Importance

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Abstract

Modem cartridges and connection for program cartridge type computers are disclosed whereby a modem cartridge may be used in place of a program cartridge to provide the modem function between the computer and a telephone line. The modem cartridge is constructed to be interchangeable with an ordinary program cartridge whereby the modem may be electrically connected to the computer bus in the same manner as the read-only memory in a conventional program cartridge. The modem cartridge however, is provided with additional connection points which are accessible when the cartridge is in place in the computer to provide connection to a conventional phone line modular connector. The connection between the modem cartridge and the modular phone line connector may be provided by cooperatively disposed wiper-type contacts operative between the modem cartridge and contacts supported on the computer chassis positioned so as to not interfere with conventional program cartridges, with further connection being made between the contacts supported on the computer chassis and the modular phone line connector being made in computers having the manually operable cover over the program cartridge region by a thin, flat cable extending out from under the cover. Operating software or firmware for the modem may be contained in the modem cartridge or separately loaded into the computer from tape or disk.

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First Claim