Electrical connectors – With flaccid conductor and with additional connector spaced...
Reexamination Certificate
2003-01-31
2004-09-07
Paumen, Gary (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
With flaccid conductor and with additional connector spaced...
C439S638000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06786764
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention is related to signal transfer from input devices to a computer. More particularly, the present invention is related to adapters of a computer system that provide input signal pass-through for multiple input devices.
BACKGROUND
Computer users utilize input devices to provide control over functions of the computer. For example, a computer user provides input to computer programs through typing on a keyboard or moving a mouse. In certain situations, the input to the computer should come from a source other than a local input device connected to the computer. For example, an additional external device may be present to provide input to the computer that is independent of the local input device.
To allow such an external device to provide input, it is necessary to couple the inputs of the external device and the local input device in some way. Typically, the local input device and the external device must utilize the same input connection of the computer to provide the input signals to the computer. For instance, the external device may be used to supersede the inputs of the local input device so that the external device intercepts the input signals from the local input device.
Providing a coupling between the local input device, the external device, and the input connection of the computer may require that the local input devices not be connected in a location where they would ordinarily be. This unconventional installation may confuse users. Additionally, input signals must be passed from the local input device to the external device and from the external device to the computer so that the external device may intercede, and this may result in unpleasant cable clutter.
SUMMARY
Embodiments of the present invention address these and other problems by providing an adapter for use in the computer system to couple the local input device and the external device to the input connection of the computer. The adapter has a housing with a connector that may be connected to the input port of the computer while the user input device is connected to another connector on the housing. Furthermore, one cable extends from the housing to the external device. The cable has wires to carry the signals of the local input device to the external device and carry signals from the external device back to the housing and ultimately to the computer input.
One embodiment is an adapter for use between a computer and a computer input device. The adapter includes a first connector housing and a first connector on a first end of the housing. The first connector includes at least one conductor and is connectable to a connector of a computer. A second connector is on a second end of the housing, and the second connector includes at least one conductor and is connectable to a connector of a computer input device. A cable extends from the first connector housing, and the cable includes a first wire in electrical continuity with the at least one conductor of the first connector and includes a second wire in electrical continuity with the at least one conductor of the second connector.
Another embodiment is a computer system that includes a computer having at least one input connector and an input device having at least one connector. The computer system also includes an adapter that has a first connector housing and a first connector on a first end of the housing. The first connector includes at least one conductor and is connected to the at least one connector of the computer. A second connector is on a second end of the housing, and the second connector includes at least one conductor and is connected to the at least one connector of the input device. A cable extends from the first connector housing, and the cable includes a first wire in electrical continuity with the at least one conductor of the first connector and includes a second wire in electrical continuity with the at least one conductor of the second connector.
Another embodiment is a method of passing input signals between a local input device, an external device, and a computer. The method involves providing an adapter having a first housing with a first connector, a second connector, and a cable with a first wire associated with the first connector and a second wire associated with the second connector. The first connector is connected to an input connector of the computer, and the second connector is connected to a connector of the input device. The first wire and second wire are in electrical continuity with circuitry of the external device. An input signal is transferred from the local input device through the second connector to the second wire and an input signal is transferred from the external device through the first wire to the first connector.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5192226 (1993-03-01), Wang
patent: 5340331 (1994-08-01), Bohlen et al.
patent: 5954538 (1999-09-01), Huang
patent: 6071150 (2000-06-01), Tang et al.
patent: 6174206 (2001-01-01), Yentile et al.
patent: 6498890 (2002-12-01), Kimminau
American Megatrends Inc.
Merchant & Gould
Paumen Gary
LandOfFree
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