Abstract: The invention includes a plurality of first electrical pads which are supported on a first object which is configured to be supported in a first position, and a plurality of second electrical pads which are supported on a second object which is configured to be supported in a second position and adjacent to the first object. The first electrical pads are configured to electrically contact the second electrical pads while the objects are supported in the respective positions so as to electrically connect the objects together. Each of the objects is configured to be removed from the respective first and second positions by movement along parallel paths of movement in a first direction and are configured to be installed in the respective positions by movement along the paths in a second direction which is opposite the first direction. Furthermore, each object is configured to be installed into, or removed from, its respective supported position while the other object remains supported in its respective position.

Abstract: The invention includes a plurality of first electrical pads which are supported on a first object which is configured to be supported in a first position, and a plurality of second electrical pads which are supported on a second object which is configured to be supported in a second position and adjacent to the first object. The first electrical pads are configured to electrically contact the second electrical pads while the objects are supported in the respective positions so as to electrically connect the objects together. Each of the objects is configured to be removed from the respective first and second positions by movement along parallel paths of movement in a first direction and are configured to be installed in the respective positions by movement along the paths in a second direction which is opposite the first direction. Furthermore, each object is configured to be installed into, or removed from, its respective supported position while the other object remains supported in its respective position.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrically connecting two objects together includes a first object which has a first connective surface defined thereon, and a plurality of first electrical pads supported on the first connective surface. A second object has a second connective surface defined thereon which supports a plurality of second electrical pads configured to contact the first electrical pads. The first and second objects are configured to be electrically connected to each other by movement of the first object relative to the second object in a given direction and along a continuous path of movement which is substantially parallel to the first connective surface. The apparatus further includes an alignment member which is movably supported on the second object and which is configured to engage the second object when moved so as to substantially align the first electrical pads with the second electrical pads in order to facilitate contact there between.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting a plurality of electronic, or electrical, devices include at least one elongated structural element that defines an elongated channel in which the devices can be supported. The structural element can be a singlepiece configuration. A plurality of support surfaces can be defined on the structural element, or can be defined on a support member which is mounted on the structural element. The support surfaces supportably contact each of the devices while the devices are supported on the structural element. Two or more structural elements can be connected to one another in a substantially parallel orientation to provide additional supporting capacity for additional devices. A fan can be employed to induce the flow of a stream of air through a respective structural element to facilitate cooling of the devices.

Abstract: The invention includes a plurality of first electrical pads which are supported on a first object which is configured to be supported in a first position, and a plurality of second electrical pads which are supported on a second object which is configured to be supported in a second position and adjacent to the first object. The first electrical pads are configured to electrically contact the second electrical pads while the objects are supported in the respective positions so as to electrically connect the objects together. Each of the objects is configured to be removed from the respective first and second positions by movement along parallel paths of movement in a first direction and are configured to be installed in the respective positions by movement along the paths in a second direction which is opposite the first direction. Furthermore, each object is configured to be installed into, or removed from, its respective supported position while the other object remains supported in its respective position.

Abstract: The invention includes a support structure which is configured to removably support at least one module which is a sub-component of a larger unit of equipment. The support structure also removably supports at least one plane which is configured to provide signal and/or power routing to the module. The support structure can be configured to removably support at least two planes which provide redundant electrical routing to the module or modules. The support structure can be configured so that multiple modules and the plane can be installed onto, and removed from, the support structure in any sequence. The support structure can also have at least one access face through which at least one plane and a plurality of modules can be placed onto, or removed from, the support structure in any sequence. The invention also includes a method of providing signal and/or power routing to various modules of a unit of equipment, which method includes providing redundant routing to the modules.

Abstract: A data storage module and enclosure system generally comprising a data storage module enclosure and a plurality of data storage modules. The module enclosure includes top and bottom guide plates that define a plurality of data storage module bay slots. Normally, the top guide plate includes a plurality of compliant tabs that are adapted to engage the data storage modules when fully inserted, and a lock rail that is used secure the module in place within its bay slot. The data storage modules each include a data storage device, such as a disk drive, and a module carrier. The module carrier includes a canister having an open configuration. Normally mounted to the front side of the canister is a bezel which is contoured to fit the user's hand and which includes a finger cavity that facilitates carrying of the module.