Frame Patents (Class 361/829)
  • Patent number: 6006925
    Abstract: An equipment rack has horizontal frame structure, and vertical frame structure of sheet material, secured to that horizontal frame structure and having a bent cross-section and opposite ends. The bent cross-section has a square-wave configuration including alternate first, second and third square half-cycle configurations in one piece presenting three substantially flat and mutually spaced crests. The horizontal frame structure extends into more than one of these square half-cycle configurations and along the substantially flat crests of the latter square half-cycle configurations in overlapping relationship with the vertical frame structure substantially for the widths of the crests and for corresponding heights of the horizontal and vertical frame structures. The horizontal and vertical frame structures are intimately interconnected along the above mentioned opposite ends and at all overlapping portions of the horizontal and vertical frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Hendry Mechanical Works
    Inventor: Richard W. Sevier
  • Patent number: 5975315
    Abstract: An equipment rack has a strengthened base and folded side members to provide Zone 4 earthquake protection. When the rack is mounted on a support surface, the mounting bolts securing the rack are overtightened so as to distort the base member and thus prestress the structure. This improves rigidity when the rack is subjected to earthquake vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventor: Alan Jordan
  • Patent number: 5934485
    Abstract: A telecommunications rack is provided to house telecommunications equipment, to conform to standards set by NEBS and ETSI, and provide the advantages of a lightweight rack while remaining stiff. This rack has two upright supports wherein each upright support has a truss member secured to vertical members. The truss configuration permits easier access to cabling and reduces the weight of the rack. The rack also incorporates a base with adjustable feet for improved levelling after the rack is installed. The base also may be pre-stressed, which is advantageous in locations that are susceptible to seismic occurrences to reduce the risk of damaging the telecommunications equipment during such occurrences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Mark R. Harris, Adrianus Van Gaal, Joseph Lommen, Rand C. S. Cheesman
  • Patent number: 5921402
    Abstract: A cable and wire management track for accommodating large cable runs. The computer system has a plurality of peripheral components, such as a monitor, keyboard, printer, mouse, speakers, routers, bridges, switches, modems, etc. The cable and wire management track mounts to a wall, rack or enclosure, and has a plurality of hangers for receiving the wires issuing from the components. The hangers are mounted for sliding and rotative indexing upon the track, and are easily positioned behind each peripheral unit in order to receive and store its cables and wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Systems Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Edward F. Magenheimer
  • Patent number: 5909359
    Abstract: An apparatus to extend printed circuit board length allows for secure mounting of the printed circuit boards. More particularly, the extender bracket apparatus (30) is for stabilizing small or short, commercial off the shelf (COTS) circuit boards (20) for personal computers (PC). The apparatus will aid in operation of small circuit boards for rugged applications such as high vibration conditions in vehicles. The extender bracket apparatus (30) is first fastened to an adjustable clamp (60), which is then fastened to a COTS circuit board. The adjustable clamp has holes that facilitate attaching to slots in the extender bracket apparatus. The clamp and extender board may have a dielectric surface to prevent electrical conduction. The dielectric can be an adhesive to hold the printed circuit board. The apparatus can then be fastened to a computer chassis (40) for rigidly mounting the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark David Summers, Ronald Newell Hamilton, Craig Bayman McIntosh
  • Patent number: 5880932
    Abstract: The present invention provides a modular power supply to be used in a personal computer or other similar device. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a base assembly, a power supply housing, a power supply, and a fan assembly. The base assembly provides a foundation for the modular power supply and includes a terminal board attached thereto and a system common quick-disconnect embedded therein which serves as a central junction for the distribution of power to the various electrical components. The power supply housing provides a protective structure for the power supply contained therein. The fan assembly provides cooling for the power supply and is mounted on the outside of the power supply housing. The power supply is electrically connected to the system common quick disconnect which in turn feeds the terminal board attached to the base assembly, the fan assembly, and any other components located within the base assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Unitrend, Inc.
    Inventor: Conrad A.H. Jelinger
  • Patent number: 5867372
    Abstract: A frame structure for mounting telecommunications equipment including a frame, a plurality of sealing covers, a plurality of fasteners, and a plurality of wire protective sleeve. The frame having a base, two support frames, and an upper frame. A receiving recess is provided to accommodate transmission conductors (optic cables, electric cables or lead wires) of telecommunications equipment. A positioning recess formed between the plate bodies at the upper and lower covers of the inner side of the sealing covers and the fastening plates allows the sealing covers to be mounted over the edge of the inner lateral plates of the opening of the receiving recess on the support frames. A fastener is then passed into a hollowed hole of the outer lateral plate on the sealing cover and further into a fastening hole, with the plate body of the sealing cover being pressed downwardly. A press element is then pressed into a fastener body to secure the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Optronics Corp.
    Inventor: Wu-Ming Shie
  • Patent number: 5862040
    Abstract: A transport pallet is provided for automating pre-shipment testing or "burn-in" of personal computers. The transport pallet is adapted to receive and transport the computer from an assembly line to a test storage location or bin. The pallet also provides on-board connections by which both operating power and computer signals are furnished to the personal computer at the test storage location. The pallet is adapted to engage external power supply terminals and external computer signal inputs at the test location. The pallet furnishes both power and test signals to the personal computer and return responses of the computer through the on-board connections, permitting "burn-in" testing of the computer while it is located in the test storage bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: A.I.M., Inc.
    Inventor: Sarmad Adnan
  • Patent number: 5832073
    Abstract: A configurable I/O panel assembly includes an upper and a lower I/O panel (connector plate), and a cover plate. A plurality of upper I/O panels is provided, from which the upper I/O panel is selected. Similarly, a plurality of lower I/O panels is provided, from which the lower I/O panel is selected. The cover plate is selected from a plurality of cover plates. Openings are formed in the upper and lower I/O panels for receiving cable connectors. Typical connectors include, but are not limited to, 50-pin connectors, RS-232 connectors, 9-pin D-sub connectors, RJ-45 jacks and BNC connectors. Grounding and other signal conditioning circuitry for the connectors are provided to protect against EMI radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Business Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Hannigan, Paul Bonomo, Ronald R. Carleton
  • Patent number: 5819956
    Abstract: A rack for electrical equipment is constructed for resistance to failure in earthquake conditions. The rack has a base and two legs extending upwardly from the base. A cross member spans between and interconnects the legs near their tops. A reinforcing strut on either the front or back flange of each leg forms, in combination with the flange a box beam element which greatly strengthens the flange of the leg. A brace attached to the underside of the cross member passes through an opening in the web of the leg and is rigidly attached to the reinforcing strut. The arrangement of the brace facilitates the mounting of EMI shielding on the rack. The rack also has a one-piece cover for closing the base of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Sigma-Aldrich Company
    Inventor: Eric R. Rinderer
  • Patent number: 5808871
    Abstract: A modular tower having a plurality of bays. The bays are fitted with rails upon which individual trays slide. The trays are detailed to carry electronic components. Each tray is fitted with electrical connectors which are connected to corresponding electrical connectors on a backplane in the tower. The tower can be employed vertically and horizontally. The tower has easily removable top and side panels and has a two component base that may be adjustably secured to one or more of the towers. The front thereof is fitted with a removable frame which carries a hinged door. The frame can be removed and rotated 180.degree. in order to change the swing of the door from left to right and vice-versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: SMS Data Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert F. Rosecan, James J. Geanakos, Joseph S. Grajewski, Juan J. Hernandez, Juan L. Morales, James F. Reich, Michael S. Williams, Everett L. Yore
  • Patent number: 5805430
    Abstract: A heat sink is placed in a heat transfer relationship with a substrate such as an integrated chip, chip carrier, or other electronic package, without imparting stressful forces to the substrate by connecting the heat sink to a frame which is connected to a support such as a printed circuit board or other suitable carrier on which the substrate is positioned. The heat sink extends through an aperture in the frame and is in heat transfer relationship with a surface of the substrate; however, it is mechanically decoupled from the substrate. The invention has particular application in thermally connecting large heat sinks to substrates that are surface mounted on the support using technologies such as ceramic ball or column grid arrays, plastic ball or column grid arrays, or solder balls or columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene R. Atwood, Joseph A. Benenati, James J. Dankelman, Horatio Quinones, Karl J. Puttlitz, Eric J. Kastberg
  • Patent number: 5796585
    Abstract: To provide an electronic equipment mounting device having flexibility in the mounting direction, the device is provided with a mounting jig on which a plurality of tongues are formed and a housing whose flat faces having different areas have slits in them, the tongues being inserted into the slits in a detachable manner. The mounting jig is mounted on, for example, the surface of a wall, and then the housing is coupled to the mounting jig by selectively using one of its side faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Akira Sugiyama, Tsutomu Hoshino
  • Patent number: 5765698
    Abstract: A panel assembly has a bracket with support elements for mounting the bracket on a wall. First and second panels are attached to the bracket by a bracket hinge for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis relative to the bracket between a closed position and an open position. A panel hinge couples the first panel to the second panel for pivotal movement of the first panel relative to the second panel about a second pivot axis between open and closed positions. The pivot axes are angularly oriented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Todd J. Bullivant
  • Patent number: 5761797
    Abstract: A process for the erection of a switch cabinet and installation of components therein in which portions of the framework of the switch cabinet are assembled to form a partial frame structure. Thereafter, the services are installed and wired within the partial frame structure. The assembly of the framework is then completed and the walls and doors secured thereto so as to form an enclosed switch cabinet with the services installed inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Horst Besserer, Udo Munch, Markus Neuhof, Walter Nicolai, Adam Pawlowski, Matthias Schuler, Heinrich Strackbein
  • Patent number: 5735411
    Abstract: The invention relates to a constructional system for frames, racks and casings and in particular for sub-racks and equipment cabinets for accommodation of electrical and electronic assemblies, units and printed circuit boards.At least one joint system having engagements is provided for thread-forming screws as fastening elements for particularly cost-effective manufacture of such type of constructional systems, and for simple assembly as well as for ensuring effective EMC screening in accordance with the invention between horizontally and vertically arranged components, in particular between side parts and a top part and a base part having multi-folded horizontal struts and/or vertical struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Knurr-Mechanik fur die Elektronik Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Flamme, Peter Simon, Gerd Rheindt
  • Patent number: 5697259
    Abstract: A communication system including a switching system and a main distributor connected thereto via internal central office lines for the connection of the subscriber network lines is provided. To provide a simple and cost-beneficial communication system, a self-supporting wiring backplane is used having an upper end where the individual system assemblies of the switching system can be hooked and plugged by a downward swivel connection. The terminal strips (splitting strips) of the internal side of the main distributor have exchange-side terminals pressed in on the same wiring backplane under the system assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Karl Zell
  • Patent number: 5683001
    Abstract: A rack for mounting communication apparatuses or similar electronic apparatuses. The rack has a pair of posts symmetrical to each other in the right-and-left direction and each having a section in the form of a letter C. The posts are positioned such that the open side of "C" faces outward. A shelf included in an electronic apparatus is mounted to the posts. The posts are tied to each other by a top frame at upper ends and affixed to a base at lower ends. A generally L-shaped reinforcing member is connected to the lower portion of each post such that the longer side of "L" is parallel to the closed side of "C" representing the post, thereby providing the lower portion of the post with a hollow rectangular section. The reinforcing member is not connected to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Masuda, Toshiki Shimasaki, Makoto Moribe, Toru Aoyagi
  • Patent number: 5682301
    Abstract: A cabling system for an enterprise having multiple, remotely located work sites or branch offices is described. Each work site has a plurality of workstations that are interconnected in a computer and/or communication network and the cabling system includes a plurality of cabling kits that are prefabricated for installation. Each cabling kit includes a prefabricated equipment rack, at least one cable interconnection device mounted on the equipment rack for providing an interconnection to a centralized network or communication system device, a plurality of distribution outlets, each located at one of the workstations, and a plurality of multiconductor distribution cables formed in lengths dimensioned according to the physical layout of a work site for interconnecting the cable interconnection device and the distribution outlets. Except for the number and lengths of the multiconductor distribution cables, the cabling kits are configured identically for each of the work sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: James L. Kraft
  • Patent number: 5673182
    Abstract: The assembly comprises a U-shaped frame to which the card may be secured. The frame is defined by spaced parallel side elements and a connecting end element. Intermediate the ends of the frame a tie bar bridges flatly across the top of the frame and is adapted to hold down the card and tie the side elements together. The bar has downward legs at its opposite ends secured to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Robin E. Garner
  • Patent number: 5644477
    Abstract: Modular fascia cover assemblies for rack mounted equipment are disclosed. In a system comprised of several pieces of equipment mounted in a standardized rack, vertical spaces typically exist between the components. These spaces can be filled with fascia cover assemblies, and the present invention provides a modular system that permits openings of nearly any width to be filled. The fascia cover assembly is created by choosing a combination from a few standardized modular parts. The fascia cover assemblies disclosed preferably include components such as an operator panel and pull bar that can be included, respectively, at the top and bottom of the assembly. Most preferably, the operator panel is one and one-half units high and the pull bar is one-half unit high. A cover panel that is one unit high is also included. In certain embodiments, a larger cover panel component is also provided that is three units high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventor: Peter P. Klein
  • Patent number: 5644478
    Abstract: An electronic element which is free of many of the impurities that tend to adversely affect its operation. The electronic element is hermetically sealed in a space formed by a framework having a first and second plate directly joined to its sides. Directly joining the first and second plates to the framework prevents splashes of adhesive and soldering material from effecting the operation of the electronic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daizo Ando, Tadashi Nakamura, Shinji Umeda, Kunihiko Oishi
  • Patent number: 5633768
    Abstract: There is provided a frame construction for a disk apparatus of which manufacturing cost is reduced by reducing a number of parts and a number of assembly processes. A cartridge accommodating a recording medium is loaded in the disk apparatus. A driving unit for driving the recording medium loaded in the disk apparatus and a head carriage having a head for recording/reproducing information on/from the recording medium are provided in the frame construction. The frame construction has a frame body formed of a metal plate by means of bending, the frame body having a base, a side plate and a back plate, the driving unit and the head carriage being mounted on the base, and the side plate and the back plate being formed by bending perpendicularly to the base. A fixing member for connecting the side plate and the back plate is provided in the frame construction so that the side plate and the back plate are fixed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: TEAC Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5610802
    Abstract: An energy storage system including a housing adapted to rest on a supporting surface. The housing has a plurality of openings formed therein. Each of a predetermined number of the plurality of openings has a door mounted therein. The housing includes a sump, and located inside the housing are one or more racks. Each of the racks is adapted to hold a plurality of energy storing devices. The racks may include sliding shelves or energy storing device access mechanisms which permit each energy storing device to be moved from a first position to a second position. In addition, and optionally, the racks may be mounted on wheels so that they may be moved within the housing in order to provide access to the energy storing devices mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: ZB B Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip A. Eidler, Michael R. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5596486
    Abstract: An improved PC Card element, particularly a PC card unit, is presented in which the unit is hermetically sealed. The unit has a metallic frame, a metallic header with glass or ceramic encapsulated through pins, and opposed outer metallic covers, all of the metallic elements being welded together to form a hermetically sealed unit. The metallic frame and header is preferably formed as a single piece, i.e., unitary part, either by casting and machining or by metal injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Kaman Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Paul R. Young, David W. Richard, Leonard Bazar
  • Patent number: 5578870
    Abstract: A ball grid array socket with rows of electrical contacts that extend through holes in a plate. The arrangement of the holes and the electrical contacts provides an entry hole. The contacts are arranged with ends that are cupped to mate with the side and top of the ball contacts of the ball grid array package. The contact surface of the ball grid array package is vertically inserted without any interfering structure. The plate is spring loaded is such a way that the plate is driven parallel to the plane of the ball contacts in a manner that reduces the entry hole opening. This reduced entry opening is arranged and constructed such that with a ball contact insert therein electrical conductivity is provided between the ball contact and the electrical contact, and further where the cupped ends of the electrical contact retain the ball within the hole. The edges of the hole and the top of the cupped electrical contact are chamfered to mate with the curved sides of the ball contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Precision Connector Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Farnsworth, Patrick H. Harper, Robert Hooley
  • Patent number: 5576938
    Abstract: Electronic circuit pack and mounting frame in which a drawing device is provided to draw the pack into the frame to mate connectors of the pack and frame. A guide arrangement of slots and received guide pins is provided to hold the pack in correct orientation during the drawing process. Hence, the connectors are correctly aligned and incorrect mating and resultant connector damage is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventor: Roger A. Beun
  • Patent number: 5573321
    Abstract: An access frame for use with an electrical enclosure, and an electrical enclosure having an access frame, of the type used in a hollow wall structure to facilitate installing additional wiring into the electrical enclosure after a wall panel of the hollow wall structure is installed about the electrical enclosure. The access frame includes a mount selectively engagable with the electrical enclosure adjacent an edge of an enclosure sidewall, support legs attached to the mount and extending therefrom and an elongate support bar supported in spaced apart relation to an edge of an enclosure sidewall by the support legs. The access frame defines an access opening extending between the support legs and the support bar and the sidewall edge. The access opening facilities installing wire clamps having a wire clamp passageway in knockout apertures defined in the enclosure side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: George W. Bell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5542549
    Abstract: A lightweight extremely versatile cross-connect frame and associated stand-off brackets are presented. This cross-connect frame comprises few components with integrally designed hole patterns to retain communication connector blocks and other standard products that require the dimensions of an EIA standard relay rack. The enhanced manufacturing and assembly produce clean sturdy frames which can be mounted either directly or with compatible stand-off brackets to a wall or 19" EIA relay rack. Additionally, these frames, with or without stand-off brackets, minimize the mounting space required by being both an even RMS (Rack Mount Space) in length and end stackable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: The Siemon Company
    Inventors: John A. Siemon, Christopher H. Cox
  • Patent number: 5526230
    Abstract: A device and method for interconnection packages in a stack. Each package encapsulates, for example a semiconductor chip containing an integrated circuit, which for example may be a memory. The packages (2) which have connecting pins (21) are mounted on support grid (4) which preferably act as a heat shunt, and are stacked and linked to each other with a resin coating (5). A stack (3) is cut out so that the pins on the packages and one edge of the grids are flush with faces (31, 32) of the stack (3). Connections between the packages themselves, and between the packages and stack connecting pads, are made on the faces of the stack. The connecting pads are where necessary fitted with connecting pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Thomson-CSF
    Inventor: Christian Val
  • Patent number: 5521973
    Abstract: A transport apparatus for large network telecommunication equipment, includes a central switch frame for holding electronic equipment, and having first and second switch bays and a main controller bay sandwiched between the first and second switch bays in an in-line, rigidly fixed manner; first and second end cable storage frames, each for holding cables; first and second junction panels; a first hinge assembly for hingedly connecting one end of the first junction panel to the first end cable storage frame and an opposite end of the first junction panel to the first switch bay to pivotally move the first end cable storage frame between an in-line configuration in-line with the first switch bay and a folded configuration positioned in front of the first switch bay; a second hinge assembly for hingedly connecting one end of the second junction panel to the second end cable storage frame and an opposite end of the second junction panel to an opposite end of the second switch bay to pivotally move the second end
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventor: Peter Peng
  • Patent number: 5508890
    Abstract: A top board and a bottom board as the substrate support members of a frame unit have a front lip and a rear lip having locating members, which are formed to protrude to right and left sides from both ends of front and rear lips. When the frame unit is assembled, the locating members are fixed to front and rear lips of side boards by means of first securing parts and second securing parts, which are enlarged to tighten the locating members and the side boards when these securing parts are pushed into the fitted holes in the side boards and the locating members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiko Hirata
  • Patent number: 5488543
    Abstract: A frame stand for a device cabinet which has panels and serves in the installation of component carriers of industrial electronics. Four posts extend between a lower base plate and an identically-configured lid plate. To attach the panels, front brackets and rear brackets project from the base plate and the lid plate; these brackets are aligned with one another, and form recesses for cable harnesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Schroff GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Mazura, Hans-Martin Schwenk
  • Patent number: 5481434
    Abstract: A memory card which includes a circuit substrate having a generally planar surface, comprises a frame with an opening in one of a top or a bottom wall thereof for receiving the circuit substrate. A support structure on the frame supports the circuit substrate within the card. A cover closes the opening and encloses the circuit substrate and the electrical component within the internal card space created by the frame and cover. The support structure of the frame includes a plurality of shelves at different vertical locations within the frame to support the circuit substrate at different vertical levels to accommodate varying heights of electrical components mounted on one or both surfaces of the substrate. The circuit substrate includes a peripheral edge area with cutouts corresponding to only one of the shelves whereby only the periphery of the substrate need be modified for locating and supporting the circuit substrate at different levels within the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Emanuel G. Banakis, Donald J. Brinkman, Kenneth F. Janota, Harold K. Lang
  • Patent number: 5466059
    Abstract: A structure of an interface seat for quickly engaging and disengaging with a back plate, an I/O port retaining plate, and a disk drive bracket on a computer base casing having a back plate, comprises an upper flange, an lower flange, and two side flanges. The back plate comprises a cut-out recess for disposing the interface seat. The upper flange of the interface seat is provided with an upper stop strip extended outward therefrom for abutting against the disk drive bracket. The lower flange is provided with a plurality of recesses for engaging with outward-inclined tabs provided on the top edge of the I/O retaining plate. Each of the side flanges is provided with a side stop strip extended outward therefrom for abutting against the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Enlight Corporation
    Inventor: Morgan C. Liu
  • Patent number: 5457606
    Abstract: An improved PC Card element, particularly a flash card unit, is presented in which the unit is hermetically sealed. The unit has a metallic frame, a metallic header with glass or ceramic encapsulated through pins, and opposed outer metallic covers, all of the metallic elements being of the same metal and being welded together to form a hermetically sealed unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Raymond Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Young, Robert Blake, Christopher Staehly, David Richard, Leonard Bazar
  • Patent number: 5448495
    Abstract: A multifunctional frame assembly for a personal computer includes a multifunctional frame having a speaker-engaged portion and a fan-engaged portion. The speaker-engaged portion has a pair of engaging members which define an opening. The fan-engaged portion has a surface with an orifice and a pair of stoppers each being provided with a pair of engaged hooks extending longitudinally and a pair of ribs on an inner wall of the stopper. A speaker is clamped between the engaging members and in alignment with the opening. A ventilating fan with a plurality of holes at the corner region thereof is installed between the ribs and in alignment with the orifice. A chassis of the computer having an end plate is provided with engaged holes corresponding to the engaged hooks of the stoppers, wherein the frame can be positioned by engaging the engaged hooks with the corresponding engaged holes on the end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Enlight Corporation
    Inventor: Morgan C. Liu
  • Patent number: 5422946
    Abstract: A distribution device, in particular for the main distribution of telephone and data lines, includes a distribution rack, a distribution frame, and a pivotable frame, for terminating the system side and the subscriber side. Jumper possibilities and the adaptation to the possibilities of computer-controlled exchange systems are improved by disposing the subscriber side and the system side-by-side in a modular manner on a profile frame, and building them up vertically above each other to frame rows disposed side-by-side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Krone Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernd Delakowitz, Claus Sander, Gunter Hegner
  • Patent number: 5388903
    Abstract: A multifaceted modular enclosure frame which is constructed of a latticework of identical cross-sectionally configured frame sections that include an inherent integrally formed guide system for proper installation and positioning of sub-panel mounting boards within the enclosure. Each frame section defines an interiorly disposed guide channel and mounting flange, an exteriorly disposed corner flange, and an exteriorly disposed flange trough, while maintaining an open design and a cross-sectional configuration which mates cooperatively with other identically configured frame sections to provide an integral mitered corner which is devoid of separate corner adapter inserts. The interiorly disposed guide channel provides the integral guide system for the sub-panel mounting boards which are received within the enclosure. Each corner flange defined by such frame sections provides an exterior surface upon which mounting blocks are carried to provide for complete external connection of enclosure wall panels thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Federal-Hoffman, Inc.
    Inventors: Trent T. Jones, Marc T. Fuller
  • Patent number: 5352958
    Abstract: A plug-in dimmer module for providing controlled power to one or more lighting fixtures or groups of fixtures. The dimmer module includes a housing with one or more circuit breakers located at one end, a power device with one or more dimmer circuits located at an opposite end, and one or more toroidal chokes located in a middle section. The power device includes built-in contacts for output power to the lighting fixture(s) and for control and sensor signals, and the dimmer module is adapted to plug directly into a slot in a rack, to engage the contacts. The components of the dimmer module are laid out efficiently within the housing, with minimal wastage of space and without the need for extraneous electrical conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventors: David W. Cunningham, Gregory F. Esakoff
  • Patent number: 5349502
    Abstract: A universal lattice assembly for use in a magnetic-type electronic article surveillance system is disclosed which comprises a frame formed of two identical molded plastic half-shells, a metal chassis within which specific electronic sub-assemblies may be positioned and a coil assembly including a field-producing coil and a detector coil. The frame includes a substantially continuous series of tabs and notches which are positioned to be inter-connected as the half-shells are pressed together, the resulting assembly becoming dimensionally rigid, thus firmly anchoring a coil assembly in place, preventing any relative movement as the assembled unit may be jostled in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Roger K. Westerberg, Thomas J. Brace
  • Patent number: 5305187
    Abstract: In a building box type plug-in modular rack structure for electronic equipment, a box-like shelf accommodates a plurality of printed circuit boards therein. A pair of side frames symmetrical in a right-and-left direction each has a recess at the upper end and a projection at the lower end for respectively mating with the projection and the recess of adjoining side frames. A framework is constituted by the pair of side frames and the shelf interposed between them. Covers cover the outer periphery of the framework. A plurality of frameworks are stacked and connected together by the recesses and the projections of the side frames. A top cover and a bottom cover respectively are fitted on the top and the bottom of the stack of frameworks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Umezu, Kazuo Ikeda
  • Patent number: 5298681
    Abstract: A frame assembly for affording mechanical support and for carrying electrical conduction paths for connection to circuitry of a machine. The frame assembly includes members comprising pultrusions having an insulating body and reinforcing fibers within the insulating body, and has grooves in surface portions along an elongated dimension with conductors in the grooves. The conductors provide electrical conduction paths that are connectable to circuitry of the machine. The pultrusion may be a thermal setting polymer, for example, selected from the group consisting essentially of polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxies, and may be reinforced with fiberglass. The frame member can also have a hollow interior portion within which conductors are arranged to conduct AC power to the circuitry of the machine, and the conductors on the exterior surface of the frame member can be arranged to conduct IIOC bus signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph A. Swift, Ross E. Schroll
  • Patent number: 5299098
    Abstract: The invention relates a distribution rack, for cable distribution devices used in telecommunication and data technology. The distribution rack includes at least one base portion 1 and at least one swing frame 3 provided with termination modules 4 and pivotingly supported at the base portion 1 about a swing axis 13 provided at one side thereof. In order to improve the accessibility to the cable duct behind the swung-in swing frame and to facilitate wiring of the cutting and clamping contact elements 5 of the termination modules 4 with cable cores, the invention provides that the swing axis 13 of the swing frame 3 at the base portion 1 is retractably supported. Thereby, with the swing frame 3 retracted and swung-out, fully free accessibility to the cable duct 42 beside the base portion and behind the swing frame 3 is made possible. Further, the cutting and clamping contact elements 5 of the termination modules 4 on the swing frame 3 are particularly easily accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Krone Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Reiner Schussler, Lutz Biederstedt, Markus Springer
  • Patent number: 5295041
    Abstract: A distribution switchboard cubicle has upper and lower ring channels; left and right corner posts attached to the ring channels for forming a support skeleton for a front face of the cubicle; and left and right intermediate posts attached to the ring channels for forming in conjunction with a corresponding corner post and the ring channels a support skeleton for left and right sides of the cubicle. First and second vertically aligned, selectively reconfigurable cubicle sections are defined within the cubicle. The first cubicle section includes at least one generally horizontally oriented mounting member for connecting each pair of corner and intermediate posts on the left and right sides of the cubicle. Left and right breaker mounting angles are connected to each respective horizontally oriented mounting member for mounting a first electrical apparatus thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Metivier, Joseph Juliano
  • Patent number: 5289348
    Abstract: A rack with platforms for mounting electronic equipment is suspended by elastic straps within a frame. The frame is resiliently supported on legs that are attached only by means of elastic cords, which are configured to absorb shock, particularly horizontal shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Harold R. Miller
    Inventor: Harold R. Miller
  • Patent number: 5276590
    Abstract: A flex circuit, which is fabricated from metallization on thin film, is mounted between two opposite sides of frame to form an electronic card sized to fit as a replacement for a rigid epoxy glass card in a card carrier having a backplane. Appropriate placement of electrical components on the flex circuit and using a flex circuit longer than the spacing between the opposite sides of the frame to which the flex circuit is mounted, allows the use of taller parts on adjacent cards in the card carrier, since the flex circuit can be conformed to eliminate obstructions caused by insufficient spacing between cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Budman, Mark J. Kuzawinski, Douglas M. Saunders
  • Patent number: 5269598
    Abstract: A personal computer component support structure comprises a base casing having a front plate and a back plate with a main frame secured therebetween. The main frame comprises a front portion defining therein a two-staged interior space for respectively receiving therein a 51/4" floppy disk drive and a 31/2" floppy disk drive and a rear portion defining therein a second interior space for receiving therein at least one hard disk drive. An I/O port retaining plate and an interface seat are mounted on the back plate. A holder member for supporting a ventilation fan and a speaker is secured on an inside surface of the front plate of the base casing. A cover casing is slidably mounted on the base casing with a front panel disengagably attached to the cover casing and the base casing to define a housing of the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Enlight Corporation
    Inventor: Morgan C. Liu
  • Patent number: 5256900
    Abstract: A package for semiconductor devices formed by brazing a metallic frame and an insulating substrate having metallized patterns for electrically connecting the electrodes of semiconductor elements mounted thereon to the outside, which can reduce the warp in the package generated during the brazing assembly due to the difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion, and can reduce the cracks in the insulating substrate that tend to be created during the brazing assembly due to the thermal stresses. Through holes are drilled in the metallic frame in more than at least one place of the metallic frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Shoji Hashizume, Masayoshi Nasu
  • Patent number: 5255161
    Abstract: Wire guide element for a distributor unit in telecommunication systems. The plug connector strips of the distributor unit are secured to the edges of a vertically aligned U-shaped carrier part. A hollow plastic member is used as a wire guide element for the lines proceeding between neighboring distributor units arranged at both sides. With the guide peg present at the under side, this hollow plastic member is plugged, on the one end, onto the upper edge of the leg of the carrier part and, on the other hand, is snapped onto the retainer plate joined in this region to the carrier part at the back side. At least one hook attached to the upper side parallel to the plate also serves for the ordered guidance of lines. At its front side, the hollow member has a slot specifically designed for the insertion of lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rudolf Knoll, Peter Stoerk