Modem mountable in wall of a computer housing with readily accessible, on/off switch, indicator means and internal switch connecting either modem or an auxiliary serial port to an I/O port
First Claim
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1. In a computer device having communications capability, the improvements comprising:
- a computer housing including means provided in a wall thereof readily accessible and visible to a user for mounting a modem device;
a modem device affixed to said housing and having indicator means and on/off switch means accessible through said wall;
said modem device further including means forming an auxiliary serial port and switch means responsive to said on/off switch and operative to connect said modem device to said I/O port when said on/off, switch is in the on position, and to connect said auxiliary serial port to said I/O port when said on/off switch is in the off position;
means for connecting said modem device to external communications lines;
means for connection of said modem device to an I/O port of the computer device; and
means for coupling said modem drive to a suitable source of power.
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Abstract
Computer apparatus including a modular modem device having communications indicators and an on/off switch provided in its front panel and an external configuration suitable for insertion into a slot provided in the front or side wall of a computer housing. Communications jacks, I/O connectors and power leads are provided at the rear thereof for connection to corresponding terminals of the computer. The on/off switch controls a tri-stateable switching device which captures a serial I/O port of the computer when the modem is in use but releases the port when the modem is not in use.
38 Citations
8 Claims
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1. In a computer device having communications capability, the improvements comprising:
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a computer housing including means provided in a wall thereof readily accessible and visible to a user for mounting a modem device; a modem device affixed to said housing and having indicator means and on/off switch means accessible through said wall;
said modem device further including means forming an auxiliary serial port and switch means responsive to said on/off switch and operative to connect said modem device to said I/O port when said on/off, switch is in the on position, and to connect said auxiliary serial port to said I/O port when said on/off switch is in the off position;means for connecting said modem device to external communications lines; means for connection of said modem device to an I/O port of the computer device; and means for coupling said modem drive to a suitable source of power. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. Modem apparatus for insertion into a slot formed in the front of a computer housing comprising:
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electronic modem circuitry; means for providing power to said modem circuitry; a front panel having an on/off switch; at least one jack for connecting said modem circuitry to an external communications line; means forming an auxiliary I/O port; means for connection of said modem circuitry to a computer I/O port; and switching means responsive to said on/off switch for connecting said modem to said computer I/O port when said on/off switch is in the on position and for connecting said auxiliary I/O port to said computer I/O port when said on/off switch is in the off position. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8)
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Specification