Abstract: The present invention is directed to a network chassis having a system backplane board, a subassembly backplane board, and at least one connector disposed on each of the system backplane board and subassembly backplane board for electrically connecting the system backplane board to the subassembly backplane board. The chassis includes a mounting mechanism for rotatably coupling the system backplane board to the chassis and defining a path of rotation therefor, and an ejection mechanism mounted to the system backplane board to unseat the connector of the system backplane board from the connector of the subassembly backplane board. The ejection mechanism selectively exerts a force against the chassis that is directed linearly outwardly from and perpendicularly to the system backplane board. The ejection mechanism further comprises a fastener for releasably engaging the system backplane board to the chassis.

Abstract: A connection interface system for providing an interface between a unit under test and testing equipment includes a receiver having an upper mounting bar associated with an upper mounting rail to define an upper channel and a lower mounting bar associated with a lower mounting rail to define a lower channel, and at least one receiver connector module releasably mounted on the top panel frame. The receiver connector module includes an upper shoulder mounted within the upper channel, a lower shoulder mounted within the lower channel, an upper positioning member coupled with the upper shoulder that positions the upper shoulder relative to the upper channel and a lower positioning member coupled with the lower shoulder that positions the lower shoulder relative to the lower channel.

Abstract: The invention provides an electronic device including a housing having a plurality of sidewalls defining a generally rectangular cavity within the housing to support therein a predetermined number of generally cylindrical batteries. One of the sidewalls defines an aperture extending through the sidewall and opening into the cavity. A support member is mounted in the housing and includes a support portion extending into the cavity to support inserted batteries in a position transverse to at least one of the sidewalls until all of the predetermined number of batteries are inserted into the cavity.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus with flexible structure for introducing external cables that controls signal transmission efficiently. A cable connector for introducing a cable from the outside is fixed on a sub-printed circuit board. A main printed circuit board has a guide rail along which the sub-printed circuit board can be inserted reversely to change the direction from which the cable is introduced at the time of the sub-printed circuit board being housed. An enclosure has ducts for bunching cables. Transmission units are mounted in the enclosure.

Abstract: An equipment rack includes a shelf and a backplane which supports and receives an electronic module having a rear connector. The backplane includes a complementary connector for engaging the rear connector along an insertion axis. An extraction tool is coupled to the shelf and to the module for disengaging the rear connector from the complementary connector while producing an extraction force having a first component substantially along the insertion axis and a second component substantially perpendicular to the insertion axis. A hold-down bracket is coupled to the module and slidably engages the shelf to counteract the second component of the extraction force until the rear connector disengages from the complementary connector and thus avoids upward movement of the module.

Abstract: A USB removable mechanism is built into a recess in a computer. The recess is sized to conform to a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive. An electronic device for I/O control or analog/digital conversion is detachably mounted in the mechanism. The electronic device comprises two rear USB connectors coupled to and secured to rear USB sockets in the recess for signal communication. A number of advantages are obtained such as easy assembly of one of a variety of electronic devices in the recess, easy replacement of the mounted electronic device, Plug and Play, portable, modular, mountable in an existing 3.5-inch floppy disk drive compartment of the computer without modification.

Abstract: A cartridge is provided for the insertion and removal of printed circuit cards from a printed circuit board. The cartridges are self-contained and employ board level guides for establishing a position from which the force of card insertion can be withstood. The cartridges include an external actuating lever which also preferably operates a portion of an EMI shield system which is integrated with the circuit board. The cartridge tops also interlock to provide additional overall structural rigidity.

Abstract: A screw-less fixing structure is provided for users to mount the add-on card onto a PC. The screw-less fixing structure comprises a support plate, a rotational pressing plate, a positioning device, and a spring wire. When a user attempts to replace an old add-on card with a new one, he needs only to release the screw-less fixing structure by grasping and pulling the handling portion of the spring wire, replace the old add in card with the new one, and finally tighten the screw-less fixing structure by grasping and pushing the spring wire to reach the tightening state. In the above procedures for replacing the add-on card, the user does not need any additional tool nor screw so that the present invention has the advantages of safe, fast, easy and convenient to use.

Abstract: A printed circuit card carrier permits exchange of a card during continuous operation of electronic equipment, and thus without the need to remove an upper part of the enclosure to gain access to the card for upward removal from a motherboard connector. The carrier includes a movable printed circuit card holder that slides along the carrier, perpendicularly towards and away from the motherboard. An actuator accessible from outside the equipment and the holder are coupled together such that motion of the actuator is directed into perpendicular sliding motion of the holder. This either removes the printed circuit card from the motherboard connector or installs it into connector, depending on the direction of motion of the actuator. The carrier is particularly adapted for cards meeting the PCI standard.

Abstract: A PC board ejector assembly is provided for disengaging a first PC board from a second PC board in a computer chassis. The PC boards each includes at least one connector for connecting the first PC board to the second PC board. The chassis includes a divider wall. The PC board ejector assembly includes a mounting bracket positioned on at least one of the first and the second PC boards, and a disengagement member coupled to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is positioned on the PC board such that movement of the disengagement member engages the member against the divider wall to disengage the PC board connectors from one another and permit removal of at least one of the PC boards. A method for disengaging a PC board including a PC board ejector assembly from a chassis is also provided.

Abstract: An insertion/removal jig for a printed circuit board to be used for pulling out a printed circuit board of an electronic equipment, constituted by having a card-holding portion for holding the printed circuit board upon pulling out said board, a movable frame formed to be integral with the card-holding portion, a stationary frame provided with a support point working as a fulcrum for permitting the printed circuit board to be pulled out, and holding the movable frame to be movable in a direction for the insertion and removal of the printed circuit board, and a breakage-preventing portion interconnecting between the stationary frame and the support point via an elastic body shrunk by a force that is larger than a force necessary for pulling out the printed circuit board but smaller than a force for fixing of components, which are mounted on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A rail assembly (10) includes a rail (12) and an electrically conductive fastener (14) secured to the rail. The rail which is U-shaped in cross-section includes a base (16) and a pair of flanges (18) extending from opposite longitudinal edges of the base, to define a receiving space therebetween for receiving the fastener. A hollow cylinder (24) extends from the base into the receiving space. A pair of posts (25) extends from the base in a direction opposite to the cylinder, for engaging with two holes (82) defined in a side wall of a data storage device (80). Each, flange defines a plurality of slots (29). The fastener includes a body (34), a handle portion (32), and a resilient portion (28) between the handle portion and the body. The body defines a through hole (42) for receiving the cylinder of the rail. A plurality of resilient fingers (46) is formed at the body for extending into the slots of the rail and electrically contacting a computer enclosure (90).

Abstract: A transmission apparatus with flexible structure for introducing external cables that controls signal transmission efficiently. A cable connector for introducing a cable from the outside is fixed on a sub-printed circuit board. A main printed circuit board has a guide rail along which the sub-printed circuit board can be inserted reversely to change the direction from which the cable is introduced at the time of the sub-printed circuit board being housed. An enclosure has ducts for bunching cables. Transmission units are mounted in the enclosure.

Abstract: An interface card and interface cardholder mounting arrangement in which the interface cardholder has parallel tracks for holding interface cards, each track having a springy retaining strip, a positioning pressure strip disposed in parallel to the springy retaining strip and defining with the springy retaining strip a sliding groove for the insertion of one interface card, a stop block extended from the free end of the springy retaining strip and disposed at one end of the sliding groove for keeping the inserted interface card in the sliding groove, and an outer protruding finger strip extended from the free end of the springy retaining strip for m pulling by hand to deform the free end of the springy retaining strip and to move the stop block away from the sliding groove for removal of the corresponding interface card from the respective track.

Abstract: A method for forming a telecommunications modular cardholder comprises providing a generally flat workpiece; cutting a handle in the workpiece while leaving the handle attached to the workpiece; and forming a front portion from the workpiece. The front portion is substantially perpendicular to a body portion of the workpiece. The front portion and the body portion of the workpiece form a modular face plate. The method also includes bending the handle with respect to the workpiece and the front portion to form a handle facing a desired direction.

Abstract: A socket that secures bare and minimally packaged semiconductor devices substantially perpendicularly relative to a carrier substrate. The socket includes intermediate conductive elements and a member which moves the intermediate conductive elements between an insertion position and a biased position. After placement of the intermediate conductive elements into an insertion position, a semiconductor device may be inserted into a receptacle of the socket with minimal insertion force. Movement of the member to a biased position facilitates biasing of the intermediate conductive elements against a bond pad of the semiconductor device. The intermediate conductive elements establish an electrical connection between the semiconductor device and the carrier substrate. A first embodiment of the socket includes a member which moves transversely relative to the remainder of the socket. In a second embodiment of the socket, the member moves vertically relative to the socket body.

Abstract: An insulating guard is mounted over a backplane or motherboard in an electronic system that accepts hot pluggable circuit cards. The insulating guard has openings that expose only the connectors and allow a hot pluggable circuit card to be inserted without the possibility of shorting the backplane. In order to prevent contact between a card being inserted and adjacent cards that have already been connected to the system, the invention provides for insulating card dividers which are connected to the insulating guard and fit between adjacent cards. The card dividers can be attached to the insulating guard by parts which snap together, fasteners or adhesives.

Abstract: Interconnection apparatus is provided which is especially useful to mount and connect circuit boards having a contact assembly of resilient compressive contacts to a backplane or other mateable board or device. The apparatus includes an enclosure having guide channels for each board to be housed in the enclosure, a contact assembly for providing compressive contact between the contact ends of each board and corresponding contacts of the backplane, and elements for seating each board into engagement with the backplane.

Abstract: An SFP module includes a housing (1) and an ejector (70). An ejector seat (111) is formed in the housing for receiving the ejector. A triangular latch (114) is formed on the housing behind the ejector seat. The ejector includes a push bar (79) exposed forward of a front end (17) of the housing, and a tongue board (74). Two ejecting protrusions (741) are formed at a rear end of the tongue board, corresponding to a spring tab (611) of an SFP cage (6). The spring tab defines a retaining hole (613) for retaining the latch of the housing. When the SFP module is withdrawn from the cage, the push bar is pressed until the protrusions of the ejector have released the spring tab from the latch of the housing. The SFP module is then ejected from the cage by conventional spring means located in a rear of the cage.

Abstract: A PC card holder is mounted on a circuit board. A card retainer is mounted adjacent to the holder to prevent unintentional movement of a card out of an engaged position in the holder when the holder is subjected to vibrations. The retainer preferably includes a finger having a hook formed on a free end thereof that is yieldably biased into a blocking position in which it blocks the unintentional movement. An outer end surface of the hook engages a front corner portion of the card. When the card is being intentionally removed from the holder, movement of the card deflects the finger to allow passage of the card. Similarly, insertion of a card into the holder deflects the finger into a nonblocking position.

Abstract: A computer system with a pluggable drive carrier assembly comprises a cabinet and a circuit board disposed within the cabinet. The circuit board, such as a base board, has a number of connectors attached to a first surface. A drive unit such as a hard disk drive is secured within a carrier. A logic connector and a power connector are adapted to attach to the drive. A flexible circuit assembly connects the logic connector and the power connector to a blind plug. The blind plug is adapted to mate with any of the number of connectors. A cam surface and lever arrangement is used to urge into engagement the blind plug and the selected one of the number of connectors. The logic connector and the power connector both have a number of contacts that extend in a direction generally parallel to the first surface of the circuit board such that a backplane is not required and can be eliminated.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of an easily loadable self-contained cartridge for printed circuit card insertion and removal comprises a top wall and a front conductive bezel which is pivoted at its top with the top of the box wall. A set of three linked arms with an actuating arm extending through and affixed to the bezel provides a mechanism for moving a card-bearing movable carrier. One end of the set of linked arms is affixed to the top wall and a middle arm includes a pin which rides in a slot in the carrier to effect the desired vertical carrier motion which moves a printed circuit card edge connector into and out of a board level connector. The carrier includes slotted clips for holding the printed circuit card at one or more corners. The carrier is adjustable. A side wall includes a ridge which mates with board level guides.

Abstract: A ejection mechanism is provided for disengaging a riser card from a backplane board of a computer system. The mechanism includes an elongate lever having an upper manipulation region, a lower abutting region and a pivot point located between the upper and lower regions. The elongate lever is mounted on a riser card at the pivot and generally extends downward a sufficient distance as to contact the backplane board upon rotation of the lever, and extends upward a sufficient distance to create sufficient leverage for disengaging the riser card. The lever is configured to have a more narrow cross-section at the lower abutting region to facilitate movement of the lower region along the backplane board towards the riser card. To operate the ejection mechanism, the user will apply a pulling force to the upper manipulation arm in a direction away from the riser card.

Abstract: An ejector latch mechanism is used to detachably mount a printed circuit board in a bus on the chassis of an active system. The ejector latch mechanism includes a switch component proximate an edge of the printed circuit board, and a latch pin mounted on the printed circuit board in a position that is removed from the corner and proximate the edge. A pivotable latch body is hingedly mounted to the printed circuit board for selective movement into open and closed positions. A hook is pivotally mounted to the latch body for selective engagement against the latch pin when the latch body is in the closed position. A signal provided by the switch component is used to notify the active system of pivotal movement in the latch body so that the active system can save electronic states of the printed circuit board and implement a graceful shutdown as appropriate for replacement of the printed circuit board without disruption of other system operations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for a power supply rack. In one embodiment, the power supply rack has a slot configured to slidably receive a power supply. The rack also has a first connector configured to mate with a first power supply connector. The rack is further provided with a key mate configured to engage a corresponding power supply key mate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for activating a switch with a circuit board ejector includes a circuit board and a switch assembly including the switch for transitioning the circuit board from a first mode to a second mode and vice versa. The switch assembly is attached to the circuit board, and the circuit board ejector is rotatably attached to the circuit board to allow the circuit board ejector to be positioned in an unlatched position and a latched position. The circuit board ejector includes a hook portion and a bracket arm wherein the bracket arm of the circuit board ejector activates the switch assembly and causes the circuit board to transition from the first mode to the second mode and vice versa.

Abstract: A user-friendly controller provides a special dynamic interconnect which reliably connects terminals of electronic device, such as solenoids, to a circuit board to enhance vehicle performance and help obtain a smoother more comfortable ride. The special interconnect comprises a coil spring contact. The coiled spring contact can have an enlarged head which can be soldered to a contact on the circuit board. The central portion of the spring contact provides a terminal-receiving opening to slidably receive the terminal of the electronic device. The smaller end portion of the spring contact can compressively engage and dynamically contact the terminal of the electronic device. A cover can be provided to environmentally protect and cover the circuitry and circuit board. The cover can have chambers for receiving and engaging the spring contacts.

Abstract: The invention includes a latch assembly movably mounted on a module. The module is removably supportably on a chassis, and movement of the latch assembly with respect to the module aids in removal and installation thereof. The invention also includes a sensor mounted on the module and configured to detect the movement of the latch assembly through a first range. The latch assembly must be moved through a second range in order to move the module relative to the chassis. However, the latch assembly is moved through the first range prior to moving through the second range. Thus, the sensor can detect imminent movement of the module relative to the chassis by detecting movement of the latch assembly through the first range. The latch assembly can be configured to be secured in a given position so as to prevent inadvertent movement of the latch assembly. The invention also includes a method for removal of a module which is supported on a chassis.

Abstract: The mechanism for inserting, extracting, sensing and locking a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) in an electronic system provides both easier use and a longer service life for the PCBA as compared to a mechanism having two locking handles. Insertion, extraction, sensing and locking are simplified because a single handle can be used rather than two handles. The service life of the associated PCBA is extended because the forces applied to the PCBA are synchronous and applied more evenly than a PCBA having two handles, which reduces bending and other forces that can cause component failure.

Abstract: A bracket for installing a drive device within a computer housing includes first and second end panels extending along opposite sides of a lower panel. A pair of pins extending inward from the first side panel engages a pair of mounting holes in the drive device. The drive device is held with the mounting holes in engagement with the pins by means of a spring extending inward from the second end panel. The end of the drive device adjacent the second end panel is also held against an upper locating surface by a second biasing spring extending upward from the lower panel.

Abstract: A card module includes a circuit board with a front panel secured along one edge, and a board extractor catch mounted to the front panel. The front panel includes a keyhole. The board extractor catch mounts in the keyhole so that the board extractor catch completely covers the keyhole to prevent air flow through the keyhole. The outer end of the board extractor catch includes a tool-receiving opening to engage a board extracting tool.

Abstract: A rotatable latch is provided for securing an object to a holder and for preventing unintended removal of the object. In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable latch has at least two actuators flexibly mounted to a body. Each actuator has a hooked portion which engages a portion of the holder. A lever portion may be provided for releasing the hooked portion. The hooked portion is rotated about a pivot point to release the object from the holder. Rotation occurs when actuators are released through use of at least two lever portions. To prevent accidental removal of the object, the second actuator cannot be released until the first actuator has been released. The latch requires at least two actions, pressing the levers in succession, to release the object. The invention is applicable, for example, to circuit packs for electronic circuit boards.

Abstract: A data card having a retractable handle is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the data card includes an electronic data storage medium contained within a two-piece protective housing. A removable handle is slidably engaged with the housing and is movable between a stored position, wherein the handle does not extend beyond the housing, and an active position, wherein the handle is extended beyond the housing for easy manipulation by the user. In an alternative embodiment, the handle is pivotally mounted to the housing and is movable between a stored position, wherein the handle is maintained against the housing, and an active position, wherein the handle is pivotally swung away from the housing.

Abstract: A module carrier with a plug module (2) can be moved into and out of a rear final position (10) with an insertion and removal grip (5). A spring-actuated lock (12) at the front side (7), which secures the insertion and removal grip in the rear final position, actuates a switching element (11) for an active switching of the plug module after an effective locking position has been reached. A pressing down of the lock (12) effects a passive switching in the locked state before the insertion and removal grip (5) is unlocked after a further displacement distance of the lock and mechanically stores the unlocking in cooperation with lock (12).

Abstract: A hot plug retainer and actuator is used on a chassis for releasably securing a component on the chassis. The retainer and actuator includes a one piece body having a first portion, a second portion and a living hinge pivotably connecting the first and second portions to one another for opening and closing the actuator.

Abstract: A socket that secures bare and minimally packaged semiconductor devices substantially perpendicularly relative to a carrier substrate. The socket includes intermediate conductive elements and a member which moves the intermediate conductive elements between an insertion position and a biased position. After placement of the intermediate conductive elements into an insertion position, a semiconductor device may be inserted into a receptacle of the socket with minimal insertion force. Movement of the member to a biased position facilitates biasing of the intermediate conductive elements against a bond pad of the semiconductor device. The intermediate conductive elements establish an electrical connection between the semiconductor device and the carrier substrate. A first embodiment of the socket includes a member which moves transversely relative to the remainder of the socket. In a second embodiment of the socket, the member moves vertically relative to the socket body.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking a printed circuit board inside a card cage is disclosed. For one embodiment of the locking assembly, the locking assembly is mounted on a printed circuit board. The locking assembly is movable from a unlocked position to a locked position to lock the printed circuit board into the card cage. The locking assembly is unmovable to return to the unlocked position without the aid of a separate unlocking mechanism.

Abstract: The card removal method and system easily removes a PCA card from a powered on computer system while minimizing damage to the computer system and to the individual removing the PCA. The printed circuit assembly card removal system is comprised of: an ejection card including at least a first ejector extending from the surface of the ejection card, the ejector having a first surface for pressing against the edge of the PCA card to be removed, and an ejection card holder for mechanically supporting the ejection card. To remove the PCA, the ejection card is pulled outward causing the ejector to apply a force to the edge of the PCA card to be removed, forcing the card edge fingers of the PCA card out of the PCA connector.

Abstract: An ejector for a printed circuit board overcomeably retains the ejector, e.g. in open and/or closed positions. Preferably a spring for providing a retaining force is integrally formed as part of the ejector body. When the ejector body is formed by injection molding, an injection gate is located to provide laminar flow of injection material through the spring area.

Abstract: A locking clip is disclosed for use with modular circuit packs that mount in mounting racks, and the insertion and extraction of circuit packs from a mounting rack is facilitated using a lever that is attached to the face plate of each circuit pack. When the novel locking clip is installed in a hole through the lever it is difficult to be seen and can only be removed with tweezers or similar small grasping tool. When in place the locking clip blocks the normal operation of the lever and the circuit pack cannot be removed from the mounting rack. Removal of the locking clip permits the lever to be operated normally to remove a circuit pack from the mounting rack.

Abstract: An injector/ejector mechanism for a printed circuit card of the type that has front, rear and opposite side edges, a face plate at the front edge and a connector at the rear edge of the card in which slides on chassis card guides adjacent to the side edges of the cards to a home position in a chassis which connects that connector to a mating connector on a motherboard in the chassis. The mechanism includes a dog having spaced-apart first and second lobes, and a pivot pivotally connecting the dog to the card adjacent to the front edge thereof whereby the dog can pivot parallel to the card. The dog is pivotable between a first position wherein the first dog lobe overhangs the card side edge and engages a first surface of the card guide when the card is not in its home position and a second position wherein the second lobe overhangs the card side edge and engages a second surface of the card guide behind the first surface when the card is in its home position.

Abstract: A chassis system for housing a plurality of circuit boards, such as PCI standard bus boards, provides a rack-mountable chassis having an open front side and a motherboard with a plurality of board connectors arranged side-by-side with respect to the front end. The boards are mounted in individual frameworks that facilitate ready installation and removal from the chassis. In particular, the chassis includes a plurality of tracks on its top, aligned with each of the motherboard connectors. The tracks receive a track-engaging portion of each framework. A board-carrying portion of the framework is connected to the track-engaging portion by a lifter mechanism, such as a set of sloped slots and interengaging rollers. The framework can be inserted and removed from the chassis with the board connector raised above the motherboard connector.

Abstract: The front system contains one lever pull handle (1) preferably both at the upper and the lower corner of the front element (38, 11). A latching slide (10) is mounted in each of these lever pull handles (1). Furthermore, a latching mechanism (22, 23, 26) is provided, which engages on the latching slide, as well as on a stressing mechanism (35) and on the front element (38, 11) such that the lever pull handle is held resting against the front element (38, 11) in a locked position. The latching mechanism can be unlocked again by a movement of the latching slide which is exerted on a pushing region (27) of the latching slide and is directed in a direction opposite to the pre-stress (52, 53) of the stressing mechanism.

Abstract: A socket that secures bare and minimally packaged semiconductor devices substantially perpendicularly relative to a carrier substrate. The socket includes intermediate conductive elements and a member which moves the intermediate conductive elements between an insertion position and a biased position. After placement of the intermediate conductive elements into an insertion position, a semiconductor device may be inserted into a receptacle of the socket with minimal insertion force. Movement of the member to a biased position facilitates biasing of the intermediate conductive elements against a bond pad of the semiconductor device. The intermediate conductive elements establish an electrical connection between the semiconductor device and the carrier substrate. A first embodiment of the socket includes a member which moves transversely relative to the remainder of the socket. In a second embodiment of the socket, the member moves vertically relative to the socket body.

Abstract: A socket that secures bare and minimally packaged semiconductor devices substantially perpendicularly relative to a carrier substrate. The socket includes intermediate conductive elements and a member which moves the intermediate conductive elements between an insertion position and a biased position. After placement of the intermediate conductive elements into an insertion position, a semiconductor device may be inserted into a receptacle of the socket with minimal insertion force. Movement of the member to a biased position facilitates biasing of the intermediate conductive elements against a bond pad of the semiconductor device. The intermediate conductive elements establish an electrical connection between the semiconductor device and the carrier substrate. A first embodiment of the socket includes a member which moves transversely relative to the remainder of the socket. In a second embodiment of the socket, the member moves vertically relative to the socket body.

Abstract: A device for quickly guiding and positioning a main PC board in which the main PC board may be quickly and firmly installed (or removed from) on a computer housing, including one or more rotatable arrow-shaped push retaining blocks screwably secured on an end edge near an opening of the computer housing, and a corresponding number of slide rails provided at an underside of the main PC board such that the main PC board may slide along the slide rails into rail slots pre-formed in the computer housing and further into a predetermined position. Prior to positioning, a projecting block at one side of a front end of the slide rail is fitted into a notch at an inner side of the push retaining block, and the push retaining block is turned to allow the main PC board to be correctly pushed into the computer housing with contact ends at one side thereof engaging with a connector of an interface card.

Abstract: A universal adapter bracket for installing standard form factor adapter cards such as PCI cards into larger expansion slots of a communications device, such as a router or switch. The adapter bracket has a front face with angled flanges forming an aperture for accepting standard PC brackets, an upper flange with conductive spring clips or foam gasket material, a lower flange for securing a carrier card to the adapter bracket, and fasteners on the front face of the adapter bracket for securing and grounding the adapter bracket to the communications device.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an add-in circuit card in an electronic device including a clamp movably coupled to the electronic device, the clamp configured to releasably engage the card upon movement of the clamp relative from a card engagement position in which the clamp is substantially inside the electronic device to a card disengagement position in which the clamp is substantially outside the electronic device. An apparatus for securing an add-in circuit card in an electronic device including a clamp movably coupled to the electronic device, the clamp configured to releasably engage the card upon movement of the clamp from a card engagement position to a card disengagement, and a switch for controlling electrical power to the card, the switch operated by the clamp such that movement of the clamp between the engagement and disengagement positions closes and opens the switch.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for coupling a printed circuit board within a printed circuit board cage. The apparatus includes a baseplate and a latch. The baseplate is mounted to the printed circuit board. The latch is rotatably coupled to the baseplate. The latch includes a pivoting portion, a shaft, and a swell nut. The pivoting portion includes an ejector extending from an end of the pivoting portion. The ejector is engageable with the printed circuit board cage. The shaft is coupled to the pivoting portion. The swell nut is coupled to the shaft and engageable with the printed circuit board cage.

Abstract: A protection assembly for connectors is included on a circuit pack to prevent damage caused when a connector is removed while signal power is still being supplied to the circuit pack. More specifically, the protection assembly is disposed on the front side of the circuit pack to prevent access to the connector until signal power is automatically cut off from the circuit pack. In one embodiment, the circuit pack is the type having a lever arrangement capable of causing the circuit pack to engage and disengage the backplane of an equipment frame. When the circuit pack is engaged in the backplane, signal power is supplied through the connector that is accessible, for example, on the face plate of the circuit pack. The protection assembly includes a first shield member mounted on the face plate of the circuit pack in a location adjacent to the connector. The protection assembly further includes a second shield member mounted or otherwise formed on the lever arrangement.