Abstract: Memory module adapters and methods for connecting memory modules to computing systems are disclosed. The memory module adapter includes memory connectors, a multi-memory connector, and a support that supports the memory connectors and multi-memory connector. The memory connectors are electrically connected to the multi-memory connector. Memory modules are connected to a computing system by inserting the memory modules along a first insertion axis into a memory connector of a memory module adapter and inserting the memory module adapter along a second insertion axis to a platform connector of a computing platform within the computing system.

Abstract: Card adapter modules and methods for connecting peripheral cards to computing systems are disclosed. The card adapter modules each include a card connector, a peripheral connector, and a housing that supports the card connector and peripheral connector. A peripheral card is connected to a computing system having a chassis with an input/output slot by inserting the peripheral card along a first insertion axis (y-axis) into a card connector of a card adapter module and inserting the card adapter module along a second insertion axis (x-axis) extending through the input/output slot to a platform connector of a computing platform within the computing system. The card connector is electrically connected to the peripheral connector.

Abstract: A heat sink is configured to support an edge of a circuit card. The heat sink comprises a thermally conductive base, a plurality of thermally conductive heat dissipating fins extending from the base, and one or more recesses at least partially defined by at least one of the fins or by the base. The recesses are configured to support the edge of the circuit card.

Abstract: A computer system is provided with a chassis at least partially defining an interior and an access opening. The computer system is also provided with an interface connector mounted within or adjacent to the chassis and oriented to face the interior of the chassis. A circuit board assembly is configured for insertion into and removal from the interior of the chassis through the access opening and along an insertion axis, wherein the circuit board assembly has a connector oriented for engagement with the interface connector. The computer system also includes a mounting assembly positioned to facilitate engagement of the connector of the circuit board assembly to the interface connector along a connection access angled with respect to the insertion axis.

Abstract: A computer system is provided with a rack defining an interior. A computer chassis is mounted at least partially within the interior of the rack, wherein the computer chassis defines an interior. An interconnect assembly is mounted at least partially within the interior of the rack, wherein the interconnect assembly has an interconnect connector. A processor assembly is mounted at least partially within the interior of the computer chassis, and the processor assembly has a processor board and a processor connector mounted to the processor board and connected to the interconnect connector of the interconnect assembly. The processor assembly also has at least eight addressable processor segments mounted to the processor board.

Abstract: A fan tray assembly. The assembly comprises a module, housing electronic components that require cooling, and one or more fan trays having fans that direct a cooling air flow through the module. The assembly facilitates easy and fast removal and replacement of the fan trays with respect to the module. These desirable attributes are achieved by five main features of the assembly: (1) a retaining slot-and-tab engagement pivotally attaching each fan tray to one side of the module, (2) a channel-in-track automatically aligning each fan tray as it closes against the module, (3) a leaf spring releasably locking each fan tray into a closed position, (4) a floating power-and-signal connector on each fan tray electrically and mechanically engaging a corresponding receptacle on the module, and (5) a pull ring facilitating manipulation of each fan tray.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for dissipating heat from an electronic component mounted in a conductive enclosure and for shielding electromagnetic radiation generated by the electronic component. A heat sink is configured to be mounted in thermal contact with the electronic component. An electrical conductor is operatively connected to the heat sink and configured to provide electrical contact between the heat sink and a surface of the conductive enclosure, thereby at least partially shielding the electromagnetic radiation generated by the electronic component.

Abstract: A computer subassembly is configured to be mounted within a rack along an insertion axis. The computer subassembly includes a chassis configured for insertion into and removal from the rack along the insertion axis, wherein the chassis at least partially defines an interior. An interconnect assembly is mounted within or adjacent the interior of the chassis, and the interconnect assembly is oriented along a plane that is substantially parallel to the insertion axis. At lease one circuit assembly is positioned at least partially within the interior of the chassis and is connected to the interconnect assembly. The circuit assembly is oriented in a plane substantially parallel to the insertion axis. A source of cooling air is positioned to direct cooling air through the interior of the chassis along the insertion axis.

Abstract: An electrical connector is provided which can releasably engage a circuit card within a slot defined by the electrical connector. A camming mechanism is provided which includes a cover having a series of follower surfaces for cooperating with a corresponding series of camming surfaces and recesses associated with a pin holder. Longitudinal movement of the cover causes the cooperating surfaces to spread open card edge receiving portions of the slot, or to close down over the portions of the circuit card to be engaged. The electrical connector preferably has an opening in one end to allow a circuit card to enter the slot from the side, allowing circuit cards to be removed from or installed in a rack, frame or other chassis from the side.

Abstract: A computer is provided including a chassis at least partially defining an interior for housing a plurality of cards and a clip having an end portion pivotally mounted to the chassis at a point of rotation, the clip having of a latch at an end portion opposite the point of rotation. The latch has a recess to receive a portion of a card which is placed into the chassis, the recess being expandable from a securing position in which a portion of a card is secured with respect to the chassis and a releasing position in which the latch can release the portion of the card, wherein the latch is biased in its securing position. Also included as a part of the invention is an arm extending into the chassis when the clip is in its closed position to interact with a sensor in the chassis when the clip is in its closed position. Further included is a method of releasing cards from a computer.

Abstract: A computer system is provided having a chassis at least partially defining an interior and an access opening. The interior of the chassis accommodates a connector that is oriented for connection along an insertion axis. The computer system also includes a subassembly configured for insertion into and removal from the interior of the chassis through the access opening along the insertion axis. The subassembly has a subassembly connector oriented for connection with the connector in the chassis along the insertion axis. The computer system also includes a mounting assembly configured for engaging the subassembly at least partially within the interior of the chassis and for connecting the connector in the chassis to the subassembly connector.

Abstract: A computer module for use in a scalable computer system is provided. The computer module includes a chassis at least partially defining an interior and a processor board configured for insertion into a processor region of the interior of the chassis along an insertion axis. The processor board includes at least one connector for communicating signals to and from the processor board. The connector of the processor board is oriented along a connection axis that is substantially perpendicular to the insertion axis. The computer module also includes a memory board configured for insertion into a memory region of the interior of the chassis along the insertion axis. The memory board includes at least one connector for communicating signals to and from the memory board. The connector of the memory board is oriented along the connection axis.

Abstract: A computer system is provided. The computer system includes a computer chassis at least partially defining an interior. The computer system also includes a module configured for movement with respect to the computer chassis along an insertion axis between a retracted position substantially within the interior of the computer chassis and an extended position at least partially withdrawn from the interior of the chassis. The module includes a housing configured to extend within the interior of the chassis. The housing includes a body portion configured to move with respect to the computer chassis along the insertion axis, and a pivoting portion coupled to the body portion to pivot between a retracted position substantially aligned along the insertion axis and an extended position oriented at an angle with respect to the insertion axis.

Abstract: A computer system is provided. The computer system includes a computer chassis at least partially defining an interior. The computer system also includes a module configured for movement with respect to the computer chassis along an insertion axis between a retracted position substantially within the interior of the computer chassis and an extended position at least partially withdrawn from the interior of the chassis. The module includes a housing configured to extend within the interior of the chassis. The housing includes a body portion configured to move with respect to the computer chassis along the insertion axis, and a pivoting portion coupled to the body portion to pivot between a retracted position substantially aligned along the insertion axis and an extended position oriented at an angle with respect to the insertion axis.

Abstract: A computer module for use in a scalable computer system is provided. The computer module includes a chassis at least partially defining an interior and a processor board configured for insertion into a processor region of the interior of the chassis along an insertion axis. The processor board includes at least one connector for communicating signals to and from the processor board. The connector of the processor board is oriented along a connection axis that is substantially perpendicular to the insertion axis. The computer module also includes a memory board configured for insertion into a memory region of the interior of the chassis along the insertion axis. The memory board includes at least one connector for communicating signals to and from the memory board. The connector of the memory board is oriented along the connection axis.

Abstract: A connection assembly for providing interconnection between a computer processor assembly and a module is provided. The connection assembly includes a flex circuit having signal paths for communication between the computer processor assembly and the module. The connection assembly also includes a connector coupled to an end portion of the flex circuit and configured to connect to the computer processor assembly. The connection assembly also includes another connector coupled to an opposite end portion of the flex circuit and is configured to connect to the module. The flex circuit is configured to facilitate movement of the module with respect to the computer processor assembly, the flex circuit having a retracted position with the module proximate to the computer processor assembly and an extended position with the module spaced from the computer processor assembly.

Abstract: A modular chassis assembly is provided, including a chassis defining an access opening, an arm having a distal end portion coupled to the chassis and a proximal end portion spaced from the distal end portion, and a modular component coupled to the proximal end portion of the arm and configured for insertion into the chassis along an insertion axis. The arm is configured to facilitate displacement of the modular component along the insertion axis and movement of the modular component at an angle to the insertion axis, thereby at least partially facilitating access to the chassis through the access opening.

Abstract: An electrical connector is provided which can releasably engage a circuit card within a slot defined by the electrical connector. A camming mechanism is provided which includes a slide having a series of camming surfaces for cooperating with a corresponding series of follower surfaces associated with a pin holder. Longitudinal movement of the slide causes the cooperating surfaces to spread open card edge receiving portions of the slot, or to close down over the portions of the circuit card to be engaged. The electrical connector preferably has an opening in one end to allow a circuit card to enter the slot from the side, allowing circuit cards to be removed from or installed in a rack, frame or other chassis from the side. A key is provided to ensure correct alignment of the circuit card in the slot prior to closure of the release mechanism.

Abstract: A handle is provided for moving a component with respect to a receptacle along an insertion axis. The handle includes a grasping portion and flexible latching portions extending from the grasping portion, each of which latching portions is configured to extend substantially parallel to the insertion axis, and each of which latching portions includes an engagement surface extending substantially perpendicular to the insertion axis and being configured to engage a surface of the receptacle. Manipulation of the grasping portion in a direction to remove the component from the receptacle deflects the latching portions toward the insertion axis, thereby releasing the surface of each of the latching portions from engagement with the surface of the receptacle. A module configured to be inserted into a receptacle along an insertion axis, and a modular computer system including such a modular component, are also provided.

Abstract: An air mover assembly is provided including at least one air mover and enclosure portions together defining a space to accommodate one or more air movers. Each of the enclosure portions has an engagement surface, and the engagement surfaces are configured for interengagement with one another to resist separation of the enclosure portions without the use of fasteners. A corresponding method is also provided.