Abstract: A rack mounted computer system. In one variation the computer rack is configured for side-by-side placement of computers. In another variation, the computer rack includes flanges for supporting the placement of computer units within the rack. In another variation the computer rack is configured with retaining clips. In yet another variation, the computer rack is configured to receive computers with chassis that are adapted for side-by-side placement.

Abstract: An aluminum housing and methods of fabrication are described. The computer housing being suitable for enclosing a computer assembly. The aluminum housing includes an aluminum structural support portion covered by a thermoplastic elastomer material. The aluminum is first textured and anodized before an adhesive film is applied to an unsealed anodized aluminum surface. The thermoplastic elastomer material is then overmolded onto the pre-bonded aluminum structural support to provide a protective layer that is pleasing to the eye and touch.

Abstract: A rack mounted computer system. In one variation the computer rack is configured for side-by-side placement of computers. In another variation, the computer rack includes flanges for supporting the placement of computer units within the rack. In another variation the computer rack is configured with retaining clips. In yet another variation, the computer rack is configured to receive computers with chassis that are adapted for side-by-side placement.

Abstract: Systems and method for cooling computer systems are provided. A rack system for housing a plurality of computers is provided, the rack system including: a rack assembly configured to support a first stack of computers and a second stack of computers; and at least one fan assembly configured to create an airflow through the first stack of computers and into the second stack of computers. A method of cooling a plurality of computers in a rack system is provided, including: supporting a first stack of computers and a second stack of computers in a rack assembly; and effectuating an airflow through the first stack of computers and into the second stack of computers.

Abstract: An input device is disclosed. The input device includes a movable touch-sensitive track pad capable of detecting an object in close proximity thereto so as to generate a tracking control signal. The input device also includes a movement indicator capable of detecting the movements of the movable track pad so as to generate one or more other control signals (e.g., button signals). The control signals can be used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.

Abstract: A rack mounted computer system. In one variation the computer rack is configured for side-by-side placement of computers. In another variation, the computer rack includes flanges for supporting the placement of computer units within the rack. In another variation the computer rack is configured with retaining clips. In yet another variation, the computer rack is configured to receive computers with chassis that are adapted for side-by-side placement.

Abstract: An adaptable power supply for a computer system is provided, including: a power supply case, a power adapter, an input power connector, and a plurality of output connectors fixably mounted to the power supply case, and clustered into at least two clusters for connection to computer system components or subsystems via individual power cables. A method of manufacturing a computer system is also described, including: providing an adaptable power supply having output connectors, and connecting a plurality of computer system components to the power supply output connectors using individual cables. A computer system containing an adaptable power supply is also described.

Abstract: A rack mounted computer system. In one variation the computer rack is configured for side-by-side placement of computers. In another variation, the computer rack includes flanges for supporting the placement of computer units within the rack. In another variation the computer rack is configured with retaining clips. In yet another variation, the computer rack is configured to receive computers with chassis that are adapted for side-by-side placement.

Abstract: One or more air deflection assemblies are used to redirect air emitted by computers in a rack-based computer system. These air deflection assemblies may be used to redirect air emerging horizontally out of the back sides of computers into a vertically-oriented exhaust plenum. This can eliminate the need for exhaust fans to draw heated air through the exhaust plenums and out of the rack.

Abstract: A computer system is provided, including: a computer chassis configured to retain a motherboard having a plurality of I/O (input/output) connectors mounted thereon; and an electrically conductive door movable from an open position to a closed position, wherein when said door is in the open position, the I/O connectors are exposed, and when said door is in the closed position, the I/O connectors are covered. A method of operating a computer including a motherboard having a plurality of I/O (input/output) connectors mounted thereon is provided. The method includes operating the computer to generate electromagnetic signals, and blocking the electromagnetic signals with an electrically conductive door movable from an open position to a closed position, wherein when said door is in the open position, the I/O connectors are exposed, and when said door is in the closed position, the I/O connectors are covered.

Abstract: A computer system having a fan assembly is provided. In one example, the computer system includes a computer chassis for mounting with a computer rack, the computer chassis comprising a front portion and a rear portion and including a main board. The computer system further includes a fan assembly positioned adjacent to a rear portion of the computer chassis, the fan assembly configured to draw air through the computer toward the rear portion of the computer chassis along a first direction and to expel the air in a second airflow direction non-parallel with the first direction.

Abstract: One or more air deflection assemblies are used to redirect air emitted by computers in a rack-based computer system. These air deflection assemblies may be used to redirect air emerging horizontally out of the back sides of computers into a vertically-oriented exhaust plenum. This can eliminate the need for exhaust fans to draw heated air through the exhaust plenums and out of the rack.

Abstract: A cluster module for holding multiple computers. In one variation, a computer rack is configured to receive a plurality of cluster modules, and each of the cluster modules holds a plurality of computers. In one implementation, the computers are secured within the each of the cluster modules in a vertical orientation. In another implementation, the computers are secured within each of the cluster modules in a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A low profile highly accessible computer enclosure with a processor plenum for cooling high power processors is disclosed. The enclosure includes one or more air movement devices that discharge air into a plenum. The plenum channels the air to a location proximate to one or more high power processors where it is discharged over the processors. The velocity of the air is sufficient to achieve a convection coefficient that will cool the high power processors. The enclosure can also be slidably mounted in a computer rack and include a multi-section top cover. While the computer is operating, an operator can access, inspect, service, repair, or replace components within server by sliding the server out of the front and/or rear of the computer rack and then removing one or more of the cover sections.

Abstract: A computer system with densely-mounted components and effective cooling is provided. A hard drive mounting structure for “hot swap” hard drives utilizes a hard drive assembly in which a hard drive is mounted between a pair of parallel rails connected by a retaining portion. The rails provide a precise mechanism for loading and unloading the “hot swap” drive, without increasing the overall height of each hard drive assembly. A handle with double-cam actuation is used during insertion and removal of the hard drive assembly. In accordance with the present invention, two half-height hard drives may be stacked in a server mountable in a 2U rack. A tool-less lock is provided for releasably securing expansion cards to the computer case without the use of screws.

Abstract: A low profile highly accessible computer enclosure with a processor plenum for cooling high power processors is disclosed. The enclosure includes one or more air movement devices that discharge air into a plenum. The plenum channels the air to a location proximate to one or more high power processors where it is discharged over the processors. The velocity of the air is sufficient to achieve a convection coefficient that will cool the high power processors. The enclosure can also be slidably mounted in a computer rack and include a multi-section top cover. While the computer is operating, an operator can access, inspect, service, repair, or replace components within server by sliding the server out of the front and/or rear of the computer rack and then removing one or more of the cover sections.

Abstract: A low profile high density rack mountable enclosure with superior cooling and highly accessible re-configurable components is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention discloses a computer system comprising a chassis for holding a plurality of computer components, a CPU having a heatsink mounted thereon, wherein the CPU is mounted in the chassis, and a first blower having an inlet for receiving air and an outlet for expelling air, wherein the first blower is mounted in the chassis proximate to the CPU. Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a retention clip for use in a computer system, the retention clip comprising a base portion having at least one tab, and a flange portion having at least one mounting hole, wherein the flange portion is connected to the base portion, and wherein the flange portion makes an angle with the base portion.

Abstract: A metallized plastic RFI/EMI shield is provided against electromagnetic energy for a circuit card wherein the shield is formed of a box enclosure with two casing halves to enclose the card, the first casing half having a solid flange side walls surrounding the card and the second casing half having a flange formed by flat, plate-like closely-spaced fingers, the fingers confronting, being in electrical contact with and mating in full length with substantially the entire periphery of the side walls of the first casing half. The fingers are preferably spaced with a separation of less than 1/4 wavelength of any measurable harmonic of the intended operating frequency, typically up to the tenth harmonic. A slot may be provided to receive the fingers on the outside of the side walls, and closely-spaced grounding pins arranged around the periphery of the card may extend between the first and second casing halves through ground plated perforations along the edge of the side walls.

Abstract: A redeployable, furlable rib reflector which is furlable and unfurlable between a first stowed position and a second deployed position. The reflector includes a hub assembly having spaced apart top and bottom plate members adapted to receive an antenna feed assembly mounted thereon and a plurality of attachable modular rib assemblies spaced about a periphery thereof. Each modular rib assembly includes a rib member for supporting a metalized mesh reflector surface attached thereto, a channel section base member, and a hinge assembly for pivotally connecting the rib members to their respective channel section base members. The channel section base members, in turn, are attachable between the top and bottom plate members of the hub assembly and also form a portion of the peripheral wall of the hub assembly.