Abstract: An automatic recirculation airflow damper for use in electronic enclosures utilizing multiple air moving devices to cool electronic components within the enclosure. When an air moving device is removed, the damper automatically closes an orifice associated with the absent air moving device, thus preventing the loss of cooling air from the vacated orifice and the subsequent reduction in cooling capacity. In some embodiments, the damper is attached to the enclosure with hinges. In certain embodiments, the damper is configured with elastomeric material such that the interface between the orifice and the damper offers high impedance to airflow while the damper is in a closed position. The automatic recirculation airflow damper reduces electronic thermal failures and therefore increases the reliability of a system equipped with the device.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus, system, and method for enabling the installation of an installable device configured with a required component in a receiving device. A component deactivated interlock obstructs the installation of the installable device when not configured with the required component. The invention makes use of an extendable and retractable plunger disposed upon the installable device, a stop barrier disposed upon the receiving device, and an actuator disposed upon the required component. The plunger normally extends beyond the installable device, and upon contacting the stop barrier of the receiving device obstructs the installation. Upon a physical connection of the required component with the installable device, the actuator retracts the plunger, thereby enabling the installation of the installable device.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus, system, and method for enabling the installation of an installable device configured with a required component in a receiving device. A component deactivated interlock obstructs the installation of the installable device when not configured with the required component. The invention makes use of an extendable and retractable plunger disposed upon the installable device, a stop barrier disposed upon the receiving device, and an actuator disposed upon the required component. The plunger normally extends beyond the installable device, and upon contacting the stop barrier of the receiving device obstructs the installation. Upon a physical connection of the required component with the installable device, the actuator retracts the plunger, thereby enabling the installation of the installable device.

Abstract: An automatic recirculation airflow damper for use in electronic enclosures utilizing multiple air moving devices to cool electronic components within the enclosure. When an air moving device is removed, the damper automatically closes an orifice associated with the absent air moving device, thus preventing the loss of cooling air from the vacated orifice and the subsequent reduction in cooling capacity. In some embodiments, the damper is attached to the enclosure with hinges. In certain embodiments, the damper is configured with elastomeric material such that the interface between the orifice and the damper offers high impedance to airflow while the damper is in a closed position. The automatic recirculation airflow damper reduces electronic thermal failures and therefore increases the reliability of a system equipped with the device.

Abstract: An air moving system such as a fan or blower system includes a back flow damper that functions in two orientations; non-inverted and inverted. First and second “end” baffles are pivotally attached at opposite ends of the damper, and three “middle” baffles are pivotally attached between the two end baffles. When the air moving system fails in the non-inverted orientation, the first end baffle and the three middle baffles are gravity operated to close off the air outlet to prevent the back flow of air, and the second end baffle pivots away from the outlet. When the air moving device fails in the inverted orientation, the second end baffle and the three middle baffles operate to close off the air outlet, and the first end baffle pivots away from the outlet. The three middle baffles are pivotally coupled to a connecting rod, which prevents the inadvertent jamming of baffles.

Abstract: An assembly for removably connecting data storage devices is provided for coupling a plurality of such devices within a computer or file server. The assembly comprises a plurality of trays each having a data storage device and a first electrical connector mounted thereto. Each tray contains an adapter assembly, having a second electrical connector, for consolidating the plurality of signals between the computer and the device. The trays are removably inserted within a housing having a plurality of printed circuit boards for connecting to the first electrical connectors of the inserted trays. A plurality of locking and actuating assemblies mounted within the housing govern insertion and removal of the trays into and out of the housing and passage of signals between the electrical connectors.

Abstract: Cover assemblies, capable of being locked and unlocked by means of a key, are configured to be placed over the connectors at each end of an external computer system cable. When these cover assemblies are locked in place, the cable cannot be unplugged from the connector ports of the system devices. When these cover assemblies are unlocked, they can be removed from the cable, and the cable can then be unplugged from the connector ports.A first type of cover assembly is designed to operate with a connector which is fastened in place in its plugged position by means of a pair of screws, while a second type of cover assembly is designed to operate with a connector which is fastened in place by means of a pair of rotatable wire bails. These cover assemblies may also be used to prevent access to connector ports to which cables are not attached by locking in place terminators commonly used on such ports, or by locking in place shells configured for this purpose, if such terminators are otherwise not required.

Abstract: Lockable covers are used to cover either of two types of shield blocks to prevent access to circuits within either of two types of external ports on computing devices. Each such shield block covers the port contacts associated with these circuits, includes locking surfaces for holding the lockable cover in place, and is itself held in place by the attachment features provided on the external port for holding an external cable in place. One such shield block is held in place by a pair of screws extending into threaded holes in the external port, while the other such shield block is held in place by a pair of flexible wire bails rotatably mounted in the external port.

Abstract: Cover assemblies, capable of being locked and unlocked by means of a key, are configured to be placed over the connectors at each end of an external computer system cable. When these cover assemblies are locked in place, the cable cannot be unplugged from the connector ports of the system devices. When these cover assemblies are unlocked, they can be removed from the cable, and the cable can then be unplugged from the connector ports.A first type of cover assembly is designed to operate with a connector which is fastened in place in its plugged position by means of a pair of screws, while a second type of cover assembly is designed to operate with a connector which is fastened in placed by means of a pair of rotatable wire bails. These cover assemblies may also be used to prevent access to connector ports to which cables are not attached by locking in place terminators commonly used on such ports, or by locking in place shells configured for this purpose, if such terminators are otherwise not required.