Gould Inc.

Modicon Division, Gould Inc.

Jay M Prager

Roman Y Gonzales

Joseph F Sadlow

Charles M Ault

John E Farrand

John K Nitzsche

Thomas A Nikonchuk

Thomas A Boissevain

Hiroshi Matsumoto

By providing an input/output module which incorporates post means formed thereon and slider means connected thereto and movable into and out of locking engagement with the post means of an adjacent module, a unique input/output module is achieved that is rapidly mounted to an adjacent module as well as rapidly disconnected therefrom. Preferably, each input/output module incorporates mating connector means positioned on opposite surfaces thereof, whereby each input/output module electronically directly connects to an adjacent module for communication with a central processor.

Readily expandable input/output construction for programmable controller

Input/output module for programmable controller

Housing for a central processing unit

Case for a keyboard and display unit

By providing a retaining surface, upon which a solid state device is positioned, and a device securing means movable into and out of compression engagement with a portion of the solid state device, for securely mounting and retaining the device in sandwiched interengagement between the securing means and the retaining surface, a unique solid state device mounting assembly is achieved which eliminates fastening means extending through the solid state device for secure mounting thereof. In addition, the assembly incorporates heat dissipating means cooperatingly associated with the retaining surface for absorbing and dissipating heat generated by the solid state device. In the preferred embodiment, an elongated unitary one-piece bracket member is employed for securely mounting a plurality of solid state devices in the single bracket member, with the bracket member being mountable to a heat dissipating surface.

Solid state device mounting and heat dissipating assembly

By providing an input/output housing which incorporates paired slider assemblies for supportingly maintaining a printed circuit board in secure electronic engagement between a central processor and external devices, with said printed circuit board being quickly and easily removable from the electronically engaged position, an input/output system for a programmable controller is achieved which is capable of being quickly and easily expanded as well as capable of rapid field assembly and field disassembly for removal or replacement of any required parts. In addition, the external equipment wiring is made to a terminal block which is mounted between the paired slider assemblies and pivotally engaged therein to provide readily accessible contact points for initial interconnection thereto, while also being pivotally movable and slidingly advanceable into the housing for continuous maintenance therein in a secure, hidden, easily accessible storage zone. In the preferred embodiment, all connectors in the input/output system are solderless connections to assure rapid assembly and disassembly capabilities.

Universal input/output system construction for programmable controllers

By providing a plurality of input/output housings which are removably connected to a controller interconnecting duct, with each input/output housing accommodating a plurality of input/output modules that are quickly and easily removably connected thereto, an input/output assembly for a programmable controller is achieved capable of rapid field assembly and field dis-assembly for removal or replacement of any necessary parts. In the preferred embodiment, all connectors in the programmable controller assembly are solderless connections, thereby allowing complete removal and replacement of connectors in the field without soldering. Furthermore, the input/output modules are lightweight and easily handled for quick insertion or removal from the plugged-in housing connections.

Modular panel construction for programmable controller

Growing community of inventors

Nashua, NH, United States of America

Jay M Prager