Multi-device inter-connection securing apparatus

• US 20030093163A1
• Filed: 11/09/2001
• Published: 05/15/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Litwiller, Debora Margaret Heiza
• Granted Patent: US 6,676,439 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/71
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 19/00 Bolts without screw-thread; Pins, including deformable elements in screwed connections F16B29/00; Rivets means for preventing withdrawal F16B21/00
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 3/00 Key-type connections; Keys F16B2/00 takes precedence; for rods or tubes mutually F16B7/00
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/50 Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control sequencing control G03G21/14
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 21/1647 Mechanical connection means
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2646 Printing

Abstract

A system for the secure physical attachment of a second device to a first device is disclosed comprising a first and second inter-connection attachment means in physical association with each device. The second inter-connection attachment means physically mates with its corresponding first inter-connection attachment means. Additionally, means for detecting the physical mating of each of the first and second inter-connection attachment means is provided. The detecting means is preferably associated with at least one of the devices and in communication with each of it'"'"'s associated device'"'"'s inter-connection attachment means. Means are provided for determining that the first and second inter-connection attachment means have been securely mated and, if not, means are provided for indicating the status of the completion of the secure attachment there between. A controller is used for halting at least one of the devices in the event that the attachment there between has not been secured and for receiving additional instructions from an end-user.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the secure physical attachment of a second device to a first device, said apparatus comprising:

a first inter-connection attachment means in physical association with said first device;

a second inter-connection attachment means in physical association with said second device, said second inter-connection attachment means physically mates with its corresponding first inter-connection attachment means;

means for detecting said physical mating of each of said first and second inter-connection attachment means, said detecting means associated with at least one of said devices and in communication with each of it'"'"'s associated device'"'"'s inter-connection attachment means; and

means for determining that said first and second inter-connection attachment means are securely mated.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising means for indicating the status of the completion of the secure attachment of said first and second devices together.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said detecting means are associated with both devices and in communication with both device'"'"'s individual inter-connection attachment means.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising controller means for halting at least one of the devices in the event that the attachment there between has not been secured.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising controller means for receiving additional instructions in the event that said inter-connection has not been secured.