초록 ▼

A switch is disclosed for indicating that a computer card is installed in an expansion slot of a computer. A conductive strip attaches to an end wall of the slot and deforms when a computer card is installed. A conductive contact is provided in the wall of the slot to complete an electrical connecti

A switch is disclosed for indicating that a computer card is installed in an expansion slot of a computer. A conductive strip attaches to an end wall of the slot and deforms when a computer card is installed. A conductive contact is provided in the wall of the slot to complete an electrical connection when the conductive strip is deformed. The strip connects electrically to a conductor that is passively driven high by a voltage source and pull-up resistor. The contact connects electrically to ground, so that when the computer card causes the strip to touch the contact, the voltage on conductor is driven low, providing an indication to associated circuitry that a card is present in the slot. A pair of switches may be used to provide repetitive signals indicating a card is present. If only one switch is closed, the computer may indicate to the user that a card has been installed improperly, or contaminants are present in the slot.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A computer with an expansion slot for receiving a computer card, said expansion slot comprising:a conductive strip positioned in a path of said computer card when said expansion slot receives said computer card;an electrical contact positioned adjacent said conductive strip;wherein

[ I claim:] [1.] A computer with an expansion slot for receiving a computer card, said expansion slot comprising:a conductive strip positioned in a path of said computer card when said expansion slot receives said computer card;an electrical contact positioned adjacent said conductive strip;wherein said conductive strip is forced to change position and touches the electrical contact to indicate to the computer when the computer card is inserted into said slot.