Patent · US Expired

Adaptable communications connectors

US6164989A · kind A · utility

29Cited by
84References
20Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 26, 1998
Grant dateDec 26, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 26, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S439/946
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for conveying signals between a communications card and a signal utilization device or network. In one form, structures are provided for receiving an RJ series plug and for making electrical connection with at the contacts on the plug and conveying any signals on the contacts to a communications device such as a telephone, facsimile machine, modem, or a local area network adapter. A body includes one or more recesses which receive the plug. An expandable and stretchable membrane isolates the contacts in the plug from electrical contact with an object in a surrounding environment such that passage of current from one or more of the electrical contacts to an object present in the surrounding environment is prevented. Also provided is a replaceable direct access arrangement which is replaceably held within the communications device. Both the structures providing the receptacles and the direct access arrangement are easily removable in case of damage or if other functions are desired. The replaceable direct access arrangement allows operation in countries having different telecommunications standards and allows operation with many different communications devices. Wireless…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.