US3491266A

US3491266A - Alterable matrix

Info

Publication number: US3491266A
Application number: US557872A
Authority: US
Inventors: Warren L Schiebold; John C Donohue
Original assignee: US Department of Navy
Current assignee: US Department of Navy
Priority date: 1966-06-13
Filing date: 1966-06-13
Publication date: 1970-01-20
Anticipated expiration: 1987-01-20

Description

Jan. 20, 1970 w. 1.. SCHIEBOLD EFAL 3,

ALTERABLE MATRIX 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 13, 1966 INVENTORS WARREN L. SCHIEBOLD JOHN C.

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l (1 4 TTORNEY Jan. 20, 1970 w. L. SCHIEBOLD ETAL 3,491,266

ALTERABLE MATRIX Filed June 13, 1966 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS WARREN L. SCHIEBOLD JOHN C. DONOHUE United States Patent 3,491,266 ALTERABLE MATRIX Warren L. Schiebold, Laurel, and John C. Donohue, Hanover, Md., assignors, by mesne assignments, to the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy Filed June 13, 1966, Ser. No. 557,872 Int. Cl. H02b 1/04, 9/00 U.S. Cl. 317-101 12 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An alterable diodematrix having a plurality of clamp elements arranged in a network of rows and transverse columns carried on a base and a plurality of removable inserts which can be arranged in a ladder-like configuration and which each comprise a backing sheet of insulating material receivable by a column of elements and a comb-like bus arranged thereon having a plurality of teeth spaced for selective electrical registration with the clamp elements in a column. The clamp elements for each row are interconnected through respective diodes to an output conductor.

This invention relates generally to electrical connectors including pre-formed panel circuit arrangements and more particularly to an alterable diode matrix adapted to be used in digital equipment and characterized by case of both fabrication and in-field program alteration.

Diode matrices have long been used to alternatively translate given inputs into respective predetermined or programmed patterns of conductingand non-conducting outputs and have usually consisted of an array of a plurality of electrically-connected, plug-in, printed circuit boards, one for each input. The typical array, in addition to relatively large volume requirements, requires use of a supply of new, non-uniform circuit boards to replace existing boards in the array when it is desired that the ma trix program be changed or when a given board in the matrix is rendered unusable.

In response to the need for a matrix which may be quickly programmed in the field, three-dimensional matrices were devised which included removable inserts for electrically connecting selected portions of the matrix circuitry. Some of the removable inserts are quite complex and are not adaptable to compact storage in that the means for elfecing the desired electrical connections project from a lateral surface of the insert, and, further, these inserts are subject to' the risk of becoming useless as replacements by reason that the projecting connection means are easily subjected to unintentional breakage. Also, alteration of the insert for achievin different matrix programming entails disassembly of the insert.

Other replaceable inserts such as the pin-type insert, while easily and compactly stored, are not adapted for in-field alteration to efliect a change in the matrix program. Use thereof for replacement purposes involves the maintenance of an inventory of a large variety of such pins having different combinations of arrays of non-conducting and conducting elements for achieving a variety of selected electrical connections between various selected elements in the matrix board. Additionally, the known alterable matrices, while functionally effective, incorporate a large number of spaced-apart, printed circuit boards which occupy a relatively large volume.

The general purpose of this invention is to provide an improved, compact, simplified, alterable diode matrix which embraces all the advantages of known alterable matrices and possesses none of the above-described disadvantages. To attain this, the present invention contemplates the provision of a sturdy, removable insert including an alterable, comb-like bus backed by a sheet of nonconducting material, selected teeth of which bus establish the desired electrical connection of an input with selected outputs when the insert is operably positioned in a compatible input-output circuit board.

An object of the present invention is the provision of an improved diode matrix which is more easily fabricated and may be more quickly programmed in the field than alterable diode matrices heretofore known.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and simplified removable insert easily altered to efiect a selected matrix programming for a given input.

A further object of the invention is to provide uniform components for assembling diode matrices which have a variety of possible selectable programs.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a standardized input-output circuit board which carries means for eliminating feedback and which may be quickly programmed for specific input translations by the insertion of appropriately altered, uniformly constructed re movable inserts.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a sturdy, removable insert for electrically connecting selected portions of a compatible input-output circuit board, which insert may be more compactly stored with less risk of damage and be more easily and quickly altered in the field for selected programming of a diode matrix than inserts heretofore known.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter become more fully apparent from the following description of the annexed drawing which illustrates preferred embodiments and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a diode matrix according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of one removable insert from the diode matrix of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates in isometric an enlarged fragmentary view of the diode matrix of FIG. 1 having one programmed removable insert operably positioned and another modified form of programmed, removable insert arranged for insertion;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side view of another embodiment of a removable insert programmed in a modified manner;

FIG. 5 is an electrical schematic view of a portion of the diode matrix of FIG 1; and

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of still another embodiment of the invention including a frame assembly linking the removable inserts.

Referring now to the drawing, there is shown in FIG. 1 one embodiment of a small, compact diode matrix 10 according to the invention. For example, a matrix for translating twentyone selected inputs into respective selected patterns of sixteen conducting or non-conducting outputs can be made according to the invention which has the dimension of 2.7 x 2.0 x 0.25 inches or a volume of about 1.5 cubic inches.

Referring to FIG. 3', the diode matrix 10 includes an input-output circuit board 11 having a baseboard 12 of insulating material for supporting a plurality of conductive output clamp elements 13 and conductive input clamp elements 14 suitably fixed to the board 12 and arranged in a network of parallel rows, one of which contains all the input elements 14, and parallel transverse columns, there being one input element 14 in each column. The output clamp elements 13 and the input clamp elements 14 in a given column are physically oriented and adapted to collectively receive a respective, programmed removable insert 15.

The

elements

13, 14 may be formed in a manner well known in the electrical connector art from a pair of appropriately shaped, resilient, electrically-

conductive ribbons

16, 17 which are fixed together as at 18, the sides thereof including a bowed portion 19 and terminating in respective splayed

free ends

16a, 17a which are normally urged into engagement with each other and are adapted to be spread apart to slidingly receive the removable insert 15. The ribbon 16 includes a tang 20 which extends beyond the joined portion of the element at 18. The tang 20 and joined portion of each of the

elements

13, 14 have been inserted through respective, appropriately shaped aperatures in the baseboard 12, substantially as shown, and the

elements

13, 14 may be more firmly secured to the baseboard by twisting, as shown, the portion of the tang 20 which projects from the reverse side of the board 12.

The tangs 20 of the input elements 14 are electrically connected with an appropriate input conductor 21, while the tangs of the output elements 13 are electrically connected through a microdiode 22 for inhibiting feedback to an output conductor 23, a plurality of which corresponding in number to the number of rows of output clamp elements 13 may be printed upon or fixed to the reverse side of the baseboard 12. The output elements 13 which are arranged in a given row are connected to the. same row output conductor 23.

The removable programmed inserts each include a rectangular backing sheet 24 of electrically insulating material, which sheet is optionally tapered along a bottom longitudinal edge as at 25 and may optionally contain apertures 26 arranged at the ends thereof for a purpose to be hereinafter explained. A comb-like bus 27 includes a longitudinal portion 28 and a plurality of selectively removable teeth 29 extending normal to said portion 28, which teeth 29 may include a transversely extending groove 30 to facilitate selectable tooth removal or separation and which teeth 29 are spaced apart distances corresponding to the spacings between the

clamp elements

13, 14 in a given column. The bus 27 may be printed upon or suitably fixed in abutting relation to a lateral surface of said backing sheet 24 Within the margins thereof so that the teeth 29 do not extend beyond the edge of the sheet 24. The modified removable insert 15 includes a pair of similar comb-like buses 27 symmetrically arranged on respective opposite sides of the backing sheet 24.

The removable insert 15 may be programmed in accordance with the desired pattern of conducting and nonconducting output conductors 23 by removing, by separating from said transverse portion 28, or, as shown in FIG. 4, by wrapping with insulation tape 31 selected teeth 29 carried by the insert 15 which correspond in positions to those of the desired non-conducting row output conductors 23. The tapered edge 25 of the insert 15 facilitates a forcing apart of the

free ends

16a and 17a of the

ribbons

16, 17 of the

clamp elements

13, 14 in a given column whereby the input-output circuit board 11 may receive the insert 15. The insert 15 is laterally positioned so that the unremoved, unseparated, or uninsulated teeth 29 may be engaged by respective free ends 16a of the ribbons 16 of the

elements

13, 14 for forming electrical connections between said transverse portion 28 of said bus 27 and said ends 16a. The bower portions 19 of the

elements

13, 14 are suitably dimensioned to space the

ribbons

16, 17 from the transverse portion 28 of the bus 27 so that the

elements

13, 14 may engage the bus 27 for forming an electrical connection therewith only through the teeth 29. The bottom edge of the insert 15 may rest upon the upwardly and outwardly extending

ribbons

16, 17 without establishment of an electrical connection by reason of the vertical spacing of the transverse portion 28 of the bus 27 above the tapered bottom edge of the sheet 24 of the insert 15.

As shown in FIG. 5, an electrical input may be fed through a selected input conductor 21 to its respective input element 14 thence through the bus 27 of the respective insert 15 for that column to clamp elements 13 which engage electrically conducting teeth 29 whereby is obtained for that column a corresponding pattern of conducting and non-conducting output conductors 23.

Another embodiment of the diode matrix 10 is shown in FIG. 6 wherein the inserts 15 are threaded alternately with tubular spacers 32 upon rods 33 extending through said spacers 32 and the slotted apertures 29 of said inserts 15 to form a ladder-like configuration of removable inserts 15. Some of the teeth 29 are selectively removed from each of the inserts 15 in accordance with the output pattern respectively desired therefor. By appropriate positioning of the rods 33 the entire ladder of inserts 15 may be mated with the input-output circuit board 11 to form the programmed diode matrix 10. Straps, not shown, or other means may be used to secure engagement of the ladder with the circuit board. 11.

Good electrical connections between the teeth 29 and the

clamp elements

13, 14 are assured by reason of the aforesaid normal propensity of the

free ends

16a and 17a to clamp the insert 15 therebetween and establish a firm physical engagement of the free ends 16a with respective teeth 29. The modified insert 15' includes additional assurance that a good electrical contact be made in that both free end 16a and free end 17a are urged into engagement with respective teeth 29 for establishment of electrical contacts therebetween. The backing material 24 serves to protect the teeth 29 from unintended breakage, while the bus bar 27 and the backing strip 28 together impart sturdiness to the insert 15.

The above-described embodiments illustrate novel, removable inserts and improved diode matrices both of which may be quickly and easily fabricated and are well adapted for rapid alteration to effect matrix program changes in the field.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing disclosure relates only to preferred embodiments of the invention and that numerous modifications or alterati ns may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An alterable matrix comprising:

a base made of electrically insulating material;

a plurality of spaced-apart, electrically conductive clamp elements carried on one side of said base and arranged in a network of rows and transverse columns, each said clamp element in one row being adapted to receive a respective electrical input signal;

a plurality of unidirectional current means each having an input conductor electrically connected to respective elements in the remaining rows and having an output conductor, said output conductors of said current means in respective rows being electrically connected together and forming the outputs of said matrix; and

a plurality of inserts each removably received by all of said clamp elements in each column and including:

a backing sheet of insulating materials; and

a comb-like bus made of an electrically conductive material carried by said sheet on one side and having a plurality of teeth disposed within the margins of said sheet in abutting relation thereto, said teeth thereof being spaced apart for selective electrical registration with said clamp elements in said column.

2. An alterable matrix according to claim 1 wherein a portion of said teeth carried by a said insert includes:

a plurality of transversely extending grooves respectively positioned between the portions of at least some of said teeth registered with corresponding clamp elements and the remainder of said bus.

3. An alterable matrix according to claim 1 further comprising:

insulating means interposed between selected ones of said teeth and their respective registering clamp elements.

4. An alterable matrix according to claim 1 wherein said backing sheets of said inserts are each perforated at two locations spaced from the respective bus thereof; and said matrix further comprises:

a pair of tubular spacers interposed between ad acent inserts and axially aligned with corresponding perforation locations; and

rod means alternately threaded through said inserts and said spacers.

5. An alterable matrix according to claim 1 wherein each said insert further comprises:

a second comb-like bus identical to said first mentioned bus and symmetrically carried on the reverse side of said backing sheet whereby corresponding teeth of said buses are in electrical registration with the same said clamp element.

6. An alterable matrix according to claim 1 wherein said unidirectional current means comprise a micro-diode.

7. An alterable matrix according to claim 6 wherein a portion of said teeth carried by a said insert includes:

8. An alterable matrix according to claim 7 wherein the said backing sheets of said inserts are each perforated at two locations spaced from the respective bus thereof; and said matrix further comprises:

a pair of tubular spacers interposed between adjacent inserts and axially aligned with corresponding perforation locations; and

rod means alternately threaded through said inserts and said spacers.

9. An alterable matrix according to claim 6 further comprising:

insulating means interposed between selected of said teeth and their respective registering conductor elements.

10. An alterable matrix according to claim 9 wherein the said backing sheets of said inserts are each perforated at two locations; and said matrix further comprises:

rod means alternately threaded through said inserts and said spacers.

11. An alterable insert adapted to be removably received by an input-output circuit board having a plurality of clamp elements arranged in a network of rows and transverse columns, said insert comprising:

a backing sheet of insulating material;

a comb-like bus of an electrically conducting material carried by said sheet on one side and having a plurality of teeth disposed within the margins of said sheet in abutting relation thereto, said teeth thereof being spaced apart for selective electrical registry with clamp elements of a column; and

insulating means carried upon selected teeth of said bus preventing establishment of an electrical connection upon registry of said selected teeth with respective clamp elements.

12. An alterable matrix insert ladder adapted to be removably received by clamp elements of an input-output circuit board having a plurality of spaced-apart clamp elements arranged in rows and transverse columns, said insert comprising:

a plurality of backing sheets of insulating material equal in number to the number of columns of clamp elements and spaced apart for removable reception by respective ones of the columns of clamp elements, each said backing sheet having perforations at two locations;

a plurality of comb-like buses, each made of an electrically conducting material carried by a respective said sheet on one side thereof spaced from said perforation locations and each bus having a plurality of teeth disposed within the margins of said respective sheet in abutting relation thereto, the said teeth thereof being spaced apart for selective electrical registry with clamp elements of a respective column;

rod means alternately threaded through said inserts and said spacers.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,962,801 12/1960 Cass.

3,122,996 3/1964 Heatwole l7468.5 XR 3,128,332 4/1964 Burkig et al. l7468.5 3,246,208 4/1966 LeX et al.

ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Primary Examiner I. R. SCOTT, Assistant Examiner Us. c1. X.R.