Cartridge and receptacle for use with an electronically controlled

Abstract

An improved cartridge and receptacle therefor for use with an electronically controlled appliance includes within the receptacle a vertically movable platform having a pivoting door. A printed circuit board extends upwardly within the appliance housing and acts as a terminal member connected to electronic circuitry within the appliance. The cartridge includes a pair of outwardly extending prongs which fit into openings in the top of the platform to release spring biased latches which otherwise maintain the platform in its upper position. A camming surface on the platform door cooperates with the circuit board to pivot the door away from an elongated opening in the platform when the platform is lowered and the printed circuit board extends through that elongated opening into an elongated opening within the cartridge, where it causes a spring biased door to be pivoted inwardly. The printed circuit board enters a connector within the cartridge which is coupled to circuitry mounted within the cartridge. Removal of the cartridge releases the printed circuit board from the connector and raises the platform. As the printed circuit board leaves the cartridge, the spring biased door pivots to close the opening of the cartridge. As the platform is raised, a camming surface within the receptacle pivots the platform door to its closed position. Removal of the cartridge from the platform allows the latches to spring outwardly so that they rest on shoulders provided therefor, thereby preventing the platform from being lowered into the receptacle without the insertion of a cartridge.