Keying system for assuring proper array configuration of cable cards
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsFernand J. Dorleans, Robert O. Norton, Robert S. Pokrzywa
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Abstract
A keying system for assuring the proper sequence or arrangement of cable cards within a card grouper is provided. The grouper includes a plurality of slots to receive the cable cards. The cards include tab means at at least one side thereof which can be selectively trimmed to one of several specific extension distances from the card. The grouper includes a template which has grooves configured to receive cards having their tabs programmed to one and only one configuration. Thus any given card, when programmed, will fit in only one location. The cards and grouper also include coacting surfaces to allow the appropriate card to be inserted in only one orientation in any given slot.
Claims9
A keying system for providing the proper array sequence of cable cards within a card grouper, and wherein each of said cable cards has a plurality of cables mounted thereon and extending from one end thereof and the other end of the card has electrical connection means extending therefrom,
- and wherein said card grouper includes support means to retain a plurality of said cards in a side by side array with the connection means of said cards being aligned and projecting from one end of said support means,
- and wherein said support means includes first and second sets of a plurality of parallel slots on opposite sides thereof to engage the opposite ends of said cards and retain said cards in said array;
- the improvement which comprises;
- tab means formed at one end of each of said cards on at least one edge thereof,
- said tab mean being selectable to extend to at least two different distances from the respective edge of the card,
- said card grouper including template means associated therewith and positioned to coact with the tab means of said cards,
- said template means having a plurality of sets of notches, each set of notches being configured to coact with the tab configuration of one and only one cable card;
- whereby the cards can be uniquely arrayed in one and only one pattern in said card grouper.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.