Patents by Inventor Alvan R. Tom

Alvan R. Tom has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7442088
    Abstract: A system or method ensures proper insertion of a circuit board (“card”) assembly into a card support assembly. A card assembly includes a first keying feature other than on a faceplate connected to the card assembly. The keying feature may be a notch, tab or slot, and the keying feature may be integral with the card assembly. The card support assembly includes a second keying feature that corresponds to the first keying feature. The second keying feature is positioned so as to allow cards with the correct keying feature to connect with the support assembly and to prevent cards that lack the keying feature, or are misaligned, from contacting the connectors of the support assembly. As a result, an effective keying solution is provided for the card assembly, and damage to circuit boards and connectors caused by improper connections is prevented without costly manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Tellabs San Jôse, Inc.
    Inventors: Lyle S. Looney, Alvan R. Tom, James G. Arthur