Abstract: A computer system with an externally accessible bus system having pairs of card slots and bus receptacles for repeatedly installing and removing modules includes one or more peripheral modules containing peripheral devices and having one or more pairs of sliding flanges and a connector for engaging one or more card slot pairs and corresponding bus receptacles. The peripheral modules have a peripheral interface port on an externally accessible front panel for externally connecting the peripheral devices within the module to other modules in the computer system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an easily installable, repeatedly removable self-contained mass storage device for use in a computer having a computer housing and an externally-accessible accessory aperture on the computer housing in which accessory aperture are located a plurality of multisignal bus receptacles and a corresponding plurality of card slots on either side of each receptacle. The self-contained mass storage device is comprised of a substantially enclosed housing in which a controller card and a hard drive are installed. The housing carries one pair of slide edges for slidably engaging one of the card slots and the edges of the controller card are exposed outside of the housing for slidably engaging another one of the card slots. Electrical connectors on the controller card are also exposed outside of the housing for making electrical connection with the receptacle in which the controller card is located.

Abstract: A printer assembly is sized with a form factor comparable to a disk drive and includes provision for mounting in a drive bay of a computer or other electronic apparatus. In one embodiment, the printer is slidable between first and second positions. In the first position, the printer is disposed within the case of the computer, concealed and secure from abuse. In the second position, the printer is disposed outside the case and is available for use. In another embodiment, the printer is fixedly mounted within the drive bay.