Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention overcome the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a tool-less, lever actuated, robust yet tolerant, high load delivery, low-profile component retention assembly for coupling components together. The assembly may include a plate and a lever coupled to the plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention overcome the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a tool-less, lever actuated, robust yet tolerant, high load delivery, low-profile component retention assembly for coupling components together. The assembly may comprise a plate and a lever coupled to the plate.

Abstract: A printed circuit board retainer to direct the movement of a printed circuit board during installation into an enclosure. In a relaxed position, the retainer forms a barrier to the withdrawal of the printed circuit board from the enclosure. The printed circuit board retainer may be displaced from its relaxed position and locked in an open position to facilitate installation and withdrawal of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A technique is provided for coupling and uncoupling device boards for a computer system during any operational state of the computer system. A tool-free latch assembly is provided for coupling a device switchboard and the device boards to a mounting structure of the computer system. The tool-free latch also may have a transparent portion for transmitting light from a device status light to interior and exterior areas of the computer system. A non-mechanical switch also may be utilized in conjunction with the tool-free latch assembly to control power to the device boards.

Abstract: A technique is provided for coupling and uncoupling modular devices with electronic and computing devices. A latch is coupled to a release member, which operates to release the latch from a mate latch by bending the release member to move the latch laterally away from the mate latch. The release member also may have grips for tool-lessly bending the release member to release the latch from the mate latch, and for removing the desired device. The technique also may embody a modular device having the latch and release member, or it may embody an overall system having the modular device disposed in a receptacle.

Abstract: A rack mount panel fastener system which allows thread size to be changed quickly and without tools. A thumbscrew is held in position in a ferrule attached to a server front panel by a removable retainer. The thumbscrew has a knurled head on one end, a threaded section on the end of its shaft and a reduced diameter section intermediate the threaded end and the head. The ferrule has an inner flange through which the retainer may not pass. The retainer is threaded onto and past the threaded section of the shaft to hold the thumbscrew in the ferrule. Thread size may be changed by manually removing the retainer without tools and replacing the thumbscrew and retainer with a new thumbscrew and new retainer having the desired thread size.

Abstract: A technique is provided for coupling and uncoupling modular devices with electronic and computing devices. A latch is coupled to a release member, which operates to release the latch from a mate latch by bending the release member to move the latch laterally away from the mate latch. The release member also may have grips for tool-lessly bending the release member to release the latch from the mate latch, and for removing the desired device. The technique also may embody a modular device having the latch and release member, or it may embody an overall system having the modular device disposed in a receptacle.

Abstract: A technique is provided for coupling and uncoupling device boards for a computer system during any operational state of the computer system. A tool-free latch assembly is provided for coupling a device switchboard and the device boards to a mounting structure of the computer system. The tool-free latch also may have a transparent portion for transmitting light from a device status light to interior and exterior areas of the computer system. A non-mechanical switch also may be utilized in conjunction with the tool-free latch assembly to control power to the device boards.

Abstract: A technique is provided for coupling and uncoupling device boards for a computer system during any operational state of the computer system. A tool-free latch assembly is provided for coupling a device switchboard and the device boards to a mounting structure of the computer system. The tool-free latch also may have a transparent portion for transmitting light from a device status light to interior and exterior areas of the computer system. A non-mechanical switch also may be utilized in conjunction with the tool-free latch assembly to control power to the device boards.

Abstract: A technique is provided for coupling and uncoupling modular devices with electronic and computing devices. A latch is coupled to a release member, which operates to release the latch from a mate latch by bending the release member to move the latch laterally away from the mate latch. The release member also may have grips for tool-lessly bending the release member to release the latch from the mate latch, and for removing the desired device. The technique also may embody a modular device having the latch and release member, or it may embody an overall system having the modular device disposed in a receptacle.

Abstract: A rack mount panel fastener system which allows thread size to be changed quickly and without tools. A thumbscrew is held in position in a ferrule attached to a server front panel by a removable retainer. The thumbscrew has a knurled head on one end, a threaded section on the end of its shaft and a reduced diameter section intermediate the threaded end and the head. The ferrule has an inner flange through which the retainer may not pass. The retainer is threaded onto and past the threaded section of the shaft to hold the thumbscrew in the ferrule. Thread size may be changed by manually removing the retainer without tools and replacing the thumbscrew and retainer with a new thumbscrew and new retainer having the desired thread size.

Abstract: A fan assembly that can be easily inserted into a mating slot includes: a housing surrounding and supporting a fan, a least one grill positioned so as to restrict access to the fan, a grip surface on the housing, a latch on the housing and configured to engage the mating slot; and, and an electrical connector mounted in the housing. The grip surface is formed on a separate piece from the housing and is affixed to the housing by an integrally formed fastening device and the assembly including the housing, grill, grip surface, latch and connector can be assembled by hand without the use of separate fasteners.

Abstract: A printed circuit board retainer. The printed circuit board retainer directs the movement of a printed circuit board during installation into an enclosure. In a relaxed position, the retainer forms a barrier to the withdrawal of the printed circuit board from the enclosure. The printed circuit board retainer may be displaced from its relaxed position and locked in an open position to facilitate during installation and withdrawal of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A fan assembly that can be easily inserted into a mating slot comprises: a housing surrounding and supporting a fan, a least one grill positioned so as to restrict access to the fan, a grip surface on the housing, a latch on the housing and configured to engage the mating slot; and, and an electrical connector mounted in the housing. The grip surface is formed on a separate piece from the housing and is affixed to the housing by an integrally formed fastening device and the assembly comprising the housing, grill, grip surface, latch and connector can be assembled by hand without the use of separate fasteners.

Abstract: A printed circuit board retainer. The printed circuit board retainer directs the movement of a printed circuit board during installation into an enclosure. In a relaxed position, the retainer forms a barrier to the withdrawal of the printed circuit board from the enclosure. The printed circuit board retainer may be displaced from its relaxed position and locked in an open position to facilitate during installation and withdrawal of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A cable management system for organizing and controlling cables extending from an electronic device while providing substantially unimpeded device access, substantially unrestricted cable movement and substantially unrestricted air flow into and out of the device. The system attaches to a secure structure and is capable of boxing out from the structure to allow access to service a device positioned within the secure structure. The cable management system includes at least three cable arms of rigid material, a coupling member attached between each adjacent pair of the at least three cable arms, where the coupling member provides movement between each of the adjacent pairs of cable arms.

Abstract: A rack serviceable computer chassis for housing multiple computer modules. A rectilinear housing receives at least one module containing electrical components associated with a computer system which includes a planar right panel, a planar left panel, a planar bottom panel, a stationary planar top panel for covering non-rack serviceable components, and a sliding top panel integral to the housing for effectuating access to the at least one module and electrical components. The sliding top panel is located above the stationary top panel while in an open position. The rack serviceable chassis further includes a means for sliding the sliding top panel between the open position and a closed position, a means for supporting the sliding top panel while in the closed position, and a means for transitioning the sliding top panel between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an add-in circuit card in an electronic device including a clamp movably coupled to the electronic device, the clamp configured to releasably engage the card upon movement of the clamp relative from a card engagement position in which the clamp is substantially inside the electronic device to a card disengagement position in which the clamp is substantially outside the electronic device. An apparatus for securing an add-in circuit card in an electronic device including a clamp movably coupled to the electronic device, the clamp configured to releasably engage the card upon movement of the clamp from a card engagement position to a card disengagement, and a switch for controlling electrical power to the card, the switch operated by the clamp such that movement of the clamp between the engagement and disengagement positions closes and opens the switch.

Abstract: A computer system that includes a chassis and a removable module configured to be housed inside the chassis. The chassis includes an interface plate incorporated therewith. The interface plate is perforated to allow air to flow through the interface plate and along peripheral cards attached to the interface plate. The air that flows along the peripheral cards then flows through perforations in a cover that is used to secure the peripheral cards into their associated card slots. The cover then directs the air into a primary air passage used to exhaust air pulled through the chassis.

Abstract: An electronic component chassis with a first side, a second side, and having a preferred airflow therebetween. The first side of the electronic component chassis includes an insertion slot for receiving a removable component that is to be inserted into the electronic component chassis. The insertion slot is automatically closed by an airflow control door when the removable component is not housed by the electronic component chassis. By closing the insertion slot, the preferred airflow between the first side and the second side is enabled.