting portion includes an elongated conducting plate with two outer ends, each of which is formed with a clamping unit for clamping stationarily a male conductor. The elongated conducting plate further has two opposite slanted resilient conducting strips, each one of which being formed by punching the elongated conducting plate at a location inwardly of the clamping unit so that each of the slanted resilient conducting strips has an outer joint end that is connected to the elongated conducting plate and an inner free end that extends inwardly and downwardly and that normally contacts the grounding unit.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes two connectors (22, 24), wherein the first connector has a pair of contacts (46A, 46B, FIG. 9 ) which rapidly break engagement as the connectors slowly approach each other. An actuator (60), has a ridge deflector (72) for moving back a contact end portion (52A), the actuator being urged rearwardly (R) by a first spring (100). However, a pair of rearwardly bowed trigger springs (82) press against surfaces (96) to resist rearward (R) actuator movement. As the connectors progressively approach each other, the first spring (100) is progressively compressed, causing increasing deflection of the middles of the trigger springs (82), until resistance offered by the trigger springs suddenly decreases. The actuator then moves rapidly rearward, so its deflector (72) moves back the contact end portion (52A) to rapidly open the switch. The actuator is rapidly moved back by the now-compressed first spring (100).

Abstract: A jack assembly is provided with a contact switching system for receiving a coaxial plug. The assembly includes an insulative housing having a terminal-receiving chamber and an aperture communicating with the chamber for insertion therethrough of the coaxial plug. The housing includes a terminal pivot support in the chamber. A fixed terminal is mounted on the housing and includes a fixed contact portion located in the chamber. A movable terminal is mounted on the housing and includes a cantilevered spring contact arm projecting from the terminal pivot support for pivoting thereabout. The cantilevered spring contact arm includes a first contact portion for contacting the contact portion of the fixed terminal and a second contact portion for contacting the coaxial plug when inserted into the chamber. The spring contact arm is resiliently preloaded to bias the first contact portion against the contact portion of the fixed terminal.

Abstract: A chip card reader includes a frame, reading contact elements, and an end position switch which includes two switching contact elements arranged to either close or open upon reaching of the reading position by a chip card. The contact elements are identical in both the arrangement in which the elements open to indicate reaching of the reading position by the chip card and the arrangement in which the elements close to indicate reaching of the reading position by the chip card. The frames may also be identical in the opener arrangement and the closer arrangement.

Abstract: In an electrical plug connection on a pyrotechnical gas generator (10) provided with an electrical igniter for restraining systems in vehicles the two contact members (14, 16), one (14) of which is formed as a contact spring, engage each other as long as the plug connector (12) is not attached. The igniter is therefore safeguarded. On attachment of the plug connector the contact member (14) formed as a contact spring is spread radially away from the other contact member (16) so that the short-circuit between the contact members is removed. There is no longer any need to pay special attention to the safeguarding and removing of the safeguarding of the igniter.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a conductive shell with electrical terminals, an insulator, conductive switch contacts, and an electrical circuit element constructed to engage the shell and the switch contact. The shell and the insulator interlock for ease of assembly.

Abstract: An electric connector assembly comprising plug and socket connectors adapted to be connected together. The socket connector includes a socket connector housing having an end portion adapted to be received within the receptacle in the plug connector housing and also having parallel passageways defined therein so as to open outwardly from the end portion thereof. Each passageway accommodates therein a socket terminal member. A retainer is releasably mounted on the end portion of the socket connector housing. This retainer carries at least one contact bridge member engageable with the socket terminal members to establish an electric circuit between the socket terminal members when the socket terminal members have been inserted completely into the passageways and the retainer has been completely mounted on the end portion of the socket connector housing.

Abstract: A switch assembly comprises a substrate (10) having conductive traces providing contacts (23) on the substrate (10) and a connector (21) positioned over the substrate (10). The connector (10) includes an actuator area (33) and a selectively conductive area (22) located perpendicular to the actuator area (33). The selectively conductive area (22) is located over the contacts (23) and is made electrically conductive with the contacts (23), when the connector (21) is shorted with an actuator, the actuator area being at a fight angle to the conductive traces.

Abstract: A connector housing assembly (2,4) having a first shunt contact (20) and circuit, and a second shunt contact (50) and circuit arranged in a first connector housing (8). A second connector housing (6) includes a contact cancelling part (58) for engagement with the first shunt contact (20) thereby opening the first circuit, and a fitting detecting contact (52) for engagement with the second shunt contact (50). The first shunt circuit is opened before the second shunt circuit is made.

Abstract: An electrical connection system comprises a first component carrying a pair of male connector elements releasably mated with a pair of female connector elements carried by a second connector component. A shorting clip is associated with the first component for providing an electrical short between the male connector elements. A safety latch is selectively receivable in a latch position for moving the shorting clip to a non-shorting position when the first component is mated with the second component and a lock element is arranged to be actuated by the safety latch to prevent separation of the first and second components while the safety latch is in the latch position.

Abstract: A push button switch and methods for manufacturing the same result in increased manufacturing efficiency and increased design freedom. The push button switch includes a key top, a dome section and a leg section which are integrally formed from a silicone rubber material. The key top includes a colored section formed by penetrating the coloring dye of a dye impregnated ink below the upper surface of the key top. The push button switches are formed into a rubber cover configuration by charging a mold for forming a plurality of the push button switches with a silicone rubber material. The dye impregnated ink is then applied onto the surface of each of the key tops by either a wet printing process or a sublimation transfer technique, and is subjected to a heat treatment which causes the dye to penetrate into each of the key tops.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) having an internal switch (2), comprises, a conductive exterior shell (3) with a stepped interior (30), an insulator (4) encircled by the shell (3), and a pair of electrical contacts (5, 6) retained within the insulator (4), a plug contact receiving passage (16) encircled by the insulator (4), and the contacts (5, 6) retaining the insulator (4) immobile against the stepped interior (30) of the shell (3).

Abstract: A member (13) with a shorting contact (14) thereon is disposed in a receptacle housing (11). The shorting contact (14) is in mating electrical contact with an interface (15). When a header (12) is inserted into the receptacle housing (11), an inclined portion (29) of a beam (28) formed on the header (12) deflects the shorting contact (14) and opens the electrical circuit between the shorting contact (14) and the interface (15). Male pin contacts (25) in the header (12) electrically engage female contacts (21) within the receptacle housing (11) before the shorting circuit is broken. When the header (12) is removed from the receptacle housing (11) the shorting circuit is closed before electrical contact is opened between the male pin contacts (25) and the female contacts (21). In this manner, spurious signals are prevented.

Abstract: A set of contact elements for use with a card comprising contact zones, including an insulating body having an upper surface and a bottom surface, reading contact elements inserted into the insulating body and extending with the contact regions beyond the upper surface of the insulating body, and at least one additional contact element located adjacent to one of the reading contact elements so as to form together therewith a card presence switch.

Abstract: A resilient housing actuated multi-level housing switch comprises a compression sensitive circuit which is actuated by compressing a resilient housing. The compression sensitive circuit comprises a compression sensing device which produces an analog signal, an A to D converter, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is programmed with algorithms to control the power levels of communication equipment and volume levels based on signals produced by compressing the compression sensing device.

Abstract: A pin jack comprised of a casing body having an insertion space for receiving a plug member. A contact assembly comprising a fixed piece, a connecting piece and a moveable contact piece assembled within the insertion space of the casing body. The members of the contact assembly are arranged laterally in the insertion space of the casing body thus reducing the overall length of the pin jack. The contact assembly can be formed from a single piece of electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A connector for use in connecting coaxial cables having a center conductor surrounded by an insulator and a shield is provided with a self-terminating mechanism. The self-terminating mechanism includes a terminating element having an impedance equal to the characteristic impedance of the coaxial cable. The terminating element is arranged within the insulator in such a way that when the connector is uncoupled the terminating element connects the center conductor to the shield, and when the connector is coupled the terminating element is forced off connection with the center conductor.

Abstract: A keyswitch-integrated pointing assembly in which a plurality of substantially planar force sensing elements are disposed on a planar surface adjacent a keyswitch on a keyboard. The keyswitch includes a plunger which extends downwardly from a key cap for actuating a switch at the lower end of vertical key cap travel. The key cap engages an indexing surface when fully depressed which transmits force applied to the key cap to the force sensing elements. The force sensing elements are sandwiched between a pair of opposing plates thereby biasing the elements into a substantially linear operating region when no force is applied to the key cap.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch including a keycap having a keycap top and a keycap plunger, a retaining bezel for guiding the keycap plunger and limiting the displacement thereof, a deformable elastomeric switch button supporting a contact pad, and a printed circuit contact pattern engageable by the contact pad when the switch button is deformed by the downward displacement of the keycap plunger. The deformation of the button switch provides tactile feedback, while impact of the keycap top against the retaining bezel provides audible feedback. The pushbutton switch is configured to limit the downward displacement of the keycap plunger to avoid excessive force on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A switch includes a housing (36) which retains an elastomeric actuating member (38) having an actuating portion (46) and a contact portion (37). The contact portion (37) deforms in a first direction (52) in response to a force exerted on the actuating portion (46) in a second substantially different direction (e.g. orthogonal thereto)(48). The housing (36) comprises a rigid member in contact with a side of the elastomeric actuating member (38) opposite the actuating portion (46) on which the force is exerted.

Abstract: A paired coaxial jack assembly is provided for tap connection in a coaxial cable network. When a device such as a computer or terminal is connected by paired cables with plugs into the jack assembly, a continuous electrical path is established through the device. When one or both plugs are uncoupled from the jack assembly a shunt or bypass is automatically established between the central conductors of the unmated jacks through a unique switching structure in the jack to maintain undisturbed continuity in the network. The switching mechanism employs a resilient movable contact member held in place by the insulator of the jack. The contact member has a flexible crook or bight that extends into the recess normally occupied by the dielectric of the mating plug. The crook includes a lever arm with a contact end that is normally biased into contact with the central conductor.

Abstract: A high tension lamp and connector assembly, in particular for motor vehicle lighting, the lamp and the connector including at least two electrically conductive and complementary connection elements for feeding the lamp. A conducting member is provided in a region of the connector which is not immediately accessible, the conducting member serving in the absence of external thrust to establish mutual electrical contact between the the connection elements of the connector, thereby short-circuiting the connection elements. The lamp bears at least one actuator element which, when the lamp is correctly installed in the connector, urges the conductive member in such a manner as to cause it to break the electrical contact between the connection elements of the connector. The invention is applicable to improving safety while handling arc lamps for headlights.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes first and second housing having a normally open switch fixed between them. Means are formed on one of the housing for maintaining the switch in an open position. In the event of separation of the housings, spring action causes the arms of the switch to engage electrical contacts, closing a circuit and energizing a warning light. The device has applicability in automatic braking systems for automotive vehicles.

Abstract: A plug detection electrical receptacle includes a dielectric housing having at least one passage with an open end for receiving a male terminal of a complementary mating electrical plug. A female terminal is disposed in the passage for engagement by the male terminal. A detect switch is located in proximity to the passage for actuation by the male terminal when the male terminal is inserted into the passage in engagement with the female terminal. The detect switch includes a detect contact engageable by a resilient actuator contact, with the resilient actuator contact having an insulating separator fixed thereto. The insulating separator is disposed in a path of insertion of the male terminal for engagement by the male terminal to bias the resilient actuator contact into engagement with the detect contact to close a circuit therethrough.

Abstract: A novel patching device comprises discrete modules, each having a unitary molded housing which incorporates a pair of standard female modular jacks on a front face thereof. A rear face of the housing includes retaining means for retaining a printed circuit board having circuitry associated therewith which normally maintains a constant electrical interconnection between respective conductive pins in each of the jacks. This normally constant interconnection is interrupted or "pre-empted" when a known and standard modular plug is inserted into a jack whereby the resilient conductive pins are urged outwardly from contact with the printed circuit board. Each discrete module includes novel snap fitting means which permits disengageable snap fit attachment to an opening of a panel. Significantly, the module may be snap fit either from the front or opposed rear planar surface of the panel.

Abstract: An RF connector switch (18) includes an outer metallic shell (19) containing a dielectric core (49) and contacts (64, 66) having ends (62, 68) in coaxial ports (21, 35). The contacts (64, 66) include second ends (62, 72) aligned with a port (44) in the shell (19) through which a pin (69) may be inserted to operate the ends (62, 74) as a switch.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device is disclosed for use with a printed circuit board (hereafter referred to as "PCB") of the type having a major portion and a dependent integral tongue having oppositely disposed PCB surfaces with conductor pads disposed thereon. The electrostatic discharge protection device comprises a first hinge structure and a second hinge structure mounted to corresponding PCB surfaces. Each hinge structure has a base section securely mounted to the PCB surface, an elongated arm section pivotally connected to the base section and having an electrically conductive bar disposed along the length thereof, and means for urging the electrically conductive bar against and into electrical interconnection with the conductor pads while the PCB remains disconnected from a complementary edge connector.

Abstract: A switching coax jack is disclosed having a housing which contains first and second spaced apart electrical conductors. At least a first port is formed in the jack housing and sized to receive a jack plug which is inserted through the port into the housing with a jack plug in electrical communication with the first conductor. A switch assembly contains a normal spring for connecting the first and second conductors. The spring is resiliently deformable away from electrical engagement with the first and second conductors. As the spring deforms, it assumes a deformed shape. The switch assembly includes a support surface opposing the normal spring and having a shape complimentary to the deformed shape of the normal spring.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes first and second housing having a normally open switch fixed between them. Means are formed on one of the housing for maintaining the switch in an open position. In the event of separation of the housings, spring action causes the arms of the switch to engage electrical contacts, closing a circuit and energizing a warning light. The device has applicability in automatic braking systems for automotive vehicles.

Abstract: For a decorative string or Christmas tree light assembly, a lamp holder comprising a major lamp base supported on an auxiliary lamp base to holder a lamp socket, the major lamp base having a switch at a bottom thereof, the switch having two opposite ends respectively connected to the electric circuit of a decorative string or Christmas tree light assembly, and wherein disconnecting the lamp socket from the major lamp base causes a conductive spring in the auxiliary lamp base to connect the switch permitting the electric circuit of such decorative string or Christmas tree light assembly to be constantly electrically connected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a backplane connector with shorting contacts for providing re-routing of signals when a circuit pack is withdrawn from its shelf. Shorting contacts are mounted on a block which is attached to the inside of an insulating shroud surrounding the contact pins. The shorting contacts make electrical contact between pins when a circuit pack is removed, but are otherwise electrically isolated from the pins.

Abstract: A telecommunication jack box with a trouble-shooting capability is disclosed. The telecommunication jack box is characterized in that it has a test receptacle including a switch mechanism disposed therein and that it is separably installed at a location adjacent to a place where the telephone line enters the house or the building and in the meantime at a location in the vicinity of the telephone set. The test receptacle serving the purpose of determining whether a phone set and the incoming line it was used on are operable. As a result, the telehpone system remains in an operational condition even at the time when the indoor telephone line is under repair. Furthermore, the telecommunication jack box can be used as an ordinary telephone jack box.

Abstract: A self-terminating coaxial tap connector for use with an external termination element has two oppositely directed coaxial connector sockets having conncected center conductors and connected surround shields, the connected shields having a mounting tab for attachment to a printed circuit board. Within the connected shields is a secondary conductor parallel and spaced from the center conductors. Within each socket, at an end of the secondary conductor near the end of a center conductor, is a movable switch element connected to the secondary conductor and having a first switch position in contact with the center conductor when the socket is open, and having a second switch position detached from the center conductor when a mating plug connector is coupled to the socket, the switch element being moved to the second switch position by abutment with the mating plug connector.

Abstract: An improved structure of a socket switch is provided which includes a body housing (11), a contact point housing (12), and a rear clamping member (13). The contact point housing (12) has an internal chamber (15) on a bottom end and a substantially triangularly shaped switch member (14) having a shaft member (21) extending from opposing sides is insertable within a groove (19) of the contact point housing (12). The triangularly contoured switch member (14) has a first apex which is located in the path of an insertable plug for rotation of a second apex member from a first position to a second position to allow switching from a second contact member and first contact members (17, 18) to a second position where a third contact member (16) is contacted by the second contact member (17). The contact point housing (12) has a pair of pintle hooks (20) which secure the rear clamping member within the internal chamber (15).

Abstract: A capacity responsive keyboard which eliminates the necessity for metal films on the touch surface includes an insulated substrate having a plurality of electrically conductive plate members mounted thereon and a dielectric member positioned over the plate members. A piece of compressible, electrically-conductive foam is compressed between each plate member and the dielectric member to eliminate air from the electrical path between the dielectric member and the plate members. A grid of conductor segments separates the plate members defining a guard band to reduce interference between the switches. The guard band is connected with one power supply line of a switching circuit which produces outputs in response to capacity changes caused by a user touching the dielectric member.

Abstract: A connector with a short circuit has an insulator body that defines a contact piece housing compartment open at the front, the front half portion of a fixed contact piece extending forward in the contact piece housing compartment and the rear half portion being received and fixed in the insulator body. An insulating engaging portion is provided which extends a predetermined length forwardly of the front end of the fixed contact piece. A movable contact piece is disposed with its rear end portion received and fixed in the insulator body in side-by-side relation to the fixed contact piece, the front end portion of the movable contact piece extending forwardly of the insulating engaging portion. The intermediate poriton of the movable contact piece is bent so that it makes elastic contact with the fixed contact piece.

Abstract: A self-terminating coaxial connector for installation on the end of a coaxial cable has a coaxial connector plug with a center conductor surrounded by a shield, and within the plug, a switch contact spring and a termination circuit element. The switch contact spring is mounted within the shield substantially parallel to and separated by a spaced gap from the center conductor. The switch contact spring has an end near the center conductor and open end of the plug folded back to cross the spaced gap and movably contact to the center conductor. This movable contact is moved out of contact to the center conductor by coupling of the plug to a mating socket connector. Also within the plug is a termination circuit element connecting from the switch contact spring through the termination circuit element to the shield. This self-terminating plug design has reduced signal reflection and signal radiation problems, and has a simplified mechanical assembly within the connector.

Abstract: A novel patching device comprises discrete modules, each having a unitary molded housing which incorporates a pair of oppositely disposed (e.g., back-to-back) standard female modular jacks on a front face thereof. A rear face of the housing includes retaining means for retaining a printed circuit board having circuitry associated therewith which normally maintains a constant electrical interconnection between respective conductive pins in each of the jacks. This normally constant interconnection is interrupted or "pre-empted" when a known and standard modular plug is inserted into a jack whereby the resilient conductive pins are urged outwardly from contact with the printed circuit board. Each discrete module includes novel snap fitting means which permits disengageable snap fit attachment to an opening of a panel. Significantly, the module may be snap fit either from the front or opposed rear planar surface of the panel.