Abstract: A card hold down assembly for retaining one or more expansion cards within the chassis of an electronic device such as a computer system, server, photocopier, facsimile machine, printer, or the like is described. The card hold down assembly is comprised of a retainer that engages the mounting bracket securing tab of an expansion card received in the chassis to at least partially restrain the tab for securing said expansion card in the chassis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved circuit board support. The present invention provides for quick-assembly, limits circuit board flex, and supports a heat sink. In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus suitable for supporting a circuit board, includes a support suitable for attachment to a chassis of an information handling system, wherein a heat sink may be attached through a printed circuit board to the support so as to enable the heat sink to be supported by the chassis.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for multiple computer storage drives mounts at least one drive so that it may be swung out for easy access to the drive and to its cable connectors. The mechanism comprises a drive cage mounting bracket, a hinge, and appropriately adapted chassis, so that the mounting bracket is hingeably connected to the chassis to swing open for access and to swing closed for operation. The bracket is adapted so that, when in the open position, the cable connector of at least one mounted drive is distal from the hinge and chassis and thus easily accessible. A preferred embodiment provides for releaseably locking the bracket in the closed position. Furthermore, the bracket preferably mounts a hard drive so that it is suspended within the airspace above the computer motherboard for easier cooling.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for multiple computer storage drives mounts at least one drive so that it may be swung out for easy access to the drive and to its cable connectors. The mechanism comprises a drive cage mounting bracket, a hinge, and appropriately adapted chassis, so that the mounting bracket is hingeably connected to the chassis to swing open for access and to swing closed for operation. The bracket is adapted so that, when in the open position, the cable connector of at least one mounted drive is distal from the hinge and chassis and thus easily accessible. A preferred embodiment provides for releaseably locking the bracket in the closed position. Furthermore, the bracket preferably mounts a hard drive so that it is suspended within the airspace above the computer motherboard for easier cooling.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a circuit board within the chassis of an electronic device are disclosed. The chassis of an electronic device includes a mounting panel assembly having at least one slot for receiving a standoff mounted to the circuit board. Each slot includes a first end suitable for allowing insertion and removal of the standoff through the slot and a second end suitable for engaging the standoff to retain the standoff in the slot for securing the circuit board to the mounting panel assembly. A ramp member extends beneath the slot adjacent to the first end for urging the standoff toward the second end when the standoff is inserted in the slot through the first end.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device retention apparatus. A method of retaining an electronic device in a housing may include engaging a first device side of an information handling system device against a first housing side of a housing suitable for retaining an information handling system device. The housing includes the first housing side, a second housing side, and a third housing side, wherein the second housing side is oriented generally opposing the first housing side, and the third housing side oriented is generally perpendicular to the first housing side and the second housing side. The information handling system device includes a first device side, a second device side, and a third device side. The information handling system device is rotated about the engaged portion of the information handling system device with the housing, so that the information handling system device is secured to the first housing side, second housing side and third housing side.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling heat generating components within a compartment are disclosed. A cooling assembly isolates heat produced by a processor in a personal computer (“PC”) system and exhausts it from the PC prior to adversely affecting other components within the PC. A fan causes air to blow across the processor having an attached heat sink disposed within the cooling assembly, and the air exits the cooling assembly without adversely affecting the other components surrounding the processor. In one example, an alternative passage is provided for the air.

Abstract: Transmitting data packets received from a non-constant delay medium includes storing the data packets in a buffer, determining a play-out schedule for the data packets based on timing information in the data packets, and transmitting the data packets from the buffer in accordance with the play-out schedule. Two of the data packets may contain time-stamps and the play-out schedule may be determined based on a difference between the time-stamps.

Abstract: A pair of risers are mounted on a mother or circuit board and trap one or two electronic circuit modules in an upstanding disposition and a bridging member extends between the risers. The bridging member forms a channel on its underside which engages a rail on a heat sink on one surface of the electronic module. The trappings of the rail by the bridging member positively restrains the module against movement away from the circuit board.

Abstract: A hair shaping apparatus is provided employing one or more hollow rollers. The rollers can be arranged in concentric fashion and electrically heated by an activator unit, wherein one end of the activator unit is inserted into one end of the concentrically arranged rollers, and the other end of the activator unit can be plugged into an electrical wall outlet. The activator unit can be reversed for storage, whereby the AC plugs which connect to the wall outlet are inserted into the hollow opening of the roller to present a low-profile configuration for ease of portability. One or multiple receptacles can be connected to an activator unit, wherein the activator unit is connected to a wall outlet in order to heat a plurality of singular or concentrically arranged hollow rollers connected to the receptacles.

Abstract: A video multiplexer is disclosed which incorporates a dynamic rate control feature. MPEG encoded video signals for each channel are stored in a first-in first-out (FIFO) buffer. A packetizer for each channel detects the level in the FIFO buffer and issues a request signal to the video multiplexer that the channel desires to transmit the video signals on the network. The bandwidth allocation for a channel is either preselected by the video provider or automatically selected, and tokens are issued by a counter associated with each channel to give greater network access to those channels which require a higher bandwidth. A token multiplier detects the bandwidth needs of the various channels by detecting the rate that the FIFO buffer is being filled and automatically multiplies the number of consecutive packets which the packetizer may transmit over the multiplexer during a single grant.

Abstract: A stabilization assembly is used in computer housings to limit deflection of the I/O panel during handling and transit. The device has a lost motion connection permitting deflection of the I/O panel in one direction and preventing deflection in a second direction, thus both avoiding disconnection problems commonly incurred by I/O cards and their connections to the motherboard during handling or shipping and simplifying assembly.

Abstract: A light conductor and restore spring assembly is made of molded light translucent material which exhibits a significant degree of deflectability and the further ability to rebound or restore to its original shape when released. The framework of the spring forms a light conductor. If the light path needs to be deviated from a straight path the framework of the spring may have reflective surfaces formed into the body of the assembly to reflect the light rays from the input end to the diffusing end of the light path. The external surfaces of the spring/light conductor assembly constrain the light loss by reflecting the light back into the assembly and redirecting it along its path and toward the reflective surfaces or the diffusing end of the light pipe.

Abstract: A tool is provided for removal and installation of computer disk drive connectors of various sizes. The tool is a useful, easy to use, inexpensive device. The same device is a useful tool for removing hex head screws commonly used in computers. The apparatus is also lightweight and compact thereby making it easy to transport and store within the computer, and to use with one hand.

Abstract: A hair shaping apparatus is provided employing one or more hollow rollers. The rollers can be arranged in concentric fashion and electrically heated by an activator unit, wherein one end of the activator unit is inserted into one end of the concentrically arranged rollers, and the other end of the activator unit can be plugged into an electrical wall outlet. The activator unit can be reversed for storage, whereby the AC plugs which connect to the wall outlet are inserted into the hollow opening of the roller to present a low-profile configuration for ease of portability. One or multiple receptacles can be connected to an activator unit, wherein the activator unit is connected to a wall outlet in order to heat a plurality of singular or concentrically arranged hollow rollers connected to the receptacles.

Abstract: An improved fuser for use in an electrophotographic print engine having mutually compressible rollers for uniformity and thoroughly fused toner images. Also, the need for paper fingers to guide image receptor sheets is eliminated. The wear on the fixing device in the improved fuser is reduced by preventing binding of oil leveling blades, removing offset toner, and the use of oiling rollers in conjunction with oil leveling blades to apply oil to the fixing device. An improved fuser is also easily accessible and serviceable. The fusing device is contained within a clam-shell housing such that the fixing device and the compression device are separated when the housing opens thereby freeing jammed image receptor sheets and allowing convenient access for further service and repair. In addition, an oil wick, an oil tank, and the leveling blade comprise a subassembly which can be removed and replaced.

Abstract: Improved cleaning station for use in electrophotographic print engines which selectively removes toner from a transfer medium and has cleaning elements which are simple to remove, clean, and replace. The transfer medium cleaning station is equipped with a locking mechanism that allows inserting the cleaning station into and removing it from the print engine without scraping the transfer medium with the cleaning element.

Abstract: Improved cleaning stations for use in electrophotographic print engines having cleaning elements which are simple to inspect, remove, clean, and replace. The photoreceptor belt cleaning station is positioned in one frame of the print engine and the photoreceptor medium is positioned in the other frame of the print engine so that the cleaning station is directly accessible when the print engine is open. Also, when the print engine is closed, the photoreceptor medium contacts the cleaning elements at a substantially perpendicular angle resulting in minimum stress to both the photoreceptor medium and the cleaning elements.