Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener assembly comprising a first wedge portion having an angled end, a second wedge portion having an angled end, and a fastener extending through the first wedge portion and the second wedge portion, wherein a portion of the fastener protrudes from one of the first and second wedge portions for interfacing with a component to be mounted, wherein the angled end of the first wedge portion and the angled end of the second wedge portion are interfaced when the fastener is extended through the first wedge portion and the second wedge portion.

Abstract: A system for heat sink hold-down is provided. The system comprises a heat source; and a heat sink hold-down assembly. The assembly comprises a bolster plate to rigidly support the heat source and a heat sink. The heat sink comprises a heat sink base operable to transfer heat and to press the heat source against the bolster plate, and a longitudinal post having a first end attached substantially orthogonally near the center of said heat sink base. The post is operable to transfer a compressive force substantially symmetrically to the heat sink base. The assembly further comprises a lever spring contacting the second end of the post. The lever spring is operable to apply a compressive force to the post in response to a bending moment. The assembly further comprises a cap rigidly coupled to the bolster plate and operable to apply a bending moment to the lever spring.

Abstract: A method of transferring heat from a heat source to a heat sink using a variable-gap thermal-interface device is provided. The method comprises providing and rotating a multi-axis rotary spherical joint to an orientation to compensate for misalignment between the heat source and heat sink. The method further comprises providing a shim of thickness sufficient to fill a gap between the heat source and multi-axis rotary spherical joint, and inserting the shim to fill the gap.

Abstract: A variable-gap thermal-interface device for transferring heat from a heat source to a heat sink is provided. The device comprises a multi-axis rotary spherical joint comprising a spherically concave surface having a first radius of curvature in slideable contact with a spherically convex surface having the same first radius of curvature. The device further comprises a block having a proximal end rotatably coupled with the heat sink through the rotary spherical joint and having a distal end opposite the proximal end. The device further comprises a wedge having a variable thickness separating a first surface and a second surface opposite and inclined relative to the first surface, such that the first surface is thermally coupled with the distal end of the block, and the second surface is thermally coupled with the heat source.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling an electronic device includes at least one angled flow control vane to divert a first airflow such that it blends with a second airflow that, prior to diversion of the first airflow, is substantially orthogonal to the first airflow. The efficient blending of the two airflows results in improved cooling of the electronic device.

Abstract: A system for heat sink hold-down is provided. The system comprises a heat source; and a heat sink hold-down assembly. The assembly comprises a bolster plate to rigidly support the heat source and a heat sink. The heat sink comprises a heat sink base operable to transfer heat and to press the heat source against the bolster plate, and a longitudinal post having a first end attached substantially orthogonally near the center of said heat sink base. The post is operable to transfer a compressive force substantially symmetrically to the heat sink base. The assembly further comprises a lever spring contacting the second end of the post. The lever spring is operable to apply a compressive force to the post in response to a bending moment. The assembly further comprises a cap rigidly coupled to the bolster plate and operable to apply a bending moment to the lever spring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for insertion and removal of a circuit board into a mating connector positioned within a housing, the device having a first end for pivotal engagement with the circuit board and adapted to mate with a front surface of the housing when the circuit board to which the device is pivotally engaged begins to engage the connector, and a second end disposed longitudinally from the first end and adapted with a latch for releasably mating with a protrusion on the board such that when the board is engaged with the connector the second end becomes releasably mated to the protrusion thereby latching the board to the connector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener assembly comprising a first wedge portion having an angled end, a second wedge portion having an angled end, and a fastener extending through the first wedge portion and the second wedge portion, wherein a portion of the fastener protrudes from one of the first and second wedge portions for interfacing with a component to be mounted, wherein the angled end of the first wedge portion and the angled end of the second wedge portion are interfaced when the fastener is extended through the first wedge portion and the second wedge portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic board comprising a plurality of individual devices, each device having a plurality of connectors, the connectors mated to receptacles on the board, and a heat dissipating cover connected to the board and forming a cavity incarcerating the plurality of devices, the cover thermally contacting a plurality of the individual devices, the cover having a dimensional pattern such that its outer surface area is greater than its planar area.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling an electronic device includes at least one angled flow control vane to divert a first airflow such that it blends with a second airflow that, prior to diversion of the first airflow, is substantially orthogonal to the first airflow. The efficient blending of the two airflows results in improved cooling of the electronic device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fan module. In one embodiment, the fan module includes a fan having an inlet end and an exit end, and a fan housing in which the fan is positioned, the fan housing including at least one angled interior wall adjacent the exit end of the fan that diffuses air downstream of the fan.

Abstract: A circuit board leverage mechanism. In one embodiment, a leverage mechanism includes a first gear member configured to rotatably mount to a circuit board, the first gear member including gear teeth and at least one tab that is configured to engage a card guide in which the circuit board may be inserted, and a second gear member configured to rotatably mount to the circuit board in proximity to the first gear member, the second gear member including gear teeth that mesh with the gear teeth of the first gear member, the second gear member further including a lever, wherein rotation of the lever effects rotation of the second gear member and opposite rotation of the first gear member which causes the at least one tab of the first gear member to engage the card guide and urge the circuit board into or out of contact with an electrical connector.

Abstract: A clip fastener includes a base and a clip head that is distant from the base. The clip head includes a barb having a rounded outer surface including a ramp that increases in diameter towards the base. An elongate clip neck connects the base with the clip head. The clip neck has sufficient resilience under compressive forces exerted on the rounded outer surface of the barb to permit movement of the barb. The clip may be formed as an individual unit for use in fastening operations, or it may be molded into component structures, such as fan carriers for computer fans.

Abstract: A cable protective shield assembly is provided for managing the position of computer cables. The assembly includes a base plate having a number of spacers formed on one surface, a cover plate having a number of bores extending through the plate at locations designated in alignment with the spacers of the base plate, and a corresponding number of fasteners for insertion through the bores of the cover plate into the spacers of the base plate to rigidly couple the plates together. The height of the spacers create a standoff distance between the base plate and cover plate defining a space for computer cables to extend. The spacers are also positioned across the base plate surface as to create specific passageways for the cables to be located. One or more ports can be placed along the perimeter of the cover plate to allow access to cable connectors while generally maintaining the organized position of the cables.

Abstract: A chassis for use in housing heavy electrical equipment is provided with lifting devices for attachment of the chassis to a telescoping rail assembly, such as may be found on a conventional EIA equipment rack. The chassis includes a housing with a sidewall having a recessed wall to which handles and support brackets are permanently attached. The handles are hingedly connected to the recessed wall and may be pivoted over an arc between an extended position that is suitable for lifting operations and a retracted position adjacent the recessed wall. The support brackets may be selectively rotated between an assembly position that supports the chassis atop the telescoping rail assembly and a position of normal use that does not interfere with depthwise extensile and de-extensile motion of the telescoping rail assembly and chassis.

Abstract: A clip fastener includes a base and a clip head that is distant from the base. The clip head includes a barb having a rounded outer surface including a ramp that increases in diameter towards the base. An elongate clip neck connects the base with the clip head. The clip neck has sufficient resilience under compressive forces exerted on the rounded outer surface of the barb to permit movement of the barb. The clip may be formed as an individual unit for use in fastening operations, or it may be molded into component structures, such as fan carriers for computer fans.

Abstract: A cable retention device includes a conduit that is joined to an end plate forming a continuous passage through the conduit. Cable shielding is clamped to the conduit to establish a pathway to ground. The end plate presents a shoulder face that is inserted into a guide rail clamp. The shoulder face includes a pair of arches that function as fulcrums to flex the guide rail bracket, which secures the cable retention device to a chassis under compressive force.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a network chassis having a system backplane board, a subassembly backplane board, and at least one connector disposed on each of the system backplane board and subassembly backplane board for electrically connecting the system backplane board to the subassembly backplane board. The chassis includes a mounting mechanism for rotatably coupling the system backplane board to the chassis and defining a path of rotation therefor, and an ejection mechanism mounted to the system backplane board to unseat the connector of the system backplane board from the connector of the subassembly backplane board. The ejection mechanism selectively exerts a force against the chassis that is directed linearly outwardly from and perpendicularly to the system backplane board. The ejection mechanism further comprises a fastener for releasably engaging the system backplane board to the chassis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a network chassis having a system backplane board, a subassembly backplane board, and at least one connector disposed on each of the system backplane board and subassembly backplane board for electrically connecting the system backplane board to the subassembly backplane board. The chassis includes a mounting mechanism for rotatably coupling the system backplane board to the chassis and defining a path of rotation therefor, and an ejection mechanism mounted to the system backplane board to unseat the connector of the system backplane board from the connector of the subassembly backplane board. The ejection mechanism selectively exerts a force against the chassis that is directed linearly outwardly from and perpendicularly to the system backplane board. The ejection mechanism further comprises a fastener for releasably engaging the system backplane board to the chassis.

Abstract: A cable protective shield assembly is provided for managing the position of computer cables. The assembly comprises a base plate having a number of spacers formed on one surface, a cover plate having a number of bores extending through the plate at locations designated in alignment with the spacers of the base plate, and a corresponding number of fasteners for insertion through the bores of the cover plate into the spacers of the base plate to rigidly couple the plates together. The height of the spacers create a standoff distance between the base plate and cover plate defining a space for computer cables to extend. The spacers are also positioned across the base plate surface as to create specific passageways for the cables to be located. One or more ports can be placed along the perimeter of the cover plate to allow access to cable connectors while generally maintaining the organized position of the cables.