US5608606A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computer plug-in module and interconnection system for wireless applications
Assignee: Apple Inc
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Filing: 1994-06-14
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Granted: 1997-03-04
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Expires: 2014-06-14
Abstract
Abstract A computing system comprises a connection system for coupling wireless technologies to a computer. The connection system comprises a card connector and a matting internal connector cage/frame. The card connector provides an RF connector positioned above a 68 pin connector, which provides a connection to radio frequency (RF) signals. A card has devices which support RF operations for the computing system. The card connector is attached to the card and interfaces with the devices on the card. The housing of the computing system defines a card slot which receives the card and guides connection of the card with the computing system by mating the card connector with the internal connector.
Inventors
- 👤 Timothy J. Blaney
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 11:14
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1613; G06F1/1633; G06F1/1656; G06F1/1615; G06F1/1616; G06F1/1632; G06F1/1684; G06F1/1698; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/0013; G06K7/0021; G06K7/0026; H; H04; H04B; H04B1/00; H04B1/38; H04B1/3816; H05; H05K; H05K5/00; H05K5/02; H05K5/0256; H05K5/026; H05K5/0265; H05K5/0273; H05K5/0286; H05K5/0291; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S439/00; Y10S439/946
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
A portable computer system comprising: an internal connector which provides a first connector for digital signals, a second connector for digital signals, and a third connector for radio frequency (RF) signals; a first card having devices which support RF operations; a card connector attached to a first end of the first card, the card connector coupled to devices on the first card, the card connector providing a fourth connector for digital signals and a fifth connector for radio frequency signals; and a cage assembly affixing at one end of the cage assembly the first connector and the second connector with the third connector positioned between the first connector and the second connector so that the first connector and the second connector can be used independent of the third connector, the cage assembly defining slotted guides adapted to receive a plurality of cards such that the third connector may be used alternatively with the first card positioned to mate with the first connector or a second card positioned to mate with the second connector.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
173 words
A portable computer system comprising: an internal connector which provides a first connector for digital signals, a second connector for digital signals, and a third connector for radio frequency (RF) signals; a first card having devices which support RF operations; a card connector attached to a first end of the first card, the card connector coupled to devices on the first card, the card connector providing a fourth connector for digital signals and a fifth connector for radio frequency signals; and a cage assembly affixing at one end of the cage assembly the first connector and the second connector with the third connector positioned between the first connector and the second connector so that the first connector and the second connector can be used independent of the third connector, the cage assembly defining slotted guides adapted to receive a plurality of cards such that the third connector may be used alternatively with the first card positioned to mate with the first connector or a second card positioned to mate with the second connector.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the third connector is a coaxial connector and the first connector and the second connector are digital connectors.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 2, wherein the third and fifth connectors have a bandwidth from 0 Hz to 6 GHz.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 2, wherein the fifth connector is a coaxial connector and the fourth connector is a digital connector, the fifth connector and the fourth connector are mateable with the third connector and the first connector, respectively.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 3, wherein the third connector includes a pair of coaxial connectors.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 3, wherein the first connector, the second connector, and the fourth connector have an equal number of pins.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 5, wherein the first card has a generally rectangular shape with an area of increased thickness proximate the first end for housing the fifth connector in a position above the fourth connector.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 7, wherein the area of increased thickness of the card is sized such that it does not interfere with use of the second connector of the internal connector when the card connector is coupled to the internal connector.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 7, wherein the cage assembly is capable of holding the first card and the second card simultaneously.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
106 words
A connecting device comprising: a first connector; a coaxial connector; a second connector; and a cage assembly affixing at one end of the cage assembly the first connector and the second connector with the coaxial connector positioned between the first connector and the second connector so that the first connector and the second connector can be used independent of the coaxial connector, the cage assembly defining slotted guides adapted to receive a plurality of cards such that the coaxial connector may be used alternatively with a first card positioned to mate with the first connector or a second card positioned to mate with the second connector.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
106 words
A connecting device comprising: a first connector; a coaxial connector; a second connector; and a cage assembly affixing at one end of the cage assembly the first connector and the second connector with the coaxial connector positioned between the first connector and the second connector so that the first connector and the second connector can be used independent of the coaxial connector, the cage assembly defining slotted guides adapted to receive a plurality of cards such that the coaxial connector may be used alternatively with a first card positioned to mate with the first connector or a second card positioned to mate with the second connector.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The connecting device of claim 10, wherein the first connector and the second connector are dual row 68 pin in-line connectors.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
The connecting device of claim 10, wherein the coaxial connector includes a first coaxial connector and a second coaxial connector for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
The connecting device of claim 10, wherein the cage assembly defines a plurality of slotted guides for receiving a first module having a mating first connector and a second module having a mating second connector.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The connecting device of claim 13, wherein the cage assembly is capable of holding the first module and the second module simultaneously.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The connecting device of claim 10, wherein the first connector, the second connector and the coaxial connector are male type connectors.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-03-03 | 2000-09-02 | 2001-03-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-03-03 | 2004-09-02 | 2005-03-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-03-03 | 2008-09-02 | 2009-03-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |