Patent ID: 8385535

Claim:
An automated cross-connect system suitable for use in a telecommunication network central office comprising a network of communication lines for connecting subscriber locations to a central office exchange, said communication lines extend to the subscriber locations from a main distribution frame (MDF) that comprises a plurality of connector blocks housed therein for terminating the communication lines from to the subscriber locations and the lines from the exchange, such that the automated cross-connect system being capable of activating cross-connects between the subscriber communication lines and the exchange, wherein the modular cross-connect boards, each including a switch matrix comprising a plurality of cross-connect elements, and wherein said modular cross-connect boards are coupled to the connector blocks in a scalable manner such that the MDF is automated by selectively controlling the connection state of the plurality of cross-connects remotely via the central office, wherein the system is scalable to a growth in subscriber lines within the MDF by installing additional cross-connection boards as necessary to meet the need, wherein the switch matrix is comprised of sliding engagable contact sledges that are moved into position by an electric motor, the switch matrix comprises a plurality of electrically conductive contacts disposed on multiple PCBs by which any input line can connectable to any output line is achieved by the moving the sledges along different paths and transport planes, wherein the contact sledges comprise contact springs for making contact between two pairs of contact points, and another contact spring for detecting the position of the contact sledges on the matrix.