Abstract: There is described a motion control device for preventing free-fall of electronics modules during vertical movement into or out of a supporting structure. The system comprises a rotatable element on the module or structure engageable with surface on the structure or module, respectively, for rolling movement therealong. The rotatable element is provided with a clutch or brake to provide resistance to rotation at least when the module is moving downward relative to the structure. The rotatable element may be a gear engageable with a toothed rack, or a friction roller engageable with a friction surface.

Abstract: A rack mountable shelf supports a plurality of field replaceable units (FRUs) in the form of server cartridges, or blades. The blades are provided with an enclosure that includes a metal portion and a plastics portion. The provision of a blade enclosure for the blade can protect the components of the blade from physical damage and can also isolate them from electrical, static and other effects that could be potentially damaging to the blade components. The use of metal can provide strength and electromagnetic interference shielding with a very thin layer. The use of plastics can provide lightness, flexibilty in design, and the avoidance of metal to metal contact to facilitate insertion and removal of the blades.

Abstract: A system configuration device provides system configuration information to a system unit. The device, for example a card, includes a circuit, circuit contacts, and a notch in one edge of thereof. The notch is configured to cooperate with a restraint when located in a card reading station for securing the card in the card reading station. A system configuration card reading station comprises a card receiver defining a slot for receiving the card, and a card reader including card reader contacts for contacting the circuit contacts on the card. The card reader contacts are located so as to contact the circuit contacts on the card when the card is received within the slot. The card receiver is configured to enable a restraint to engage the notch in the card for securing the card in the card reading station when the card is received within the slot.

Abstract: A circuit board mount is provided for mounting a circuit board in an electronic equipment housing. The mount is mountable on a surface within the housing and includes a slot for receiving and supporting the circuit board at a first height with respect to the housing surface. The mount further comprises at least one upstand of a second height higher than that of the circuit board, whereby a component can be supported on the upstand without contacting the circuit board. The mount is thus able to support the circuit board and to protect the circuit board during handling of other components within the housing.

Abstract: There is described a motion control device for preventing free-fall of electronics modules during vertical movement into or out of a supporting structure. The system comprises a rotatable element on the module or structure engageable with surface on the structure or module, respectively, for rolling movement therealong. The rotatable element is provided with a clutch or brake to provide resistance to rotation at least when the module is moving downward relative to the structure. The rotatable element may be a gear engageable with a toothed rack, or a friction roller engageable with a friction surface.

Abstract: An ejector mechanism is provided for a field replaceable module (e.g., a server blade) of modular computer system (e.g., a blade server system). The field replaceable module can be received in a carrier of the modular computer system and can have an elongate face. An ejector mechanism, that can possibly also act as an injection mechanism, can be located at the elongate face and can include an elongate lever extending substantially along the elongate front face. A pivotal mounting for the lever can be located towards a first end thereof and an ejection protrusion can be provided at the first end. The use of a lever that extends substantially along the elongate face of the field replaceable module provides an efficient ejection mechanism with good mechanical advantage.

Abstract: A rack mountable shelf supports a plurality of field replaceable units (FRUs) in the form of server cartridges, or blades. The blades are provided with an enclosure that includes a metal portion and a plastics portion. The provision of a blade enclosure for the blade can protect the components of the blade from physical damage and can also isolate them from electrical, static and other effects that could be potentially damaging to the blade components. The use of metal can provide strength and electromagnetic interference shielding with a very thin layer. The use of plastics can provide lightness, flexibilty in design, and the avoidance of metal to metal contact to facilitate insertion and removal of the blades.

Abstract: A circuit board mount is provided for mounting a circuit board in an electronic equipment housing. The mount is mountable on a surface within the housing and includes a slot for receiving and supporting the circuit board at a first height with respect to the housing surface. The mount further comprises at least one upstand of a second height higher than that of the circuit board, whereby a component can be supported on the upstand without contacting the circuit board. The mount is thus able to support the circuit board and to protect the circuit board during handling of other components within the housing.

Abstract: A system configuration device provides system configuration information to a system unit. The device, for example a card, includes a circuit, circuit contacts, and a notch in one edge of thereof. The notch is configured to cooperate with a restraint when located in a card reading station for securing the card in the card reading station. A system configuration card reading station comprises a card receiver defining a slot for receiving the card, and a card reader including card reader contacts for contacting the circuit contacts on the card. The card reader contacts are located so as to contact the circuit contacts on the card when the card is received within the slot. The card receiver is configured to enable a restraint to engage the notch in the card for securing the card in the card reading station when the card is received within the slot.