Abstract: A system and method are provided for an interlock that limits the number of electronic devices that may extend from a rack system. In the system, sensors attached to the rack detect the extension of a rail from the rack. The sensors provide a controller with data from which the controller determines a number of rails that are extended from the rack. If the number of extended rails is determined by the controller to exceed a threshold number, the controller actuates a latch system that closes to lock the remaining devices within the rack.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for locking rack-mounted electronic devices within a rack upon removal of one of the electronic devices from the rack. The apparatus includes a shaft rotatably connected to the rack and provided at each slot position with a set of paddles, including a locking paddle and a trigger paddle. With the rack populated with devices, the removal of one device from a slot causes a block attached to the device to urge against a trigger paddle, which rotates the shaft. As the shaft continues to rotate, with the motion of the block caused by the removal of the device, the locking paddle for each slot is rotated into a position such that an attempt to remove any of the other devices from the rack causes the associated block to abut the locking paddle, which does not yield.