The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 03, 1988
Filed:
Aug. 20, 1984
Darwin E Phillips, Huntsville, AL (US);
Robert M DuRoss, Huntsville, AL (US);
Walter J Conroy, Huntsville, AL (US);
Joseph T Betterton, Jr, Arab, AL (US);
Alfred H Glover, Decatur, AL (US);
SCI Systems, Inc., Huntsville, AL (US);
Abstract
The computer terminal controller makes it possible to operate a relatively large number of input-output terminals with a single mainframe computer. The controller has a basic configuration enabling it to control up to sixteen terminals. However, the user easily can increase its capacity by adding one or more expansion modules, each module consisting of a cable connector panel and a printed circuit card. Precise locating pins and support structure and hand-operable fasteners are used to mount the panel so that no tools or special skills are needed. Each circuit card preferably contains sufficient circuitry to handle a specific number of additional input/output terminals, and the panel has the same number of cable connectors. The card and the panel are connected to one another by simply plugging them together. The card is guided accurately into engagement with the panel by card guides. A comb-like cable holder structure is provided with flexible arms forming cable enclosures for holding and guiding the cables neatly and compactly within and into and out of the housing of the controller.