Abstract: A data storage cartridge includes a first housing and a second housing forming an inner chamber with an open front end and an open rear end. An information storage device is positioned within the chamber. A pair of intermediate strips are positioned lengthwise between the first housing and the second housing which hold together the first and second housing. A front end cap is positioned in the open front end to close the chamber. A rear end cap is positioned in the open rear end to close the chamber.

Abstract: An expansion module latch mechanism including an expansion module and a latch release is described. The expansion module has a recess for receiving a retaining latch external to the expansion module for retaining the expansion module positioned with respect to an expansion module sleeve. The latch release is attached to the expansion module for expelling a retained latch from the recess. An expansion module bay latch mechanism for retaining an expansion module positioned with respect to a module sleeve is described. The expansion module bay latch mechanism has a module sleeve having a latch clip positioned on a side wall of the module sleeve. The latch clip includes a latch adapted to interfit with a recess in an expansion module and a paddle connected to the latch which, in response to contact with the expansion module, urges the latch into the recess.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for removably securing one or more computer circuit boards to a computer chassis. In one embodiment, the apparatuses include a bracket having attached sites that can be selectively aligned with corresponding fastening sites of one or more types of printed circuit boards. The circuit boards can be attached to the bracket without tools and without threaded fasteners, and the bracket can be attached to the chassis also without tools and with out threaded fasteners. The circuit boards can be grounded to the chassis solely through a compressible conductive gasket that extends between the chassis and input/output connectors of the printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A wireless handheld device having a retractable keypad is provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device comprises a housing having an opening and a display coupled to the housing. A keypad is coupled to the housing open. A spring mechanism is coupled to the housing and the keypad, and extends the keypad from the housing open. The keypad and a microphone are positioned in a keypad housing having a first opening and an end for closing the device housing opening. A zigzag spring is positioned in the device housing and the keypad housing for extending the keypad responsive to pressing a button. A first member is coupled to a second member for guiding the keypad housing. The first member has a lock surface and the keypad housing has a lock surface for engaging with the first member lock surface responsive to the keypad housing being inserted into the device housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for cooling a computer component in a computer system. Some embodiments include single or multiple panels hinged to a chassis of the computer system to carry, locate, and temporarily reposition cooling fans within the computer system. Some disclosed methods provide for cooling of computer components through various combinations of cooling fans that are employed to move air into the system and subsequently move air over components of the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for retaining a circuit board in a computer system. Some embodiments include single or multiple panels hinged to a chassis of the computer that are used to retain circuit boards such as expansion boards. The panel, or portions of the panel, may contact a circuit board through a card retaining member that may be slidable relative to the panel. In some embodiments the card retaining member will only slide toward an expansion card when controls for the member are so arranged by an operator. Expansion cards may be released from retention by movement of the panel away from the expansion cards, and in some cases by movement of the card retaining members away from the expansion cards.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for retaining a circuit board in a computer system. Some embodiments include single or multiple panels hinged to a chassis of the computer that are used as retaining structures. In operation, the retaining structures may be hinged down onto a circuit board cap that is in turn coupled to a central processing unit package that includes a circuit board. In this manner, the central processing unit or another component including a circuit board may be retained in a computer system.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for securing a computer component in a computer system. Some embodiments include single or multiple panels hinged to a chassis of the computer system. A panel of some embodiments may carry or otherwise secure components of the computer system. One such component that may be carried by a panel is a computer power supply.

Abstract: Minitower computers and housings for protecting the internal and external hardware components of minitower computers. In one embodiment, a minitower computer housing includes a component panel, an under section extending rearwardly from the component panel, and a cover section connected to the component panel and the under section. The housing of this embodiment also includes a first tilt member depending from the under section to tilt the front panel. The first tilt member includes a vent to provide airflow through the computer housing. The first tilt member, for example, can have a front surface extending downwardly from the component panel to a bottom region and a back surface extending upwardly from the bottom region to the under section. The vent can be an opening in the back surface of the tilt member to direct sound waves rearwardly away from a user.