Cross-connect method and apparatus

• US 6,031,349 A
• Filed: 03/20/1995
• Issued: 02/29/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: CommScope Technologies, LLC (CommScope Holding Company, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Con-X Corporation
• Inventors: Miller, Arthur O., Kennedy, Bryan K., Hard, Douglas G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ro, Bentsu
• Application Number:
  US08/408,831
• Time in Patent Office: 1,807 Days
• Field of Search: 318/466, 200/175, 200/176, 200/178, 200/51 R, 340/825.79, 340/825.83, 340/825.89, 361/627, 361/631, 361/632, 361/633, 361/641, 361/643, 379/242, 379/268, 379/269, 379/271, 379/291, 379/306, 439/44, 439/45, 439/46, 439/75
• US Class Current: 318/466
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 12/523 by an interconnection through aligned holes in the boards or multilayer board
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 29/00 Coupling parts for selective co-operation with a counterpart in different ways to establish different circuits, e.g. for voltage selection, for series-parallel selection, programmable connectors
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/08 Short-circuiting members for bridging contacts in a counterpart
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 43/205 with a panel or printed circuit board
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/022 Paging systems personal calling arrangements or devices G08B3/1008; selective calling networks H04W84/022
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/22 Arrangements for supervision, monitoring or testing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/28 Automatic routine testing ; Fault testing; Installation testing; Test methods, test equipment or test arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42153 by subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4228 in networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/116 lightning or EMI protection, e.g. shielding or grounding
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/136 having patch field management or physical layer management arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/145 with switches arranged in a matrix configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/147 using robots for distributing
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/0289 having a matrix lay-out, i.e. having selectively interconnectable sets of X-conductors and Y-conductors in different planes
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 3/308 Adaptations of leads connectors to printed circuits H01R12/00

Abstract

A remotely controlled cross-connection switching matrix, particularly suited for telephone systems, has a jumper pin picker and placement mechanism selectively movable along each of three axes under the control of a single drive motor translating a single drive cable over a series of pulleys. Movement along the selected axis is effected by braking movement along the other two axes. The system provides a "soft dial tone" to prospective telephone subscribers'"'"' premises having cable pairs permanently connected to the matrix. The cable pair for the calling prospective subscriber is automatically identified at the matrix in response to an off-hook status for that prospective subscriber, and the cable pair identification data is automatically transmitted to the telephone business office. Stored information at the business office for the premises of the identified cable pair is automatically displayed for the telephone company representative responding to a request for service by the calling prospective subscriber. The matrix also permits remote selective connection of unused telephone lines to a test bus connected between the matrix and the central office, thereby permitting automatic, remotely controlled testing of those lines. Improved security of the facility containing the matrix is provided by a feature permitting remote control over the facility door lock.

Claims

1. A method of transporting a jumper pin, by means of a pin picking and placing mechanism, to and from individual junction locations in a switching matrix, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) moving said mechanism selectively in either of two opposite directions along a first path by means of a drive motor;

(b) moving said mechanism selectively in either of two opposite directions along a second path by means of said drive motor; and

(c) limiting movement of said mechanism to only one of said first and second paths at a time by selectively inhibiting movement of said mechanism along said first and second paths independently;

wherein said drive motor is the only source of motion-producing force for said mechanism along said first and second paths, and motion along the selected path is effected by positively blocking motion along the other path in step (c).

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said first and second paths are disposed in a transport plane parallel to said matrix.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of:

(d) moving said mechanism in either of two selective opposite directions along a third path disposed perpendicular to said transport plane by means of said drive motor;

wherein step (c) includes limiting movement of said mechanism to only a selectable one of said first, second and third paths at a time by selectively inhibiting movement of said mechanism along the other two of said paths; and

wherein said drive motor is the only source of motion-producing force for said mechanism along said first, second and third paths, and motion along only the selected path is effected by positively blocking movement of the mechanism along the two non-selected paths.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein:

step (a) includes translating said mechanism along a first support extending along said first path;

step (b) includes translating said mechanism along a second support extending along said second path;

step (d) includes rotating said mechanism about an axis oriented parallel to said transport plane; and

step (c) includes the steps of;

interengaging said mechanism with said first support to inhibit movement of said mechanism along said first path;

interengaging said mechanism with said second support to inhibit movement of said mechanism along said second path; and

blocking rotation of said mechanism to inhibit movement of said mechanism along said third path.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein steps (a), (b) and (d) include translating a single drive cable by means of said drive motor, and passing said drive cable over a series of idler pulleys secured to said mechanism and defining a cable path.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein said first, second and third paths are mutually orthogonal;

wherein steps (a), (b) and (d) include;

wrapping said drive cable along a first pulley rotatable by said drive motor about an axis perpendicular to said transport plane and serving as a drive pulley;

extending said drive cable from said first pulley, in a direction parallel to said transport plane, to a second idler pulley rotatable about an axis perpendicular to said transport plane, and bending the cable approximately 180°

about said second idler pulley;

extending the drive cable from said second pulley to a third idler pulley rotatable about an axis perpendicular to said transport plane and carried by a first block translatable along a first tube serving as part of said first support, and bending the drive cable approximately 90°

about said third pulley;

extending said drive cable from said third pulley to a fourth idler pulley rotatable about an axis perpendicular to said transport plane and carried by a second block translatable along a second tube serving as part of said first support and extending parallel to said first tube, and bending the drive cable approximately 90°

about said fourth pulley;

extending said drive cable from said fourth pulley, in a direction parallel to said second tube, to a fifth idler pulley rotatable about an axis perpendicular to said transport plane and carried by said second block, and bending the drive cable approximately 90°

about said fifth pulley generally back toward said first block;

extending said drive cable from said fifth pulley to a sixth idler pulley rotatable about an axis parallel to said transport plane and carried by a carriage translatable along a third tube secured to and extending between said first and second blocks and serving as part of said second support, and bending said drive cable partially about said fifth pulley;

extending said drive cable from said sixth pulley to a seventh idler pulley rotatable about an axis parallel to said transport plane and carried by said carriage, and securing one end of said drive cable on said seventh pulley;

securing another end of said drive cable to said seventh pulley and extending that end of the cable to an eighth idler pulley rotatable about an axis parallel to said transport plane and carried by said carriage;

extending said drive cable from said eighth pulley to a ninth idler pulley rotatable about an axis perpendicular to said transport plane and carried by said first block, and bending said drive cable approximately 90°

about said ninth pulley; and

returning said drive cable to said first pulley.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein step (c) includes the steps of:

inhibiting movement of said mechanism along said first path by selectively projecting a pin from said first block into a selected slot in a first series of slots defined in and spaced longitudinally along said first tube to prevent said block from moving from a position defined by the selected slot in said first series; and

inhibiting movement of said mechanism along said second path by selectively projecting a pin from said carriage into a selected slot in a second series of slots defined in and spaced longitudinally along said second tube to prevent said carriage from moving from a position defined by the selected slot in said second series.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein step (c) includes the steps of:

inhibiting movement of said mechanism along said first path by selectively preventing movement of said first block along said first tube; and

inhibiting movement of said mechanism along said second path by selectively preventing movement of said carriage along said second tube.

9. The method of claim 5 wherein said first and second paths are perpendicular to one another;

wherein steps (a) and (b) include;

wrapping said drive cable along a first pulley rotatable by said drive motor about an axis perpendicular to said transport plane, and serving as a drive pulley;

extending said drive cable from said first pulley, in a direction parallel to said transport plane, to a second idler pulley rotatable about an axis perpendicular to said transport plane, and bending the cable approximately 180°

about the second pulley;

extending the drive cable from said second pulley to a third idler pulley rotatable about an axis extending perpendicular to said transport plane and carried by a first block translatable along a first tube serving as part of said first support, and bending the drive cable approximately 90°

about said third pulley;

extending the drive cable from said third pulley to a fourth idler pulley rotatable about an axis perpendicular to said transport plane and carried by a second block translatable along a second tube serving as part of said first support and extending parallel to said first tube, and bending the drive cable approximately 90°

about said fourth pulley;

extending said drive cable from said fourth pulley, in a direction parallel to said second tube, to a fifth idler pulley rotatable about an axis perpendicular to said transport plane and carried by said second block, and bending the drive cable approximately 90°

about said fifth pulley generally back toward said first block;

extending said drive cable from said fifth pulley to a sixth idler pulley rotatable about an axis perpendicular to said transport plane and carried by said first block, and bending said drive cable approximately 90°

about said sixth pulley; and

returning said cable to said first pulley.

10. The method according to claim 9 wherein step (c) includes the steps of:

inhibiting movement of said mechanism along said first path by selectively projecting a pin from said first block into a selected slot in a first series of slots defined in and spaced longitudinally along said first tube to prevent said block from moving from a position defined by the selected slot in said first series; and

inhibiting movement of said mechanism along said second path by selectively projecting a pin from said carriage into a selected slot in a second series of slots defined in and spaced longitudinally along said second tube to prevent said carriage from moving from a position defined by the selected slot in said second series.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein step (c) includes the steps of:

inhibiting movement of said mechanism along said first path by selectively preventing movement of said first block along said first tube; and

inhibiting movement of said mechanism along said second path by selectively preventing movement of said carriage along said second tube.

12. The method of claim 2 wherein:

step (a) includes translating said mechanism along a first support extending along said first path;

step (b) includes translating said mechanism along a second support extending along said second path; and

step (c) includes the steps of;

interengaging said mechanism with said first support to inhibit movement of said mechanism along said first path; and

interengaging said mechanism with said second support to inhibit movement of said mechanism along said second path.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein steps (a) and (b) include translating a single drive cable with said drive motor, and passing said drive cable over a series of idler pulleys secured to said mechanism and defining a cable path.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of displaying an error indication in response to a detection of a slippage of said single drive cable or a malfunction of said drive motor.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein one of said series of idler pulleys drives an opto-shutter counter, and wherein said detection of a slippage includes:

determining the number of steps of said drive motor during transportation of said pin;

determining the number of discrete length units of said drive cable passing over said one pulley by said opto-shutter counter;

comparing the number of drive motor steps to the number of discrete length units; and

indicating an error in response to the comparison yielding a non-matching result.

16. An apparatus for transporting a jumper pin to and from individual junction locations in a switching matrix in order to establish and terminate connections between external lines connected to said switching matrix, said apparatus comprising:

placement means for retrieving said jumper pin from a first junction location in said switching matrix and positioning said jumper pin in a second junction location in said switching matrix, said placement means being selectively driven in any one of a horizontal, vertical, or inward orthogonal direction relative to a plane parallel to said switching matrix;

a drive motor for driving said placement means to positions adjacent said switching matrix corresponding to said first and second junction locations;

a drive cable disposed about said drive motor and said placement means for applying a moving force to said placement means; and

a series of idler pulleys, said pulleys translating said drive cable about said placement means in order to apply said moving force to move said placement means;

wherein said drive motor includes a single motor and is the only source of motion producing force to drive said placement means in said horizontal, vertical and inward orthogonal directions.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said horizontal and vertical directions are in a transport plane parallel to said switching matrix and said inward orthogonal direction is disposed perpendicular to said transport plane.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said placement means is only movable in one direction at a time in each of said horizontal, vertical and inward orthogonal directions.

19. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising first and second supports extending along said horizontal direction and a third support extending along said vertical direction, wherein said first and second supports are parallel to each other and perpendicular to said third support, and said placement means is selectively movable along said first and second supports to move in said horizontal direction and selectively movable along said third support to move in said vertical direction.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said apparatus further comprises first, second, and third carriages, each of said carriages including rollers respectively engaging said first, second, and third supports in order to move said placement means in one of said horizontal or vertical directions.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said placement means is attached to said third carriage, said first and second carriages being selectively movable along said first and second supports in a horizontal direction, said third carriage being selectively movable along said third support in said vertical direction.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said first, second and third supports include tubes, said tubes of said first and third supports having multiple brake slots disposed in a generally linear path along an external surface of said tubes, wherein said first and third carriages include brakes for stopping said respective carriages by selectively engaging said slots, said brakes being selectively applied by said respective carriages to allow movement of said placement means in a single unbraked direction.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said brakes of said first and third carriages include a pin selectively projectable from said first and third carriages to selectively engage one of said slots to inhibit movement of said placement means along a particular direction so that said placement means moves in another direction in which movement is uninhibited.

24. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said first, second, and third supports are connected to a frame adjacent said switching matrix, said tubes of said supports including threaded proximal and distal ends such that said threaded ends of said tubes adjustably engage flange nuts to connect said tubes to said frame and align said slots with individual junction locations in said matrix.

25. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said series of idler pulleys include:

a first pulley rotatable by said drive motor about a first axis perpendicular to said plane of said switching matrix, said drive cable being disposed about said first pulley;

a second pulley rotatable about said first axis, said drive cable being disposed about said second pulley such that said drive cable bends approximately 180°

about said second pulley;

a third pulley rotatable about said first axis carried by said first carriage, said drive cable being disposed about said third pulley such that said drive cable bends approximately 90°

about said third pulley;

a fourth pulley rotatable about said first axis carried by said second carriage, said drive cable being disposed about said fourth pulley such that said drive cable bends approximately 90°

about said fourth pulley;

a fifth pulley rotatable about said first axis carried by said second carriage, said drive cable being disposed about said fifth pulley such that said drive cable bends approximately 90°

about said fifth pulley generally back toward said first pulley;

a sixth pulley rotatable about a second axis parallel to said plane of said switching matrix and connected to said third carriage, said sixth pulley bending said drive cable partially about said fifth pulley;

a seventh pulley rotatable about said second axis and carried by said third carriage wherein an end of said drive cable terminates and is secured to said seventh pulley, and a second end of said drive cable originates from and is secured to said seventh pulley;

an eighth pulley rotatable about said second axis and carried by said third carriage wherein said drive cable is disposed about said eighth pulley; and

a ninth pulley rotatable about said first axis and carried by said first carriage, said drive cable being disposed about said ninth pulley such that said drive cable bends approximately 90°

about said ninth pulley to return said drive cable to said first pulley.

26. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said placement means further includes a plunger to thrust said jumper pin securely in said second junction location in said switching matrix.

27. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising:

control means for controlling placement of said jumper pins at individual junction locations in said matrix wherein said control means is located at a remote site and controls a plurality of said apparatus at the same or different sites.

28. In an apparatus for transporting a jumper pin to and from individual junction locations in a switching matrix, a drive assembly controller receiving commands from a remote location comprising:

a modem for receiving and formatting signals from said remote location;

a microprocessor bus for receiving and carrying said formatted signals from said modem;

a microprocessor responsive to said signals from said bus for generating control signals;

a memory coupled to said microprocessor for storing locations of jumper pins disposed within said individual junction locations of said switching matrix;

a stepper indexer responsive to said control signals for generating step signals;

a stepper translator responsive to said step signals for generating motor control signals; and

a motor responsive to said motor control signals for positionally stepping and thereby moving a drive cable to actuate said apparatus.

29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said microprocessor includes means for comparing the number of discrete length units of a drive cable traversing an opto-shutter counter during transportation of said jumper pin to a pre-stored expected step count of said motor and means for indicating an error in response to said discrete length units and expected step counts not being equivalent.