Abstract: A computer system includes a chassis having a biased slider device mounted thereon. The slider device includes a plurality of connectors positioned in openings in the chassis. When the slider is in a first position, the connectors are positioned in the openings. The slider is movable to a second position removing the connectors from the openings. A cover is releasably mounted on the chassis so that cover interlock members insert into the openings engaging the connectors in the first position and disengaging from the connectors in the second position.

Abstract: A computer includes a first enclosure and a second enclosure pivotally attached to the first enclosure. The second enclosure is pivotable between a first position and a second position with respect to the first enclosure. An interconnect circuit has a first routing portion attached to the first enclosure, a second routing portion attached to the second enclosure and a spanning portion extending between the first and the second routing portions. A shielding member substantially surrounds the spanning portion of the interconnect circuit. A first conductive member has a curled portion attached to the shielding member and a tail portion electrically connected to a reference voltage member. The adverse affects associated with violating preferred design rules at the spanning portion of the interconnect circuit are reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a chassis having an access panel mounted on the chassis for being moved between an open position and a closed position. A plurality of mounting flanges extend from an interior surface of the access panel. An elongated latch has a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end of the latch are slidably mounted between the interior surface of the access panel and a corresponding one of the mounting flanges. The latch is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position with respect to a flange portion of the chassis in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the latch. A plurality of contoured resilient members are mounted between the latch and the access panel for biasing the latch to the latched position. A contoured portion of one of the resilient members is inverted from a contoured portion an adjacent one of the resilient members.

Abstract: A computer system including a chassis having a wall with a raised mounting portion protruding therefrom and a mounting flange attached adjacent to the wall. A peripheral device is pivotally mounted on the mounting flange. A resilient damping member is positioned adjacent the wall for being engaged by the peripheral device. The resilient damping member is compressed from a first height to a second height in response to the peripheral device being pivoted from a first position to a second position for reducing impact loadings associated with installing the peripheral device in the computer system. The resilient damping member controls the impact imposed on the peripheral device.

Abstract: A multiple fan system including at least two simultaneously operated fans. Each of the fans are operable as a constant speed fan and as an oscillating speed fan. Not more than one of the fans is operated as a constant speed fan. Each fan not being operated as a constant speed fan is operated as an oscillating speed fan. A fan controller operates each oscillating speed fan in a mode whereby a respective acoustic emission having a range of frequency different than any other oscillating speed fans is produced.

Abstract: A docking device for a portable computer including an enclosure having a support surface for supporting a portable computer thereon. An orifice plate is attached to the enclosure adjacent to the support surface. The orifice plate includes a plurality of orifices formed therethrough and the orifice plate is recessed with respect to the support surface. An air duct including an outlet portion is attached to an interior portion of the enclosure adjacent to the orifice plate. A blower is attached to an inlet portion of the air duct. The blower is operable to pressurize the air duct such that air is expelled through the orifices. The embodiments of the present disclosure reduce the skin temperature of the computer and the operating temperature of heat generating internal components. In addition, the processor can be operated at higher speeds for longer periods of time.

Abstract: A chassis for a computer, or the like, according to which a cover is provided for the top of the chassis and is slidable towards the front of the chassis to permits its removal without removing the chassis from a rack system. At least one fastener extends through a flange extending from the cover and over the front wall of the chassis for attaching the cover to the chassis. A bezel is provided for the front of the chassis and covers the fastener.

Abstract: A card retention apparatus has an enclosure including an attachable cover. A connector having a card seated in the connector is mounted in the enclosure. A card retaining member is connected to extend from the enclosure into contact with the card. The card retaining member urges the card into seated engagement with the connector. A resilient member is mounted between the card retaining member and the cover for providing a retention force. The card retaining member is engaged with the card and moved into a biased position when the cover is mounted onto the enclosure, the movement to the biased position acting on the spring to establish a retention force that is applied on the card.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically switching buses and ports inside a computer. The system configures the connection of first and second buses/ports for buses as USBs or 1394 buses, to another bus such as a PCI bus. The system includes first and second interfaces for connecting the PCI bus to the first and second buses. A switching system selectively connects the first and second buses to a plurality of ports. The switching system is responsive to bus requirements of any devices connected to the ports so that the total requirements for all the devices is balanced between the first and second interfaces.

Abstract: A test fixture including a fixture body and a self-centering or floating connector body positioned adjacent to a first side of the fixture body. The connector body is made of a polymeric material. Spaced apart sleeves extending through the fixture body. A first end of each one of the sleeves includes a threaded portion engaged with a corresponding threaded portion in the connector body. Each one of the sleeves defines a respective longitudinal axis. A head is attached to a second end of each one of the sleeves. Each head includes a tapered portion engaging a tapered seat provided on a second side of the fixture body. An alignment pin extends axially through each one of the sleeves along the respective longitudinal axis. Each pin includes a shaft, a flange attached to the shaft and an end protruding from the connector body. A first spring member is axially carried by each pin. Each first spring is compressed between the flange of the respective pin and the fixture body.

Abstract: A computer, including an carrier for mounting a peripheral device in the chassis of the computer. The carrier includes a plate disposed in the chassis and having two or more extensions. The peripheral device is mounted on the plate between the extensions and is captured between the extensions to prevent relative movement between the device and the plate in a first plane. A hook member extends from the plate and engages the peripheral device to prevent movement of the peripheral device relative to the plate in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane.

Abstract: A data processing system including but not limited to an enclosure of the data processing system having a waveguide-below-cutoff EMI-attenuating air ventilation structure formed from a dielectric-conductor combination material, the enclosure of the data processing system containing at least one data processing system component selected from the group including but not limited to a processor, a memory, a bridge, a bus, a graphics processor, a network card, an isochronous device. A related method for manufacturing a waveguide-below-cutoff EMI-attenuating air ventilation structure including but not limited to forming at least one aperture structured to attenuate at least one specified electromagnetic energy waveform within a dielectric-conductor combination material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for mounting a component in a computer chassis. The present embodiment includes an embodiment in which the component is associated with a heat sink. A mounting bracket, including at least one slot, is disposed on a component. At least one fastener affixes the mounting bracket and component to the chassis. In an alternative embodiment, the component can be secured to an interposer plate affixed to the chassis. The plate includes threaded openings for engaging the fasteners. A second supporting means engages the mounting bracket also. In the present embodiment, the second supporting means is a cover including at least one tab. When the cover is coupled with the chassis, the tabs align with and engage the slots of the mounting bracket. A guide is described for aligning an electrical connector of the component with a corresponding connector of the computer, wherein the connectors make the electrical connection as the component is secured to the chassis.

Abstract: A software installation process for use in the manufacture of a prescribed computer system includes the steps of providing at least one processor, at least one memory, and an interface for connecting the computer system to a network server. The at least one memory includes a master boot record, a utility partition and a primary partition. The utility partition includes manufacturing code particular to a manufacturing sequence in the manufacture of the computer system. The primary partition further includes file allocation tables and a root directory. Upon booting of the computer system, the manufacturing code is executed by the at least one processor, wherein the manufacturing sequence includes at least a downloading of software from the network server to the primary partition.

Abstract: A lock and release mechanism is disclosed which includes an elongated bendable member which engages a lock tab such that when the lock tab is disengaged with the chassis an electronics module can be moved into a plurality of positions, including a service position, a closed position and a removal position. Such a mechanism advantageously provides latch and release functionality using a single part.

Abstract: A docking apparatus for docking selected portable computers which provides coarse and medium alignment between the docking connector of the computer system and the docking connector of a docking station mounted on a docking tray by providing rails having oppositely facing upright flat faces on a docking tray and notches formed in the underside of the chassis, the notches having corresponding oppositely facing upright flat faces and opposing sloping sidewalls for urging the flat face of the rails toward the flat faces of the notches. The notches are preferably wider at the leading edge of the chassis, away from the connector than at the trailing edge, close to the chassis and the rails are preferably spaced further apart at the leading edge of the tray than they are close to the docking station.

Abstract: A computer system including a chassis having a plurality of walls forming a cavity. The computer system further includes a peripheral device positioned in the cavity. A retention clip movable between an open position and a closed position is attached to one of the walls. The retention clip includes an arm portion and a retention flange. The retention clip retains the peripheral device in a supported position relative to the chassis when in the closed position so that a fastener member can be engaged with the peripheral device.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing a program from being run under a debugger utility program. The method is part of a routine which is stored along with a software program on a hard drive of a computer system. The computer system has a processor for running both the software program and the routine and is capable of operating in a debug mode. The routine prevents unauthorized access to the software program, such as when the processor is running in the debug mode. When the processor is running the software program, the program can initiate execution of the routine. Once initiated, the routine checks a certain registers of the processor to determine if it is operating in the debug mode and if so, stops the processor from continuing to run the software program.

Abstract: A multi-layer circuit substrate having an integral bus portion includes a dielectric substrate having a first device signal layer formed on a first side thereof and a second device signal layer formed on a second side thereof. The first and second device signal layers are each patterned to include at least one bus reference plane. A device reference plane layer is disposed between the first and second device signal layers in the dielectric substrate. The device reference plane layer is patterned to include a plurality of guard bands and a bus signal trace between at least two of the guard bands.

Abstract: Parallel organized unit-by-unit manufacturing and assembly systems and methods for computer systems and other products advantageously integrate into a build-to-order environment. Responsive to orders received, kit trays are prepared that each hold parts and components needed to build an ordered product. The kit tray is transferred to a work cell where a team builds the product. The product is then tested and repaired, with information regarding any problems provided to the responsible work cell.