Abstract: First and second L-shaped brackets are secured to first and second computer peripheral units. The upright back portions of both of the brackets have holes or openings in them. With the first unit stacked on the second and their respective brackets aligned, a first male member of a connector device is snap fit in a hole in one of the brackets and a second male member of that device is snap fit in a hole in the other bracket. The two brackets and connector device form a connector assembly, which with (three) other similar assemblies, hold the stacked unit together. Bottom members, top cap members and/or center members can be snap fit onto the brackets to provide flexibility in use and to provide a smooth attractive outer appearance. According to one preferred embodiment, the assemblies can be disassembled without tools. The brackets, connector device, and the other members can be sold as a kit together with differently-sized brackets to accommodate different sizes (heights) of units.

Abstract: The alarm circuit uses speed detection so that at a fan slowdown speed below a critical low level, a buzzer alarm starts sounding at a low warning volume and then as the fan slows down further the volume increases; that is, the buzzer volume or the buzzing frequency is inversely proportional to the fan speed. The circuit advantageously can be used for a wide range of fans. A pulse detector of a first stage comparator of this circuit detects the pulses or speed of the fan. More particularly, a power supply isolation resistor with an AC coupling capacitor block the DC voltage levels at the fan so that only the AC or pulse component of the fan is picked up. The isolation resistor prevents the power source from attenuating the pulses. The second stage comparator of the circuit sets the fan speed at which the alarm is to start buzzing and powers the buzzer accordingly. Particularly, the pulses are amplified by the first stage comparator and they periodically discharge a charging capacitor.

Abstract: A modular data device assembly for a computer is disclosed, wherein the assembly has a housing that is designed to fit into a conventional, industry standard size expansion bay. Individual plug-in data storage devices such as hard disk drives or CD-ROM drives are disposed vertically in a stacked formation within the housing. A motherboard with plug-in connectors to which the drives are connected allows easy replacement of defective data devices, which devices slide in or out. The disk drives and modular data device assemblies may be arrayed in series or in parallel to a controller. By its modular structure and redundant storage functions, the present invention benefits from what is known as Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disk principle.

Abstract: A system for interlocking various computer peripheral enclosures to prevent them from falling off of desk tops or off of each other, to compactly organize them to save space and prevent disconnection or tangling of their connecting wires, to more easily and securely move them from one location to another, and to provide an attractive interlocking arrangement. L-shaped brackets are secured to the enclosures or housings, preferably at the enclosure bases, and extending up their sides. Interlocking devices have snap-in members at each end thereof. One member snaps into an opening in a bracket of one enclosure unit and another member snaps into an opening in a bracket of another enclosure unit, thereby the two units are securely held together in a side-by-side or one-on-top-of-the-other arrangement. Insertion of a narrow tool into an opening in the bracket allows for easy unsnapping or disconnect.