Abstract: A modularized computer chassis for housing multiple computer modules, such as a processor module, media storage module, an I/O module, and power supplies includes a housing divided generally into four regions, with each region configured for receiving one of the modules or power supplies. A single center pluggable midplane board is positioned in the middle of the housing such that each of the modules and power supplies can be interconnected through the single midplane board. The single center pluggable midplane board includes direct pluggable connectors which correspond to connectors on each of the modules and power supplies, such that each of the modules and power supplies are directly connected to the single pluggable midplane board, and no ribbon signal and power cables are needed for the connection. The direct connection between the single center pluggable midplane board and the modules and power supplies helps to minimize the height of the chassis, thereby saving valuable rack space.

Abstract: According to a method for manufacturing a portable computer, base units and display panels are composed so that electronic devices may be equipped to be identically used and option units whose structures are different are composed. Then, each of the option units is coupled to the base units and the display panels, thereby manufacturing portable computers whose modes are different. This portable computer comprises base units, display panels, and option units. The base units and the display panels are identically used. The option units whose structures are different are coupled to the base units and the display panels, respectively. That is, base units of a portable computer are base housings which are arranged at an identical position and upon which an I/O port, a hard disk drive, a PCMCIA slot, a battery, a DC/DC board, and a memory are mounted. The option units are top housings upon which a keyboard assembly and a pointing device are mounted.

Abstract: A system of interlocking modules for use with a programmable logic controller. The system utilizes a plurality of modules, e.g. input/output modules, that are mechanically and electrically interlinked. Modules are electrically connected to adjacent modules by plug portions The mechanical interlocking features and the plug portions are designed to permit insertion and removal of individual modules disposed between adjacent modules, without moving either of the adjacent modules. Also, the plug portions are designed to isolate the electrical connections from vibration.

Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring patients, which is used to detect and process physiological data of a patient, which are measured by sensors. To make possible the most flexible use possible in patient monitoring, especially the connection of additional special sensors (2) and to ensure simple handling of the device even in the case of transportation, the patient monitoring device has a transportable terminal (8), which has connections (18) for connection to sensors (2) for measuring physiological parameters of the patient and signal processing devices (31, 23, 24, 25) for receiving and processing the sensor signals received, and is provided with a network adapter (26) for forwarding the processed sensor data to a stationary medical workplace (14) with display and alarm devices, as well as one or more expansion modules (9) for the connection of additional desired sensors (2).

Abstract: A computer functional card adapting seat comprises a base and at least one computer functional card. The base has a circuit substrate therein; At least one terminal slot is formed in the circuit substrate. Each terminal slot is connected to a circuit control unit of the circuit substrate. At least one universal serial bus inserting hole, a first inserting hole for being supplied with DC power, and a second inserting hole for being connected to a computer are installed on the base. The universal serial bus inserting hole, and first and second inserting holes are connected to the circuit control unit. Thereby, the computer functional card is formed on the base for being communicated to a computer without needing to detach the case of the computer mainframe.

Abstract: Stacked housings for network devices are disclosed. Each housing comprises a raised member formed on the a side, raised member spaced from either side of housing, an engagement member formed at the joining of raised member and housing, a plurality of grooves formed on the top of raised member, two opposed legs provided in a side opposed to raised member, a matching engagement member formed at the edge of leg, and a rib provided between legs wherein raised member of one housing is sandwiched between legs of the other, engagement members of one housing are engaged with the matching engagement members of the other, and rib of one housing engages with one of grooves of the other. By utilizing this, two or more housings can be stably stacked.

Abstract: A joint connector is provided with upper and lower housings and linkage terminals accommodated in the respective housings. Each linkage terminal comprises a plurality of terminals and carriers coupling the terminals. A plugging-in piece of each terminal projects below a bottom portion of each housing. A pair of spring pieces corresponding to the plugging-in piece is provided on each terminal. In the linkage terminal, carriers and plugging-in pieces are cut off according to a circuit configuration required. A connecting state among the terminals in one housing is set by the carriers. A connecting state among the terminals between the upper and lower housings are maintained by the plugging-in pieces. Thereby, a required circuit pattern is set in the upper and lower housings.

Abstract: An assembly of a connection end of a heating element and a connector matable therewith includes a heating element having side-by-side-rod sections, a ground strap mounted to the rod elements and a connector mountable to a frame of an electronic device. The connector includes at least two power terminals and at least one ground terminal. The power terminals are receptacles and the rod sections of the heating element include an integral male lead dimensioned to be directly connected to respective receptacle terminals. The ground strap is disposed over the rod sections and is adapted to mate with the ground terminal in the connector.

Abstract: An electronic circuit module has an electronic circuit module main body and two signal pedestals, one on each side of the main body. The first signal pedestal is formed at a level higher than the second signal pedestal by an amount equal to the vertical thickness of the second signal pedestal. Signal lines are formed on a bottom surface of the first signal pedestal and on a top surface of the second signal pedestal. When connected to adjacent electronic circuit modules, the first signal pedestal of the electronic circuit module overlaps a second signal pedestal of one adjacent electronic circuit module, and the second signal pedestal underlaps a first signal pedestal of another adjacent electronic circuit module to electrically connect electronic circuit modules in multiple stages, improving signal connections and reducing the size of the electronic circuit module package.

Abstract: In a set of devices for transferring electric signals, devices according to at least two different designs are provided. Each device comprises a bus and a connector providing electrical and mechanical connection of the bus to a bus of another of the devices. Each device further includes terminals for external connection of the device to electrical arrangements, for signal exchange with the electrical arrangements. Each device further includes a signal adapting module electrically connected to the bus and to the terminals. The different designs of the devices allow sets of devices to be combined in a way which utilizes space efficiently.

Abstract: A computer-dedicated auxiliary data access device comprised of a device case having a minimum of one horizontal slot in the front side and, furthermore, a housing cavity perpendicularly formed inward beyond the horizontal slot, a universal serial bus interface socket installed at the end section of the housing cavity, an IC circuit board disposed in parallel alignment with the horizontal slot, a card terminal connector respectively situated at the end face of the IC circuit board, and a number of perpendicularly supportive spring contacts of the card terminal connector that are connected via a flat cable routed to the interface socket. The horizontal slot provides for the sideways insertion of an ultra thin flat memory card, with the memory card internally consisting of high-speed flash memory chips and also including a main controller IC and a memory IC which have a read/write specification of 10,000 times to enable the rapid reading and writing of data.

Abstract: An internal bus connector device is provided for use in the terminal block of an electrical power and signal distribution system, wherein the connector device includes a thin support plate that extends parallel with the support rail of the system and that carries a plurality of rows of pins each of which includes a pair of orthogonally arranged portions that extend parallel with and normal to the support plate, respectively. The pin portions that extend normal to the support plate are adapted for connection with the circuits of an associated printed circuit board, and the pin portions that extend parallel with the support plate are connected with conductors on the terminal block or with corresponding terminals of an adjacent terminal block mounted on the same support rail.

Abstract: A slide-in module for hard disk drives which enables a “hot-replace” function that assures continuous motions, a precise guidance when replacing hard disk drives and an all around shielding in the built-in condition. The slide-in module includes ejectors laterally inserted into the front, a shielding plate behind the front and contact rails laterally contactable from the outside at side walls having angle pieces that are electrically connectable to grounding surfaces of a hard disk drive arranged within the slide-in module.

Abstract: An interface device includes a base, a lift mechanism, and a linkage mechanism. The base has a front end, a rear end, left and right sides between the front and rear ends, a top face adapted for placement of a portable computer thereon, a bottom face, and a connector housing. The connector housing is formed at the rear end of the base, and has an upright front wall extending upwardly from the top face of the base. A connector is mounted on the front wall of the connector housing at a predetermined height relative to the top face, and is adapted for engaging a mating connector of the portable computer. The lift mechanism is mounted on the base and is adapted for moving the portable computer upwardly and downwardly relative to the top face of the base so that the mating connector of the portable computer can register with and engage the connector on the base. The linkage mechanism is mounted on the base, and is connected operatively to the lift mechanism in order to actuate the lift mechanism.

Abstract: A system of interlocking modules for use with a programmable logic controller. The system utilizes a plurality of modules, e.g. input/output modules, that are mechanically interlinked to obviate the need for a rack or back plane. Each module includes a movable plug portion that selectively may be moved into engagement with a corresponding plug receptacle of the next adjacent module. The mechanical interlocking features and the plug portions are designed to permit insertion and removal of individual modules disposed between adjacent modules, without moving either of the adjacent modules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to two modules containing electronic equipment, one relatively small, and one relatively large, that will be physically connected and used for extended operation in an environment where the ambient atmosphere contains moisture filled air or some other specified environmental contaminant. An absorber such as desiccant of a prescribed amount is contained within at least the relatively large module to control the absolute humidity and/or environmental contaminants within each module during extended operation in the ambient environment. Permeable wall portions are placed in the region between the relatively small module and the relative large module to allow for moisture and/or other specified environmental contaminants to pass from the relatively small module to the relatively large module. As such, the lifespan of the small module can be extended.

Abstract: A modular peripheral unit, which monitoring a technical process, includes a base module to which at least one expansion module can be attached in series, the modules each having a module upper part and a module lower part, as well as having at least one profile permitting serial attachments. The module lower parts have a multiplicity of essentially U-shaped contact elements in the region of the profile with which they can be attached in series. One limb of the contact elements extends into the interior of the module lower part, such that the multiplicity of these limbs form an internal male contact strip and the multiplicity of remaining limbs of the contact elements form an external male contact strip. When an expansion module is attached in series, the external male contact strip engages in the expansion module such that the external male contact strip is opposite the internal male contact strip of the expansion module which is attached in series.

Abstract: A pivotable light stanchion assembly includes an upper stanchion having a light at a top end and lower stanchion member which are detachably coupled with a pair of socket members. A first socket is attached to the lower stanchion and includes a plurality of receptacles in electrical communication with a power source. The opposing socket member is attached to the upper stanchion and includes a plurality of male prongs coupled with a light member at a distal end of the upper stanchion member. The socket members are pivotally joined so that the upper stanchion member may be pivoted downwardly relative to the lower stanchion member thereby disabling power to the light while allowing the light to be accessed from ground level.

Abstract: A modular home information center includes a number of processing modules having substantially identical housings with each of the modules having an operating structure and a multi-bus connector within the housing of the module. Each multi-bus connector is connected to the operating structure within the housing and is engagable and disengageable to form a multi-bus network interface when engaged. The housings and the connectors are interchangeable relative to other housings and connectors, and the connectors when engaged constrain the housings to maintain a uniform parallel relation with each other.

Abstract: The mechanism establishes electrical connection of two printed circuit boards of separate devices that form individual modules within a stackable module system. In order to achieve a simply constructed connection mechanism, the printed circuit boards respectively have centering or spring clips into which an adapter assembly is pluggable. The adapter assembly is thereby composed of two blade or spring clips firmly connected to one another via an adapter assembly printed circuit board, whereby the adapter assembly is surrounded by shielding covers firmly connected to one another. In the plugged condition, the adapter assemblies are conducted through housing openings in oppositely residing housing parts of the devices stacked above one another, whereby the outsides of the shielding covers contact the surrounding edges of the housing openings.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrical or electronic device (1) for seating on a mounting rail (2), with a housing (3), at least one circuit board (4) located in the housing (3), and with at least one contact arrangement (6) having a contact (8) for making contact with the circuit board (4), and front and rear bus contacts for a data and/or power bus connection to adjacent devices (1) which have corresponding contact arrangements (6) and which are seated on the mounting rail (2). To be able to the produce contact arrangement (6) of the device (1) easily and quickly, the circuit board contact (8), the front bus contact (9) and the rear bus contact (10) are produced from the same continuous piece of electrically conductive material.

Abstract: An industrial computing device includes a field mountable primary housing having a removable side cover to facilitate expansion. Within the primary housing there is a head board having a processor on one side. On the opposite side, there is an expansion connector adapted to receive an expansion board and at least one peripheral connector, which is coupled to the processor within the housing. The peripheral connector receives at least one PCMCIA card such that the PCMCIA card is also within the housing when plugged into the peripheral connector. The expansion board includes at least one more peripheral connector to receive at least one more PCMCIA card. The peripheral connector, the expansion connector and the side cover are oriented orthogonal to a mounting plane of the computing device. The primary housing can also include a removable front cover, which together with a top or bottom portion of the primary housing, provides an aperture for flush-mounting an I/O device in the form of an internal dongle.

Abstract: A modular system (10) is disclosed for use, e.g. in infusion systems. The system includes a base unit (20) and one or more modules (30). A mechanical/electrical connecting system (21 to 24) is disclosed enabling safe connection of the various units in the system while enabling easy disconnection of any of the modules (30). A signal processing arrangement is also disclosed enabling the number of modules (30) in the system to be sensed by the base unit (20).

Abstract: Tiling processor elements facilitate manipulation of digital information and processing through user-defined relationship between the elements. Each element represents an independent computational entity with predefined properties and functionality, but the behavior of an arrangement of these elements depends on the arrangement itself-not just the characteristics of the individual devices. In this way, unique computational entities may be constructed based on, but not limited to, the capabilities of the individual devices. Rearrangement of the elements defines and alters the functionality of the resulting element network.

Abstract: A building block assembly has a base plate, a battery carrier disposed on the base plate, a plurality of transparent blocks disposed on the base plate, and a plurality of bulb seats disposed in the respective transparent blocks. Each of the bulb seats receives a bulb.

Abstract: Racks of modules especially useful for retaining disk drives, tape drives, controllers, computers and the like are fabricated via use of tower building blocks. Each block contains a latch arrangement for securing it to another block, a base unit or a cap unit with the latch effecting interlocking of the blocks so as to form a sturdy assembled structure. Power and/or electrical communication lines are provided in each block with power passing through one vertical array of blocks and electrical communications passing through the other so as to reduce the need for shielding one from the other. An arrangement of alignment pins and mating receptacle holes in conjunction with selected placement of sliding latch elements can facilitate proper coupling of blocks which have similar electrical path boards therein.

Abstract: A network apparatus in the form of a base hub (10) containing a motherboard (43) and active circuitry (62) on the motherboard (43) for operation in a communications network and multiple communication ports (64) connected to the active circuitry (62), an expansion module (20) containing additional communication ports (64), and an interconnection mechanism (16) for connecting the additional communication ports (64) and the active circuitry (62).

Abstract: A computer system is implemented by a plurality of electronic modules having different parts, cascaded in the vertical direction and each having a similar configuration. Adjacent two of the modules are coupled by rotating a pair of lock dials to a lock position at which the locked pin of the protrusion is engaged with a helical groove formed in the lock dials. A common signal bus is formed by engagement of a plug and receptacle at the locked position. The adjacent modules are separated by rotating the lock dial to an open position.

Abstract: A power distribution system utilizing a power distribution circuit board having a front and back side with at least one connector on each side. The connector on the front side is disposed to mate with a selected power supply and the connector on the back side is disposed to mate with a substantially identical power supply. The connector on the back side is rotated 180.degree. so that substantially identical power supplies can be located in close proximity to each other while maintaining required conductor spacing in order to provide an improved power distribution system.

Abstract: A computer system includes a chassis having a generally planar floor plate; a first generally planar motherboard having circuitry thereon mounted on the floor plate; at least one riser board connected to the first motherboard to extend generally orthogonally upwardly therefrom, the riser board having an upper edge oriented generally parallel to and above the plane of the first motherboard, and being provided with electrical circuit contacts along the upper edge; and a second generally planar motherboard connected to and at least partly supported by the riser board, the second motherboard being positioned adjacent the upper edge of the riser board, the second motherboard having circuitry thereon electrically connected to the electrical circuit contacts along the upper edge of the riser board.

Abstract: An interlocking display panel assembly comprises a pair of end elements for attachment to a supporting surface, at least one intermediate element having an indicia displaying surface locatable in an interlocking relationship between the end elements to form an integral planar assembly, illumination devices in the intermediate elements. Each element interlocks with an adjacent element by means of a tongue-and-groove arrangement, male and female portions of the tongue-and-groove arrangements on opposite sides of the intermediate elements being arranged in a complementary manner so that as many intermediate elements can be fitted together in a row as desired. Respective contacts are provided on opposing surfaces of adjacent interlocking elements so as to transfer electrical power between adjacent elements. One of the end elements includes a device for providing power to the assembly.

Abstract: A modular terminal block for a Fieldbus digital communications loop includes a housing having a set of wiring terminals interconnected by an internal bus line. The terminal block is adapted to be selectively mounted on a DIN rail and has plug-compatible male and female connectors for coupling to other terminal blocks without the use of external wiring.

Abstract: A control unit including an inverter (1) and a terminal block (2) connectable to wires (8) in which an external signal for the inverter (1) is directly delivered to the inside of the inverter (1) when a first additional device (3a) is not connected to the inverter (1), and an external signal for the inverter (1) is delivered via an internal circuit in a first additional device (3a) to the inside of the inverter (1) when the first additional device (3a) is connected to the inverter (1). The terminal block (5) includes screws (14) for connection to external signal wires (8) and upper and lower sets of contact pieces (15, 16) that can be pressed together or shorted when the inverter (1) is not connected to the first additional device (3a).

Abstract: A system for connecting modular electrical components, like switches and wall outlets, into electrical wall boxes. There are electrical connections on the side of each electrical component to form a series of side-by-side electrical components that are to be placed into the electrical box without having to use multiple short wires between the components. There is a common power, neutral, and ground bus plane running through each electrical component which eliminates the need to manually connect each electrical component in a daisy chain. The electrical box is accessible from the rear for wiring the modular electrical components. The electrical box also has two separate cavities, one for placing the modular electrical components into, and the other for housing and attaching the electrical wiring leading to and from the electrical box.

Abstract: A battery pack provides ease of assembly and disassembly from a portable transceiver yet retains its new-like latching properties for an extended period of time. The battery pack is generally rectangular in shape and includes alignment slots and a projecting rib section on one edge surface for aligning both with counterpart projecting ribs and an alignment slot located on the housing of the portable transceiver. The battery pack also includes a latch mechanism attached to a generally planar surface on the battery housing for securing the battery housing to the housing of the portable transceiver. The latch mechanism includes both an outwardly projecting guide member for guiding the battery pack into a cradle on the portable transceiver and a latch member within the perimeter of the outwardly projecting guide member for securing the battery pack to the portable transceiver.

Abstract: A connector element and electronic component arrangement in which the connector element cooperates with receiving slots provided in first and second electronic components to electrically connect the components. The connector element includes ground traces and signal traces which are brought into electrical contact with signal leads and ground leads of the electronic components when the connector element is inserted into the receiving slots located in the first and second electronic components. Multiple electrical components may be electrically connected in a stack using multiple connector elements which cooperate to form a substantially continuous bus. The connector element and electronic component arrangement eliminates the signal delay, signal reflection, and interference associated with data cables.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for efficiently coupling an additional component to an electronic device. The invention is particularly useful in conjunction with modular electronic devices. An additional component may be mechanically and electrically coupled to a video electronic device. The added component is joined to the electronic device by a series of easy steps which include bringing the front bottom surface of the electronic device into contact with the front top surface of the added component and then rotating the rear surface of the electronic device, such that the front bottom surface of the electronic device is flush with the front top surface of the added component. The electronic device and added component include feet and receptors respectively that allow them to be easily aligned. Finally, the added component and electronic device are securely joined by a latch. Since the device and component are integral, the added device does not require a large amount of space.

Abstract: A connector element and electronic component arrangement in which the connector element cooperates with receiving slots provided in first and second electronic components to electrically connect the components. The connector element includes ground traces and signal traces which are brought into electrical contact with signal leads and ground leads of the electronic components when the connector element is inserted into the receiving slots located in the first and second electronic components. Multiple electrical components may be electrically connected in a stack using multiple connector elements which cooperate to form a substantially continuous bus. The connector element and electronic component arrangement eliminates the signal delay, signal reflection, and interference associated with data cables.

Abstract: A diskdrive case including a top cover shell having two longitudinal sliding grooves and a rear opening, a bottom cover shell having two longitudinal sliding tracks and a rear opening, a first locating plate fastened to the rear opening of the top cover shell to hold a plurality of arched metal contact spring leaves, and a second locating plate fastened to the rear opening of the bottom cover shell to hold a plurality of curved metal contact spring leaves, wherein by engaging the longitudinal sliding tracks of one diskdrive case with the the longitudinal sliding grooves of another, a plurality of diskdrive cases can be connected in a stack; the arched contact metal spring leaves of one diskdrive case are respectively disposed in contact with the curved contact metal spring leaves of another when a plurality of diskdrive cases are connected in a stack.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) for a battery (2) comprises, electrical battery terminals (5, 6, 7, 8), a first pair of the terminals (5, 8) connecting battery cells (4) electrically in series, a second pair of the terminals (6, 7) comprising data and charging terminals, an insulating package 3 containing the cells 4 and at least a part (14) of a charging control circuit, and accessible portions (18) of the terminals (5, 6, 7, 8) being accessible through an end (19) of the package (3) and also through a side (20) of the package (3), whereby the end (19) and the side (20) of the package (3) are adapted to matingly engage another, mating electrical connector (24).

Abstract: In an electrical system consisting of individual subassemblies, particularly in a control system composed of modules, the individual subassemblies (1, 2) comprise housings, which are adapted to be arranged in a row and for making electric line connections are provided with plug terminals for counterplug terminals on a subassembly carrier. The housings (1, 2) are secured to the subassembly carrier (4) by detachable retaining elements (27, 30, 34), particularly by swivel holders Which permit the housings to be swung up, and by snap holders (27, 28) for locking the housings when they have been swung into the row.

Abstract: An actuating device has an actuator, at least one control conductor conned with the actuator, and at least one through connection useable without a tool and associated with the electrical actuator, the control conductor uninterruptibly contacting with the through connection.

Abstract: A battery includes a module having a case with a conductive connector mounted on each of two opposed exterior walls. At least one connector includes compliant contacts. The connectors are respectively connected to electroactive material within the case to form positive and negative electrodes. An external connector complimentarily-shaped to the connectors in the case releasably interconnects two like modules together. The external connector may be mounted in a single planar carrier insertable between two adjacent modules. The carrier has guide members formed thereon to facilitate the alignment and positioning of adjacent modules with respect to each other. A voltage tap may be mounted on the external connector to provide an external voltage monitoring tap between two interconnected modules. A thermocouple may be mounted on the carrier for sensing the temperature of the case of an adjacent module.

Abstract: A motor control system and the electrical bus for interconnecting the components of the control system are disclosed herein. The system includes a main motor control unit connected to four motor axis control modules. The control algorithms and commands for the system are stored and executed by the control unit which communicates control commands to the individual motor axis control modules. Each motor control module processes the control commands to control a motor connected to the module, and also communicates feedback signals produced at the associated axis to the control unit. The interconnection between the control unit and the modules is positioned at the face of the components to facilitate removal and insertion of the modules. The electrical bus includes both communications conductors and power conductors, and is included in the interconnection of the components.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting the bus structure of separate I/O block units to form a common system backplane for data communications purposes. The system includes sets of pins and matching pin receptacles electrically coupled to bus structures on circuit boards installed on base units onto which different types of I/O modules can be removably mounted. The pins and pin receptacles for each base unit are mounted on opposite lateral sides of the base units. The pins and pin receptacles are constructed and arranged for convenient interconnection between the bases of adjacent units whereby a common system backplane may be formed.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) for a battery (2) comprises, an insulating package (3) containing battery cells (4) and extended height, battery terminals (5, 6, 7, 8) accessible through an end (19) of the package (3) and also through a side (20) of the package (3), and the package (3) is adapted for mating upside down with another, mating electrical connector (24).

Abstract: An electronics housing that is compliant with a type II PCMCIA standard includes a frame (101) and coupled thereto a first and a second cover (103, 137), a connector (121) with a body (123) and a plurality of terminals (131), and a carrier (111) with a first side (113) and a second side (115). The first cover (103) includes an interior surface (105) with the carrier (111) disposed adjacent thereto and an interface surface (107). The body (123) is disposed adjacent to the interface surface (107) and includes a plurality of openings (129) extending through the body. The plurality of terminals (131) each includes a receptacle (133) and an integral contact (135) where the receptacle is disposed within the opening and the integral contact extends from the body and is formed to be mechanically coupled to the second side (115).

Abstract: A modular, re-enterable telecommunications terminal (50), for making and breaking connections with insulated wire conductors, includes one or more base frames (52) supporting wire termination modules (55, 56) thereon, and a multi-pin socket (60) thereon is connected to another base froze (52) by one or more bridging modules (100). The termination modules (55, 56) are manually operable for terminating wires in insulation displacing connectors (70, 85), and are selected and positioned according to the type of terminations desired. Manually pushing and pulling the termination module drivers (65, 80) toward and away from the base frames (52) effects movement of the wires between connected and open positions.

Abstract: A modular communications connector apparatus for coupling an external communications device to the auxiliary I/O contacts of an IC card receptacle of a computer system is described. The apparatus includes a communications adapter receptacle, affixed to the computer chassis, which includes electrical contacts which are coupled to the auxiliary I/O contacts of the IC card receptacle. The apparatus also includes at least one communications adapter module which serves as an intermediate adapter between the communications adapter receptacle and one of a variety of standard communications plugs. To form the desired interface, the standard communications plug of the external device is inserted into a standard receptacle contained on communications adapter module, and the communications adapter module is then inserted into the communications adapter receptacle. Flexibility is achieved because the communications adapter receptacle is capable of receiving a variety of differently-adapted communications adapter modules.

Abstract: A cordless electrical appliance includes a male pin connector which engages vertically with a female socket connector mounted in a base for the appliance. The contacts are arranged such that one of the line or neutral connections makes last and breaks first. This connection includes a silver, copper backed contact mounted on a leaf spring with a corresponding male pin being made of copper and having a thin silver plating at least in a region of contact with the copper backed contact.