Abstract: A connector assembly with foldable card guides that, when folded, completely cover the array of electrical connectors resident on the connector housing. The connector assembly is shown in the context of a testing unit for automated test equipment. The folding feature is helpful when the connector assembly is not being used inasmuch as the card guides provide environmental protection (i.e. prevent the collection of dirt and/or particulate matter) for the electrical contacts resident in the connector housing. The foldable card guides incorporate spring-loaded bullet pins and radial locators at the points where they are pivotally attached to the connector housing, thereby allowing them to be locked in either an open or closed position. The foldable design saves space, affords protection, decreases the chance of inadvertent injury to personnel, and secures the testing unit for shipment. When the card guides are locked in the open position, they direct an electronic device subject to testing (e.g.

Abstract: An adapter or housing for a module, such as a single in-line memory module (SIMM) or the like, and method of using the same are herein disclosed where the SIMM and attached housing fit a predetermined-shape SIMM socket. The housing replaces SIMM board material that would otherwise be used to help secure the SIMM to a predetermined-shape SIMM socket or connector. The configuration of the housing allows a SIMM or the like to be snapped or slid and secured into the housing. If desired, an adhesive potting material and/or other bonding material can be used to secure the SIMM board to the housing and/or pot the SIMM within the housing.

Abstract: An optoelectronic transceiver module assembly includes an optoelectronic transceiver module, and a metal cage encasing the optoelectronic transceiver module therein. The transceiver module includes a connector housing (1), a PCB (2) and a support base (3). The connector housing is adapted for engaging a complementary electrical or optical connector. The PCB is engaged in guide grooves (151) of the connector housing. Block tags (153) formed in the guide grooves firmly retain the PCB. The support base is attached to the PCB with screws, and accommodates and supports the PCB. The cage comprises a top frame (4) and a bottom plate (5). The bottom plate is fittingly attached to the connector housing and to the support base. Locking tabs (419, 421, 423) of the top frame engagingly retain the connector housing. Engaging tabs (523) of the bottom plate are engaged in sockets (413) of the top frame.

Abstract: A device for protecting an electrical connector for a printed circuit board from electromagnetic interference, the connector including a body having a front face to co-operate with a plug and a connection side face touching the board, and contacts, ending in spikes, the spikes being inserted through holes in the board to electrically connect the contacts to conductor tracks; the device including a first shielding element extending along a side face opposite from the connection side face, and continuing along a rear face so as to contact a grounding conductor track; and a second shielding element mounted on a face of the board opposite from the face of the board contacting the connector, and extending along the connection side face, the second shielding element contacting a conductor track, connected to the grounding track, so as to be electrically connected to the first shielding element thus forming a potential cage.

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: The invention relates to a circuit package comprising a module and a socket which cooperate to provide quick and easy insertion of the module into the socket using a small insertion force, accurate alignment between the module and the socket after insertion, and coupling between a module coupling site and a socket coupling site after insertion. A socket guide feature allows an edge of the module to slide along the guide feature during insertion of the module into the socket, and a module alignment feature interlocks with a socket alignment feature after insertion of the module into the socket. In addition, after insertion of the module into the socket, a retaining feature restricts the motion of the module so that the module coupling site remains in contact with the socket coupling site.

Abstract: A printed circuit board assembly which is capable of being inserted and removed from the system to which it is electrically connected, even when fully populated with connected printed circuit cards, comprises a multilayer structure. A middle layer printed board is sandwiched between a nonconductive base on the bottom and a stiffener disposed on the top. The stiffener is preferably electrically conductive to provide an EMI (electromagnetic interference) shielding function. The base support and stiffener together support a mechanism for insertion and removal of the entire board via an edge connector disposed along a back edge of the board.

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 module support having two parallel cross struts which are interconnected by guide rails which have a guide fixture wherein printed circuit boards can be displaced in a longitudinal direction of the guide rails. One or more air guides are arranged at the side of the guide rails and the air guide of a guide rail which is not occupied by a printed circuit board can be covered with a cover. The guide rail can be connected to the cover by detent connections in order to produce a preassembled unit. As a result, the assembly of this cover is simplified.

Abstract: A railing system for printed circuit boards, an apparatus and method advantageously allow modular arrangements of printed circuit boards (PCBs) in a shelf and maximize space in a shelf by providing rails on the PCBs that are slidably connectable with card guides in the shelf. The railing system includes a PCB having two sides, at least one of the sides with electronic components disposed thereon, and at least one rail secured to the PCB, the rail being perpendicular to the sides of the PCB, wherein the rail permits insertion of the PCB into a shelf outfitted with one or more guides for securing the rail and the PCB within the shelf by suspension from the rail and independent of further support. The rail in combination with the one or more card guides provide a crude alignment for mating the electrical components on the PCB with connectors disposed in the shelf.

Abstract: The card connector of this invention has an erroneous insertion prevention mechanism that blocks the IC card at a predetermined blocking position when the IC card is wrongly inserted into the connector body. The erroneous insertion prevention mechanism has a blocking member retractably supported on the first side wall and an urging means to normally urge the blocking member to project inwardly from the second side wall. When the IC card is inserted in a correct orientation, the blocking member is guided by the inclined surface of the IC card to be retracted outwardly from the first side wall. When the IC card is inserted in a wrong orientation, the blocking member abuts against the front end of the IC card, blocking the further insertion of the IC card at the blocking position.

Abstract: A PC card of standard width and thickness (e.g. 54 mm and 5 mm) is constructed to receive a chip card of smaller width and thickness (e.g. 18 mm and 0.8 mm) so the PC card can used to connect contact pads of the chip card to an electronic device such as laptop computer into which the PC card is inserted. The PC card includes a sheet metal cover with a top cover portion (13) having a flat region that is deep drawn to form a ramp (30) that extends downwardly to an aperture (31). A chip card can be slid down along the ramp and through the aperture, and along an internal path portion in the card to engage contacts on a circuit board. Guides on opposite sides of the internal path portion can be formed by tabs (36, 37) partially punched out of the cover portion, parts fastened to the underside of the top sheet metal cover portion, and/or parts or components mounted on the circuit board.

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: The invention relates to a circuit package comprising a module and a socket which cooperate to provide quick and easy insertion of the module into the socket using a small insertion force, accurate alignment between the module and the socket after insertion, and coupling between a module coupling site and a socket coupling site after insertion. A socket guide feature allows an edge of the module to slide along the guide feature during insertion of the module into the socket, and a module alignment feature interlocks with a socket alignment feature after insertion of the module into the socket. In addition, after insertion of the module into the socket, a retaining feature restricts the motion of the module so that the module coupling site remains in contact with the socket coupling site.

Abstract: A transceiver module which is easily and conveniently assembled, and which is reliable. The transceiver module comprises a housing, an optoelectronic subassembly, a receptacle, a chassis and a PCB. The optoelectronic subassembly is received in the receptacle. Conductive leads of the optoelectronic subassembly are soldered to the PCB. The chassis is attached to the PCB with screws, and accommodates and protects the PCB. The housing comprises a top housing and a bottom housing. The top housing is attached to the chassis and the receptacle. The top housing and bottom housings are attached together, enclosing therein the receptacle, the chassis and the PCB.

Abstract: The present invention comprises: a sliding member that can move slidably in directions in which a card mounted in or dismounted from a housing is inserted and ejected; a return spring for energizing the sliding member in a card ejection direction; a locking member for holding the sliding member in a position in which the card is mounted, against an energizing force of the return spring; and fixed contacts, wherein the locking member is formed from an elastically deformable plate spring, and the plate spring is formed with an anchor for anchoring the sliding member, and moving contacts that can contact or separate from the fixed contacts, wherein the moving contacts are actuated in accordance with engagement and disengagement between the sliding member and the locking member, and wherein it is detected that the card has been held in a mounting position when the sliding member has been anchored to the anchor of the locking member.

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.

Abstract: A cap that is to be fitted to a printed circuit board, which has a conductive pad on the front side of the rectangular board thereof and which is to be connected to the connector. The cap is formed into a bag and is shaped into a wedge that gets thinner towards the front, and the cap has a window for exposing the conductive pad of the printed circuit board. A low insertion force connector that connects a printed circuit board having conductive pads on the front side of the rectangular board thereof. This low insertion force connector comprises a connector body having at least a pair of contacts that contact the conductive pads and clamp the printed circuit board, a slider that carries the printed circuit board and advances to and retreats from the contact, and a guide that is provided at the front end of the slider and is formed into a wedge-shape, which gets thinner towards the front.

Abstract: The base plate 31 of the connector housing is provided with the raised portion 50 that fits into one of the recessed portions 26 in the card 20 for the contact pads 27 when the card 20 is inserted. The raised portion 50 is made to function as a stopper to block the card from being inserted further when the card is wrongly inserted back to front, thereby preventing a possible deformation of the contact terminals on the connector side in the event that the card is wrongly inserted.

Abstract: A retention mechanism which may include a pair of flexible tabs. The flexible tabs may be pressed into opposing side edges of a substrate which supports an integrated circuit package. The substrate may be part of an electronic cartridge which has a cover. The flexible tab may extend through a space between the substrate and the cover such that the retention mechanism has a profile that is no greater than the cartridge. The retention mechanism may be mounted to a motherboard. The motherboard may have a connector that receives the substrate. An insertion tool can be used to plug the cartridge into the connector and couple the flexible tab to the substrate. An extraction tool can be used to pull the cartridge out of the connector and separate the substrate from the flexible tabs.

Abstract: A cap that is to be fitted to a printed circuit board, which has a conductive pad on the front side of the rectangular board thereof and which is to be connected to the connector. The cap is formed into a bag and is shaped into a wedge that gets thinner towards the front, and the cap has a window for exposing the conductive pad of the printed circuit board. A low insertion force connector that connects a printed circuit board having conductive pads on the front side of the rectangular board thereof. This low insertion force connector comprises a connector body having at least a pair of contacts that contact the conductive pads and clamp the printed circuit board, a slider that carries the printed circuit board and advances to and retreats from the contact, and a guide that is provided at the front end of the slider and is formed into a wedge-shape, which gets thinner towards the front.

Abstract: A control device for a master/slave signal of storing device for a computer mobile rack comprises an inner rack and an extended device. The inner rack is a semi-enclosed rack, an inner rack connector is disposed at the rear plate thereof to engage with a fixing connector preset at a containing frame on the computer system unit and with the storing device to constitute a circuit and a signal connections. The extended device has two ends and an end thereof is provided with a joining terminal and the other end thereof is provided with an adjustable terminal. The adjustable terminal is possible to allow at least a jumper being detachably inserted therein. Once the storing device is fixed to the inner rack, the terminal seat at the rear side of the storing device can be inserted by and engage with the joining terminal on the extended device. Therefore, the signal can be extended via the adjustable terminal.

Abstract: A guide insert is provided for engagement with an edge connector receptacle including a housing having an insertion face and defining a slot for receiving a card edge inserted into the slot along an insertion axis. The guide insert has a body portion that fits over the insertion face of the housing and is formed with first and second aligned slot-form apertures for providing access to first and second segments respectively of the slot defined by the housing. A tab projects from the body portion of the guide insert between the first and second apertures for entering the slot when the body portion engages the insertion face of the housing. The tab has two opposite faces presented towards two opposite sides respectively of the slot.

Abstract: A socket having a slot with an array of terminals for providing an electrical connection with an array of terminals on the edge of a printed circuit board includes an alignment mechanism for progressively correcting any misalignment between the board and the slot as the board is moved towards and inserted into the slot. The alignment mechanism includes a pair of guides supported near opposed ends of the slot. Each of the guides includes a base surface and guide surfaces sloping upwardly and away from the base surface. The socket may also include a release mechanism interactive with the alignment mechanism.

Abstract: A device to hold a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) card. The device may include a first member having a first side wall extending in a longitudinal direction, a second member having a tab mechanism and a living hinge coupled between the first member and the second member. The living hinge may allow the second member to move between a first (open) position and a second (closed) position. The living hinge may also allow the tab mechanism to abut against the PCI card when the second member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a plurality of semiconductor block modules mounted on a system board. The semiconductor block module comprises a block socket and a module board fitted thereto. The block socket assumes an annular shape and has connection terminals on upper and lower peripheral surfaces thereof and has an inner groove formed on the inner surface thereof. The module board has at least a semiconductor chip mounted thereon and is fitted into the inner groove of the block socket. The module board is electrically connected to the block socket. The connection terminals on the upper peripheral surface of the module socket may be mechanically fitted into and electrically connected to the connection terminals on the lower peripheral surface of other block socket having the same structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an object to a surface comprises a mounting cover having a first surface and a pair of sidewalls depending away from the first surface. The sidewalls are in a facing spaced relationship and secured to a second surface. At least two securement members are secured to the first surface between the pair of sidewalls. The securement members are configured to define a receiving area. Each securement member has a pair of engagement members secured within at least a pair of openings in the first surface. Each pair of engagement members include an upper surface. The upper surfaces of the pairs of engagement members are flush with respect to the first surface. An actuating member having a first portion, and a second portion depending away from said first portion, is configured to be slidably engaged in the receiving area. The second portion has a pair of engagement openings for slidably receiving a pair of guide members mounted to the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit package comprising a module and a socket which cooperate to provide quick and easy insertion of the module into the socket using a small insertion force, accurate alignment between the module and the socket after insertion, and coupling between a module coupling site and a socket coupling site after insertion. A socket guide feature allows an edge of the module to slide along the guide feature during insertion of the module into the socket, and a module alignment feature interlocks with a socket alignment feature-after insertion of the module into the socket. In addition, after insertion of the module into the socket, a retaining feature restricts the motion of the module so that the module coupling site remains in contact with the socket coupling site.

Abstract: There is provided an adapter for electrically interconnecting a first circuit substrate with a second circuit substrate. The adapter includes a first electrical connector which is operatively connected to the first circuit substrate. The first electrical connector mates with a corresponding second electrical connector which is operatively connected to the second circuit substrate. A longitudinal guide is provided with the adapter for receiving an edge of one of the first circuit substrate and the second circuit substrate. The longitudinal guide is positioned such that when the edge of one of the first circuit substrate and the second circuit substrate is received therein, relative translation of the first circuit substrate with respect to the second circuit substrate directs the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector together to thereby provide electrical engagement therebetween.

Abstract: A retention mechanism 1 mounted on a PCB comprises a retention housing 10, a pair of board lock posts 30 extending through a bottom plate 15 of the housing and retained in the PCB and a pair of pins 20. The retention housing defines a slot 11 receiving an end of an electrical connector and comprises a rear wall 12 from which at least a stopper 13 projects. Each pin comprises a head portion 21 and a pin body 22 for inserting into a hole 33 defined in a corresponding post. The head portion comprises a planar side surface 211 and an aucute side surface 212. A distance between a longitudinal axis of the pin body and a front face 132 of the stopper is shorter than a distance between the axis and the arcuate side surface and is longer than a distance between the axis and the planar side surface.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting a laterally installable card longitudinally through an opening in an external wall of a computer system chassis, while the remaining cards of the computer system remain under power and operational. The system includes a carrier with guides and a first system connector for receiving the card. The carrier also includes a related, second system connector configured for longitudinal mating with a system connector on the chassis. The computer system incorporates light pipes that function as guides for the insertion of the carrier into the chassis, where the light pipes can be illuminated to indicate which card is to be changed. A handle provides for the insertion of the carrier into the chassis, and a locking mechanism on the chassis secures the carrier in an installed position.

Abstract: A pair of circuit boards, or electrically insulative panel members on which the circuit boards are mounted, have side edges which slide into aligned longitudinally extending slots in a pair of facing, spaced apart cantilevered free sections of a pair of planar legs of a bracket secured to a panel in an electric power equipment enclosure. A terminal portion of one free section diverges outward to form a camming surface against which a complimentary camming surface on a rearward edge of a tab on the associated side edge of the panel member bears to spread the free section apart until the tab passes into the slot and the terminal portion snaps over the tab and engages a latching surface on the forward edge of the tab to latch the panel member to the bracket. The panel member is released by lifting the diverging terminal portion of the one free section to clear the latching surface and sliding the panel member out of the slots.

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 terminal position housing 34, 134 is used with an alignment plate 42, 142 to align male terminals or blades 12, 112 extending from a printed circuit board assembly 6, 106. A plug connector 14, 114 having multiple female terminals or receptacles 16, 116 is mated to the blades 12, 112 with the assistance of the terminal position housing 34, 134 and the alignment plate 42, 142. The terminal position housing 34, 134 includes a stationary plate 36, 136 having apertures 38, 138 through which the blades 12, 112 are inserted. The stationary plate apertures 38, 138 are aligned with apertures 44, 144 in the movable alignment plate 42, 142, and these aligned apertures keep the blades 12, 112 aligned with the receptacles 16, 116 even if the blades 12, 112 may be deflected due to forces applied by mechanical assist members, such as bolts 96.

Abstract: A retaining device is mounted to a computer data storage device for supporting and retaining the data storage device in an enclosure comprised of opposite side walls. The retaining device includes an elongate body having a first face and an opposite face. Two sets of pins extend from the first face, each set including at least one pin interferentially engaging with a corresponding hole defined in the data storage device thereby attaching the retaining device thereto. The retaining device is slidably inserted into a channel defined in the corresponding side wall of the enclosure with the second face thereof confronting the side wall. A pair of spaced resilient limbs is formed on an end of the body. A leaf spring is arranged between the limbs for biasing projections formed on the limbs to engage with notches defined in the enclosure thereby securely retaining the data storage device in the enclosure.

Abstract: A device for securing a computer data storage device in a computer enclosure includes a support frame having a top wall for supporting the data storage device and two side walls for supporting the support frame in the enclosure. Aligned openings are defined in the side walls for movably receiving a control bar therein with the control bar being movable between a released position and a locked position. Elongate slots are defined in the top wall extending in a direction normal to the moving direction of the control bar for receiving projections mounted to the data storage device. The control bar has a bottom section and at least a front section. Notches are defined in the front section through which the projections pass when the control bar is at the released position. Stop walls are formed on the bottom section offset from the notches a predetermined distance for engaging with the projections of the data storage device when the control bar is moved to the locked position.

Abstract: A frame for inserting and/or removing circuit cards from the housing of a machine includes a circuit card carrier connected to a locking CAM slide that is disposed to move within the channel of an actuator bar. A slot with a locking feature is fabricated on the locking CAM slide. A pin extending from a surface of the actuator bar into the channel coacts with the locking mechanism to lock the actuator bar relative to the locking CAM.

Abstract: A card guide unit for use in guiding and positioning circuit boards in a card cage, which guide unit is integral, having front and rear cross members that are integral with machined elongated card guides, having machined spaces between the card guides, and which guide units are inter-connectable to side walls of a card cage, providing identical precisioned alignment between circuit boards in the card guides so that precise electrical connections can be made between the circuit board and electrical connectors on the back plane.

Abstract: In the guide ribs 2b of the meter unit 2 and the guide rail grooves 3b of the insertion opening 3 of the center cluster panel 1, there are formed play restrict portions 2c, 2d as well asb 3c, 3d respectively for restricting the movements of the guide ribs 2b from the time just before the mutual fitting engagement of the terminals of the two connectors 4A and 4B to the time just after the mutual connection of the two connectors 4A and 4B. Due to this, from the time just before the mutual fitting engagement of the terminals of the two connectors 4A and 4B to the time during the mutual connection of the two connectors 4A and 4B, the inclination of the meter unit 2 can be reduced by setting the positioning accuracy in this range equivalent to the fitting accuracy of the terminals of the two connectors 4A and 4B. This eliminates a fear that an excessive force can be applied to the two connectors 4A and 4B while they are fitted with each other.

Abstract: A lead-in accessory for a stacked smart card reader comprises a generally rectangular insulative housing having a front surface, a back surface and sidewalls therebetween. The housing defines, in a particular configuration, a pair of spaced, substantially parallel card insertion ingresses extending through the front surface and the back surface of the housing. A pair of opposing snap tabs project from the back surface of the housing for removable attachment of the accessory to the smart reader. The smart reader typically comprises a connector housing having at least two spaced card receiving slots for receipt therein of smart cards. Upon attachment of the accessory to the smart card reader, the pair of ingresses are substantially aligned with the receiving slots in the reader connector to thereby effectively extend outwardly the card receiving face of the smart reader.

Abstract: An edge guide arrangement for circuit boards is disclosed including a guide rail having a circuit board edge-receiving channel with a grounding strip therein. The grounding strip has clips at each end for resiliently grasping the guide rail thereby holding the grounding strip in its position within the channel. The grounding strip with its end clips can be standardized and inventoried in large quantities to be assembled to a variety of guide rails.

Abstract: A expansion circuit board retainer comprises a supporting bracket and an adjustable sleeve. The supporting bracket is secured to a main board and the adjustable sleeve is slidably mounted thereto. The sleeve forms a slot in a wall thereof, through which bolts can extend and screw into corresponding holes of the bracket to adjust the sleeve position. The sleeve also forms pairs of guiding blocks for guiding and receiving an edge of an expansion circuit board. A retaining head is formed at top end of the sleeve, which presses the expansion circuit board downward to secure the expansion circuit board in place.

Abstract: An electrical card connector (1) in accordance with the present invention comprises an insulative housing (10), a plurality of terminals (20) received in the insulative housing, a shield (30) covering the insulative housing, a metal ear (40) connecting with the shield and an ejector 50 fixed on both sides of the shield. The metal ear assembled to the housing comprises a body (41), an engaging section (44) and a buckle section (42) extending respectively from the two sides of the body. The engaging section is adapted to soldering onto the printed circuit board (PCB) (6) and then ground the interferential signals on the metal ear onto the PCB. While the buckle section is locking on the top face (10a) of the housing so that the metal ear can be assembled to the housing firmly when the electrical card connector subjects to the external force in the opposite direction of the PCB vertically upwards.

Abstract: A computer assembly card actuator for inserting peripheral cards into slots on a motherboard. The card actuator is capable of imparting a sufficient and even force to seat the peripheral card in the slot without imparting a residual force after the peripheral card has been seated, which reduces the likelihood of damage to the peripheral card and/or the motherboard.

Abstract: A collapsible mount for mounting an electronic device to a circuit board includes a base adapted to be fixed to the circuit board and two support arms each having a lower end pivotably connected to the base and spaced from each other so as to be rotatable with respect to the base between a stowed position and an expanded position wherein the two support arms are substantially opposite to each other to define a space therebetween adapted to accommodate the electronic device therein.

Abstract: A modular component receiving structure (10) includes a guide structure (25) for guiding a modular component (12) into a proper installed position and for ensuring that the module is handled properly during installation. A drive arrangement including a threaded drive opening (32) may be included with the guide structure (25) for use in applying a proper installation force to move the memory module (12) into a proper installed position. The drive arrangement facilitates the use of a rotary tool to apply the installation force.

Abstract: A system has first printed circuit boards which are plugged into a second printed circuit board mounted in a frame. The system includes guides being provided for guiding the first printed circuit boards and includes at least one guide mounted on a support element which is either adjacent or between the first printed circuit boards so that at least two printed circuit boards can be stacked one on top of the other in the plane of the first printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A circuit card guide comprising a base defining at least one base slot for placement in alignment over a corresponding expansion slot on a computer system motherboard, incorporates one or more insert guides positioned in cooperation with the base slot such that when a user attempts to insert a circuit card by feel, due to partial or complete visual obstruction of the expansion slot by other computer system components, a connector edge of the circuit card can be received by the circuit card guide within a greater range of tolerance than the width of the expansion slot alone, and the connector edge can be guided by the one or more insert guides through the base slot and into the desired expansion slot.

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

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector (1), a guiding spacer (12) and a second connector (2). The first connector has a first housing (10) receiving two rows of first contacts (14) therein. A pair of guiding posts (106) is formed on opposite ends of a top wall (105) of the first housing for fitting into grooves (32) defined in a mating media storage device (3). The spacer includes a rectangular top wall (121) and four side walls (123) defining a chamber (120) therebetween for accommodating the second connector therein. Each first contact engages with a second contact (22) of the second connector, the second contact being soldered to a printed circuit board (4) of an electronic device. A supporting wall (124) projects upwardly from a longitudinal side of the rectangular top wall for abutting against a rear end of the top wall of the first housing.