Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
A data distribution apparatus comprising: connector means for providing a plurality of electrical connectors arranged in a fixed spatial orientation, electrical conductor means connected to said electrical connectors for providing a plurality of electrical conductors terminating at one end in corresponding ones of said electrical connectors, data supply means for supplying data signals connected to predetermined ones of said electrical conductors, data receiving means for receiving data signals connected to other ones of said electrical conductors than said predetermined ones, cover means for said connector means for electrically joining said electrical connectors in a predetermined pattern to establish electrical connections between said predetermined ones and said other ones of said electrical conductors when said cover means is mounted in a predetermined orientation on said connector means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
126 words
A data distribution apparatus comprising: connector means for providing a plurality of electrical connectors arranged in a fixed spatial orientation, electrical conductor means connected to said electrical connectors for providing a plurality of electrical conductors terminating at one end in corresponding ones of said electrical connectors, data supply means for supplying data signals connected to predetermined ones of said electrical conductors, data receiving means for receiving data signals connected to other ones of said electrical conductors than said predetermined ones, cover means for said connector means for electrically joining said electrical connectors in a predetermined pattern to establish electrical connections between said predetermined ones and said other ones of said electrical conductors when said cover means is mounted in a predetermined orientation on said connector means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
A data distribution apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said data supply means includes remotely located electrical switches connected across respective pairs of said predetermined ones of said electrical conductors.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A data distribution apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said data receiving means includes a data processor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
A data distribution apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said data receiving means includes a second connector means for providing a plurality of electrical connectors arranged in a fixed spatial orientation and a second cover means for said second connector means for supplying electrical connections between ones of said electrical connectors in said second connector means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A data distribution apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cover means includes a printed circuit board means having edge mounted electrical conductors for mating with respective ones of said electrical connectors.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
A data distribution apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cover means includes keying means for assuring a mounting of said cover means on said connector means in said predetermined orientation.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
61 words
An apparatus comprising: connector means for providing a first plurality of electrical connectors for receiving electrical signals, and a second plurality of electrical connectors for supplying electrical signals and cover means for said connector means for electrically joining said first and second plurality of said electrical connectors in a predetermined pattern when said cover means is mounted on said connector means.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
61 words
An apparatus comprising: connector means for providing a first plurality of electrical connectors for receiving electrical signals, and a second plurality of electrical connectors for supplying electrical signals and cover means for said connector means for electrically joining said first and second plurality of said electrical connectors in a predetermined pattern when said cover means is mounted on said connector means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said cover means includes keying means for assuring said mounting of cover means on said connector means in a predetermined orientation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
52 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said cover means includes a printed circuit board means having edge mounted electrical conductors for mating with respective ones of said electrical connectors and a printed circuit pattern connected to said edge mounted conductors for providing said electrically joining of said electrical connectors.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said connector means includes support means for supporting said electrical connectors in a fixed spatial orientation while allowing electrical connections thereto by electrical signal carrying conductors.