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:
Jul. 12, 1988
Filed:
Nov. 25, 1986
Alexander Rabey, Hatboro, PA (US);
Herbert J Hampel, Feasterville, PA (US);
VIR, Inc., Southampton, PA (US);
Abstract
The invention is a switched patch module which provides convenient access to a plurality of communications or data lines, without undesirable mixing of signals. The patch module is formed on a printed circuit board which completes connections between the conductors of two sets of receptacles, such that these receptacles are hard-wired together. The user can connect either the first or second receptacle to a third receptacle, by selecting the position of a manually-operated two-position switch. However, insertion of a plug into the receptacle selected by the manually-operated switch disconnects the third receptacle from the other receptacles, while insertion of a plug into the non-selected receptacle has no such effect. Also, insertion of a plug into the third receptacle dissconnects the third receptacle from the others, and overrides the effect of the manually-operated switch. When the plugs are removed, the connections selected by the manually-operated switch are restored. The switching is performed by a sliding panel, mounted to move along the board. The panel has contacts which make and break electrical connections on the board. The setting of the manually-operated switch determines the initial position of the panel, the panel being moved into this position by a motor and gear arrangement. Insertion of a plug pushes a tab, which makes the panel move in the desired direction, by cam action.