Pluggable terminal architecture
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An interactive modular terminal including:
- a. a frame having a plurality of openings therein, said openings being operable for orienting and retaining one or more self-contained functional units with some of the units being operable for interfacing with a human operator to provide communication of information between the functional units and the operator,b. one or more self-contained functional units, operable to perform an included function, being fitted in the openings and being supported in said frame with each of said self-contained functional units having;
(1) a signal transceiver for receiving and transmitting data signals,(2) a logic unit for processing received signals to cause the included function to be performed,(3) a power tap for transferring power to said signal transceiver and said logic unit,c. a data distribution chamber in communication with the signal transceivers of each self-contained functional unit for providing a communications medium linking each functional unit with at least one other functional unit, andd. a power distribution means for distributing power among one or more of said self-contained functional units and including;
(1) a pattern of current conductors and adapted to be conductively connected to said power taps,(2) one or more openings being positioned in the power distribution means and operable to form a signal communicating path between the data distribution chamber and the signal transceivers.
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Abstract
A modular terminal comprising a frame, a data distribution chamber, a power distribution apparatus and plural functional units. The functional units are supported and oriented by the frame in such a way that each interconnects with the power distribution components. Functional units communicate via optical transmissions through the data distribution chamber. This allows a functional unit to be inserted, removed or moved from one frame location to another without special equipment or tools by unskilled personnel.
102 Citations
12 Claims
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1. An interactive modular terminal including:
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a. a frame having a plurality of openings therein, said openings being operable for orienting and retaining one or more self-contained functional units with some of the units being operable for interfacing with a human operator to provide communication of information between the functional units and the operator, b. one or more self-contained functional units, operable to perform an included function, being fitted in the openings and being supported in said frame with each of said self-contained functional units having; (1) a signal transceiver for receiving and transmitting data signals, (2) a logic unit for processing received signals to cause the included function to be performed, (3) a power tap for transferring power to said signal transceiver and said logic unit, c. a data distribution chamber in communication with the signal transceivers of each self-contained functional unit for providing a communications medium linking each functional unit with at least one other functional unit, and d. a power distribution means for distributing power among one or more of said self-contained functional units and including; (1) a pattern of current conductors and adapted to be conductively connected to said power taps, (2) one or more openings being positioned in the power distribution means and operable to form a signal communicating path between the data distribution chamber and the signal transceivers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A modular terminal including:
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a. a frame having a plurality of openings therein for orienting and retaining one or more self-contained functional units; b. one or more self-contained functional units operable to perform an included function, each of said functional units supported in said frame and having; (1) a signal transceiver for receiving and transmitting data signals, (2) a logic unit for processing received signals to cause the included function to be performed, (3) a power tap for transferring power to said signal transceiver and said logic unit, c. a distribution means being placed in spaced relationship with the frame and operable for distributing power and informational signals among one or more of said functional units; and d. a data distribution chamber abutting on the frame and in communication with the signal transceivers of each functional unit via openings being provided in the distribution means for providing a communications medium linking each functional unit with at least one other functional unit.
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Specification