Parallel port multiplexor for PC parallel port
First Claim
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1. Multiplexor apparatus, for use with a computer having a parallel port including an externally accessible standard female parallel port connector, for providing first and second separately addressable auxiliary parallel ports, said multiplexor apparatus comprising:
- a host connector having internal and external signal lines, said external signal lines configured for selectable connection to said external accessible parallel port connector;
a first device connector having internal and external signal lines, said external signal lines physically configured as a standard female parallel port connector for selectable connection to a peripheral device;
a second device connector having internal and external signal lines, said external signal lines physically configured as a standard female parallel port connector for selectable connection to a peripheral device;
nonmanual switch means for selectively connecting said host connector internal signal lines to either said first device connector internal signal lines or said second device connector internal signal lines; and
control means responsive to signals on said host connector internal signal lines for controlling said switch means.
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Abstract
A multiplexor for use with a computer having a parallel port, for providing multiple separately addressable auxiliary parallel ports.
61 Citations
9 Claims
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1. Multiplexor apparatus, for use with a computer having a parallel port including an externally accessible standard female parallel port connector, for providing first and second separately addressable auxiliary parallel ports, said multiplexor apparatus comprising:
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a host connector having internal and external signal lines, said external signal lines configured for selectable connection to said external accessible parallel port connector; a first device connector having internal and external signal lines, said external signal lines physically configured as a standard female parallel port connector for selectable connection to a peripheral device; a second device connector having internal and external signal lines, said external signal lines physically configured as a standard female parallel port connector for selectable connection to a peripheral device; nonmanual switch means for selectively connecting said host connector internal signal lines to either said first device connector internal signal lines or said second device connector internal signal lines; and control means responsive to signals on said host connector internal signal lines for controlling said switch means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. The apparatus of claim wherein said switch means selectively defines either a first state or a second state to connect said host connector internal signal lines to said first device connector and said second device connector internal signal lines, respectively;
- and wherein
said host connector internal signal lines include data lines and control lines; and
whereinsaid control means is responsive to encoded signals on said data lines for switching said switch means from said first to said second state.
- and wherein
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5. In combination with a computer having a parallel port including an externally accessible standard female parallel port connector, multiplexor apparatus externally connected to said parallel port connector for providing at least first and second auxiliary parallel ports separately addressable by said computer, said apparatus comprising:
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a host connector having internal and external signal lines, said external signal lines detachably connected to said externally accessible parallel port connector; a first auxiliary parallel port comprising a first device connector having internal and external signal lines, said external signal lines physically configured as a standard female parallel port connector for selectable connection to a peripheral device; a second auxiliary port comprising a second device connector having internal and external signal lines, said external signal lines physically configured as a standard female parallel port connector for selectable connection to a peripheral device; nonmanual switch means for selectively connecting said host connector internal signal lines to either said first device connector internal signal lines or said second device connector internal signal lines; and control means responsive to signals on said host connector internal signal lines from said parallel port connector for controlling said switch means. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification