Patent ID: 6244881
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A network apparatus comprising:a plurality of nodes connected to one another in a ring topology through a common signal line,each of said nodes comprising a computer including an input for receiving a signal from said common signal line, an output for outputting said signal to said common signal line, and one or more connectors adapted to receive a terminal side of an object to be inserted into said connector,each of said connectors including a first terminal member to be electrically connected to a first connection member provided at said terminal side of said object and a second terminal member to be electrically connected to a second connection member provided at said terminal side of said object,wherein in a first state, said object is removed from said connector and said first terminal member is in contact with said second terminal member to establish an electrical connection there between such that all of said nodes remain connected to one another upon removal of said object, andin a second state, said object is inserted into said connector, and said first terminal member is mechanically disconnected from said second terminal member, said first terminal member is brought into electrical contact with said first connection member, and said second terminal member is brought into electrical contact with said second connection member, such that all of said nodes remain connected to one another upon insertion of said object.