Abstract: A snap-on sliding track assembly and method including a rail assembly and a slide assembly adapted to be securely mounted to each other without loose hardware and tools. The rail assembly has a latch and a plurality of standoffs. The slide assembly has a latch receptacle adapted to engage the latch and a plurality of standoff openings. The slide assembly includes a standoff opening for each corresponding standoff. The sliding track assembly is assembled by positioning the slide assembly standoff openings onto the standoffs of the rail assembly. The slide assembly is slid relative to the rail assembly to secure the slide assembly to the rail assembly. A lock mechanism is automatically engaged upon the sliding action of the slide assembly relative to the rail assembly.

Abstract: A track assembly, adapted to be mounted in a housing, having first and second rail members aligned with one another and allowed limited relative longitudinal movement with respect to the other. The joined first and second rail members have a mounting bracket attached to distal ends of the rail members. A spring, positioned between the rail members, provides a force extending the distance between the distal ends of the rail members. A locking mechanism interacts with the rail members and has a locked position resisting inward movement of the distal ends. The method of installing the track assembly in a rack is accomplished by compressing the track assembly to reduce its overall length prior to positioning it between opposing rack members. The track assembly is released to securely engage the opposing rack members and locked in position.

Abstract: A mounting device for securing an electronic device to an equipment rack includes a mounting member and a securing device mounted on an end of the mounting member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an enclosure for mounting one or more electronic units to a substrate, such as a printed circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting system for components in the housing of a computer server. The mounting system is preferably a height-adjustable thumb screw assembly, which allows for the components to be installed or removed without the use of tools. In a preferred embodiment, a thumb screw assembly capable of securing components to a chassis includes a screw and a gripping accessory. The screw preferably has a threaded portion, a shank portion, and a head portion, wherein a first groove extends along the shank portion and a second groove intersects the first groove under the head portion. The gripping accessory preferably has an outer gripping surface, a retaining socket, and a hub, wherein a grip is positioned inside the hub for matingly engaging the grooves of the screw.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an enclosure for mounting one or more electronic units to a substrate, such as a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A mechanical assist apparatus is provided for biasing an access cover relative to a housing. The mechanical assist apparatus comprises a user-engageable lever, an arm rotatably coupled to the user-engageable lever at a first joint, and a sled rotatably coupled to the arm at a second joint offset from the first joint, wherein the sled comprises a biasing member.

Abstract: A rail system is described for use in a rack. The rail system comprises a rail having a self-locking mechanism to lock the rail to a rack. Additionally, the rail comprises a length adjustment mechanism that enables selective length adjustments based on the depth of the rack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting cables. In some embodiments, the cable support system comprises a first member and a movable pin. The first member may be secured to a cable support arm. The first member also may be adapted to be disposed against a second member. The second member may be secured to a movable device or a fixed member. The first member may be adapted to prevent transverse displacement of the first and second members when the first member is displaced laterally to a first position relative to the second member. The movable pin may be adapted to block lateral displacement of the first and second members, when the first member is displaced in the first position relative to the second member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting system for components in the housing of a computer server. The mounting system is preferably a height-adjustable thumb screw assembly, which allows for the components to be installed or removed without the use of tools. In a preferred embodiment, a thumb screw assembly capable of securing components to a chassis includes a screw and a gripping accessory. The screw preferably has a threaded portion, a shank portion, and a head portion, wherein a first groove extends along the shank portion and a second groove intersects the first groove under the head portion. The gripping accessory preferably has an outer gripping surface, a retaining socket, and a hub, wherein a grip is positioned inside the hub for matingly engaging the grooves of the screw.

Abstract: A track assembly, adapted to be mounted in a housing, having first and second rail members aligned with one another and allowed limited relative longitudinal movement with respect to the other. The joined first and second rail members have a mounting bracket attached to distal ends of the rail members. A spring, positioned between the rail members, provides a force extending the distance between the distal ends of the rail members. A locking mechanism interacts with the rail members and has a locked position resisting inward movement of the distal ends. The method of installing the track assembly in a rack is accomplished by compressing the track assembly to reduce its overall length prior to positioning it between opposing rack members. The track assembly is released to securely engage the opposing rack members and locked in position.

Abstract: A track assembly, adapted to be mounted in a housing, having first and second rail members aligned with one another and allowed limited relative longitudinal movement with respect to the other. The joined first and second rail members have a mounting bracket attached to distal ends of the rail members. A spring, positioned between the rail members, provides a force extending the distance between the distal ends of the rail members. A locking mechanism interacts with the rail members and has a locked position resisting inward movement of the distal ends. The method of installing the track assembly in a rack is accomplished by compressing the track assembly to reduce its overall length prior to positioning it between opposing rack members. The track assembly is released to securely engage the opposing rack members and locked in position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an enclosure for mounting one or more electronic units to a substrate, such as a printed circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting system for components in the housing of a computer server. The mounting system is preferably a height-adjustable thumb screw assembly, which allows for the components to be installed or removed without the use of tools. In a preferred embodiment, a thumb screw assembly capable of securing components to a chassis includes a screw and a gripping accessory. The screw preferably has a threaded portion, a shank portion, and a head portion, wherein a first groove extends along the shank portion and a second groove intersects the first groove under the head portion. The gripping accessory preferably has an outer gripping surface, a retaining socket, and a hub, wherein a grip is positioned inside the hub for matingly engaging the grooves of the screw.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that enables an add-in card to be removed from a densely packaged server while the server is operating. A hinged door, integral to the side of the server chassis, opens to allow access to the add-in card slots. A specially designed server chassis with a reduced height rail allows the door opening to be large enough to allow access to multiple add-in cards. The horizontally oriented add-in cards are mounted in a receiving cage that plugs into and is releasably attached to the server board. Thus, by opening the door in the side of the server chassis, individual cards can be installed or removed. If the cards are hot-pluggable, they can be installed or removed while the server is running. Additionally, the entire stack of cards can be removed from the system board as a unit without tools or loose hardware. Both of these features provide advantages that increase the efficiency of servicing and maintaining a densely packaged server unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retaining system for an ejectable mass storage device in the housing of a computer server. The retaining system allows for the mass storage devices to be installed or removed without the use of tools. In a preferred embodiment, an ejection system capable of retaining and ejecting an ejectable mass storage device includes a lock member, an eject member, and a drive ejector. The mass storage device preferably includes a receiving zone adapted to receive a retractable tooth located on the lock member. The eject member preferably includes a body that contacts the drive ejector, which subsequently ejects the mass storage device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system to mount a group of fans on the system board of a computer server. The mounting system allows for the fans to be installed or removed as a group or as individual components without the use of tools. The fans are preferably hot-pluggable, or capable of being installed or removed without having to turn off the server. Therefore, an entire group of fans can be removed from a server without using any tools or having to power down the system. The fans can also be removed and installed as individual units, without effecting the other fans in the group.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that enables an add-in card to be removed from a densely packaged server while the server is operating. A hinged door, integral to the side of the server chassis, opens to allow access to the add-in card slots. A specially designed server chassis with a reduced height rail allows the door opening to be large enough to allow access to multiple add-in cards. The horizontally oriented add-in cards are mounted in a receiving cage that plugs into and is releasably attached to the server board. Thus, by opening the door in the side of the server chassis, individual cards can be installed or removed. If the cards are hot-pluggable, they can be installed or removed while the server is running. Additionally, the entire stack of cards can be removed from the system board as a unit without tools or loose hardware. Both of these features provide advantages that increase the efficiency of servicing and maintaining a densely packaged server unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting system for components in the housing of a computer server. The mounting system is preferably a height-adjustable thumb screw assembly, which allows for the components to be installed or removed without the use of tools. In a preferred embodiment, a thumb screw assembly capable of securing components to a chassis includes a screw and a gripping accessory. The screw preferably has a threaded portion, a shank portion, and a head portion, wherein a first groove extends along the shank portion and a second groove intersects the first groove under the head portion. The gripping accessory preferably has an outer gripping surface, a retaining socket, and a hub, wherein a grip is positioned inside the hub for matingly engaging the grooves of the screw.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retaining system for an ejectable mass storage device in the housing of a computer server. The retaining system allows for the mass storage devices to be installed or removed without the use of tools. In a preferred embodiment, an ejection system capable of retaining and ejecting an ejectable mass storage device includes a lock member, an eject member, and a drive ejector. The mass storage device preferably includes a receiving zone adapted to receive a retractable tooth located on the lock member. The eject member preferably includes a body that contacts the drive ejector, which subsequently ejects the mass storage device.