Abstract: One or more keys (101, 102, 103) can be integrally formed of a card cage and positioned to extend into the card-receiving openings of the card slots that comprise the card cage. The cards can then have key-receiving openings (112, 114, 116) that accommodate such keys. By matching the keys to particular physical and electrical functionality and compatibility attributes of a given card slot, such key-receiving openings can be similarly shaped and sized to assure that such cards cannot be inadvertently (or purposely) placed in an inappropriate card slot. In varying embodiments, such keys can be formed of a cable trough, a front panel, and a card guide seating surface.

Abstract: One or more keys (101, 102, 103) can be integrally formed of a card cage and positioned to extend into the card-receiving openings of the card slots that comprise the card cage. The cards can then have key-receiving openings (112, 114, 116) that accommodate such keys. By matching the keys to particular physical and electrical functionality and compatibility attributes of a given card slot, such key-receiving openings can be similarly shaped and sized to assure that such cards cannot be inadvertently (or purposely) placed in an inappropriate card slot. In varying embodiments, such keys can be formed of a cable trough, a front panel, and a card guide seating surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing radial alignment of a housing mounted on a circuit board is provided. A mounting leg portion extends outward from a mounting surface of the housing. The mounting leg portion has a body portion, an end portion, and a radial alignment portion. The radial alignment portion extends outward from the mounting surface. The radial alignment portion has a circumference, and is adapted to be received in a mounting opening formed in the circuit board. The radial alignment portion prevents radial movement of the mounting leg portion with respect to the circuit board. The end portion of the mounting leg portion includes a snap portion for engaging the circuit board and securing the mounting leg portion to the circuit board.

Abstract: A switchable load coil case is provided having a switch assembly connected to the load coil and incoming and outgoing wire pair. The switch assembly has an actuator movable between loaded and bypass positions wherein the switch assembly connects the load coil in series with the incoming and outgoing wire pair when the actuator is in the loaded position and connects the incoming and outgoing wire pair while bypassing the load coil when the actuator is in the bypass position.

Abstract: A laminated filter apparatus for reducing electromagnetic interference includes a first conductor having a first side and a second side. The laminated filter apparatus also includes a second conductor having a first side and a second side. A first insulative member is positioned between the first conductor and the second conductor and contacts the second side of the first conductor and the first side of the second conductor. A second insulative member includes a first side and a second side, the second side of the second insulative member contacts the first side of the first conductor. A third insulative member includes a first side and a second side, the first side of the third insulative member contacts the second side of the second conductor. A third conductor contacts the first side of the second insulative member and the second side of the third insulative member.

Abstract: A backplane circuit board for an electronic chassis includes a bracket and an upper circuit board operatively connected to the bracket. A lower circuit board is also operatively connected to the bracket wherein the upper circuit board is offset from the lower circuit board and the upper circuit board is parallel to the lower circuit board.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a backplane circuit board to an electronic chassis is provided. An electronic chassis includes a first card guide assembly and a second card guide assembly. The first card guide assembly includes first and second guide pins. The first guide pin of the first card guide assembly is positioned adjacent a first end of the first card guide assembly and the second guide pin of the first card guide assembly is positioned adjacent a second end of the first card guide assembly. The second card guide assembly includes first and second guide pins. The first guide pin of the second card guide assembly is positioned adjacent a first end of the second card guide assembly and the second guide pin of the second card guide assembly is positioned adjacent a second end of the second card guide assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a circuit board into an electronic chassis includes a circuit board guide having an end portion. An insertion guide member is positioned adjacent to the end portion of the circuit board guide to guide the circuit board into the electronic chassis and to prevent the circuit board from contacting the end portion of the circuit board guide.

Abstract: An apparatus for activating and deactivating a switch mounted on a circuit board includes a bracket and a switch actuator opening formed in the bracket to receive a switch actuator. The switch actuator is operatively connected to the switch and is biased in a first direction. The bracket further includes a mounting post having an opening formed therein for receiving a fastener. A sleeve member is positioned over the mounting post. The sleeve member includes a flange portion for contacting the switch actuator to activate and deactivate the switch.

Abstract: A switchable load coil case is provided having a switch assembly connected to the load coil and incoming and outgoing wire pair. The switch assembly has a switch actuator disposed in a terminal housing cavity movable between loaded and bypass positions. The switch assembly has contacts which connect the load coil in series with the incoming and outgoing wire pair when the switch actuator is in the loaded position and connect the incoming and outgoing wire pair while bypassing the load coil when the switch actuator is in the bypass position.

Abstract: A construction for an interface between a computer and a transmission medium, such as a telephone line. A memory card may be inserted into the computer and interconnected to an interface module, such as a direct access arrangement, which, in turn, is interconnected to a telephone line. The electronic card and interface module each include a connector for transmitting data signals between each other. Each connector includes two rows of contacts. Each contact in the first row is interconnected to a particular contact in the second row. As a result, the electronic card and interface module cannot be attached to each other "upside down." Further, the electronic card and interface module cooperatively define a latch mechanism for releasably holding the two units together. Further, the two units further define a guide assembly for guiding the contacts of the two units into a correct alignment with one another. The latch mechanism and guide assembly add structural integrity to the construction.