Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing electronic components in an electronics system enclosure are disclosed. An apparatus can include an electronics system enclosure having a compartment adapted to receive a removable electronic component. The apparatus also includes a cam having a portion extending into the compartment sufficient to hinder insertion of the removable electronic component in a default orientation. The portion of the cam includes first and second surfaces. The portion of the cam is configured to deflect sufficient to permit insertion of the removable electronic component into the compartment in response to a normal force. The deflection causes the cam to deflect to a modified orientation. The cam portion returns to the default orientation in the absence of the normal force. The second surface of the portion is configured and arranged to engage a cam lever that is rotatably mounted to the removable electronic component.

Abstract: Methods and computer equipment racks configured for data communications and power distribution are disclosed that include a plurality of servers mounted horizontally, each server having a power distribution connection and one or more switch connections; one or more power distribution units (‘PDUs’) mounted vertically; and one or more network switches mounted vertically, each network switch comprising one or more rows of switch connections.

Abstract: A method includes securing a midplane to a bracket disposed between a first and second ends of a chassis, wherein a first surface of the midplane engages the bracket and faces the first end of the chassis. A first electronic device is secured within the first end of the chassis with a first device connector coupled to a first midplane connector on the first surface of the midplane and a first device latch secured directly to a first slot in the chassis adjacent the first end. A sub-chassis is secured within the second end of the chassis, wherein the sub-chassis has a proximal end that engages a second surface of the midplane. Furthermore, a second electronic device is secured within the sub-chassis with a second device connector coupled to a second midplane connector on the second surface of the midplane and a second device latch secured directly to a slot in the sub-chassis adjacent the distal end of the sub-chassis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing electronic components in an electronics system enclosure are disclosed. An apparatus can include an electronics system enclosure having a compartment adapted to receive a removable electronic component. The apparatus also includes a cam having a portion extending into the compartment sufficient to hinder insertion of the removable electronic component in a default orientation. The portion of the cam includes first and second surfaces. The portion of the cam is configured to deflect sufficient to permit insertion of the removable electronic component into the compartment in response to a normal force. The deflection causes the cam to deflect to a modified orientation. The cam portion returns to the default orientation in the absence of the normal force. The second surface of the portion is configured and arranged to engage a cam lever that is rotatably mounted to the removable electronic component.

Abstract: A method includes securing a midplane to a bracket disposed between a first and second ends of a chassis, wherein a first surface of the midplane engages the bracket and faces the first end of the chassis. A first electronic device is secured within the first end of the chassis with a first device connector coupled to a first midplane connector on the first surface of the midplane and a first device latch secured directly to a first slot in the chassis adjacent the first end. A sub-chassis is secured within the second end of the chassis, wherein the sub-chassis has a proximal end that engages a second surface of the midplane. Furthermore, a second electronic device is secured within the sub-chassis with a second device connector coupled to a second midplane connector on the second surface of the midplane and a second device latch secured directly to a slot in the sub-chassis adjacent the distal end of the sub-chassis.

Abstract: A rail for toolless installation between first and second vertical rack rails. The rail comprises a telescoping rail body having a first and second ends, and an inside surface having a shelf, wherein a latch assembly is disposed at each end of the rail body. Each latch assembly comprises a flange secured to an end of the rail, a latch arm, a release handle, and a retractable pin. The latch arm is pivotally secured to the rail body, distally extends from the flange, and is biased toward a latched position. The release handle is on the inside surface of the rail body for movement from a latched position to an unlatched position. The retractable pin distally extends from each end and is biased toward a distally extended position, wherein the pin is stepped from a first diameter portion to a second larger diameter portion for adapting to different sized holes.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a chassis securing a midplane at a known distance from the first end of the chassis, wherein a first electronic device is securable within the first end of the chassis in connection with a midplane connector on a first surface of the midplane. A sub-chassis is receivable within the second end of the chassis with a proximal end of the sub-chassis engaging a second surface of the midplane. A distal end of the sub-chassis has a sub-chassis latch that secures the sub-chassis in the second end of the chassis with the proximal end engaged against the second surface of the midplane. A second electronic device is securable within the sub-chassis with a second device connector coupled to a midplane connector on the second surface of the midplane and a second device latch secured to a sub-chassis slot adjacent the distal end of the sub-chassis.

Abstract: An active electrical connection system includes a first connector, a second connector for releasably connecting with the first connector, active circuitry for affecting a data signal, and a heat sink for dissipating heat. A heat sink positioning system comprising a plurality of protrusions and corresponding recesses precisely positions the heat sink during insertion to prevent sliding contact with a thermal interface material applied between the heat sink and a plug.

Abstract: A rail for toolless installation between first and second vertical rack rails. The rail comprises a telescoping rail body having a first and second ends, and an inside surface having a shelf, wherein a latch assembly is disposed at each end of the rail body. Each latch assembly comprises a flange secured to an end of the rail, a latch arm, a release handle, and a retractable pin. The latch arm is pivotally secured to the rail body, distally extends from the flange, and is biased toward a latched position. The release handle is on the inside surface of the rail body for movement from a latched position to an unlatched position. The retractable pin distally extends from each end and is biased toward a distally extended position, wherein the pin is stepped from a first diameter portion to a second larger diameter portion for adapting to different sized holes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for securely positioning a cable connector plug for blind docking an electronic device or module with an electrical connector, for example within a rack for a computer system. A bracket includes a clip that is selectively securable to open and close the bracket. A cable connector plug collar is laterally receivable in the bracket when the bracket is open. The bracket retains the collar in a circumferential tongue and groove relationship when the bracket is closed. When the bracket is properly positioned and secured within a rack bay, the bracket positions the connector plug for blind docking without restricting operative access to the connector plug. A preferred bracket is sufficiently flexible to allow lateral movement of the connector plug when the bracket is closed about the collar.

Abstract: Methods and computer equipment racks configured for data communications and power distribution are disclosed that include a plurality of servers mounted horizontally, each server having a power distribution connection and one or more switch connections; one or more power distribution units (‘PDUs’) mounted vertically; and one or more network switches mounted vertically, each network switch comprising one or more rows of switch connections.

Abstract: A dual motion docking apparatus for docking an electronics console to a component board in a chassis is disclosed. The electronics console and the component board lie in the same plane of the chassis, but the electronics console must be mated with the component board at an angle orthogonal to a direction of installation of the electronics console. Aspects of the present invention include a first docking mechanism for slidably inserting the electronics console into a chassis, such that connectors on the electronics console align with connectors on the component board.

Abstract: A dual motion docking apparatus for docking an electronics console to a component board in a chassis is disclosed. The electronics console and the component board lie in the same plane of the chassis, but the electronics console must be mated with the component board at an angle orthogonal to a direction of installation of the electronics console. Aspects of the present invention include means for slidably inserting the electronics console into a chassis, such that connectors on the electronics console align with connectors on the component board; and means for laterally moving the electronics console towards the component board, such that the electronics console connectors engage the component board connectors, thereby enabling the blind docking between the electronics console and the component board.

Abstract: A component assembly in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. In a first aspect, the assembly includes at least one component and a bracket for holding at least one component. The bracket has a first side, a second side, and formed features for holding at least one component to the first side of the bracket. The assembly includes a wire spring assembly for securing at least one component to the second side of the bracket. In a second aspect, the component assembly comprises a first component and a second component. The component assembly further includes a bracket for holding the first and second components on the first and second sides of the bracket. The first and second sides of the bracket are oppositely disposed to each other. The bracket includes formed features on the first and second sides for retaining the first and second components.