Abstract: An alignment and retention mechanism comprises a hinged upper subassembly rotatably mated with a fixed lower subassembly defining a receptacle into which a component (e.g., a processor and heat sink assembly) is aligned and retained in place. The alignment and retention mechanism aligns and retains the component without the use of tools and loose fasteners and includes various features that prevent an improper attempt at inserting and removing the component into the receptacle. The alignment and retention mechanism can be used in computer systems as well as other types of electrical systems.

Abstract: A self-locking mechanism usable in conjunction with a printed circuit assembly (PCA). The self-locking mechanism generally comprises a central actuator, a pair of sliding members on either side of the actuator and one rotating lock member associated with each sliding member. The actuator, sliding members and rotating members preferably are mounted to a top edge of a vertically-mounted circuit board thereby forming the printed circuit assembly. The printed circuit assembly can only be removed from its host system after the actuator is turned to an unlocked position and then the sliding members are slid toward the actuator thereby causing the rotating lock members to disengage from their locked position. Turning the actuator also causes a signal to be asserted to the host system to disable power to the PCA. Upon installing the PCA, no power is provided to the PCA until it has been fully installed and the actuator locked.

Abstract: An EMI clip retaining system including a flexible EMI clip with a center contact portion that bows upwards and inwards from acute bends situated at the outer ends of the EMI clip and also including enlarged end portions that extend flatly inwards from the acute bends. The EMI clip is captively installable in a planar mounting surface with tapered mounting holes through which the enlarged end portions of the EMI clip are inserted, such that once the EMI clip is installed, the enlarged ends of the EMI clip reside on a bottom side of the mounting surface while the center contact portion bows upward from the opposite, top side of the mounting surface. When the center portion is compressed flat against the top side of the mounting surface, the EMI clip lies flat against both the top and bottom sides of the mounting surface.

Abstract: An EMI clip retaining system comprising a flexible EMI clip with a center contact portion that bows upwards and inwards from acute bends situated at the outer ends of the EMI clip and also comprising enlarged end portions that extend flatly inwards from the acute bends. The EMI clip is captively installable in a planar mounting surface with tapered mounting holes through which the enlarged end portions of the EMI clip are inserted, such that once the EMI clip is installed, the enlarged ends of the EMI clip reside on a bottom side of the mounting surface while the center contact portion bows upward from the opposite, top side of the mounting surface. When the center portion is compressed flat against the top side of the mounting surface, the EMI clip lies flat against both the top and bottom sides of the mounting surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a fan tray assembly in a computer chassis which allows fan assemblies to be removed and installed without shutting down the computer device. The fan tray assembly includes two or more fan assemblies for cooling the interior of the chassis. The fan tray assembly has a first position in which the fan tray assembly is received in the chassis and an extended position in which the fan tray assembly extends from an opening in the chassis. The fan tray assembly has an end plate, a left side, and a right side, and at least one of the sides includes one or more slots for receiving a fan assembly. A hot tap board mounted to the fan tray assembly is connected to a power cable. The fan assemblies are hot tap connected to the hot tap board. The present invention allows the fan assembly to be removed without shutting down the device by extending the fan tray assembly from the computer chassis and removing the fan assembly from the fan tray assembly.

Abstract: An EMI clip retaining system comprising a flexible EMI clip with a center contact portion that bows upwards and inwards from acute bends situated at the outer ends of the EMI clip and also comprising enlarged end portions that extend flatly inwards from the acute bends. The EMI clip is captively installable in a planar mounting surface with tapered mounting holes through which the enlarged end portions of the EMI clip are inserted, such that once the EMI clip is installed, the enlarged ends of the EMI clip reside on a bottom side of the mounting surface while the center contact portion bows upward from the opposite, top side of the mounting surface. When the center portion is compressed flat against the top side of the mounting surface, the EMI clip lies flat against both the top and bottom sides of the mounting surface.

Abstract: A power supply unit includes a housing in which one or more power supply modules can be inserted and a modular AC input section. The modular AC input section preferably attaches to the distal end of the housing from where the power supply modules are inserted. The AC input section includes one or more circuit breakers, connectors and wiring connecting the breakers to the connectors. The connectors preferably comprise blind mating connectors that mate with corresponding connectors on the rear surface of the power supply modules. The AC input section is screwed to the power supply housing or attached through some other suitable means. The AC input section is modular in the sense that it can be easily and quickly removed from the power supply unit and replaced with another section. This permits upgrades and repairs to be made in a quick, cost effective manner.

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 system to mount several electronic devices within a one EIA unit high rackspace is presented. The system includes a mounting chassis that is securely fastened to a standard 19″ EIA electronics rack. The chassis includes dividers that define at least two full length ports in which the electronic devices are slidably engaged. Furthermore, each port defined by the mounting tray includes hot-pluggable, blind-mate sockets to receive corresponding hot-pluggable, blind-mate connectors upon each electronics package. These packages are engaged and disengaged to and from the ports within the rack at will, thus allowing for more servers to be efficiently and accessibly stored within the confines of a 1-U rackspace with interchangeability than was previously possible.

Abstract: A system to mount several electronic devices within a one EIA unit high rackspace is presented. The system includes a mounting chassis that is securely fastened to a standard 19″ EIA electronics rack. The chassis includes dividers that define at least two full length ports in which the electronic devices are slidably engaged. Furthermore, each port defined by the mounting tray includes hot-pluggable, blind-mate sockets to receive corresponding hot-pluggable, blind-mate connectors upon each electronics package. These packages are engaged and disengaged to and from the ports within the rack at will, thus allowing for more servers to be efficiently and accessibly stored within the confines of a 1-U rackspace with interchangeability than was previously possible.

Abstract: A rail mounting arrangement for supporting a computer component, such as a server, in a rack includes a pair of support rails and slide rail assemblies supported by the support rail. The support rails are identical and include a pair of mounting regions on either side of a longitudinal axis. The slide rail assemblies have a lower profile than the support rails and may be mounted on either of the mounting regions. The slide rail assemblies are secured to the server and present a low profile, permitting greater access to internal components within the server housing for servicing. The support rails are recessed in the rack to reduce the space occupied by the rail system in the region of the rack in which the server is supported.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an add-in circuit card in an electronic device including a clamp movably coupled to the electronic device, the clamp configured to releasably engage the card upon movement of the clamp relative from a card engagement position in which the clamp is substantially inside the electronic device to a card disengagement position in which the clamp is substantially outside the electronic device. An apparatus for securing an add-in circuit card in an electronic device including a clamp movably coupled to the electronic device, the clamp configured to releasably engage the card upon movement of the clamp from a card engagement position to a card disengagement, and a switch for controlling electrical power to the card, the switch operated by the clamp such that movement of the clamp between the engagement and disengagement positions closes and opens the switch.

Abstract: A system for securing an electronic component, such as a CPU, includes a support extending substantially in a plane and a fastener coupled to the support. The support may be a heat sink secured to a component for dissipating heat generated during operation of the component. The fastener extends through extensions or fins of the heat sink, generally parallel to the plane of the heat sink and component package. A biasing spring urges the fastener toward a disengaged position. A biased retainer maintains the biasing spring and fastener within the assembly. The component is initially engaged in a receiving socket for installation. The fastener is then engaged in the mechanical support to draw the component into full engagement. A reference surface on the securement assembly contacts the mechanical support to limit engagement of the component. The fastener may include a torque-limiting assembly for limiting the torque applied to the mechanical support upon full engagement of the component.

Abstract: A modular computer chassis for both rack mounting and free standing use comprising a housing adapted for receipt of a plurality of computer modules in a secured array. The modules are selectively accessible only through a cover panel door which may be locked to secure the integrity of the array. The modules are mounted in the chassis on individual slides which afford alignment and stability in the assembly thereof. Additionally, the modularity affords interchangeability with rack-mounted systems for maximizing the efficiency of operation and the effectiveness of installation and service. Problems within the system can thus be addressed by removing and replacing individual modules in a configuration which affords reliability and easy access.

Abstract: An add-in circuit card is secured in an electronic device. A clamp is movably coupled to the electronic device and is configured to releasably engage the card upon movement of the clamp from a card engagement position to a card disengagement position. A switch may control electrical power to the card, the switch operated by the clamp such that movement of the clamp between the engagement and disengagement positions closes and opens the switch.

Abstract: A series of hard disk drives are secured atop molded plastic support trays slidably and removably received in opposing guide channel member pairs snap-fitted into opposite side walls of a sheet metal cage structure. Sheet metal electromagnetic interference and electrostatic discharge-suppressing housings enclose each hard disk drive, provide for ventilation of the hard disk drive and any associated electronic components through perforated portions thereof, and prevent transmission of electromagnetic interference through unperforated portions thereof. Each electromagnetic interference and electrostatic discharge-suppressing housing has grounding spring members mounted on a rear portion thereof, and resilient support members between the housing and the grounding spring members.

Abstract: A series of hard disk drives are anchored to the top sides of perforated metal plates disposed above the top sides of molded plastic support trays in parallel relationships therewith. Sets of spaced apart elastomeric cushioning members have upper portions captively retained between each metal plate and its associated plastic tray, and lower portions projecting downwardly beyond the tray. Small connector circuit boards are anchored to rear end portions of the metal plates, and opposite side edge portions of the plates are slidably insertable into guide channel members within a cage structures to create a hot plug connection between the circuit boards and corresponding hot plug connectors on a rear wall of the cage.

Abstract: A rack mounted computer system has a vertically elongated cabinet structure in which a specially designed server unit is mounted. The server unit includes a slide-out outer drawer having a power supply box mounted in a lower interior portion thereof. An inner tray is slidably mounted in an upper interior portion of the outer drawer, over the power supply box, and has a system planar board and associated riser cards mounted on its top side. When the outer drawer is pulled out service access is provided to the circuit board apparatus on the inner tray. Access is provided to the power supply box by simply sliding the inner tray rearwardly relative to the opened outer drawer to expose the power supply box. Cooling fans are carried on the inner tray and within the outer drawer to cool the various computer components mounted within the server unit by flowing cooling air generally horizontally therethrough.

Abstract: A vertically elongated computer system tower unit has an internal sheet metal chassis portion having a bottom base wall to the underside of which four specially designed molded plastic stabilizing foot members are directly connected without the use of mounting screws or other separate mounting structures. Each support foot has a pair of top side retaining projections that are received in complementarily configured openings in the chassis base wall in a manner holding the foot member on the base wall and permitting the foot member to pivot between an initial installation position in which the projections may be inserted into or removed through the wall openings with the foot member underlying the base wall, a retracted position in which the foot member is pivoted outwardly from the installation position and underlies the base wall, and an extended position in which the foot member projects outwardly beyond the base wall and stabilizes the tower unit.

Abstract: A series of hard disk drives are secured atop molded plastic support trays slidably and removably received in opposing guide channel member pairs snap-fitted into opposite side walls of a sheet metal cage structure externally used in conjunction with a file server or other computer device. Snap-fitted into rear end portions of the trays are small printed circuit boards that are insertable into hot plug sockets at the rear of the cage. Forwardly projecting guard plates on the rear end of the cage block manual access to the board/socket interface, and the surface mounted grounding leads on the board extend rearwardly beyond its signal leads to enhance grounding safety during disk drive installation and removal. At the front end of each tray is a vertical support plate upon which LED indicating lights are conveniently mounted for the associated disk drive.