Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for securing a heat sink against a central processing unit. The present invention teaches a heat sink securement device having a vertical retention arm that substantially encompasses a heat sink in a vertical direction, a horizontal retention arm that substantially encompasses a heat sink in a horizontal direction, and a tension arm coupled to the vertical and horizontal retention arms and pivotally coupled to the frame, the tension arm simultaneously adjusts a tension on the vertical retention arm and the horizontal retention arm in response to moving the tension arm. In certain embodiments, the retention arms are coupled to the tension arm via coupling member that is offset from pivot point of the tension arm. In other embodiments, the coupling member may include a different coupling member for the vertical and horizontal retention arms, both coupling members offset from the pivot point.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for cooling of heat producing components. The apparatus may include a mounting plate rigidly connected with a top surface of a circuit board, the mounting plate positioned above a heat producing circuit board component, and a heat sink having first and second ends. The heat sink is configured to interface with the mounting plate in order to provide a downward force on the heat producing circuit board component. The apparatus also includes at least one bellows device coupling a heat transfer tip with the first end of the heat sink, wherein the bellows device is configured to transfer the downward force from the mounting plate to a top surface of the heat producing component and maintain the heat transfer tip in compliance with the plane of the top surface of the heat producing component. The system includes a circuit board, a plurality of heat producing circuit board components, and the described apparatus.

Abstract: A heat sink retention assembly for retaining a heat sink in thermal contact with a CPU while transmitting load away from the CPU. The heat sink retention assembly includes a frame sized to receive the heat sink, the frame including opposing pin capture channels and a wire module. The wire module includes an upper handle section and a lower pivoting section. The wire module is pivotably coupled to the frame at the lower pivoting section. The wire module further includes opposing end pins, wherein each pin is moveably retained within and extends through a corresponding pin capture channel such that when the wire module is rotated with respect to the frame, the pins travel within their respective channels in order to engage the heat sink.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for inserting and/or removing a connector with a remote connector agent are disclosed. Embodiments may include a remote connector agent apparatus having a main body forming a connector cavity and one or more insertion snap pushers each having a lower surface. The insertion snap pushers may move outward during insertion of a connector into the connector cavity and move inward after insertion of the connector so that the snap pusher lower surfaces rest on a lip of the connector after insertion. Embodiments may also include a retraction holder ledge to support the lip of the inserted connector during retraction and a connector snap release actuator to pivot a snap of the inserted connector in response to a pulling force on the remote connector agent. The insertion snap pushers and the retraction holder ledge may have a float distance between them larger than the lip height.

Abstract: A low overhead hinge assembly comprising a stationary hinge plate and a rotating hinge plate. The stationary hinge plate having a stationary hinge plate body portion and a plurality of stationary hinge plate digits coupled to the stationary hinge plate body portion, each of the stationary hinge plate digits having an opening therein. The rotating hinge plate having a rotating hinge plate body portion and a plurality of pins coupled to the rotating hinge plate body portion, wherein the stationary hinge plate digits are configured to be engaged with the rotating hinge plate pins so that each of a plurality of the rotating hinge plate pins is inserted into an opening in one of the stationary hinge plate digits so as to pivotally couple the rotating hinge plate to the stationary hinge plate.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for positioning a printed circuit board component. A clamping member applies a clamping force to a levering member linked to a positioning member. The levering member biases the positioning member toward a printed circuit board in response to the clamping force. The positioning member positions the printed circuit board and a component disposed on the printed circuit board in response to the positioning member bias. In one embodiment, the positioning member positions the component to contact a thermal device.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for connecting and disconnecting daughter cards. A handle urges a locking member toward a base comprising a stop and a channel. The channel may direct the locking member to a specified position. The locking member biases the catch and the biased catch engages with the stop. The stop and the channel of the base secure the locking member to the base. In addition, the handle urges the locking member away from the base. The handle also urges an actuator to unbias the catch. The handle further disconnects the locking member from the base as the unbiased catch does not engage the stop.

Abstract: An electronic module rack system includes a rack housing and opposing first and second rail members attached to the housing. A stabilizer bar is attached to the first and second rail members. The rail members support a cable trough assembly, and at least one cable separator retainer extends from the cable trough assembly. A method for managing cables for an electronic module includes connecting a first cable to the electronic module and connecting a second cable to the electronic module. The first cable is placed in a cable trough assembly and the second cable is placed in a cable separator retainer extending from the cable trough assembly. A cable support system includes a cable trough assembly and means for supporting cables outside the cable trough assembly.

Abstract: System and method aspects for insertion and retention of a daughter card in a motherboard include a latching device mounted on a daughter card, and a motherboard including a pair of posts, the pair of posts supporting reception of the latching device, wherein no standard industry backetry is needed to hold the daughter card on the motherboard. The latching device further includes a handle with connection arms mounted on a top edge of the daughter card, where the connection arms adjust position to allow insertion and removal of the daughter card. In one embodiment, the connection arms comprise spring action arms, and in another embodiment, the connection arms comprise lever action arms.

Abstract: A heat sink retention assembly for retaining a heat sink in thermal contact with a CPU while transmitting load away from the CPU. The heat sink retention assembly includes a frame sized to receive the heat sink, the frame including opposing pin capture channels and a wire module. The wire module includes an upper handle section and a lower pivoting section. The wire module is pivotably coupled to the frame at the lower pivoting section. The wire module further includes opposing end pins, wherein each pin is moveably retained within and extends through a corresponding pin capture channel such that when the wire module is rotated with respect to the frame, the pins travel within their respective channels in order to engage the heat sink.

Abstract: A floating connector spring capable of movement in multiple degrees of freedom to enable the mating of at least two connectors that may be misaligned relative to one another. The connector spring includes first and second arms spaced form one another and extending substantially in the same direction. The first and second arms each have a lobe section between their distal and proximal ends, which are resiliently deformable to allow movement of the distal ends relative to the proximal ends of the respective arms. The movement permitted includes linear and rotational movement in up to six degrees of freedom depending on the configuration of the invention used. The connector spring can further include a third arm extending perpendicular from the first and second arms and which includes a third lobe section for movement in an additional degree of freedom.

Abstract: A floating connector spring capable of movement in multiple degrees of freedom to enable the mating of at least two connectors that may be misaligned relative to one another. The connector spring includes first and second arms spaced form one another and extending substantially in the same direction. The first and second arms each have a lobe section between their distal and proximal ends, which are resiliently deformable to allow movement of the distal ends relative to the proximal ends of the respective arms. The movement permitted includes linear and rotational movement in up to six degrees of freedom depending on the configuration of the invention used. The connector spring can further include a third arm extending perpendicular from the first and second arms and which includes a third lobe section for movement in an additional degree of freedom.

Abstract: A computer processor cartridge is connected to a socket on a motherboard. The cartridge has a detachable bracket that secures it to a retention mechanism mounted to the board. The bracket is formed from flexible plastic and has a handle with downward depending arms on each end. Each arm has a tooth on its outer surface. The retention mechanism has a base with a pair of upright support posts on its ends. Each post has a hole in its side for receiving the teeth on the bracket. The cartridge and bracket assembly is installed in the retention mechanism pushing down on the handle such that the lower end of the assembly seats between the support posts. When the teeth engage the holes in the support posts, the assembly is locked in place and the cartridge is connected to the socket. The assembly is disconnected by pulling up on the handle. The plastic bracket elastically flexes so that the arms pivot the teeth out of the holes.

Abstract: Portable computer field kit with a companion docking station. A packaging structure supports a portable computer and printer in a standard carrying case. A rectangular frame includes first and second wells which receive the computer and printer. The first well includes a receptacle assembly which supports a sliding receptacle for engagement with a connector on the computer. An I/O box on the frame connects the computer through the receptacle to an external computer. A docking station is used to support the tablet in an office environment. The docking station includes a computer support hinged to a base. The computer support may be positioned at a plurality of angles with respect to the base. The computer support has a receptacle for engaging a connector of the computer. An I/O box on the base is connected to the receptacle permitting communication between the computer and external computer peripheral devices.

Abstract: Portable computer field kit with a companion docking station. A packaging structure supports a portable computer and printer in a standard carrying case. A rectangular frame includes first and second wells which receive the computer and printer. The first well includes a receptacle assembly which supports a sliding receptacle for engagement with a connector on the computer. An I/O box on the frame connects the computer through the receptacle to an external computer. A docking station is used to support the tablet in an office environment. The docking station includes a computer support hinged to a base. The computer support may be positioned at a plurality of angles with respect to the base. The computer support has a receptacle for engaging a connector of the computer. An I/O box on the base is connected to the receptacle permitting communication between the computer and external computer peripheral devices.