Abstract: A test fixture which holds multiple circuit boards in an edge-to-edge configuration for testing includes a sliding interconnect mechanism which is located between the circuit boards under test. The interconnect mechanism includes an interconnect board on which are mounted pairs of inter-wired frame connectors which mate with the connectors on each of the printed circuit boards to be tested and electrically interconnect the boards. The interconnect mechanism includes guide pins on which the interconnect mechanism slides to accurately align the frame and board connectors and an actuating mechanism to move the interconnect mechanism into position to securely mate the aligned connectors. The actuating mechanism can also be reversed to unmate the connectors and release the boards under test after the tests are completed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer system and method thereof characterized by high airflow and low acoustic noise by separating the enclosure of the system into two sections, in which in one section cooling fans are arranged between power supply units and disk drives, the power supply units being located at the back of the section and the fans, as to the disk drives, serving as exhaust fans, and in the other section inlet fans are arranged to cool selected hardware electrical elements, such as CPU modules, PCI and graphics cards, wherein the placement of the inlet fans is selected to minimize pre-heated air and fan airflow paths are controlled and directed by an air dam to maximize the cooling effect, and noise damping material is employed in mounting the rack for the disk drives, the disk drives and fans and in forming the side walls of the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a conductor to a circuit board. The conductor is configured for being soldered to the circuit board through a first aperture in the board. The apparatus includes a conductor supporting portion having a second aperture therethrough. The conductor supporting portion is configured for coupling to the circuit board. The second aperture substantially aligns with the first aperture when the conductor supporting portion is coupled to the circuit board to permit the conductor to be inserted through both the first aperture and the second aperture. The apparatus includes a tab portion configured for coupling to the conductor supporting portion. A portion of the conductor is thus held substantially immobile between the conductor supporting portion and a first edge of the tab portion when the tab portion is coupled with the conductor supporting portion, thereby preventing the conductor from being broken at the portion of the conductor when the conductor is flexed.

Abstract: A composite computer housing protects electronic components against shock and vibration. The housing has a midplane which divides the housing into a chassis section and a mainboard section. The chassis section holds hard disk drives. The mainboard section holds a mainboard, cards, a processor unit and other electronic components. A composite side cover assembly, having multiple layers, encloses the housing and provides a shell to inhibit flexion of the housing. The side cover presses against any number of the electronic components in the mainboard section to minimize vibration of these components and to enable the electronic components to provide internal support to the housing.

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.

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.

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.