Patents by Inventor Steven E. Heidenreich

Steven E. Heidenreich has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Methods and apparatus for securing electrical connectors
    Patent number: 6878006
    Abstract: Apparatus for securing a first electrical connector mounted to an electronic module to a second electrical connector supported by a support structure, such that the first and second electrical connectors mate in an electrically conductive manner. The support structure can be an electrical board supported by a chassis. The apparatus includes a latch having a first end configured to engage the chassis and a lever portion configured to exert a force on the chassis when in a first position. This force allows the first electrical connector to be urged towards the second electrical connector. The apparatus also has a compliant member configured to bias the lever portion away from the first position, and a catch configured to secure the latch in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven E. Heidenreich, Richard G. Sevier, Guenter Schkrohowsky, James L. Dowdy
  • Methods and apparatus for securing electrical connectors
    Patent number: 6648667
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securing a first electrical connector mounted to an electronic module to a second electrical connector supported by a support structure, such that the first and second electrical connectors mate in an electrically conductive manner. The support structure can be an electrical board supported by a chassis. The apparatus includes a latch having a first end configured to engage the chassis and a lever portion configured to exert a force on the electronic module when in a first position. This force allows the first electrical connector to be urged towards the second electrical connector. The apparatus also has a compliant member configured to bias the lever portion away from the first position, and a catch configured to secure the latch in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven E. Heidenreich, Richard G. Sevier, Guenter Schkrohowsky, James L. Dowdy
  • Methods and apparatus for securing electrical connectors
    Publication number: 20030022545
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securing a first electrical connector mounted to an electronic module to a second electrical connector supported by a support structure, such that the first and second electrical connectors mate in an electrically conductive manner. The support structure can be an electrical board supported by a chassis. The apparatus includes a latch having a first end configured to engage the chassis and a lever portion configured to exert a force on the electronic module when in a first position. This force allows the first electrical connector to be urged towards the second electrical connector. The apparatus also has a compliant member configured to bias the lever portion away from the first position, and a catch configured to secure the latch in the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Steven E. Heidenreich, Richard G. Sevier, Guenter Schkrohowsky, James L. Dowdy
  • Method and apparatus for securing electrical connectors
    Patent number: 6475016
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securing a first electrical connector mounted to an electronic module to a second electrical connector supported by a support structure, such that the first and second electrical connectors mate in an electrically conductive manner. The support structure can be an electrical board supported by a chassis. The apparatus includes a latch having a first end configured to engage the chassis and a lever portion configured to exert a force on the electronic module when in a first position. This force allows the first electrical connector to be urged towards the second electrical connector. The apparatus also has a compliant member configured to bias the lever portion away from the first position, and a catch configured to secure the latch in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Steven E. Heidenreich, Richard G. Sevier, Guenter Schkrohowsky, James L. Dowdy