Abstract: A fire shield for mounting over air ventilation holes on the bottom of a computer chassis. The shield includes an offset for holding a fire-impenetrable surface away from the air ventilation holes. The surface blocks a path that passes through the ventilation holes and extends orthogonally outward from the computer chassis, thus preventing flaming particles that fall through the air holes from passing beyond the shield. The shield establishes an air cavity that is in fluid communication with the air holes and with ambient air for cooling purposes. It may be constructed of sheet metal with first and second folded portions serving to create the offset. Hooks along the first elongate fold engage the air holes. A clearance hole on the second elongate fold receives a fastener. The air cavity may vent to ambient air on either end of the shield between the two folds.

Abstract: A computer enclosure has first and second removable access panels. The access panels may be locked shut by securing them both to a chassis at a single point with a locking device. When the locking device is removed, each access panel may be opened and removed independently of the other access panel. The first removable access panel has a first locking tab. The second removable access panel has a second locking tab. The first and second locking tabs do not overlap one another. When the first and second removable access panels are mounted to the chassis, the chassis restrains the first and second removable access panels from movement in first and second orthogonal directions. When the locking device is in place, the locking device restrains the first and second removable access panels from movement in a third orthogonal direction by securing the first and second locking tabs to the chassis.

Abstract: A computer is disclosed having a power supply assembly that may be rotated into a first position for operating the computer, rotated into a second position for servicing components within the computer, or removed from the computer quickly and easily. The power supply assembly is mounted to a chassis via first and second pivot pins that define an axis of rotation and engage first and second bearing surfaces. The first pivot pin may be disengaged from the first bearing surface without removing a fastener. In one embodinent, the first pivot pin is disengaged from the first bearing surface by relative movement between the first pivot pin and the first bearing surface along the axis of rotation. In another embodiment, the first pivot pin is disengaged from the first bearing surface by passing it through a slot in the bearing surface orthogonal to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Two opposing connector catches are disposed on resilient stems at the bottom of a circuit board retainer. A frame is disposed between the catches. The frame fits around the profile of a connector. The catches slip over the ends of the connector and engage shoulders on the ends of the connector. Opposing upright members are coupled to the frame and the catches. A circuit board is lowered between the upright members. Two opposing board catches on the upright members engage corresponding notches formed in the circuit board. To disassemble the circuit board from the retainer, the upright members are bent away from one another to disengage the board catches from the notches. To disassemble the retainer from the connector, the upright members are bent toward one another to disengage the connector catches from the shoulders.

Abstract: Integral hem rivets fasten a front end panel, a back end panel and internal structural support members to a main sheet metal panel of a computer enclosure. The main sheet metal panel forms a cosmetic surface for the computer enclosure. The integral hem rivets used to fasten pieces to the main sheet metal panel do not blemish the cosmetic surface. In addition, the configuration of the hem conserves volume within the enclosure for mounting internal system components.

Abstract: A computer enclosure locking mechanism. A bracket is disposed near the edge of a first enclosure panel. The bracket includes a latchpin retaining surface and a standoff member. The first panel includes a first latchpin clearance hole. The standoff member includes a lock bar clearance hole for receiving the lockbar of a padlock or other locking device. A retractable latchpin having a longitudinal member and a head is provided. A spring is disposed coaxially around the longitudinal member. A second enclosure panel includes a second latchpin clearance hole that aligns with the first latchpin clearance hole when the first and second panels are brought together at a seam. When the latchpin is retracted, the head rests against the latchpin retaining surface and the longitudinal member extends through the first clearance hole but not through the second clearance hole, thereby enabling the first and second panels to be separated or brought together.

Abstract: A guide piece molded out of a rigid but slightly resilient material, such as plastic, having an elongated body with a U-shaped channel, used to hold an edge of a printed circuit card, extending the length of the guide piece to form an opening on each end. The guide piece has a plurality of raised tabs along the external surface of one leg of the channel and middle and end nubs on the external surface of the other leg of the channel. The raised tabs mate with fingers formed in a chassis, and the middle and end nubs mate with holes in the chassis. The combination of the raised tabs mating with fingers, and the middle and end nubs mating with the holes, secures the guide piece to the chassis, without requiring protrusions through the chassis.

Abstract: A printed circuit board and bulkhead assembly with I/O connectors that may be slidingly mated with a rear panel bulkhead frame of a computer chassis without removing the rear panel and without having to remove any mounting hardware. The I/O connectors are attached to the bulkhead assembly in such a manner that the I/O connectors clear the rear panel bulkhead frame when the bulkhead assembly is being slidingly mated with the rear panel bulkhead frame. The I/O connectors extend through the rear panel bulkhead frame once the bulkhead assembly is mated with the rear panel bulkhead frame. When fully installed, the bulkhead assembly and the rear panel bulkhead frame create a barrier against EMI/RFI radiation emissions escaping the computer chassis.

Abstract: An electronic device having a printed circuit board that must align with and connect to various devices on more than one edge of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board having an isolation slot that creates a peninsula connection region near one edge of the printed circuit board to enable the printed circuit board to be readily aligned inside the electronic device with the various devices that the printed circuit board mates with. The present invention may also include a travel limit bracket attached to the printed circuit board on either side of the isolation slot in order to limit the amount of travel and twisting of the peninsula connection region. The printed circuit board may also include insertion guide that guide the printed circuit board as it is being mated with a front panel of the electronic device.

Abstract: A heat sink device is disclosed which provides a large surface area in order to facilitate heat transfer into the surrounding air and which also allows cooling air to impinge directly upon the integrated circuit device being cooled. The heat sink device is constructed having a relatively large central region which is adapted to contact the integrated circuit device. This large central region facilitates conduction of heat from the integrated circuit device into the heat sink device. Extending outwardly from the central region are a plurality of cooling fins which facilitate the conduction of heat out of the central region and which provide a large surface area to enhance heat transfer into the surrounding air.

Abstract: A guide piece molded out of a rigid but slightly resilient material, such as plastic, having an elongated body with a U-shaped channel, used to hold an edge of a printed circuit card, extending the length of the guide piece to form an opening on each end. The guide piece has a plurality of raised tabs along the external surface of one leg of the channel and middle and end hubs on the external surface of the other leg of the channel. The raised tabs mate with fingers formed in a chassis, and the middle and end hubs mate with holes in the chassis. The combination of the raised tabs mating with fingers, and the middle and end hubs mating with the holes, secures the guide piece to the chassis, without requiring protrusions through the chassis.