Power-up rack and method of use in association with portable microcomputers within a refinery and the like

Claim 1

A power-up rack for a programmable microcomputer used to gather engineering data within a refinery or chemical complex for later automatic transmission to a central computer via a communication link, said microcomputer having a series of keys arranged in rows-and-columns over a top surface thereof and a first multi-pin receptacle for recharging purposes, mounted at a far end thereof comprising: a H-shaped support means including twin up-right wall means, cross-member means connected to said wall means and end wall means forming a repository to accept and accommodate said microcomputer in a recharging electrical engagement, said repository being U-shaped throughout a substantial portion of its length, with the open side of the U facing outwardly wherein loading of said microcomputer into said rack from a loading position above said cross-member means is facilitated, said cross-member means sloping front-to-back as a function of its length, said end wall means having a second multi-pin receptacle mounted thereon and adapted to engage said first receptacle in a power-up, recharging relationship said support means including top wall means attached to said side wall means and end wall means, and a light indicator supported on said top wall means in electrical circuit with and activated by electrical engagement of said first and second receptacles, said top wall being of limited cross-wise dimension so as to extend only a slight amount into said open side of said U-shaped repository whereby when said microcomputer is loaded into said repository for recharging same, said series of keys of said microcomputer can be manipulated for testing purposes, without removal of said microcomputer from said repository.