Abstract: Apparatus and method for securing a heat sink to a heat-generating device on a circuit board. The apparatus clamps onto the heating-generating device and the circuit board in a manner that avoids bending of the circuit board. The apparatus includes a retention module having a plurality of retention features that extend through openings in the circuit board disposed about the perimeter of the heat-generating device, such as a processor. The apparatus also includes a heat sink having a heat sink base for contacting the heat-generating device in order to dissipate heat produced by the device. The heat sink is selectively securable to the retention features of the retention module using levers, such as a wire module, having a spring clip to engage the retention features and clamp the heat sink and retention module together.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for installing a processor into electronic communication with a socket. The land grid array socket connector includes a socket housing secured to a circuit board and an array of upwardly extending pins for electronic communication with contact pads on the processor. The socket connector provides a carriage configured to receiving the processor through a lateral opening and support a perimeter edge of the processor. A mechanical linkage couples the carriage and the socket housing for substantially vertically translating the processor relative to the socket. A plurality of alignment features upwardly extends from the socket housing along the perimeter of the array of pins. Each of the alignment features has an inwardly-facing tapered surface for registering the edge of the processor and biasing the processor into a position where the array of contact pads are aligned with the array of pins as the processor is lowered.

Abstract: A cable having an electrically conducting wire with a cross sectional shape defined by a simple closed curve having from three to eight concave portions separated by an equal number of convex portions. The simple closed curve has no point where the radius of curvature is less than one-sixth (?) of an overall radius of the wire and no point where adjacent curves or lines intersect at an angle. The alternating concave and convex portions of the cable's cross-sectional shape may have substantially the same curvature. The cross-sectional shape of the cable avoids sharp angles and fight curves.

Abstract: A heat sink retention module including a frame, first and second wire modules and a latch. The frame receives a heat sink base and is securable to a circuit board. First and second wire modules each include a pair of arm sections pivotally coupled to opposing sides of the frame about a transverse axis, a transverse handle section, and a spring clip formed adjacent the pivoting end of each arm section. The transverse axis of the first wire module is longitudinally spaced apart from the transverse axis of the second wire module. When the wire modules are adducted and flexed, a generally downward force is applied to the heat sink base by the spring clips, which extend generally perpendicular to each arm section. The wire modules are kept in the adducted position by a latch selectively securable between the transverse handle sections of the first and second wire modules.

Abstract: A mezzanine connector is used to connect two circuit boards. A connector frame includes a first frame member secured to the first circuit board and a second frame member secured to the second circuit board. The first and second frame members are brought together and mechanically connected to one another. A wafer carrier movably disposed between the first and second frame members holds a plurality of wafers at a substantially fixed spacing and parallel alignment. Each wafer has a plurality of electrically conductive pathways. After mechanically coupling the two frame members, the wafer carrier is movable toward the second circuit board from an open circuit position to a closed circuit position to provide electronic communication between the first and second circuit boards.

Abstract: A device for locking a USB device to a USB header includes a member secured to a USB header and selectively movable between a locked position that blocks outward movement of a spring finger of the USB header and an unlocked position that permits outward movement of the spring finger. The selectively moveable member may include a collar secured around the USB header. In one embodiment, the collar slides in an axial direction relative to the axis of the USB header. In another embodiment, the collar slides in a transverse direction relative to the axis of the USB header. In yet another embodiment, the selectively moveable member is a lever, button or dial coupled to a collar positioned around the USB header. For example, the member may be a lever pivotally coupled to the collar.

Abstract: A method for handling multiple system management interrupt (SMI) events in a multiprocessor system. The method comprises a first set of one or more processors in the multiprocessor system receiving a first SMI event. The first set of processors then enter an SMI handler for the first SMI event. The method further comprising determining that fewer than all of the active processors in the multiprocessor system are in the SMI handler for the first SMI event, and scheduling a second SMI event based upon the content of the first SMI event. The first set of processors each exit the SMI handler for the first SMI event without handling the first SMI event. Preferably, the method includes handling the second SMI event as a result of determining that all of the active processors in the multiprocessor system are in the SMI handler for the second SMI event.

Abstract: Assembly and connection of electronic components are provided. In one embodiment, electronic components such as a CPU planar, power supplies, and other electronic components or subassemblies are positioned within an enclosure. An interface board removably positionable in the enclosure carries a plurality of electronic connectors, providing an electronic interface between the CPU planar, power supplies, and other electronic subassemblies. The interface board is movably mounted to a component module on a track. The component module is inserted in a first bay, with the attached interface board in a first position. The interface board connects to a movable cable plate, and is subsequently moved to a second position along with the connected cable plate to move one or more of the connectors to a second bay. An electronic subassembly positioned in the second bay or another bay may then be connected the interface board. Other electronic components may be connected to the interface board via the cable plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus and a method for locking a cam lever, which positions a second card as inserted into a connector on a first card, and activating the second card with a coupling member. In one embodiment, the second card is inserted between a pair of guides secured to the first card into a connector on the first card. A hinged cam lever on either a guide or the second card positions the second card. A coupling member on the cam lever can be moved to lock the cam lever in place and engage a switch on the second card to activate the second card. When removal of the second card is desired, the coupling member on the cam lever can be moved to unlock the cam lever and disengage the switch on the second card to deactivate the second card.

Abstract: An apparatus to align and dock or undock a first electronic circuit board with a first connector with a second electronic circuit board with a second connector. The apparatus comprises a guide plate with a linkage to connect to a mounting plate. The first electronic circuit board is secured to the mounting plate. The guide plate is inserted into a chassis comprising a guide to receive the guide plate. The guide aligns the first connector to be received in the second connector. The linkage is actuated by displacing a positioning handle. The linkage translates the motion in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the positioning handle. The mounting plate is translated in the generally perpendicular direction, and the first connector is received into the second connector. The operation may be reversed to remove the first connector from the second connector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for enhancing the security and reliability of virtual private network (VPN) connections by manually exchanging secondary configuration information. If a compromise is detected on a main VPN tunnel, a new VPN tunnel can be created by the system administrators using the secondary configuration, stymieing attempted security violations and providing nearly continuous service to the users. A compromise may be indicative of a security breach or other problem with the VPN. The main VPN tunnel may be abandoned or fed with false data to confuse would-be intruders if the compromise is a security compromise.