Abstract: Apparatus and method for securing a heat sink to a heat-generating device on a circuit board. The apparatus clamps onto the heating-generating device and the circuit board in a manner that avoids bending of the circuit board. The apparatus includes a retention module having a plurality of retention features that extend through openings in the circuit board disposed about the perimeter of the heat-generating device, such as a processor. The apparatus also includes a heat sink having a heat sink base for contacting the heat-generating device in order to dissipate heat produced by the device. The heat sink is selectively securable to the retention features of the retention module using levers, such as a wire module, having a spring clip to engage the retention features and clamp the heat sink and retention module together.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that surrounds a connector and places it within the printer body in such away as to allow for the connector to float against the intrusion of a sliding can mounted with electronics and to set up and enable the printer. The problem solved is that of the blind-mating connectors within a printer system for which an industry standard connector set for flex cable must be used. It is advantageous to allow a connector that is attached to a flex cable to float even though the floating feature has not been considered in the original design and the connector was not made for the amount of misalignment present in a blind-mate connection. In addition, by a single-rib design, an extra degree of freedom for rotational around Y-axis is provided to the floating connector to further guide the lead-in of the contacting face of the mating connector.

Abstract: Methods for inserting and/or removing a connector with a remote connector agent are disclosed. Embodiments may include inserting a connector into a remote connector agent to form a remote connector system and pushing the remote connector into a header of a board to insert the connector into the header. Embodiments may also include pulling the remote connector system to retract the remote connector from the header. In some embodiments, inserting the connector into the remote connector agent further comprises pushing back one or more insertion snap pushers to allow insertion of the connector. In some embodiments, pulling the remote connector system further comprises releasing a snap of the connector with a snap release actuator before retracting the remote connector system from the header.

Abstract: A cable trough comprising a rigid trough securing a cable that terminates with a cable connector plug. The cable connector plug has a connector latch operable with a pull tab for selectively latching the cable connector plug to a blind mate connector inside an electronic device. The trough secures the connector plug in axial alignment with the trough and includes a release lever pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the trough. An elongate wire extends within the trough and is coupled between the release lever and the pull tab. Accordingly, the rigid trough may be directed into a guide passage aligned with the blind mate connector for coupling and latching of the connector plug to the blind mate connector. The release lever is pivotally operable to pull the wire and actuate the pull tab to release the connector latch.

Abstract: An apparatus for air filtration comprises a substrate, the substrate including a first side and a second side, a plurality of openings in the substrate, each opening in the plurality of openings including a tapered edge from the first side to the second side, a plurality of layers of filter material removably attached to the substrate, the plurality of layers of filter material further including: an exposed layer and at least one subsequent layer, a plurality of openings in the plurality of layers, each opening of the plurality of openings corresponding to the openings in the substrate, an extension of the layers of filter material into the tapered edge of the openings in the substrate, the extension extends at least to the second side of the openings in the substrate, and a particulate trapping adhesive attached to the first side of each layer of the filter material.

Abstract: A heat sink restraint that absorbs shock and facilitates the application of a calibrated hold-down force to a heat sink. The restraint comprises a fluid-tight housing and a piston assembly including a piston and a shaft. The shaft has first and second ends extending from the housing through seals that allow axial movement of the shaft. The piston is disposed within the housing for axial movement with the shaft. A dampening fluid fills the housing about the piston assembly and a dampening orifice or passageway establishes restricted fluid communication between regions within the housing above and below the piston. A spring is disposed within the housing between the piston and the housing to bias the housing in a retaining direction. A first end of the shaft is selectively coupled to a circuit board and the second end includes a visual indicator for indicating the amount of the applied hold-down force.

Abstract: A heat sink retention module including a frame, first and second wire modules and a latch. The frame receives a heat sink base and is securable to a circuit board. First and second wire modules each include a pair of arm sections pivotally coupled to opposing sides of the frame about a transverse axis, a transverse handle section, and a spring clip formed adjacent the pivoting end of each arm section. The transverse axis of the first wire module is longitudinally spaced apart from the transverse axis of the second wire module. When the wire modules are adducted and flexed, a generally downward force is applied to the heat sink base by the spring clips, which extend generally perpendicular to each arm section. The wire modules are kept in the adducted position by a latch selectively securable between the transverse handle sections of the first and second wire modules.

Abstract: A device for locking a USB device to a USB header includes a member secured to a USB header and selectively movable between a locked position that blocks outward movement of a spring finger of the USB header and an unlocked position that permits outward movement of the spring finger. The selectively moveable member may include a collar secured around the USB header. In one embodiment, the collar slides in an axial direction relative to the axis of the USB header. In another embodiment, the collar slides in a transverse direction relative to the axis of the USB header. In yet another embodiment, the selectively moveable member is a lever, button or dial coupled to a collar positioned around the USB header. For example, the member may be a lever pivotally coupled to the collar.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting and/or removing a connector with a remote connector agent are disclosed. Embodiments may include a remote connector agent apparatus having a main body forming a connector cavity and one or more insertion snap pushers each having a lower surface. The insertion snap pushers may move outward during insertion of a connector into the connector cavity and move inward after insertion of the connector so that the snap pusher lower surfaces rest on a lip of the connector after insertion. Embodiments may also include a retraction holder ledge to support the lip of the inserted connector during retraction and a connector snap release actuator to pivot a snap of the inserted connector in response to a pulling force on the remote connector agent. The insertion snap pushers and the retraction holder ledge may have a float distance between them larger than the lip height.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for thermal conduction interfacing. The method for thermal conduction interfacing includes providing with a first layer formed substantially of a pliable thermally conductive material. The method includes coupling a second layer formed substantially of a pliable thermally conductive material and coupled at the edges to the first layer forming a pliable packet, wherein the first layer and the second layer conform to a set of thermal interface surfaces. Additionally, the method includes inserting a plurality of thermally conductive particles within the packet, wherein thermal energy is transferred from the first layer to the second layer through the thermally conductive particles. Beneficially, such a method would provide effective thermal coupling between a heat generating device and a heat dissipating device.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for thermal conduction interfacing. The system for thermal conduction interfacing is provided with a first layer formed substantially of a pliable thermally conductive material. The system includes a second layer formed substantially of a pliable thermally conductive material and coupled at the edges to the first layer forming a pliable packet, wherein the first layer and the second layer conform to a set of thermal interface surfaces. Additionally, the system includes a plurality of thermally conductive particles disposed within the packet, wherein thermal energy is transferred from the first layer to the second layer through the thermally conductive particles. Beneficially, such a system would provide effective thermal coupling between a heat generating device and a heat dissipating device. Additionally, the system would be modular, reusable, and easy to install or replace without a significant mess.

Abstract: Assembly and connection of electronic components are provided. In one embodiment, electronic components such as a CPU planar, power supplies, and other electronic components or subassemblies are positioned within an enclosure. An interface board removably positionable in the enclosure carries a plurality of electronic connectors, providing an electronic interface between the CPU planar, power supplies, and other electronic subassemblies. The interface board is movably mounted to a component module on a track. The component module is inserted in a first bay, with the attached interface board in a first position. The interface board connects to a movable cable plate, and is subsequently moved to a second position along with the connected cable plate to move one or more of the connectors to a second bay. An electronic subassembly positioned in the second bay or another bay may then be connected the interface board. Other electronic components may be connected to the interface board via the cable plate.

Abstract: An apparatus to align and dock or undock a first electronic circuit board with a first connector with a second electronic circuit board with a second connector. The apparatus comprises a guide plate with a linkage to connect to a mounting plate. The first electronic circuit board is secured to the mounting plate. The guide plate is inserted into a chassis comprising a guide to receive the guide plate. The guide aligns the first connector to be received in the second connector. The linkage is actuated by displacing a positioning handle. The linkage translates the motion in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the positioning handle. The mounting plate is translated in the generally perpendicular direction, and the first connector is received into the second connector. The operation may be reversed to remove the first connector from the second connector.

Abstract: A method of docking an electronic circuit board. The method includes securing the electronic circuit board to a mounting plate that is mechanically linked to a rigid guide plate, wherein the electronic circuit board has a first connector. The rigid guide plate is inserted in a linear insertion direction between guides that are positioned adjacent a second connector configured to receive the first connector. The rigid guide plate insertion stops in a position where the first connector of the electronic circuit board is aligned with the second connector. Actuating a positioning handle that is accessible from a trailing edge of the guide plate causes rotation of a rotatable plate relative to the guide plate.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that surrounds a connector and places it within the printer body in such away as to allow for the connector to float against the intrusion of a sliding can mounted with electronics and to set up and enable the printer. The problem solved is that of the blind-mating connectors within a printer system for which an industry standard connector set for flex cable must be used. It is advantageous to allow a connector that is attached to a flex cable to float even though the floating feature has not been considered in the original design and the connector was not made for the amount of misalignment present in a blind-mate connection. In addition, by a single-rib design, an extra degree of freedom for rotational around Y-axis is provided to the floating connector to further guide the lead-in of the contacting face of the mating connector.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for cooling of heat producing components. The apparatus may include a mounting plate rigidly connected with a top surface of a circuit board, the mounting plate positioned above a heat producing circuit board component, and a heat sink having first and second ends. The heat sink is configured to interface with the mounting plate in order to provide a downward force on the heat producing circuit board component. The apparatus also includes at least one bellows device coupling a heat transfer tip with the first end of the heat sink, wherein the bellows device is configured to transfer the downward force from the mounting plate to a top surface of the heat producing component and maintain the heat transfer tip in compliance with the plane of the top surface of the heat producing component. The system includes a circuit board, a plurality of heat producing circuit board components, and the described apparatus.

Abstract: A low overhead hinge assembly comprising a stationary hinge plate and a rotating hinge plate. The stationary hinge plate having a stationary hinge plate body portion and a plurality of stationary hinge plate digits coupled to the stationary hinge plate body portion, each of the stationary hinge plate digits having an opening therein. The rotating hinge plate having a rotating hinge plate body portion and a plurality of pins coupled to the rotating hinge plate body portion, wherein the stationary hinge plate digits are configured to be engaged with the rotating hinge plate pins so that each of a plurality of the rotating hinge plate pins is inserted into an opening in one of the stationary hinge plate digits so as to pivotally couple the rotating hinge plate to the stationary hinge plate.

Abstract: An apparatus to align and dock or undock a first electronic circuit board with a first connector with a second electronic circuit board with a second connector. The apparatus comprises a guide plate with a linkage to connect to a mounting plate. The first electronic circuit board is secured to the mounting plate. The guide plate is inserted into a chassis comprising a guide to receive the guide plate. The guide aligns the first connector to be received in the second connector. The linkage is actuated by displacing a positioning handle. The linkage translates the motion in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the positioning handle. The mounting plate is translated in the generally perpendicular direction, and the first connector is received into the second connector. The operation may be reversed to remove the first connector from the second connector.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for securing a heat sink to a heat-generating device on a circuit board. The apparatus clamps onto the heating-generating device and the circuit board in a manner that avoids bending of the circuit board. The apparatus includes a retention module having a plurality of retention features that extend through openings in the circuit board disposed about the perimeter of the heat-generating device, such as a processor. The apparatus also includes a heat sink having a heat sink base for contacting the heat-generating device in order to dissipate heat produced by the device. The heat sink is selectively securable to the retention features of the retention module using levers, such as a wire module, having a spring clip to engage the retention features and clamp the heat sink and retention module together.

Abstract: An apparatus for latching, aligning, and connecting a first connector located in a chassis with a second connector on a cable. The invention comprises a plurality of trough segments coupled in series. The trough segments include a distal trough segment having a retainer for securing and axially orienting a cable connector, a proximal trough segment having a latch element selectively secureable to a guide passage, and one or more intermediate trough segments coupled between the distal trough segment and the proximal trough segment. Each individual trough segment is pivotally coupled to any adjacent trough segment to allow bending of the cable trough. The cable trough formed by the collective trough segments may be directed into the guide passage for coupling of the cable connector to an internal chassis connector and latching of the cable trough in position within the guide passage.