Abstract: An adaptor (4) for adapting a domestic cooking apparatus (1) to supply power to a liquid heating vessel (5) having its own heating element is arranged to be received within a well (3) of the cooking apparatus (1). The heating vessel (5) is supported on the upper surface (12) of the adaptor (4). The adaptor has a first electrical connector (18) which releasably engages with the socket connector (20) in the well wall, which normally receives the heating element (2) of the cooking apparatus. A second electrical connector (22) electrically connected to the first connector means is arranged in the upper surface (12) for detachable engagement with the terminal pins (34,36,38) of the vessel (5).

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.

Abstract: A contact array (20) for electrically connecting an energy source (10) to a radio (35) and a charger (15), comprising a circuit assembly (40) having integral radio, charger, and circuit package contacts (52, 54, 56) extending from one end of the circuit assembly (40). Terminals (66) extend from a second end of the circuit assembly (40) for connecting to the energy source. A circuit package (60) is disposed adjacent the charger contacts (54) to electrically and mechanically support the contacts.

Abstract: A terminal for receiving and storing information and a reader for reading information and communicating the information to the terminal. A housing is provided which has the terminal and reader integrated therein and also a battery for providing necessary power thereto. A detachable handle can be attached to the housing and includes sides which extend around the sides of the housing as well as partially extending over the top of the housing. An improved mechanism is shown for selectively locking a handle to a terminal. A holster for holding the terminal and handle is also shown. A handle with a scanner integrated therein is attachable to a terminal for receiving and storing information read by the scanner.

Abstract: A series of hard disk drives are secured atop molded plastic support trays slidably and removably received in opposing guide channel member pairs snap-fitted into opposite side walls of a sheet metal cage structure externally used in conjunction with a file server or other computer device. Snap-fitted into rear end portions of the trays are small printed circuit boards that are insertable into hot plug sockets at the rear of the cage. Forwardly projecting guard plates on the rear end of the cage block manual access to the board/socket interface, and the surface mounted grounding leads on the board extend rearwardly beyond its signal leads to enhance grounding safety during disk drive installation and removal. At the front end of each tray is a vertical support plate upon which LED indicating lights are conveniently mounted for the associated disk drive.

Abstract: A desktop computer is provided with an expansion card/riser card module which includes a housing within which a riser card and a plurality of associated expansion cards are removably supported and electrically coupled to one another. The module, and thus the riser and expansion cards it carries, may be quickly and operatively coupled to the computer motherboard simply by pushing the module housing downwardly onto the board in a manner matingly inserting a connection edge portion of the housing-supported riser card into a corresponding motherboard connection socket. The module may be quickly removed from the motherboard simply by pulling upwardly on the module to disconnect the riser card from the motherboard socket. In an alternate embodiment of the module, this disconnection is facilitated by a leveraged removal latch structure carried by the module housing and forcibly engageable with the motherboard to lift the module upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A contact pin subassembly including a plurality of contact pins, a contact pin holder which holds the contact pins and which is provided with a plurality of insulation ring portions in which the associated contact pins are slidably fitted, and springs which are held in the contact pin holder to bias the contact pins outward from the insulation ring portions. The contact pins subassembly may be combined into an assembly with a camera body, a lens, or some other subassembly of a device or instrument which requires contact pins, by mounting to the respective subassembly.

Abstract: A computer assembly comprised of a plurality of modular units which are readily connectable by pluggable terminals to permit quick interchangeability and/or replacement of certain units by untrained and unskilled personnel. The computer assembly includes a docking bay module provided with a number of external connectors for connection to equipment such as a keyboard, printer, cash register, etc., and a power supply plug. A CPU module containing the logic circuitry is slidably mounted in and out of the docking bay module and is readily connected by mating pluggable terminals to the various equipment linked to the external connectors on the docking bay module. A peripheral bay module may be added to the docking bay and CPU modules to function as a file server station in a local area network environment. The CPU module is quickly and conveniently replaced by unskilled personnel for maintenance and repair purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bracket assembly for installing and removing an electrical device into and out of electrical equipment. The bracket assembly includes a slide and a mating carrier. The slide is semi-permanently mounted in electrical equipment, such as a computer work station or a shoe box or a personal computer. A compatible carrier includes the electrical device mounted thereon and engages and mates with the semi-permanently mounted slide. The slide is electrically connected to the electrical equipment and the carrier is electrically connected to the slide. In addition to being physically connected to the electrical device, the carrier is electrically connected to the electrical device by means of an electrical interconnect. Additionally, the carrier includes a configuration identification switch which allows the user to assign a device identification number while the electrical device is mounted on the carrier. The device identification number is visible to the user.

Abstract: A function expanding apparatus for electronic devices having a mechanism for supporting a connector body. Two elastic members hold a connector body which is freely slidable between the two elastic members. The connector body is movable in multiple directions so as to connect to the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A machine module with one, or several, coupling-faces thereof adapted for selective coupling to another like machine module, these modules to be coupled to one another by a planar coupling "bridge-structure" to be inserted between opposed faces of the modules, this coupling "bridge-structure" having on each side an array of catches formed to engage an array of hooks on each coupling face when the modules are juxtaposed and when the coupling "bridge-structure" is inserted downwardly between the modules and shifted horizontally, with mating electrical connectors on the opposed module faces also being intercoupled by such juxtaposition.

Abstract: A modular mainframe computer system having functional units separately housed in respective cabinets aligned in at least one row to form one central unit, the central unit having a central processor cabinet at one end of the row in which is housed at least one central processor, the central, processor having an interconnection portion in assembly therewith, the control processor being so positioned at a backside of the central processor cabinet that the interconnection portion projects outwardly from the central processor cabinet perpendicularly to the row thereby leaving a free space within a front interior section of the central processor cabinet within which can be received the interconnect portion of another central processor of another central unit oriented perpendicularly to the control unit of concern. Ultimately, four such central units can be joined in a cruciform or pinwheel configuration.

Abstract: In the case of a modular electrical installation, for instance a modular programmable controller, the bus is modularly configured on the modules, so that the bus is automatically propagated when the installation is assembled.

Abstract: A modular business terminal comprises a base unit having a docking surface with a number of parallel grooves, on which surface a plurality of detachable terminal modules having elongated projections associated therewith may be positioned and secured by a snap fit connection between the projections and the grooves. The terminal modules may include such devices as a keyboard, a touch screen, a CRT or other type of display, a magnetic stripe reader, a printer, etc. Various arrangements may be employed to provide data coupling between the base unit and the terminal modules, such as infra-red coupling devices, or the use of a cable attached to the terminal module, which cable is retained within the groove which retains the terminal module in position on the docking surface. The base unit may be configured to rest upon a supporting surface, such as a counter, or may be wall mounted. The docking surface may be angled slightly from the horizontal, or may be substantially vertical.

Abstract: A transaction terminal comprises a base module which includes a printer and a portable hand-held data input module which can be removed by a user from the base module to enable the user to move around an area such as a store to gather input data. The portable data input module can then be connected to the base module for printing of the gathered data. The portable hand-held data input module may include several types of data input devices such as a keyboard, a touch screen, a digitizer and a storage disk.

Abstract: A retaining apparatus includes a first compartment for removably receiving a portable computing device and a second compartment for removably retaining a peripheral device. A bulkhead between the two compartments includes electrical connectors for interconnecting such devices when mounted within their respective compartments. The compartments are preferably formed from a single enclosure to provide rigidity to the retaining apparatus. The bulkhead connectors are sized and shaped to connect to complementary connectors on the devices when the devices are slidably inserted into their compartments. Various openings and other connectors are also provided within the retaining apparatus to allow access to connectors, slots and other features of the devices while they are mounted therein. In addition, another electrical connector is provided in the bulkhead for enabling a peripheral device outside the apparatus to be connected to the computing device.

Abstract: A modular computer chassis with passive backplane is provided for a personal computer system with a plurality of open-ended and vertically or horizontally interconnectable bays, or a single case with bays, for slidably receiving component trays each having a printed double sided bus direction adaptor board with a bus connector at one end and a female bus connector mounted to the top surface for attaching an expansion card parallel to the board. The end bus connector extends through the back wall of the tray to connect to a female bus connector on a passive backplane connector board attached to the back of the chassis. The adaptor board converts the established bus connection between the card and female bus connector 90 degrees to the bus connector at the rear of the tray. A front cover, or individual tray covers, cover the front of the chassis as a locking and security mechanism.

Abstract: A docking assembly including a guide housing (2) and camming assembly (38, 54 and 40) for mechanically interfacing a modular component (46) with a circuit board to thereby complete and protect multiple electrical connections therebetween. An interfacing connector (80) is also disclosed for providing an electrical and mechanical interface between a circuit board and a disk drive (82). The interfacing connector (80) allows high-density multiple electrical interconnections to the circuit board by the use of canted coil springs (100) for direct electrical contact with individual traces and/or contact pads on the circuit board. The interfacing connector (80) may also include a docking assembly (130) with guide channels (136) for guiding insertion of a circuit board to thereby insure the integrity of the electrical interconnections therebetween.

Abstract: An expansion device includes a box-like device body and a second battery pack. The body includes a hard disc drive therein, a fitting recess open to the outer surface of the body, power-receiving terminals provided in the fitting recess and connected to the hard disc drive, and a second connector adapted to be connected to a first connector of a personal computer. The second battery pack is designed to be removably mounted in a battery mount portion, in place of a battery pack of the computer, and includes a coupling portion removably fitted in the fitting portion, and first and second power-supply terminals. When the second battery pack is mounted in the mount portion while the coupling portion is fitted in the fitting recess, the device body is coupled to the computer in a state where the second connector is connected to the first connector and the first and second power-supply terminals contact power-receiving terminals of the computer and the power-receiving terminals of the device body.

Abstract: In a computer system, a hard disk drive mounting structure is comprised of a mainframe, a sliding box fastened in a chamber inside said mainframe, and a hard disk drive fastened inside said sliding box by screws. The hard disk drive has a PC board inserted in a channel inside the sliding box, which PC board has a connector extending out of the sliding box and connected to a connector on a PC board fastened in the chamber inside the mainframe. The PC board in the chamber inside the mainframe is connected to the mother board of the mainframe by a bus line. The sliding box has two sliding grooves at two opposite sides respectively engaged with two rails in the chamber so that it can be drawn out of the mainframe and then pushed back into place. Retainer blocks are made on the sliding box and engaged in corresponding retaining slots inside the chamber for positioning.

Abstract: A solenoid valve battery includes in each case a solenoid valve (9), which exhibits coil contacts and can be constructed advantageously for the variation of the number of device components for the handling of connections and for cable assembly as well as with respect to its device size. A pluggable connector module (13) is furnished for the contacting of the protective grounded conductor (19), of the signal line, and of the neutral conductor (20). At least one protective grounded conductor (19) and/or a parallel running neutral conductor (20) are through-connected and running in the longitudinal extension direction (17) of the strip. The grounded conductor (19) and the neutral conductor (20) can be contacted by plugging the connector modules (13) together in longitudinal direction. A signal line (21) is furnished individually at each connector module (13) and includes a connector clamp (23) at an input (22) and a connection to the corresponding coil contact (20a) at an output (24).

Abstract: An office automation system flexibly set-up by piling up a variety of office automation units which have each a respective functional PC board set in an independent cartridge. The cartridge has a connector socket at the top and a connector plug at the bottom. By connecting the connector plug of one office automation unit to the connector socket of another office automation unit, several office automation units are electrically connected into a desired office automation system.

Abstract: A mounting system for the installation of communication termination blocks and communication boxes ("system blocks") on a backplane substantially reduces space requirements for a communications center. The system includes a system block that quickly and removably mounts to a slot in a track. A locking slide either automatically or manually engages the block to hold it securely in place, both mechanically and electrically. Lifting the locking slide releases the block. The block includes an elongated hook that provides lateral support for the block during installation and removal to ensure proper mating of electrical conductors.

Abstract: The portable computer has a computer casing provided with a rectangular receiving space accessible from one side thereof, and a socket connector projecting inwardly into the receiving space from an innermost end of the receiving space and being electrically connected to the internal circuitry confined by the computer casing. A detachable cartridge type interface device has a rectangular casing detachably provided in the receiving space of the computer casing, and an interface card confined inside the rectangular casing. The rectangular casing has a rear end provided with a rectangular opening to access one end of the interface card. The socket connector extends into the rectangular opening to engage the interface card so as to electrically connect the same to the internal circuitry. The front end of the rectangular casing is provided with a socket to permit electrical connection of the portable compute with an external device.

Abstract: A first mother board among a plurality of mother boards is mounted adjacent to a reference mother board and a second mother board among said plurality of mother boards is mounted in a position rotated 180.degree. about the horizontal centerline of the second mother board and mounted back to back to the first mother board, whereby the reference mother board and the first and second mother boards can be interconnected at a minimal distance.

Abstract: An apparatus including a support plate with a "U" shaped flange formed with serrated confronting teeth for securement to a visor of an automobile. The support plate includes a plurality of spaced, elongate magnetic plates with conductive strip members orthogonally mounted to opposed lateral elongate edges of each of the strips. Aligned between each of the strips is a first and second recess of dissimilar geometric configurations for complementarily receiving a first and second projection mounted to a top surface of a radar detector receivable within each of the respective recesses.

Abstract: An overhead support system for TV monitors comprising a shoe releasably and slidably insertable into seated position into a pocket in an upper portion of the monitor housing. The shoe carries electrical contacts to mateably engage with corresponding electrical contacts for the monitor when in seated position. Conductor cables are embedded in the shoe and extend from the electrical contacts through a pipe, one end of which is secured to the shoe and the other end of which passes through shock absorbing material supported on an overhead support frame to threadably engage an anchor means supported on the shock absorbing material. This system securely supports such monitors in overhead locations such as on buses.

Abstract: Electronic temperature controller including a snap-on relay module which snaps into the electronic temperature controller. Any compatible relay module with any different numbers of poles can be accepted by manually disengaging a relay module from clips on the electronic temperature controller. Ball-stud assemblies on the relay module frictionally engage into a plurality of receptacles in the electronic temperature controller. A geometrical configuration provides for knob to potentiometer orientation and alignment including radial and axial stress relief for the potentiometer.

Abstract: An I/O relay interface module for mounting a plurality of relays which are adapted to be connected to individual external I/O devices to be controlled or monitored by a central controller. The I/O module comprises a plurality of relay sockets for detachably receiving the relays, respectively, and a terminal section including wire terminals internally connected to the relays through the sockets for connection between the relays and the external devices. An I/O connector is provided on the I/O module for connection with the central controller to receive therefrom control signals for energizing the relays for control of the associated devices or transmit to the central controller monitor signals from the relays as indicative of the operation of the associated devices.

Abstract: In order to control large machines or plants, it is necessary to connect an electronic control 8' or Central Processing Unit (CPU) with a number of reporting, positioning, and measuring peripherals. This CPU is usually not in the immediate vicinity of the peripherals. In order to obviate the need to run separate lines from each of three connected devices to the CPU, an input/output system is connected to the CPU by a data bus for transmission of signals in both directions. An input/output system is often exposed to dust, cuttings, and/or moisture generated at the machine or installation, so the present invention features dust-and-water-resistant seals 5, 17, 26, 28, 52 at all sockets. A plug distribution box 1 with sockets 7, 8, 9 for power supply, bus, and diagnostic connections can be extended by input/output modules 2 which plug into box 1. The modules 2 in turn have sockets 21 for connection with reporting, positioning, and measuring units.

Abstract: A hand held portable computer is secured to a peripheral computer component or expansion module in a snap-on arrangement which automatically effects engagement of bus connectors between the two components. The hand held computer has four openings in its back or under side. Two of the slot-like openings have fittings within them or are so shaped as to receive L-shaped or hook-shaped brackets of the peripheral component. The brackets may be inserted in the slot openings when the computer and the expansion module are held obliquely angled with respect to each other. The computer is then swung down until its back or under side engages against the top of the peripheral component, whereupon a pair of protruding hook members extending at the top surface of the peripheral component engage the computer and snap into locking engagement in the adjacent slot openings. The bus connection is made when the two components are brought together.

Abstract: A modular mother board or bus printed circuit board connector includes insulating housings, each having a row of contact receiving channels extending between longitudinal edges and intersecting a daughter board receiving slot. Flat stamped contact elements inserted in the channels have first and second resilient contact portions at opposite edges and resilient daughter board engaging contacts protruding into the slot. A bridge portion severable at different locations joins the first and second contact portions. The longitudinal edges of adjacent housings are adapted to be attached together to bring corresponding first and second contact portions into electrical engagement to effect desired combinations of connection both between adjacent modules and the daughter boards according to the locations at which the bridge portion is severed.

Abstract: A light matrix display system and a lamp socket for use therein. The lamp socket receives a single lamp which may be easily replaced by another lamp. The lamp socket is also designed so that it may be readily replaced if necessary. A solid state switching circuit is replaceably mounted on each lamp socket. Thus, if a switching circuit fails, it may be quickly replaced without disturbing the operation of other lamps. The light matrix display system includes a plurality of lamps arranged in rows and columns. A plurality of row control conductors and column control conductors are provided which are connected to a matrix system controller. Hot and neutral AC current supplying conductors and one row control conductor and one column control conductor are directly connected to each lamp socket and the switching circuit associated with the lamp socket.

Abstract: A microwave device including various electromagnetically isolated components assembled with a microwave distribution bar in a single housing. A microwave distribution bar is formed to distribute microwave energy to those individual components which are selectively connected thereto.

Abstract: An electric hand tool with a detachable switch mounted between the handle and a detachably mounted nosepiece to allow easy access to, and replacement of, the switch in case of malfunction. The nosepiece is movable in response to pressure on the workpiece. Movement of the nosepiece closes the switch for activating the motor.

Abstract: An automating assembly for electrical installations comprises a plurality of input and output modules each detachably fastened to a respective modular module carrier removably attached to a support bar. The module carriers each include an integrated circuit connectable to the integrated circuits of adjacent module carriers by means of rigidly mounted plug strips and cooperating jack strips connected to the integrated circuits of the module carriers via flat flexible cables. Each modular module carrier is connected to a respective terminal block for the coupling of external wires to the automating assembly. The module carriers are designed to facilitate the removal of individual module carriers for applications in which a reduced number of input and output modules is required.