Abstract: An EMI reduction element and a protection element are provided with an electrical component. The electrical component has a distal end, and the EMI reduction element has a height and a distal side. The EMI reduction element is secured to the electrical component. The protection element includes a middle portion that has a maximum height. The maximum height is based on the height of the EMI reduction element, and is preferably about 30% to about 50% of the reduction element height. The protection element is secured to the electrical component and is positioned adjacent to the EMI reduction element so that the middle portion is closer to the distal end of the electrical component than the distal side of the EMI reduction element. The protection element protects the reduction element from being sheared and/or torn by walls of an enclosure that the electrical component can be inserted into.

Abstract: An EMI reduction element and a protection element are provided with an electrical component. The electrical component has a distal end, and the EMI reduction element has a height and a distal side. The EMI reduction element is secured to the electrical component. The protection element includes a middle portion that has a maximum height. The maximum height is based on the height of the EMI reduction element, and is preferably about 30% to about 50% of the reduction element height. The protection element is secured to the electrical component and is positioned adjacent to the EMI reduction element so that the middle portion is closer to the distal end of the electrical component than the distal side of the EMI reduction element. The protection element protects the reduction element from being sheared and/or torn by walls of an enclosure that the electrical component can be inserted into.

Abstract: An expansion enclosure allows additional expansion cards to be used with a computer system. The enclosure exhibits a small footprint (e.g., one rack unit, or 1¾ inches) for installation in a rack or other area in which space is limited. The enclosure accepts one or more (e.g., four) expansion cards, which are connected to a removable expansion card cage. The removable cage forms part of the structure of the enclosure and provides strength and rigidity. A stabilizer may be removably but securely installed in the enclosure to stabilize or hold the removable cage as a card is installed in or removed from the cage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectably including a mass storage device in an expansion card space of a computer system, particularly an expansion card area lacking a space dedicated solely for the mass storage device. An apparatus according to the invention includes a mass storage frame, and an interface board to couple the mass storage device to an expansion card slot on backplane in the computer system. A computer system includes the apparatus. Another computer system includes a removable support frame for supporting a mass storage device, the removal of which allows a larger expansion card or an additional expansion card to be inserted into the backplane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectably including a mass storage device in an expansion card space of a computer system, particularly an expansion card area lacking a space dedicated solely for the mass storage device. An apparatus according to the invention includes a mass storage frame, and an interface board to couple the mass storage device to an expansion card slot on backplane in the computer system. A computer system includes the apparatus. Another computer system includes a removable support frame for supporting a mass storage device, the removal of which allows a larger expansion card or an additional expansion card to be inserted into the backplane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectably including a mass storage device in an expansion card space of a computer system, particularly an expansion card area lacking a space dedicated solely for the mass storage device. An apparatus according to the invention includes a mass storage frame, and an interface board to couple the mass storage device to an expansion card slot on backplane in the computer system. A computer system includes the apparatus. Another computer system includes a removable support frame for supporting a mass storage device, the removal of which allows a larger expansion card or an additional expansion card to be inserted into the backplane.

Abstract: A computer system and method of performing service thereto includes a centralized system status panel to identify and display the status of all field replaceable units (FRUs) within the computer system. The system uses electronic signaling such as LEDs on the system status panel to identify the presence and state of the FRUs within the system. The system further may use color differentiation to identify specific FRUs within the system. The system status panel may also include spatial locators to determine the location of the field replaceable units. Acronyms or symbols for the FRUs may further be included on the system status panel. Additionally, the computer system uses color differentiation on user accessible components and their interface features. Color differentiation on the user interface areas may allow a service technician to quickly identify where on the enclosures or individual component handling is possible or desirable. In addition, the computer system may use captive fasteners for the FRUs.

Abstract: An expansion enclosure allows additional expansion cards to be used with a computer system. The enclosure exhibits a small footprint (e.g., one rack unit, or 1¾ inches) for installation in a rack or other area in which space is limited. The enclosure accepts one or more (e.g., four) expansion cards, which are connected to a removable expansion card cage. The removable cage forms part of the structure of the enclosure and provides strength and rigidity. A stabilizer may be removably but securely installed in the enclosure to stabilize or hold the removable cage as a card is installed in or removed from the cage.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer housing with a low noise cooling system. The computer housing is comprised of two principal members, a cover and a base. Both a left surface and a right surface of the cover are perforated with vents to allowing the passage of air through the housing. The base additionally incorporates two air intake holes with a power source for the computer disposed over these air intake holes. The passage of air through the housing is facilitated through the use of three fans. These three fans are attached directly to the power source, and each of these fans operates at a different fan speed. The fan speeds are additionally adjusted in response to the outside ambient temperature. In operation, air enters the computer housing of the present invention through the vent array on the left surface of the cover, and the air intake holes in the base.

Abstract: A quick connect modular unit retainer assembly for easily installing or removing a modular unit such as a disk drive in a computer housing. Threaded inserts having elastomer sleeves are mounted to the modular unit. The insert assemblies are inserted first vertically, and then horizontally, into L-shaped channels on bosses projecting upward from the computer base. Cooperating fingers extending downward from a pivoted computer cover are maneuvered into the L-shaped channels adjacent to the insert assemblies, thereby locking the insert assemblies, and hence modular unit, into place.