Abstract: Method and apparatus for securely positioning a cable connector plug for blind docking an electronic device or module with an electrical connector, for example within a rack for a computer system. A bracket includes a chip that is selectively securable to open and close the bracket. A cable connector plug collar is laterally receivable in the bracket when the bracket is open. The bracket retains the collar in a circumferential tongue and groove relationship when the bracket is closed. When the bracket is properly positioned and secured within a rack bay, the bracket positions the connector plug for blind docking without restricting operative access to the connector plug. A preferred bracket is sufficiently flexible to allow lateral movement of the connector plug when the bracket is closed about the collar.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shield comprising an electrically conductive frame for establishing electrical contact between a chassis wall and an expansion card mounting bracket. The frame has a plurality of spring fingers interconnected about a perimeter of a central opening in the frame, wherein each spring finger defines a central axis that extends outwardly away from the central opening. The frame may include a substantially planar portion adjacent the central opening in the frame, wherein the plurality of spring fingers incline along the central axis to extend out of the plane defined by the substantially planar portion. The incline of the spring fingers allows a mounting bracket to slide laterally without jamming against the side of a spring finger during installation, removal or side-to-side shifting of the mounting plate.

Abstract: Rack assemblies and methods for cooling one or more rack-based computer systems, as well as data center configurations that utilize the rack assembly. The rack assembly comprises a rack providing support for multiple columns of heat-generating electronic devices and device fans for moving air from an air inlet side of the rack through the devices and through an air outlet side of the rack. The rack assembly also comprises a unitary door having a support frame spanning the air outlet side of the rack and hingedly coupling the door to a rear vertical edge of the rack. The door includes an air-to-liquid heat exchanger panel spanning an air outlet passage inside the support frame so that substantially all of the air passing through the air outlet must pass through the heat exchanger panel. The air outlet passage has a cross-sectional area that is substantially equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of the multiple columns of heat-generating devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an electronics module in an equipment chassis with adequate pathways for the flow of cooling air across the module or across one or more adjacent modules, such as one or more blade server. The system includes an electronics module movably secured within a sub-assembly prior to installing the sub-assembly in a bay of a chassis. Ramps disposed within one or more bays of the chassis engage and position the electronics modules within the range of movement permitted by the sub-assembly when the sub-assembly has been installed in the chassis. Two bays having ramps positioned differently can receive the same sub-assembly or an identical sub-assembly and position the module differently. Therefore, the sub-assemblies are interchangeable while maintaining appropriate air flow pathways.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a memory module connector having a pivotable air baffle that controls airflow at the memory module connector. When the memory module connector is occupied by a memory module, the air baffle may rest on an upper edge of the memory module, substantially parallel to the system board and in general alignment with the airflow. When the memory module has been removed, the air baffle may be pivoted downward toward the connector base and into the airflow, to offset the reduction in airflow impedance caused by the removal of the memory module from the memory module connector.

Abstract: A power supply module configured for removable insertion into a power supply bay of an electronic system. A telescopic power connector disposed within the power supply housing includes a plurality of internal fixed contacts in electrical communication with an electrical socket and a movable member carrying a plurality of elongate sliding contacts in sliding contact with the internal fixed contacts. The movable member is movable generally perpendicular to an insertion direction of the power supply housing. A mechanical actuator is configured for moving the movable member of the telescopic power connector into connection with an external power connector, such as on a motherboard, so that ends of the sliding contacts are moved into electrical connection with terminals on the external power connector while remaining in sliding contact with the internal fixed contacts.

Abstract: A transition plate assembly and a position sensor assembly are used to detect a dislodged or removed transition plate from a gap between the discharge end of a conveyor and the first end of a run-out ramp. The position sensor assembly may detect a safe seated position of a hinged transition plate protecting the gap and generate a motor-enabling signal to a drive motor that drives the conveyor. An interrupted motor-enabling signal, corresponding to an unsafe condition, may turn off the drive motor to prevent damage to articles or persons until an enabling signal is restored. In one embodiment, the termination of the power to the drive motor continues until a delay period has elapsed following the detection of an enabling signal.

Abstract: A system for receiving and supporting a plurality of devices connected to a network. The system comprises a rack having a front side providing access to a plurality of chassis bays for receiving a chassis and aligning a back end of the chassis for blind docking with an electrical power source. The chassis includes a power supply, a fan, and a front side providing access to a plurality of module bays for receiving a module and aligning a back end of the module for blind docking with the power supply. A compute module is received in a module bay and directly blind docked to the power supply. The system further includes at least one other module received in a module bay within the same chassis as the compute module and directly blind docked with the same power supply along with the compute module.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a chassis providing a plurality of module bays, one or more modules received in the module bays, wherein each module has at least one damper actuator extending from a distal end of the module. A fan assembly and a plurality of air flow dampers are secured in a distal end of the chassis, wherein each damper is aligned with one module bay to control air flow through the aligned module bay. Each damper is biased to close in the absence of contact with a damper actuator and opens in response to contact with a damper actuator. Each damper opens to a variable extent determined by the profile of the contacting damper actuator. The damper actuator of a particular module has a profile corresponding to the thermal load of that module, such that installing a module into the chassis automatically opens the aligned damper to the desired extent.

Abstract: Cable identification and computer system diagnostics are facilitated with electroluminescent technology. In one embodiment, a computer data cable includes an electroluminescent strand having a first wire with an electroluminescent coating and a second wire in contact with the inner wire. An AC voltage is applied between the inner and outer wire to selectively illuminate the electroluminescent strand in response to predetermined conditions, such as in response to the detection of a connection-related fault or in response to plugging in the data cable to a device port. Diagnostic techniques such as FMEA may be implemented in software for detecting connection faults and selectively illuminating the data cables in response.

Abstract: A cable trough comprising a rigid trough securing a cable that terminates with a cable connector plug. The cable connector plug has a connector latch operable with a pull tab for selectively latching the cable connector plug to a blind mate connector inside an electronic device. The trough secures the connector plug in axial alignment with the trough and includes a release lever pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the trough. An elongate wire extends within the trough and is coupled between the release lever and the pull tab. Accordingly, the rigid trough may be directed into a guide passage aligned with the blind mate connector for coupling and latching of the connector plug to the blind mate connector. The release lever is pivotally operable to pull the wire and actuate the pull tab to release the connector latch.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is disclosed having a first chamber, a second chamber positioned inside the first chamber, and a third chamber positioned inside the second chamber. The first, second, and third chambers are in coaxial alignment. A first portion of a first helical tube is positioned inside the second chamber and a second portion of the first helical tube is positioned inside the third chamber and a second helical tube is positioned inside the first chamber. The heat exchanger heats a cryogenic liquid to a gas phase using at least three different heat transfer fluids in one contained unit without mixing any of the fluids in the exchanger.

Abstract: A gripper block for use in an endless chain in a device for moving a generally cylindrical object longitudinally, as into or out of a well. The block has a first portion adapted to engage the endless chain and a second portion adapted to frictionally engage the object. At least a portion of the block is made from a resilient material that engages the tubing.

Abstract: A method for playing a soccer card game. The method includes, providing a deck of kicking cards and a deck of playing cards. At least a portion of the kicking deck and the playing deck carries instructions for their use in the progress of a soccer game. A a like plurality of cards are dealt from the playing deck to each of two players. A an offense player and a defense player are declared by a coin toss or other means. The plurality of cards dealt to the offense player are an offense playing hand and the plurality of cards dealt to the defense player are a defense playing hand. A game system is also provided. The system includes a soccer game board having a representation of a soccer field thereon including a center field area, two scoring areas, and a plurality of playing positions. Each of the plurality of playing positions are connected to other of the playing positions by a plurality of connecting lines. Any two playing positions are connected only by a single line.

Abstract: An offshore marine structure for drilling wells into the ocean floor including a floating vessel which carries the necessary drilling equipment. A riser which extends from the vessel to a well head at the ocean floor, encloses a drill string and permits circulation of the drilling mud and fluids. The riser is comprised of at least two detachably connectable segments, one of which can be moved with the floating vessel, while the other remains buoyantly in place until such time as the two segments are reconnected. A riser system used for production activities where the riser comprises at least two detachable segments is also provided.