Importance

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Abstract

A key device carries an integrated circuit chip or dual in-line package (DIP) and permits connecting the chip into a circuit board such as a logic circuit board of a computer terminal, from an exterior opening of the housing or cabinet carrying such circuit board. The key device connects any desired chip electrically to spring contacts of a socket located in alignment with the exterior opening. The socket in turn is connected through a ribbon cable for example to a connector on the circuit board at some desired location within the housing. The chip carrying key device is rotated 90.degree. after insertion to insure good electrical contact. When the key is to be removed, the key device is rotated 90.degree. to a position where it is electrically disconnected from the socket leads and can be removed from the housing. The chip can be reprogrammed if desired. Various applications can be utilized where the user for example can insert a discrete memory chip into a computer terminal logic circuit to identify the user before allowing the user to transact business through the computer, or for rapid change of off the shelf chips or reprogrammed memories into circuit or logic boards used in a wide variety of devices.

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First Claim