Abstract: A method and apparatus to vertically mount a first printed circuit board into a high-density connector on a second circuit board using one or more torque-limiting screws. A suitable support structure or support surface may be mounted on the second circuit board with the top of the support structure lying below the high-density connector in such a manner as to align the connecting edge on the first circuit board with the longitudinal opening in the high-density connector when the first circuit board is placed on the top surface of the support structure. One or more torque-limiting screws may be mounted on appropriated edges of the first circuit board. One or more grooved channels, preferably equal in number to the torque-limiting screws on the first circuit board, may be provided on the top of the support structure. The torque-limiting screws on the first circuit board are oriented in line with the corresponding grooved channels when the first circuit board is placed on the top of the support structure.

Abstract: A computer system housing where a vertical printed circuit board, e.g., a riser card, is inserted into a socket on a computer system motherboard. Some internal space within the housing may allow optimization of system memory capacity through packing of additional memory modules on the riser card. The additional memory may be mounted on the riser card and may reside in the vertical space created between the riser card and the directly-mounted memory on the motherboard. The computer system housing further includes a chassis that may be partitioned into two separate sub-chassis for proper positioning of one or more cooling fans as well as to accommodate changes in computer system configurations with minimized retooling of the chassis. The cooling fans may be mounted at such locations on the chassis that allow optimization of air circulation and, hence, cooling within the housing.

Abstract: A computer housing which includes a chassis that has a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment includes a first electronic assembly and a first fan that creates a flow of air through the compartment to create a compartment pressure that is less than an ambient pressure. The second compartment contains a second electronic assembly and a second fan which produces a flow of air that creates pressure within the compartment that is greater than the ambient pressure. The housing also contains an inner wall which separates the first compartment from the second compartment to inhibit air flow between the compartments.

Abstract: A PCI card is inserted through an I/O opening in a computer panel. On one edge of the card is a cover from one end of which projects a tab. A resilient gasket is attached to the panel to create a flexible EMC seal around the opening. Preferably the gasket is formed of tin-plated beryllium copper. The gasket has alternate staggered spring fingers oriented opposite to the direction of insertion of the PCI card. To retain the gasket the panel is formed with slots at either end and an outward struck projection at the middle. The gasket is formed with a tongue at either end to be inserted in one of the slots and a punched-out opening to receive the projection.

Abstract: A "tower"-type computer has a metal frame or chassis enclosed in an ornamental plastic housing. One side of the plastic housing with an attached metal liner is detachable for access to the interior of the chassis. The upper front corner of the chassis is provided with a metallic subframe. The front of the chassis is substantially open in front of this subframe and is formed with ventilation holes below the subframe. A detachable main bezel, divided into three vertically separated sections, covers the front of the chassis. The upper section of the main bezel is substantially open but is provided with ears so that fasteners can connect the ears to the front of the chassis. A peripheral bezel snaps onto this upper section of the main bezel and is provided with three openings which are covered with removable fillers. When a filler is removed, a computer peripheral may be inserted through the peripheral bezel into tracks in a bracket installed in the subframe.

Abstract: A computer chassis cover that pushes an electronic card into a motherboard. The cover is pivotally connected to the chassis and can be rotated between an open position and a closed position. The cover encloses an electronic card that is plugged into a motherboard. When in the closed position, the inner surface of the cover is separated from the motherboard by a distance that is approximately equal to the distance between the motherboard and a top edge of the electronic card. When the cover is in the closed position the card is pushed into a fully mated position when the card is in a fully mated position. If the electronic card is higher than the fully mated position, the cover will engage and push the card into the motherboard. To install an electronic card, the card is initially partially plugged into a connector mounted to the motherboard. The cover is then rotated into the closed position to engage and push the electronic card further into the motherboard connector to the fully mated position.

Abstract: A card guide that both restrains an installed electronic card and allows the card to be inserted into a computer chassis in a direction that is parallel to the motherboard of the computer. The card guide extends from a beam that is cantilevered from a frame of a computer chassis. The card guide has a groove that guides an edge of the electronic card so that the card is aligned with a connector of the motherboard. The card guide also has a ramp that guides the card into the groove in a direction parallel with the motherboard and perpendicular to the groove. The card is installed by initially pushing the electronic card along the ramp until the edge of the card snaps into the groove. The cantilevered beam is deflected by the installation force of the user to allow the card to move down the ramp. Once in the groove the electronic card is pushed in a direction perpendicular to the motherboard to plug the card into the motherboard connector.

Abstract: An electrical assembly which secures a detached cable/connector assembly to a substrate of a printed circuit board. The assembly has a printed circuit board that is mounted to a first surface of the substrate. The printed circuit board is coupled to an electrical connector assembly by a flexible cable. The electrical connector assembly can be plugged into an auxiliary device such as a CD-ROM. The electrical connector assembly has a tab that is inserted into an aperture located in the second surface of the substrate, to secure the connector assembly when the connector is not attached to the auxiliary device.