Dual compartment multi-tap

Abstract

A multi-tap 2 has two compartments 4,6, the first including input ports 46,48 for conducting RF signals (RF) and AC power (AC), a microstrip 206 for conducting the RF and AC from input ports 46,48 to a conductor 62 passing through a passageway 64 between compartments 4,6 for passing the RF and AC to the microstrip 206 in the compartment 6. The latter microstrip 206 conducts the RF and AC to output ports 78,82 at an end of the compartment 6 in a first operating configuration. In a second operating configuration, a wire 80 conducts RF and AC away from the output ports 78,82 to a microstrip 90 for conducting the RF and AC to a wire 94 passing through a passageway 96 between compartments 4,6 for further conducting the RF and AC to a microstrip 102 in compartment 4 to divert the RF and AC to alternative ouput ports 84,86 of compartment 4. Each microstrip 206 consists of resilient metal strips, and includes upwardly biased ends 216,218 which press against ridges 276 of conductor seizure cylinders 220,222, respectively, for insuring electrical circuit continuity when covers 10,12 are not in place on compartments 4,6, respectively. When covers 10,12 are in place thereon, conductive post pairs 138 and 142, and 128 and 132, respectively enter openings in cylinders 220,222, respectively, to reroute signals through circuit paths 130,140, respectively, and slidable cams 224,226 are activated by the covers 10,12 to break the electrical connection between the cylinders 220,222, and microstrips 206.