Abstract: The utility of portable computer hosts, such as PDAs (or handhelds), is enhanced by methods and apparatus for removable expansion modules (100) having application specific circuitry, a second-level-removable memory (120), and optional I/O (140), in a number of illustrative embodiments. In addition to providing greater expansion utility in a compact and low profile industrial design, the present invention permits memory configuration versatility for application specific expansion modules, permitting easy user field selection and upgrades of the memory used in conjunction with the expansion module. Finally, from a system perspective, the present invention enables increased parallelism and functionality previously not available to portable computer devices.

Abstract: A docking apparatus for printed circuit boards including a cassette housing defining a housing cavity for containing a printed circuit board (PCB) and a linkage mechanism associated with the cassette housing. The linkage mechanism includes a linkage arm pivotally connected to the cassette housing via a pivot and has a first arm pivotally connected to the PCB, a traveler having a threaded bore therethrough connected to a second arm extending from the first arm, a shaft threadedly engaged in the left handed threaded bore through the traveler at a first end defining the shaft, the first end configured to operably transfer axial translation of the shaft to the traveler, and an opposite second end defining the shaft threaded engaged in a right handed threaded bore through a split nut operably secured to the cassette housing.

Abstract: A multi-sectional computing device configurable for a plurality of computing worlds, including portable and desktop computing worlds. The technique includes a space saving and configuration technique utilizing multiple joints disposed between multiple sections to facilitate rotational orientation of the sections to adjust for space limitations and other characteristics of a desired environment or computing world. The multiple sections include a display assembly and a housing assembly for computing components.

Abstract: A short card support for supporting a short printed circuit card insertable into an electronic system is disclosed. The short card support has a card guide end adapted to couple to the card guide of the electronic system and a card receptor end adapted to couple with a first edge of the short printed circuit card. A support span between the card guide end and the card receptor end permits the short card support to accommodate varying lengths of short printed circuit cards.

Abstract: An intermediate electrical connector comprises a circuit board (10) having a plurality of contact portions (11) arranged on opposed edges thereof to which two connectors are attached in opposed directions, respectively, and a pair of supported portions (13, 14) provided at ends thereof in an arrangement direction of the contact portions. The intermediate electrical connector further comprises a guide member (20) holding the circuit board and having a support portion (21) which is brought into contact with an face of the circuit board and a pair of columns (22,13) each having a holding portion (24, 25). The supported portion has an asymmetric shape and the holding portions has a corresponding shape for receiving the asymmetric shape of the supported portion.

Abstract: A front installable guide for a circuit card connecting device is provided. The connecting device has a circuit card connector. The guide has a pair of elongated alignment pins. Each of the pins terminates in a fastener for attachment to the connecting device adjacent the connector. The guide also has a guiding member. The guiding member has a groove which is slidably engagable with an edge of a circuit card. A pair of parallel channels is formed in the guiding member for reception of the alignment pins such that when the alignment pins are received in the channels and attached to the connecting device, the groove is aligned for reception of a circuit card to be connected to the connecting device. The guiding member can provide support for the received circuit card.

Abstract: Retaining rails with which a slide-in module can be fixed in a mounting cradle. It being possible for the retaining rails to be attached laterally to the slide-in module. Accordingly, the retaining rails are characterized in that they have a plastic element and a metal element. The metal element encloses at least certain portions of the plastic element, and in that the metal element has resilient retaining elements for interaction with guiding elements of the mounting cradle and in that the plastic element has resilient portions for establishing lateral tolerance compensation with respect to the sidewalls of the mounting cradle.

Abstract: An interface card anchoring structure is mounted on a bracket of a case of an electronic device corresponding to an insertion slot of a main board of the case. The bracket has two opposing inner sides that have respectively an opening and a trough formed thereon. The interface card anchoring structure includes a pivot lug and a coupling assembly. The pivot lug is located on one inner side where the opening is formed. The coupling assembly can selectively latch one corner of the interface card after the interface card has been wedged in the bracket to anchor a connector of the interface card in the insertion slot of the main board.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a first electrical connector mounted to an electronic module to a second electrical connector supported by a support structure, such that the first and second electrical connectors mate in an electrically conductive manner. The support structure can be an electrical board supported by a chassis. The apparatus includes a latch having a first end configured to engage the chassis and a lever portion configured to exert a force on the chassis when in a first position. This force allows the first electrical connector to be urged towards the second electrical connector. The apparatus also has a compliant member configured to bias the lever portion away from the first position, and a catch configured to secure the latch in the first position.

Abstract: The utility of portable computer hosts, such as PDAs (or hand-helds), is enhanced by methods and apparatus for removable expansion cards having application specific circuitry, a second-level-removable memory, and optional I/O, in a number of illustrative embodiments. In addition to providing greater expansion utility in a compact and low profile industrial design, the present invention permits memory configuration versatility for application specific expansion cards, permitting easy user field selection and upgrades of the memory used in conjunction with the expansion card. Finally, from a system perspective, the present invention enables increased parallelism and functionality previously not available to portable computer devices.

Abstract: The switch includes a base body side connector and a movable body side connector for connecting electrical circuits provided in a base body side and a movable body side of a motor vehicle. One of the base body side connector and the movable body side connector has a receptacle terminal while the other has a pin tab terminal. The other connector has a terminal cover piece for receiving an electrical contact portion provided in a free end side of the pin tab terminal. The terminal cover piece is slidable in engagement and disengage directions of the terminals. The terminal cover piece is urged by a resilient member parallel to an extended direction of the pin tab terminal. The resilient member is positioned between a flange of the terminal cover piece and a bottom surface of a housing of the movable body side connector.

Abstract: A sliding track assembly includes two side boards formed inside the case of a computer, and a plurality of circular locating members symmetrically mounted on the inner surface of each side board to define a narrow gap on each side board for use as a sliding way for receiving a mobile PC board without producing much friction upon insertion of the mobile PC board.

Abstract: A through-panel apparatus includes a device with at least one through-panel receptacle and at least one component removably mounted to the device by inserting the component through the receptacle. Both the device and component have between them electrical and/or optical connections that are made when the component is mounted to the device, and broken when the component is demounted from the device. To break the connections requires the application of an extraction force in a direction opposite to that of insertion of the device through the receptacle. The component has a sprung mechanism that is biased against the device when an insertion force is applied to the component along the direction of insertion during mounting of the component to the device. The biasing of the sprung mechanism provides a spring bias force that contributes to the required extraction force to aid extraction of the component from the receptacle.

Abstract: A pluggable cartridge for inserting a circuit card into an enclosure without operator access to the enclosure interior is provided. The cartridge includes a top portion and a first wall configured to secure the circuit card thereon for movement in unison therewith and a second wall. The first and second walls have a bottom edge and a top edge wherein the top edge of the first wall is movably secured to the top portion. The top edge of the second wall is removably secured to the top portion by snap-fit means. The circuit card is housed within and protected by the first and second walls so as to be moveable with respect to the bottom edge of the second wall. A tail stock bezel is removably secured by snap-fit means at one end of the second wall and top portion. A handle is movably connected to the top portion so as to be movable between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting circuit board assemblies and for aligning and guiding plugs on the rear of said circuit board assemblies for insertion into mating sockets of a backplane. A vertically oriented guide plate has horizontal guide slots. Each circuit board assembly has a pair of guide posts that are inserted into a guide slot to support the circuit board assembly. The guide slot and the guide post maintain proper alignment of a plug on a rear extremity of said circuit board extremity with a backplane socket as the circuit board assembly is moved inwardly towards the backplane.

Abstract: An information handling system includes a chassis having a guide slot and a printed circuit board placed in guide slot of the chassis. The guide slot includes at least two opposing channels aligned adjacent the printed circuit board with a guide tab formed in one of the opposing channels. A daughter card electrically couples to the printed circuit board when placed in an attached position. The daughter card includes a first edge and a second edge that slides between the opposing channels of the guide slot such that the card aligns to couple to the printed circuit board. The card also includes a first detent formed in either the first edge or the second edge. The first detent releaseably interacts with the guide tab formed in the opposing channels such that the guide tab contacts the first detent when the card is placed in an intermediate position.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) for receiving a circuit board (2) includes an elongated insulative housing (10) defining a longitudinal slot (11) for receiving the circuit board. A multiplicity of evenly-spaced passageways (12) is defined in two sidewalls (13) of the housing that are at opposite sides of the slot respectively. A multiplicity of conductive terminals (14) is received in the passageways, for electrically connecting the circuit board. A pair of guiding arms (130) extends upwardly from opposite ends of the housing respectively. Each arm defines a central guiding channel (131), for guiding the circuit board into the slot. The central guiding channel has a width narrower than that of the slot, thereby the circuit board can securely be received in the slot.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) for receiving an electrical card (2) therein. The connector includes an insulative housing (11), and a plurality of conductive terminals (18) received in the housing. The housing includes a beam (12), and a pair of parallel guiding arms (13) extending in a same direction from opposite ends of the beam respectively. A reinforcing plate (16) interconnects the guiding arms to prevent the guiding arms from bending inwardly when the connector becomes heated during use. A middle portion (162) of the reinforcing plate is offset outwardly from the housing. When the connector becomes heated during use, the reinforcing plate bends inwardly. However, space beneath the reinforcing plate is still sufficient to ensure that the reinforcing plate does not contact the received electrical card, and that the electrical card can be freely inserted into or removed from the connector.

Abstract: A slot apparatus for video capable of holding unit boards has a main board 3 and a plurality of connectors 4 provided on the main board 3. A slot part 5 is provided at a position facing the connectors 4. A plurality of unit guides 6 are provided at spacings in the slot part 5. A plurality of unit boards 10 are inserted into the slot part 5 along the unit guides 6. The unit boards 10 are connected to the connectors 4, respectively. The unit guides 6 are detachably provided.

Abstract: An adapter or housing for a module, such as a single in-line memory module (SIMM) or the like, and method of using the same are herein disclosed where the SIMM and attached housing fit a predetermined shape SIMM socket. The housing replaces SIMM board material that would otherwise be used to help secure the SIMM to a predetermined shape SIMM socket or connector. The configuration of the housing allows a SIMM or the like to be snapped or slid and secured into the housing. If desired, an adhesive, potting material and other bonding material can be used to secure the SIMM board to the housing and/or pot the SIMM within the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guide and support structure (1) that in addition to providing a secure and stable guide support for the plug-in unit and good electric contact properties enhances the removal of heat from the plug-in unit. This is achieved by means of a guide and support structure having an upper web forming a guide channel for a plug-in unit and being connected to a base of the structure through side walls of the structure. The base is at least partially open in order to allow air flow through the interior of the elongated profile. By virtue of such a configuration blockage of a cooling-air flow will be significantly reduced. Such a reduced blockage of cooling-air flow will in turn enhance the cooling of plug-in units and will require less powerful fans for producing the cooling-air flow.

Abstract: A connector device includes a housing mounted on a mother board and having a slot for receiving a daughter board. A retainer is used for securing the daughter board to the housing, and includes a base having a channel for receiving the daughter board, and a seat having a bore for slidably receiving a latch. A spring may bias the latch to engage with the daughter board and to lock the daughter board to the base and the seat of the retainer. The latch includes an end portion having an angled surface for allowing the daughter board to move the latch against the spring.

Abstract: If a PC card is inserted into a card slot for the PC card, both of button portions are pressed by the PC card. When the both of the button portions are pressed outwardly in the Z-direction, both of engagement portions are released from engagement recesses, respectively, so that a stopper is allowed to move in a space to permit the PC card to be inserted into the card slot. Otherwise, the stopper is still locked at a position shown in the drawing, by at least one of the engagement portions to prevent an erroneous card having a thickness smaller than the PC card from being inserted into the card slot.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sectional external enclosure, comprising: a bottom plate having a bottom hole at each of its four comers, at least one positioning hole on each of its both sides, and a connecting hole/groove corresponding to a screw hole at the bottom of its periphery; two corresponding side panels, each having at least one positioning latch extended from its bottom and being inserted in the positioning hole; a fixing hole disposed on each end and passing through the bottom hole with a connecting member and secured to the fixing hole; an embedding groove disposed on the inner end of the rear side of the two side panels; a rear panel, vertically disposed at the rear end of the two side panels, and a guide latch protruded from both sides of the rear panel being inserted into the embedding groove for the positioning, and a plurality of through holes on the panel corresponsive to the surface of the signal connecting device for accommodating and positioning the rear panel to constitute the signal

Abstract: A system having a removable protective enclosure for an electronic component. The protective enclosure may have a base and a circuit board that may be captured by the base without use of a tool or a separate fastener. A memory module may be disposed on the circuit board. The protective enclosure may be adapted to be mechanically and electrically coupleable to an enclosure.

Abstract: A connector with retainer members which is not broken even if elastic retainer pieces of the retainer members are excessively bent when the connector is attached to a panel. The connector with retainer members comprises an insulating housing proper having penetration holes inside thereof through which a plurality of connector terminals are fitted therein, flanges protruded outwardly from right and left or upper and lower wall faces of the housing proper in a direction orthogonal to a direction of insertion and removal of the connector, a pair of retainer members having elasticity and fixedly attached to both sides of the back face of the flanges.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus having first and second blocks securable within a housing. The first block has first and second grooves for respectively receiving a first edge of a first circuit board and a first edge of a second circuit board such that the first and second circuit boards are aligned with each other and are spaced apart. The second block has a groove for receiving a second edge of the first circuit board that is perpendicular to the first edge of the first circuit board and a surface to which the second circuit board is attached adjacent a second edge of the second circuit board that is perpendicular to the first edge of the second circuit board.

Abstract: A connecting device with a low height comprises a connector part, and a set of metal terminals. The connector part has a height compatible with the height of an inner space in a standard USB interface slot socket so as to be inserted into the standard USB interface slot socket. The set of metal terminals is arranged on the connector part and composed of a plurality of metal sheets and each metal sheet has an end disposed in the connector part and another end extending outward the connector part. The first end of the respective metal sheet in the set of metal terminals contacts with internal electronic signal of the standard USB interface slot socket and the second end of the respective metal sheet is soldered to a printed circuit board. Furthermore, the low height connecting device can be revised as an electronic connecting device capable of being inserted into the USB slot socket so that both of the connecting devices can be used in a dual interface memory storage apparatus or a memory storage apparatus.

Abstract: An improved structure industrial computer consisting of a system case, with the system case having a flexible component fastened along the edge at one side and a frame member also fastened to the flexible component. A transition mount is positioned at one side of the frame member and an electronic junction board is secured onto the transition mount. One or more slots are disposed on the electronic junction board, with the slots capable of accommodating the insertion of a PCB (printed circuit board) and interface cards. The flexible component is turned to revolve the PCB into the system case such that the PCB extends in a parallel orientation. Conversely, it is only necessary to turn the flexible component outward such that the slots on the transition mount face upward, enabling the integrator to easily insert or remove the PCB from the slots for maintenance and replacement.

Abstract: A computer system with an EMI prevention structure includes a housing for covering a main board. The housing has leading grooves formed on two opposite inside surfaces. The main board includes a ground layer formed on the periphery, attached shielding devices corresponding to the leading grooves, a thickness of the main board and a shielding device being substantially equal to a gap formed by a leading groove. Each shielding device has a pair of substantially parallel metal plates and a metal side plate forming an open rectangular channel, the open side allowing the shielding device to fit over the ground layer of the main board. A spring latch is installed on a plate of each shielding device to allow the shielding device to remain firmly fixed to the main board.

Abstract: A retention mechanism for an electronic assembly which has a substrate and a heat sink. The retention mechanism includes a substrate slot that receives the substrate and a heat sink slot that receives the heat sink. There may be two retention mechanisms that are attached to a printed circuit board adjacent to an electrical connector. There may be two heat sink slots symmetrically located about the substrate slot so that the mechanism can be mounted to a left side or a right side of the connector. The symmetric slots eliminate the need for a left side mechanism and a right side mechanism. The retainer mechanism may also have a nut retainer that captures a nut that is used to attach the mechanism to the printed circuit board. The nut retainer allows the nut to be transported with the retainer mechanism during an assembly process.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprises a front shielding assembly with a generally flat front plane edged with a board to board multipin connector and an antenna pin substantially perpendicular to the plane, and a printed wire board (PWB) generally parallel to and in registration with the front plane. The apparatus is manufactured through applying the printed wire board in the registration and allowing the connector's multiple pins and the antenna pin to protrude through corresponding holes in the printed wire board. In particular, the manufacture comprises the following. First, a mechanical centering of the PWB relative to the shielding assembly is effected through the use of a plurality of edgewise disposed parts of the PWB regarding edge parts of the shielding assembly while executing a first part of an approaching movement between the PWB and the shielding assembly.

Abstract: A printed circuit board assembly which is capable of being inserted and removed from the system to which it is electrically connected, even when fully populated with connected printed circuit cards, comprises a multilayer structure. A middle layer printed board is sandwiched between a nonconductive base on the bottom and a stiffener disposed on the top. The stiffener is preferably electrically conductive to provide an EMI (electromagnetic interference) shielding function. The base support and stiffener together support a mechanism for insertion and removal of the entire board via an edge connector disposed along a back edge of the board.

Abstract: The base plate 31 of the connector housing is provided with the raised portion 50 that fits into one of the recessed portions 26 in the card 20 for the contact pads 27 when the card 20 is inserted. The raised portion 50 is made to function as a stopper to block the card from being inserted further when the card is wrongly inserted back to front, thereby preventing a possible deformation of the contact terminals on the connector side in the event that the card is wrongly inserted.

Abstract: This invention provides a tray-style memory card connector comprising of a base and a main body that can slide smoothly on the base. The base has a plug structure on one end, which has a guide groove on each side. There is a retracting structure on the base, and when it is pressed down, the main body will separate from the base. There is a container on the said main body to contain a memory card. At each side of the container there is a groove. A slide rail is mounted between the groove and the guide groove. In this way, the main body can slide smoothly on the base.

Abstract: An enclosure for electronic circuitry includes a container that is formed to define an enclosed volume. An open end of the container is sealed by a printed circuit board which also provides electrical connection to the enclosed electronic circuitry by means of connectors mounted to its inside and outside surface.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) for receiving an electrical card (2) therein. The connector includes an insulative housing (11), and a plurality of conductive terminals (18) received in the housing. The housing includes a beam (12), and a pair of parallel guiding arms (13) extending in a same direction from opposite ends of the beam respectively. A reinforcing plate (16) interconnects the guiding arms to prevent the guiding arms from bending inwardly when the connector becomes heated during use. A middle portion (162) of the reinforcing plate is offset outwardly from the housing. When the connector becomes heated during use, the reinforcing plate bends inwardly. However, space beneath the reinforcing plate is still sufficient to ensure that the reinforcing plate does not contact the received electrical card, and that the electrical card can be freely inserted into or removed from the connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) for receiving a circuit board (2) therein. The connector includes an elongated insulative housing (10) defining a longitudinal slot (11) therein for receiving the circuit board. A multiplicity of evenly-spaced passageways (12) is defined in two sidewalls (13) of the housing that are at opposite sides of the slot respectively. A multiplicity of conductive terminals (14) is received in the passageways, for electrically connecting with the circuit board. A pair of guiding arms (130) extends upwardly from opposite ends of the housing respectively. Each arm defines a central guiding channel (131) therethrough, for guiding the circuit board into the slot and securely receiving the circuit board therein.

Abstract: A first aspect of the invention is an electrical connector that includes a housing formed to include first and second opposing ends and an elongated slot between the ends. The slot receives a connective edge of a printed circuit card. Closely spaced contacts located in the slot engage conductive pads on the printed circuit card. A first alignment member is formed integrally at the first end of the housing, to engage a non-polarized keyway during insertion of the printed circuit card into the elongated slot, aligning the printed circuit card relative to the contacts. A second aspect of the invention is the keying of the printed circuit card along a connective edge. The connective edge includes two connective regions which define a polarized keyway between the two connective regions. A third, non-connective, region located at one end of the connective regions defines a non-polarized keyway between the connective regions and the non-connective region.

Abstract: A rivet attachment assembly of the present invention includes a tongue element (22) having an opening (221) therein, a rivet member (23) having a through hole defined therein and a screw (30). The rivet member is in loose engagement with the tongue element, and the screw goes through a mounting hole (41) of an adapter card (40) and the through hole of the rivet member to secure an adapter card to the rivet member. The rivet member is movable in the opening of the tongue element to allow alignment of the mounting hole of the adapter card with the through hole of the rivet member thereby allowing the rivet attachment assembly to secure the adapter card in the electronic device.

Abstract: A chassis controller can identify a blade that spans more than one power plane. If power is healthy and available on all power planes then the blade may be granted permission to power on. The chassis controller validates that when a blade spans multiple power planes that the necessary power is available before permitting the blade to go to fully power operation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securing a first electrical connector mounted to an electronic module to a second electrical connector supported by a support structure, such that the first and second electrical connectors mate in an electrically conductive manner. The support structure can be an electrical board supported by a chassis. The apparatus includes a latch having a first end configured to engage the chassis and a lever portion configured to exert a force on the electronic module when in a first position. This force allows the first electrical connector to be urged towards the second electrical connector. The apparatus also has a compliant member configured to bias the lever portion away from the first position, and a catch configured to secure the latch in the first position.

Abstract: A card guide system is provided. The card guide system comprises a chassis having a top and a bottom frame portion. The top and bottom frame portions each include a plurality of card guide members disposed thereon. The card guide members of the top frame portion are a mirror image of the card guide members of the bottom frame portion. In addition, the plurality of card guide members are adapted to receive a circuit card and secure the circuit card using tension, wherein when the circuit is received by the card guide members the circuit card is bowed.

Abstract: An electronics assembly comprises: (i) a frame (1); and (ii) a motherboard (16) that is removable from the frame. One or more motherboards (20) extend in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the motherboard; and a number of elongate guides (24) are provided for the daughterboards to enable each daughterboard to be moved toward the motherboard into engagement therewith and away from the motherboard out of engagement therefrom. The motherboard (16) has at least one location element (32) thereon, which can engage one of the elongate guides (24) in order to locate the guides and the motherboard with respect to one another. This assembly enables accurate positioning of the daughterboards and the motherboard for forming electrical connections between them even where large tolerances are present in other parts of the assembly.

Abstract: A removable electronic module of this invention includes an electronic device, such as a memory storage drive, having an electrical device connector for mating with an electrical bay connector in a computer. The module also includes a connector guide mounted about the electrical device connector. The connector guide is adapted to engage the electrical bay connector to align the electrical device connector with the electrical bay connector. The module further includes an auxiliary device guide positioned apart from the connector guide. The auxiliary device guide is adapted to engage an auxiliary bay guide to align the connector guide with the electrical bay connector.

Abstract: A printed circuit board employs a rigid toothed drive arm driven by an exterior spur gear to actuate a pair of levers pivotably attached to one end of the drive arm. Spur gear rotation moves the drive arm and variously moves the drive arm and levers into “Y” or “T” configurations, and in doing so, pushes against exteriorly mounted cabinet or enclosure pins to effect inward and outward motion of the entire board, even when it is fully populated with printed circuit cards contained in cooperatively acting cartridges.

Abstract: The utility of portable computer hosts, such as PDAs (or handhelds), is enhanced by methods and apparatus for removable expansion cards having application specific circuitry, a second-level-removable memory, and optional I/O, in a number of illustrative embodiments. In addition to providing greater expansion utility in a compact and low profile industrial design, the present invention permits memory configuration versatility for application specific expansion cards, permitting easy user field selection and upgrades of the memory used in conjunction with the expansion card. Finally, from a system perspective, the present invention enables increased parallelism and functionality previously not available to portable computer devices.

Abstract: An electronic printed board assembly comprises a printed circuit board which employs printed circuit card connectors electrically connected to components mounted on the board. The printed circuit board includes board level guides with slots for receiving correspondingly shaped ridges disposed on outer, lower portions of printed circuit card-bearing cartridges. The guides are preferably provided on only one side for each cartridge to improve packaging density. The surface guides, together with the cartridge design, eliminate the need for physical contact with surrounding enclosures or cabinets.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a plurality of semiconductor block modules mounted on a system board. The semiconductor block module comprises a block socket and a module board fitted thereto. The block socket assumes an annular shape and has connection terminals on upper and lower peripheral surfaces thereof and has an inner groove formed on the inner surface thereof. The module board has at least a semiconductor chip mounted thereon and is fitted into the inner groove of the block socket. The module board is electrically connected to the block socket. The connection terminals on the upper peripheral surface of the module socket may be mechanically fitted into and electrically connected to the connection terminals on the lower peripheral surface of other block socket having the same structure.

Abstract: A lead-in accessory for a stacked smart card reader comprises a generally rectangular insulative housing having a front surface, a back surface and sidewalls therebetween. The housing defines, in a particular configuration, a pair of spaced, substantially parallel card insertion ingresses extending through the front surface and the back surface of the housing. A pair of opposing snap tabs project from the back surface of the housing for removable attachment of the accessory to the smart reader. The smart reader typically comprises a connector housing having at least two spaced card receiving slots for receipt therein of smart cards. Upon attachment of the accessory to the smart card reader, the pair of ingresses are substantially aligned with the receiving slots in the reader connector to thereby effectively extend outwardly the card receiving face of the smart reader.