Patents by Inventor James M. Carney

James M. Carney 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: 5673175
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Carney, Dave Desilets, Clifford Willis, Lee Winick, Chris Chiodo
  • Patent number: 5640309
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Carney, Dave Desilets, Clifford Willis, Alan Lee Winick, Christopher E. Chiodo
  • Patent number: 5587879
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a computer system, including a crib device and chassis for installing and removing a hard drive to and from the chassis of the system. The drive is securable to the crib device, which has a handle that allows the drive to be carried to and away from the chassis. The crib device and chassis have cams and cam engaging surfaces that cause the crib device and drive to move to effect engagement and disengagement of the electrical connectors of the computer system and drive. Also disclosed is a mounting arrangement for a floppy disk drive and CD-ROM drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Spano, Robert S. Antonuccio, James M. Carney
  • Patent number: 5481431
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a computer system, including a crib device and chassis and including a U-shaped actuator and handle with distinct cam surfaces for installing and removing a hard drive to and from the chassis of the system. The drive is securable to the crib device, which has a handle that allows the drive to be carried to and away from the chassis. The crib device and chassis have cams and cam engaging surfaces that cause the crib device and drive to move to effect engagement and disengagement of the electrical connectors of the computer system and drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Hassan Siahpolo, Robert S. Antonuccio, James M. Carney, Daniel F. Hoornaert, Joseph M. Spano
  • Patent number: 5434746
    Abstract: An improved attachment mechanism for attaching the motherboard in a computer system to its chassis is disclosed. The attachment mechanism includes a rail that engages at least two opposing edges of the motherboard and a hook mechanism that engages a catch formed in the chassis. The hook mechanism is secured to a central portion of the motherboard. The rail and hook mechanism cooperate to securely couple the motherboard to the chassis without requiting the use of extensive usable space on the motherboard. The described arrangement permits the motherboard to be quickly and easily installed and released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: James Testa, Joseph M. Spano, William L. Dailey, Daniel D. Gonsalves, Robert S. Antonuccio, James M. Carney, Mathew J. Palazola