Mechanical device showing prior mating

Abstract

A mechanical device that indicates prior mating. The device comprises a first part having a first conductive device movable from a first position to a second position and a plurality of second conductive devices, and a second mating part including a plurality of third conductive devices mateable to the plurality of second conductive devices. On initial mating of the first and second part, the second part causes the movable first conductive device to move from the first position to a second position where it is captured, while closing a circuit that causes a signal to be sent. Further mating of the first and second parts connects the plurality of second conductive devices to the plurality of third conductive devices. In subsequent unmating and remating of the first and second parts, the first conductive device, being captured in its second position, does not result in a circuit closing before the plurality of second conductive devices mate with the third conductive devices. Either no signal is generated or the signal is ignored since the timing of the closing of the circuit is not prior to the mating of the plurality of second conductive devices with the third conductive devices.