Multi-device inter-connection securing apparatus

• US 6,676,439 B2
• Filed: 11/09/2001
• Issued: 01/13/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Litwiller, Debora Margaret Hejza
• Primary Examiner(s): Starks, Jr., Wilbert L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): BARNES-BULLOCK, CRYSTAL JOY
• Application Number:
  US10/037,903
• Publication Number:
  US 20030093163A1
• Time in Patent Office: 795 Days
• Field of Search: 700/4, 700/71, 700/19, 700/21, 700/27, 700/57, 439/489, 439/355, 439/352, 439/188, 439/59, 439/39, 439/490, 439/345-347, 439/507, 439/952, 439/911, 439/189, 340/656
• US Class Current: 439/489
• 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 and for the detection and notification thereof, said apparatus comprising:

a first female connector in physical association with said first device;

a second male connector in physical association with said second device, a male portion thereof physically matable with a female portion of said first connector;

a controller for detecting a physical mating of said first and second connectors, said controller in electrical communication with sensing means physically associatedwith each connector

for determining whether said first and second connectors are securely mated; and

a pin physically slidable through the mated portions of said connectors locking the male and female portions together, said pin electrically completing a circuit detectable by said sensors.

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 further comprising means for receiving additional instructions in the event that said connection has not been secured.

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