Electrical connectors – With insulation other than conductor sheath – Plural-contact coupling part
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-02
2001-10-16
Ta, Tho D. (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
With insulation other than conductor sheath
Plural-contact coupling part
C439S076100, C439S639000, C439S540100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302742
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to electrical signal routers and is particularly directed to an electrical interface panel for providing asynchronous signals from plural connectors of a first type to plural connectors of a different type in a compact, closed housing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An electrical interface panel is typically used to connect a first set of cables with a second set of cables. The first set of cables typically terminate in a first connector, while a second set of cables terminate in a second connector, where the two connectors may be of different types, thus requiring an electrical interface arrangement. Cables typically connect the first connectors with the second connectors. Electrical interface arrangements of this type are becoming increasingly complex and more common with the increasing use of high speed data networks such as the Internet.
As the number of cables increase, the cable connection arrangements undergo a corresponding increase in complexity. Thus, large numbers of cables frequently interconnect one set of connectors with another set in asynchronous signal networks. This large number of electrical cables is unruly and cumbersome and is aesthetically displeasing and difficult to manage. In addition, the large number of cables and associated connections is subject to environmental degradation, such as from humidity, as well as disconnection caused by stresses on the connectors or by worker contact with the connectors.
The present invention addresses the aforementioned limitations of the prior art by providing a compact, highly reliable, easily installed electrical interface panel for routing asynchronous signals from a first set of connectors to a second set of connectors.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a compact electrical interface panel for routing asynchronous signals from plural input to plural output connectors.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an electrical interface between plural small computer system interface (SCSI) multi-port connectors and either plural RJ45 multi-port connectors or plural D-sub connectors.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide asynchronous signal connectivity in a point-to-point electrical interface panel in a manner which is easily managed, safe, environmentally isolated, and highly reliable.
The present invention contemplates an electrical interface panel for routing asynchronous signals from plural input connectors to plural output connectors. The input and output connectors are attached to respective walls of a generally closed housing, with the input and output connectors connected by means of either plural cables or by a printed circuit (PC) board disposed within the housing to isolate the electrical connections from environmental degradation as well as from vibration, stress and contact by workers. This arrangement thus substantially increases the reliability of the point-to-point electrical connections and enhances worker safety. In a preferred embodiment, plural SCSI multi-port connectors are connected to either plural RJ45 multi-port connectors or to plural D-sub connectors. The electrical interface panel provides built-in cable strain relief for maintaining the cables firmly in place and perfectly aligned with the connectors. The electrical interface panel's housing is sized so as to occupy either one rack unit, i.e., 1RU, or two rack units, i.e., 2RU, and additional Rack Units depending on the number of connections to be made.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4767338 (1988-08-01), Dennis et al.
patent: 4782245 (1988-11-01), Henry
patent: 5167530 (1992-12-01), Wallgren et al.
patent: 5664950 (1997-09-01), Lawrence
patent: 5697809 (1997-12-01), Chung
Berst John Ray
Reber Kevin S.
Emrich & -Dithmar
Ta Tho D.
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