Abstract: An active fiber stretcher assembly can be used for data acquisition systems. A time-break signal can be detected that coincides with a seismic event emitted from a seismic controller. A predetermined waveform can be generated in response to detecting the time-break signal. The predetermined waveform may be encoded onto a fiber optic cable using a fiber stretcher. A data acquisition system connected to the fiber optic cable may detect the predetermined waveform on the fiber optic cable and initiate acquisition operations including: receiving, during the seismic event, light signals returning from a portion of the fiber optic cable in a subterranean environment; determining one or more characteristics of the subterranean environment from the light signals; and storing the one or more characteristics.

Abstract: A chassis includes a flash module comprising a cover and an integrated connector, a metal stiffener, an electromagnetic interference (EMI) gasket, and a midplane. The flash module is connected to the midplane using the integrated connector, the integrated connector extends past the cover of the flash module, and, when the flash module is connected to the midplane, the cover of the flash module is in direct contact with the EMI gasket, in which the metal stiffener is interposed between the EMI gasket and the midplane.

Abstract: A chassis includes a flash module comprising a cover and an integrated connector, a metal stiffener, an electromagnetic interference (EMI) gasket, and a midplane. The flash module is connected to the midplane using the integrated connector, the integrated connector extends past the cover of the flash module, and, when the flash module is connected to the midplane, the cover of the flash module is in direct contact with the EMI gasket, in which the metal stiffener is interposed between the EMI gasket and the midplane.

Abstract: A chassis includes a flash module comprising a cover and an integrated connector, a metal stiffener, an electromagnetic interference (EMI) gasket, and a midplane. The flash module is connected to the midplane using the integrated connector, the integrated connector extends past the cover of the flash module, and, when the flash module is connected to the midplane, the cover of the flash module is in direct contact with the EMI gasket, in which the metal stiffener is interposed between the EMI gasket and the midplane.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring surface properties of a carriageway or road, comprising a platform arranged to move over the carriageway, the platform carrying a light source arranged to illuminate the carriageway, and a detector arranged to receive light returning from the carriageway, characterized in that the light source projects a line of light onto the surface and data representing light returning from the line of light is captured and stored.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring surface properties of a carriageway or road, comprising a platform arranged to move over the carriageway, the platform carrying a light source arranged to illuminate the carriageway, and a detector arranged to receive light returning from the carriageway, characterised in that the light source projects a line of light onto the surface and data representing light returning from the line of light is captured and stored.

Abstract: PCI cards are plugged into vertical risers, the lower edges of which have been plugged into a motherboard. This involves a considerable force being applied to the riser card, both during insertion and removal, and may damage the card or the underlying motherboard. A support for the top edge of the riser card clips onto the upper end thereof. Rearward extensions of the support are gripped by tabs struck out of a wall of the enclosure.

Abstract: Computers are manufactured with connectors in which are inserted at least one PCI expansion card to increase the capacity of the computer. A computer enclosure panel is formed with an opening for insertion and withdrawal of the card. The card has a cover which blocks the opening after the card has been plugged in. The invention provides a retainer mounted on the rear panel which, when projected, engages the cover to assist in holding the card in place. The slide has a detent which is manually disengaged in order to slide the cover to retracted position. It further provides room for the tab conventionally extending outward of the card so that the card may be located closer to the side panel, thereby conserving space within the enclosure. Computers as shipped from the factory many times are not provided with PCI cards and the opening is blocked by a removable blanking cover. The slide also holds the blanking cover in position.

Abstract: Motherboards and cards (herein "boards") mounted in computer enclosures must be supported on X, Y and Z axes to resist shock and vibration. This requires that four edges of the board be supported. Because of the high cost of such boards their lengths are made as small as possible, and this dimension is the direction of insertion of the board. A guide is attached to the leading edge of the board having a depending foot which engages fasteners formed on the base of the chassis of the enclosure. Thus the inner edge of the board is supported along two axes. Two side edges of the board are held in tracks and the outer edge is held at the point of insertion.

Abstract: A cover for a rectangular enclosure is pivoted to the rectangular base at the front, swings rearwardly-downwardly and engages the back of the base. A CD drive installed in the base is accessible from one side. For the purpose of inserting CDs and providing access for CD controls and jacks, a base window is formed in the side of the base and its edges are framed with a bezel which projects slightly outward from the base side. The cover has a cover window in one side congruent to the base window but spaced outward so that, as the cover is swung closed, the cover window is displaced outwardly relative to the bezel and the bezel does not interfere with closing the cover.

Abstract: Computers are manufactured with connectors in which are inserted at least one PCI expansion card to increase the capacity of the computer. A computer enclosure panel is formed with first opening for insertion and withdrawal of the card. The card has a cover which blocks the first opening after the card has been plugged in. The invention provides a retainer mounted on the rear panel which engages the cover to hold one end of the card in place. The invention further provides room for the tab conventionally extending outward of the card to extend outward of the enclosure so that the card may be located closer to the side panel, thereby conserving space within the enclosure. The retainer has an apertured first door pivotally mounted on the exterior of the panel which in closed position surrounds a second opening through which the card tab protrudes and engages one face of the tab. A second door is pivotally mounted on the first door and in closed position covers the aperture in the first door.

Abstract: Computers are manufactured with connectors in which are inserted at least one PCI expansion card to increase the capacity of the computer. A computer enclosure panel is formed with an opening for insertion and withdrawal of the card. The card has a cover which blocks the opening after the card has been plugged in. The invention provides a retainer clip mounted on the rear panel which, when in operative position, attaches to the panel and engages the cover to assist in holding the card in place. The clip has a bent spring which may be compressed to install and remove the clip. The invention further provides room for the tab conventionally extending outward of the card to extend outward of the enclosure so that the card may be located closer to the side panel, thereby conserving space within the enclosure. Computers as shipped from the factory many times are not provided with PCI cards and the opening in the panel is blocked by a removable blanking cover. The clip also holds the blanking cover in position.

Abstract: A device for preventing unauthorized access to female modular telephone jacks. A physical plug has been designed such that when it is inserted into an RJ-11, RJ-14, or RJ-45 modular telephone jack, it locks into place and cannot be removed without the use of a specialized tool. The specialized tool then acts as a key to unlock the plug. Several different pairs of plugs and corresponding tools have been created such that there are different `locks` and `keys`.