Methods and apparatus for determining integrity of interconnections
First Claim
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1. A connection assembly comprising:
- a first connector;
a second connector configured to mate with said first connector;
a sensor mounted in proximity to said first connector; and
an actuator for said sensor, said actuator mounted in proximity to said second connector, and positioned with respect to said second connector so as to actuate said sensor when said first connector and said second connector are properly aligned and connected, said sensor configured to supply a signal which indicates whether or not said first connector and said second connector are properly aligned and connected.
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Abstract
A connection assembly is described which includes a first connector, a second connector, a sensor and an actuator. The second connector is configured to mate with the first connector and the sensor is mounted in proximity to the first connector. The actuator for the sensor is mounted in proximity to the second connector, and is positioned with respect to the second connector so as to align with and actuate the sensor when the first connector and the second connector are properly aligned and connected. The sensor is configured to supply a signal which indicates whether or not the connectors are properly aligned and connected.
87 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A connection assembly comprising:
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a first connector;
a second connector configured to mate with said first connector;
a sensor mounted in proximity to said first connector; and
an actuator for said sensor, said actuator mounted in proximity to said second connector, and positioned with respect to said second connector so as to actuate said sensor when said first connector and said second connector are properly aligned and connected, said sensor configured to supply a signal which indicates whether or not said first connector and said second connector are properly aligned and connected. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for ensuring a first connector and a second connector are properly connected, the connection of the first connector and the second connector being needed for operation of a system, a sensor being mounted in proximity to one of the connectors and an actuator for the sensor being mounted in proximity to the other connector, said method comprising:
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connecting the first connector to the second connector;
aligning the sensor and the actuator; and
receiving a signal from the sensor which indicates the sensor and the actuator are aligned, which indicates a proper connection between the first connector and the second connector; and
enabling operation of the system upon receipt of the signal. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A connector comprising:
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a body;
at least one a sensor and an actuator; and
a protrusion from said body, said protrusion configured for mounting at least one of said sensor and said actuator. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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22. A mounting assembly for a connector comprising:
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a connector mounting surface comprising one or more holes therethrough for mounting the connector; and
a sensor mounting surface comprising one or more holes therethrough for mounting of a sensor or an actuator, said sensor mounting surface positioned with respect to said connector mounting surface such that when a first connector with an actuator mounted thereon is connected to a second connector mounted on said connector mounting surface, a sensor mounted on said sensor mounting surface is aligned with the actuator.
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Specification