Patent Publication Number: US-6707172-B2

Title: Self-normalling jack with electronically controlled normal circuit or relay

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to jack receptacles which receive patch cords, and in particular, to an electronic normalling circuit or electronic relay, controlled electronically by means of electronic sensors that sense when a plug on the end of a patch cord is inserted into a jack receptacle which increases reliability and bandwidth capability. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     A self-normalling jack internally routes a signal from one electronic device to another. Typically connectors are used with the rear source (input), and rear destination (output). On the front are standard patch ports. The internal normal path runs from the rear source to the rear destination. The signal can be rerouted by inserting a patch cord into either front port. Removal of the patch cord returns the signal to the normal path (i.e. “self-normalled”). 
     The mechanical self-normalling jack also suffers from the fact that continuous current flowing through it allows for contamination which can create a non-connection. It can also become contaminated by dust, dirt and developing a slight film which can cause a non-connection. Applicant&#39;s invention provides for a self-normalling jack with an electronically controlled normal circuit or relay. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide for an electronic self-normalling jack, the function of which is electronically incorporated by means of an electronic circuit. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide for a novel electronically self-normalling jack which provides greater band width capability. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide for a novel electronically self-normalling jack which provides for greater reliability. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide for a novel electronically self-normalling jack which is less susceptible to contamination and possible non-connection. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide for a self-normalling jack the function of which is controlled electronically and performed by an electronic circuit or an electronic relay. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A self-normalling jack with an electronically controlled normal circuit or relay comprising a pair of receptacles having a sensing means for sensing the insertion of a plug, the sensing means in communication with an electronic normalling switch or relay, the electronic normalling switch or relay in communication with a paired receptacle such that the electronic normalling switch or relay is located between the source terminal and the upper jack and between the lower jack and the destination terminal. The electronically controlled normalling circuit or relay also connects the source to the destination when no patch cord is inserted into either the upper or lower jack receptacle. When the patch cord is inserted into the upper jack, the source signal is connected to the patch plug. When the patch cord is inserted into the lower jack, the destination signal is connected to the patch plug. Inserting a cord into either jack receptacle disconnects the source from the destination. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other objects of the present invention will become evident particularly when taken in light of the following illustrations wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is an electronic schematic diagram of the electronic self-normalling jack. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronically controlled self-normalling jack of the present invention. A self-normalling jack would be utilized in any type of electrical appliance having jack receptacles and designed to direct or redirect any signals such as audio, video, digital, telephone, data, fiber, fiber optics, or the like. 
     The circuit  10  is in communication with a first jack receptacle  12  and a second jack receptacle  14 . A source signal  16  is in communication with the circuit and the circuit is in communication with a destination signal  18  for the signal. In order to redirect the signal, a patch cord  20  with associated plugs  22  and  24  are inserted into the first and second jack receptacles  12  and  14 . Jack receptacles  12  and  14  have associated therewith, a detector device for generating a signal when plugs  22  or  24  are inserted into the respective jack receptacle. The sensing device  26  could be achieved by monitoring the signal that is applied to the receptacle or by using an optical sensor that would sense when the plug is inserted into the receptacle. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, each jack receptacle  12  and  14  has associated therewith a sensor emitting device  30  and  32  and a sensor receiving device  34  and  36 . The sensor receiving devices are in communication with the electronic normalling switch or relay  40 . The sensing device could be a light emitting diode and light sensor; infrared transmitting diode and receiving diode; or the insertion of the patch cord could close a contact generating the control signal. The sensing device would sense the presence or absence of a jack plug and electronically control the normalling switch or relay  40  for either an open or closed orientation. 
     While the present invention has been described with respect to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications or changes can be achieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore it is manifestly intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the claims and the equivalence thereof.