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AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsRonald V. Davidge, John R. Dewitt, Paul J. Galinis, Francis A. Kuchar, Jr., Jay H. Neer, Thomas H. Newson
Estimating the term…
Cover assemblies, capable of being locked and unlocked by means of a key, are configured to be placed over the connectors at each end of an external computer system cable. When these cover assemblies are locked in place, the cable cannot be unplugged from the connector ports of the system devices. When these cover assemblies are unlocked, they can be removed from the cable, and the cable can then be unplugged from the connector ports. A first type of cover assembly is designed to operate with a connector which is fastened in place in its plugged position by means of a pair of screws, while a second type of cover assembly is designed to operate with a connector which is fastened in place by means of a pair of rotatable wire bails. These cover assemblies may also be used to prevent access to connector ports to which cables are not attached by locking in place terminators commonly used on such ports, or by locking in place shells configured for this purpose, if such terminators are otherwise not required.
Apparatus for locking a cable connector in engagement with an external port of a device, wherein said cable connector comprises a plurality of electrical contacts at a contact end configured for contact with port contacts within said external port and a plurality of insulated wires attached to various of said electrical contacts extending from said cable connector at an end opposite said contact end, wherein said cable connector and said port include first attachment means for holding said cable in engagement with said port, said first attachment means being operable to prevent said cable connector from being pulled away from said port and to release said cable connector for disengagement with said port, wherein said first attachment means comprises a screw rotatable in said cable connector and engageable within a threaded hole in a port, with a screw head attached thereto extending from an end of said cable connector opposite to said contact end, and wherein said apparatus comprises:
Apparatus for preventing electrical and mechanical access to contacts within an external port of a device, wherein said apparatus comprises:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.