Abstract: A hinged adapter provides for the connection of input/output (I/O) cards to a communication connector, such as an RJ-type connector for example, for data processing systems. The hinged adapter has a first connector configured to mate with a connector at the end of an I/O card inserted in a receptacle of a data processing system. The hinged adapter also has a second connector configured to mate with the communication connector. The second connector is mounted to the first connector with a hinge. The second connector may be positioned in an operational position for mating with the communication connector. When not in use, the second connector may be rotated or folded about the hinge relative to the first connector into a stored position. The data processing system, I/O card, and hinged adapter may then be transported as an integral unit.

Abstract: A hinge-EMI grounding conductor is disclosed for an electronic device which has hinged operating portions, for example, a portable computer having a display housing hingedly attached to a main body housing. The present invention not only allows the angle between the two portable computer housings be rotably adjusted for optimal user operations but also provides a compact and economical way of implementing a conductive grounding path for purposes such as EMI shielding.

Abstract: An electronic device coupling apparatus is used to couple two electronic devices through a hinge. A first electronic device (221) is disposed within the main housing of a radiotelephone (101). The second electronic device (301) is disposed within a movable element (103) of the radiotelephone (101). The coupling apparatus uses a piece of flex (215) which is torsionally twisted upon the opening of the movable element (103) of the radiotelephone (101). Additionally, the flex (215) is coupled to the electronic devices (221, 301) using an elastomeric connector (217).

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus with game pack driver having improved loading features. The apparatus includes a cartridge cover pivotally connected to the front panel of a main body of the apparatus which enables a game pack to be loaded even if only the front panel is exposed. In another embodiment, a block door having a game pack socket is placed in the front panel such that the block door can be linearly moved forward and backward relative to the front panel. In still another embodiment, a game pack receiving door is pivoted to the front panel, while a game pack socket is separately provided in the interior of the main body. The apparatus of the invention thus allows a game pack be loaded in the game pack driver at the front of the apparatus. The apparatus also allow a user to insert the game pack into the socket while view in the socket, thus to facilitate loading of the game pack.

Abstract: The invention is a convertible display computer structure in which the display is centrally pivoted in a frame that in turn is hinged on one side on the keyboard so that the display can be positioned to face toward the user when the frame is positioned to be essentially vertical with respect to the keyboard and when it is desired to provide graphic information entry, the display can be turned over so as to serve as a writing surface when the hinged frame is positioned over the keyboard. The conversion from keyboard to graphic stylus input is accomplished by rotating the display on the pivot mountings and then closing the frame over the keyboard with the display surface up and in the proper orientation.

Abstract: An electric connector has a housing with an inclined support flange at opposing ends. The inclined portions of these support flanges permit the housing to tilt, or rotate, slightly around the centerline of the connector in order to compensate for offset which may occur between the longitudinal centerline of the connector and a mating connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) constructed to mate with a connector (1) of duplicate construction comprising: a front mating ring (3), multiple contacts (4) brushing respective concentric circuits (10) on a rotatable circuit board (9), said contacts (4) being connected to respective wires (16) of an electrical cable (17), a rear facing socket (28) receiving a front mating ring (3) of another, duplicate connector (1), and the front mating ring (3) and the rear facing socket (28) being connected electrically together.

Abstract: A pivotal plug and receptacle connector assembly (10) is disclosed. The plug housing (40) has an opening (48) at each end formed integral thereto that engage hinge pins (142,144) extending from opposite ends of the mating receptacle housing (100). The hinge pins are arranged to snap into place within the openings and allow for relative pivotal motion of 180 degrees while maintaining electrical contact between the plug contacts (60) and the receptacle contacts (118). The plug contacts are blade shaped having two contacting surfaces (70,72) on opposite sides of the blade (64). The receptacle contacts include a pair of substantially parallel beams (122,124) having opposing contact surfaces (135,137) adjacent their ends, the two beams converging slightly near their ends (132,134) to provide two point contact with a mated plug contact (60). The plug and receptacle connectors are easily mated and separated during use.

Abstract: A cable harness for managing cables originating from devices supported by an office work surface and from external power and telecommunication sources is disclosed. The harness comprises a stationary plate and a carrier plate. The stationary plate has an upper edge portion and a front surface adapted for fixed attachment with an upright wall of a furniture system. The carrier plate has a front surface, an opposing rear surface, and a lower edge portion pivotally interconnected with the stationary plate upper edge portion. The carrier plate includes a first plurality of apertures configured to receive electrical power receptacles serially aligned in a first lower row, and further includes a second plurality of apertures configured to receive electronic cable connectors serially aligned in a second upper row. The first lower row is located between the carrier plate lower edge portion and the second upper row.

Abstract: A portable computer includes an upper housing for receiving a monitor, and a lower housing pivoted to the upper housing by means of a hinge assembly for receiving a computer processing unit. A connector unit includes an electrical connector having input terminals adapted to connect electrically with the computer processing unit and output terminals provided with conducting wires adapted to connect electrically with the monitor. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge unit which has a hollow pivot shaft and a first coupling member that extends radially from the hollow pivot shaft for connection with the upper housing, and a second hinge unit which has a sleeve portion that is sleeved rotatably on the hollow pivot shaft and a second coupling member that extends radially from the sleeve portion for connection with the lower housing. The hollow pivot shaft and the sleeve portion cooperatively define a space for the passage of the conducting wires from the electrical connector to the upper housing.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for interconnecting and stably supporting the parts of an electronic device while enhancing the three-dimensional adjustability of the position of the device's parts. The hinge assembly provides for lineal adjustment of each device part using a shaft secured to the part, a sleeve slidably attached to the shaft and a clamp controlling the resistance of the sleeve. The hinge assembly further provides joints for rotational adjustment of each device part about an axis parallel to the part's horizontal axis and about a rotational axis parallel to the part's latitudinal axis. Each axis is formed using a first element having a substantially cylindrical aperture and a second element having a substantially cylindrical end such that the cylindrical end is rotatably mounted in the cylindrical aperture. An electrical connector is included in each joint to pass electrical signals regardless of rotational position.

Abstract: The detector is a foldable one constructed of unit elements 1a-1n connected with each other through hinge members 6. The members 6 are staggered in arrangement along the longitudinal direction of the unfolded or stretched detector so as to permit the detector to be folded in staggered manner. In storage and transport, the detector is folded to facilitate its handling. In installation, the detector is unfolded or stretched to assume a long-reach form to facilitate its installation in a liquid-level gauge system of a storage tank 13.

Abstract: A docking device for a data collection terminal comprises a latch which positively retains an inserted data collection terminal in a docking position in which communication contacts are communicatively coupled to complementary contacts on the docking device. The latch urges an inserted data collection terminal into a latched rest position with an optimal minimum contact engagement force, such that any shock or vibration has a tendency to increase the contact engagement force to thereby eliminate an inadvertent opening of contacts due to shock or vibration.

Abstract: A portable electronic device comprises a housing (100) including an attachment dip (110), electronic circuitry (215) enclosed within the housing, and an energy storage device (120) housed within the attachment clip.

Abstract: A connector includes a first member, a second member which is rotatably coupled to the first member, a first contact which is provided for a surface of the first member opposite to the second member, and a second contact, provided for a surface of the second member opposite to the first member, which is in contact with the first contact, the first contact and the second contact being relatively slid so that an electric connection can be maintained when the first member and said second member are relatively rotated.

Abstract: A circuit board injector/ejector device for use with a circuit board to be accommodated in a rack housed in an enclosure comprises a body adapted to be secured to a front plate secured to the circuit board and a lever pivotally mounted on the body. The device is adapted to assist in providing the force necessary to effect a multiplicity of pin and socket connections at the rear of the circuit board when the circuit board is introduced into a rack and to assist in providing the force necessary to effect disconnection of the multiplicity of pin and socket connections at the rear of the circuit board when the circuit board is withdrawn from the rack.

Abstract: An interconnect for electrically connecting two members having conductive wiring on respective surfaces thereof includes first and second hinge parts of electrically insulating material which are mutually pivotable when placed in a mating position. The hinge parts have mutually contacting electrically conducting portions when the first and second hinge parts are in their mating position, and the electrically conducting portions are in electrical contact with the conductive wiring on the respective surfaces of the two members. The conductive wiring is arranged on the two members such that when the members are secured, for instance, to assemblies to be interconnected, the conductive wiring aligns with and contacts the desired wires or traces on the interconnected assemblies.

Abstract: A computer case having a base (10) incorporating a keyboard (14) which in the closed condition of the case is covered by a lid (12) having its display uppermost, the case opening by a mechanism enabling the lid to slide rearwardly and incline relatively to the base so as to present the display forwardly behind the keyboard.

Abstract: A multiple position electrical swivel plug apparatus wherein a housing is integrally connected to the end of an electrical cord the conductor of which terminates in a plurality of blades. A male or female plug assembly is detachably connected to the blades depending upon the particular plug assembly desired. The blades are mounted in the housing which is bifurcated so that the blades extend outwardly from the housing between the arms of the housing. The plug assembly has a nose portion extending between the arms of the housing, and the nose portion is slotted for receiving the blades to electrically connect the plug assembly contacts to the blades. A pivotal connection is provided between the arms of the housing and nose portion of the plug assembly for adjusting and maintaining the plug assembly at a desired angle position relative to the housing.

Abstract: An electrically conductive hinge provides for the transmission of electrical power and signals between a pivotally connected display unit and system unit of a portable computer and eliminates cable connections between the display unit and the system unit. Either the system unit, the display unit, or both units have a set of wipers which contact the conductive lines in the electrical track. The conductive lines are long enough to allow the display unit to be pivoted to and from its open and shut positions while the wipers remain in contact therewith. In one arrangement, the electrical track is manufactured on the hinge pin. In another arrangement, the electrical track is manufactured on a disk positioned at or near one end of the hinge pin.

Abstract: A door that includes one or more electrical devices, such as an outlet receptacle, an illuminated house number sign, or an illuminated display panel. The electrical devices are powered from an external source of power that is conducted through a pair of pivotable conductors extending between the door and the adjacent door frame. One end of the pivotable conductors is electrically connected with a source of electrical power, and the other end of the respective pivotable conductors is electrically connected with the electrical devices carried by the door, to avoid external extension cords and to avoid the need to conduct electricity through the door hinges.

Abstract: A selective call receiver (100) includes a receiver for receiving a message and a housing (104) for enclosing a receiver (102). A substantially semicircular arcuate recess (106) shaped in a portion of the housing receives a first substantially semicircular arcuate contact (108) that has a substantially arcuate outer surface which provides a non-movable mechanical coupling with the substantially semicircular arcuate recess (106). The first substantially semicircular arcuate contact (108) has a substantially arcuate inner surface, and a second substantially arcuate contact (114) terminates an end of a wrist band antenna (112') which has an outer contact surface for coupling with the substantially arcuate inner surface of the first substantially semicircular arcuate contact (108) thereby forming a movable electrical coupling therebetween.

Abstract: A structure for covering an interconnection of a folding electronic device includes a main body and a cover member each having a flat internal cavity coupled to each other rotatably at each back end. Circuit substrates in respective internal cavities are electrically connected to each other by the interconnection sheet disposed traversing a window opening provided at the back end of the main body. A cover unit guarding the interconnection sheet is provided in the proximity of the window opening in the main body. This cover unit includes a cover plate biased elastically to protrude outwards from the window opening. By a guide edge provided at the back end of the cover member to be abutted against the cover plate according to the closing/opening operation of the cover member, the cover plate blocks the window opening to prevent exposure of the wiring sheet.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises a first housing (11) having electrical contacts (18) secured therein and a second housing (12) pivotally mounted within the first housing (11) with electrical contacts (27) secured in the second housing (12) in electrical engagement with respective contacts (18) so that the housings (11, 12) can be angularly positioned with respect to one another when circuit boards to which they are electrically connected are positioned at an angle relative to each other.

Abstract: A laptop personal computer system according to this invention comprises a base unit including a microcomputer subsystem, a cover unit including a display subsystem, a hinge unit for coupling the cover unit to the base unit, the hinge unit having a clutch spring to control torque from opening or closing the cover unit, and conductive elements cooperatively coupled within the hinge unit for suppressing electromagnetic interference in operations of the microcomputer subsystem.

Abstract: A modular electrical wiring system incorporates an improved rotating electrical connector which is designed to pass through a small decorator face opening. This opening may be in either or both of small cover or in an elongated raceway cover. The connector may then be twisted and pulled back flush with and filling the entire opening. The connector is attached to a semi-rigid conduit for supplying power to the modular electrical wiring system and may be installed or removed without the need for an electrician. The connector allows one-hundred and eight degrees of pivotal motion between itself and the semi-rigid conduit yet does not expose any of the conductors during such pivotal motion. The user may thus make minor adjustments in the location of attached equipment without the aid of an electrician nor the interruption of power.

Abstract: An hermaphroditic electrical connector comprising a pair of substantially identical body members. The two body members are arranged to be releasably secured together to electrically connect plural electrical contacts of one member to respective electrical contacts of the other member and for maintaining such electrical connections while enabling the two connector members to be pivoted with respect to each other about a longitudinal axis through a predetermined angular range.

Abstract: A device casing, wherein a first casing component for containing a display panel and a second casing component for containing a keyboard can be openably/closably connected. The first and second casing components have hinge storing sections at their mutually facing sides. A hinge member has a groove for insertion of a flexible connection member for electrically connecting the display panel and the keyboard. The hinge member and the first casing component are coupled such that the first casing component is rotatable about a first support shaft provided on the hinge member. The hinge member and the second casing component are coupled such that the second casing component is rotatable about a second support shaft provided on the hinge member.

Abstract: A corner guide comprises a pair of hinged panels (1, 2) with an embedded duct (6) through which an optical fibre (7) can be threaded. The corner guide, for guiding an optical fibre (7) or the like around a corner (9) whose radius of curvature is less than a permissible minimum radius of curvature Rp for the fibre (7), guides the fibers (7) by means of the duct (6) along a path which extends into three dimensions. At the corner at the hinge between the panels (1, 2), the duct (6) passes through an "x-y" plane containing the corner at an angle for instance of 70.degree.. This enables an arrangement wherein the projection of the duct (6) onto the "x-y" plane includes a bend whose radius of curvature is less than Rp although the path itself does not include such a bend. The invention finds particular application in optical fibre installations in homes or offices, wherever a fibre has to turn a corner, for instance at the corner of a room.

Abstract: Conductors of a flexible printed circuit routed through a hollow two axis articulated hinge allow a calculator with rotating case halves to possess a keyboard portion in each half of the case. The conductors routed through the hollow articulated hinge are generally centered about one axis of hinge rotation for approximately half the length of the axis, whereupon they transition by either a U-turn or a jog to continue as centered about the other axis of hinge rotation. The conductors may be an integral part of a flexible membrane keyboard assembly having portions located in both halves of the calculator's case. Strain reliefs at the locations where the conductors traverse the case halves, and two in the hinge, at about the center thereof, limit and apportion the torsional flexing experienced by the conductors. The torsional flexing experienced by the flexible conductors increases the number of cycles of rotation they can undergo without breaking, as compared to conventional bending.

Abstract: A hinged electrical connector comprises connector members (1, 2) mounted onto circuit boards (11a, 11a) and hingedly connected together by shafts (4) and recesses (6). Receptacle contact sections (8a) of receptacle contacts (8) in connector member (2) have low-pressure contact members (22) in electrical engagement with outer ends (13) of tab contact sections (7b) of tab contacts (7) in connector member (1) when the circuit board (11a, 11b) are parallel to one another (FIG. 7A). High-pressure contact members (23) of the receptacle contact sections (8a) are in electrical engagement with inner sections (13') of the tab contact sections (7b) when the circuit boards (11a, 11b) are at a right angle with respect to one another (FIG. 7C).

Abstract: A hinged electrical connector comprises a receptacle connector (RC) and a tab connector (TC) that are hingedly connected together by hinge members (3, 4, 5a, 6), the connectors having coplanar receptacle contact sections (12) of receptacle contacts (7) electrically engaged with tab contact sections (14) of tab contacts (8) and conductor-engaging sections (9,10) electrically engaged with conductive areas of circuit boards (11a, 11b) enabling the boards to be moved between angular positions and maintained thereat.

Abstract: A two-piece rotating contact zero insertion force connector is used to interconnect printed circuit boards (daughter boards) to backplanes (mother boards), cables to panels or cables to cables. This is accomplished by rotating one-half of the mating contacts relative to the other half to complete the necessary electrical connection. A number of different rotating contact designs are included which could be utilized to implement the overall concept.

Abstract: A separable connector for mounting printed circuit boards which permits easy removal or swiveling for repair or replacement. The connector has a chassis or surface mounting header having a plurality of solder connections to interconnect with main circuits. The header has sockets with latches for receiving mounting pins on a cylindrical connector securely attached to a printed circuit board with rivets and solder connections. The cylindrical connector has wrap-around contacts on a cylindrical shaft mating with concave contacts on the header which maintain electrical contact as the circuit board swivels.

Abstract: A wall having an interior channel extending vertically along one and preferably both end edges thereof. This interior channel is closed by an openable door arrangement which can be hingedly moved into an open position so as to uncover one side of the channel and permit cables to be laid directly therein. The door arrangement is externally covered by a portion of the flexible side mat which extends over the entirety of the panel side, including the door, so as to permit the portion thereof over the door to hinge outwardly when the door is opened so that removal of the side mat is not required. The side mat is formed as a continuous covering so as to avoid undesired seam or joint lines.

Abstract: The instant invention includes a two-portion printed circuit board support stand and connector wherein an elongate rotatable first portion accommodates a printed circuit board therewithin. A second stationary portion is electrically associatable with a device accommodating a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board extends beyond an accommodating port of the rotatable first portion and is pivotal to enable testing of the printed circuit board and the like as the first portion is pivoted throughout an arcuate path presenting both sides of the printed circuit board extending beyond the first portion's accommodating part.

Abstract: A microwave coupler device for connecting a first stripline conductor on one level to a second stripline conductor on another parallel level is described. The device includes a resiliently deformable electrically conductive member (preferably a metal-filled elastomer) for electrically contacting first and second stripline conductors within the device. There is provision for applying a longitudinal compressive force on the first and second stripline conductors compressing the resiliently deformable electrically conductive member between them. In certain embodiments the interconnected striplines can be rotated with respect to one another.

Abstract: An improved security hinge is provided in which security control wires pass through only one or two knuckles of a hinge whereby improved structural integrity of the hinge is achieved. Slots are cut through the body of the hinge which extend only part way through the thickness of the body of the hinge, and which are located between fastener openings whereby the integrity of the body of the hinge is not impaired. Furthermore, the security control wires extend through only one or two knuckles of the hinge, leaving one or more knuckles undisturbed, whereby the structural integrity of the knuckle portion of the hinge is not impaired. In an alternative embodiment, a hollow sleeve is formed from hardened steel through which the security control wires pass, whereby even greater structural integrity is achieved.

Abstract: A hingeable connector assembly includes at least one female terminal mounted in a terminal mounting space formed in a female connector housing and at least one male terminal member mounted in a male connector housing. The female terminal and said male terminal are rotatable relative to each other while electrically mated.

Abstract: This invention discloses a connector for printed board connection comprising a first body having a plurality of first contacts to be connected with one printed wiring and a second body facing to the first contacts of the first body, in which the first body and the second body are turnably and detachably connected with each other, each end of the first contacts and each end of the second contacts are brought into contact with each other within a turning range, so that the printed boards may be easily and speedily connected with each other and that the arrangement of the printed boards may be freely selected while electrical connection therebetween being assured, maintenance being easily carried out and cost being saved thereby.

Abstract: A hinge pin is described for an appliance door which combines the functions of a plug-in, mechanical hinge pin and bearing member for the door, adaptable for either right-hand or left-hand opening doors, with that of an electrical connector to bring power into the door without the need of a separate, external service loop to the door. A frame-mounted mating receptacle is provided in the combination for sliding engagement of the hinge pin and plug with the appliance in two embodiments permitting a "universal", side-by-side mounting of two or more doors. Electrical connectors are included for engagement with the hinge pin and plug combination, both at the appliance frame and within the door.