Abstract: A computer system includes a chassis and a motherboard support system including a motherboard carrying at least one daughter card and slidably supported within the chassis. In one embodiment, the motherboard has a first connector and the system further includes a printed circuit board having a second connector, wherein the motherboard support system slides between a first position in which the connectors are connected and a second position in which the connectors are disconnected. In another embodiment, the system includes a component mounted to the chassis, wherein the motherboard support system is slidably supported within a plane between the component and the chassis. In one embodiment, an actuator is provided to slide the motherboard support system.

Abstract: A male electrical contact assembly having first and second unitary bodies, each having a central portion and a blade member extending from the central portion. An insulating spacer is disposed between the bodies for insulating them from each other. Each of the bodies transmits a distinct power supply. In another embodiment, a male electrical contact comprising a conductive body having first and second blade members is provided. The blade members have first ends joined together to form a rounded end and second ends joined to respective spaced-apart, first and second central members. In a further embodiment, an electrical contact comprising a conductive body having a central portion is provided. A plurality of thin contact members are secured to a first end of the body and extend in a first direction to a fold and then in an opposite second direction towards the second end of the body to a common strip for engaging a contact blade.

Abstract: A computer system includes a chassis and a motherboard support system including a motherboard carrying at least one daughter card and slidably supported within the chassis. In one embodiment, the motherboard has a first connector and the system further includes a printed circuit board having a second connector, wherein the motherboard support system slides between a first position in which the connectors are connected and a second position in which the connectors are disconnected. In another embodiment, the system includes a component mounted to the chassis, wherein the motherboard support system is slidably supported within a plane between the component and the chassis. In one embodiment, an actuator is provided to slide the motherboard support system.

Abstract: A socket assembly having first and second bodies of an electrically conductive material. Each of the bodies has a unitary construction and has a width and a central portion extending substantially in a plane. The central portion has a plurality of pin members extending in the plane in spaced-apart positions across the width from its second end and a plurality of thin contact members secured to its first end and spaced apart across the width. The thin contact members extend toward the second end and are bowed outwardly from the central portion, and are opposed to each other for sandwiching a connector blade therebetween. The pin members are adapted to engage an array of interconnect holes in a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A low profile connector assembly for use with a first printed circuit board having a plurality of first traces extending to an array of interconnect holes and a second printed circuit board having a plurality of second traces extending to an array of interconnect holes. The connector assembly comprises an elongate male connector housing extending along a longitudinal axis and having a first side extending parallel to the longitudinal axis adapted for mounting to the first printed circuit board in a position overlying the array of interconnect holes of the first printed circuit board. The male connector housing has a second side and a cavity communicating with an opening in the second side. A plurality of male electrical contacts of an electrically conductive material are carried by the male connector housing.

Abstract: A spring loaded drive clip that retains a drive unit, typically a CD drive, in a component tray that is utilized in a rack mounting arrangement for a computer system is disclosed. The clip is mounted onto the chassis of the component tray, and includes a defined internal receiving area that receives the drive. The clip is mounted in the drive compartment so that arms of the clip support the drive as it is inserted into the compartment. As the drive unit is inserted, the arms of the clip are displaced outward by the drive as the drive moves into the compartment, thereby creating a spring force. One of the arms of the clip includes an inward extending securing projection. As the drive is inserted into the compartment, the drive must overcome an inward bias of the arms created by displacement of the spring blade in each of the arms. Therefore, as the drive is seated in the compartment, the securing projection is urged inward toward the drive.

Abstract: A computer drive sled with a center mount release mechanism eliminates lateral protrusions on the sled. The sled housing mechanism includes a latching means that secures the sled in position when it is inserted into a modular tray for computer components. A release trigger retracts the latch when the trigger is compressed so that the sled can be removed from the tray. The natural elasticity of the latching means returns the latching means to the locking position when the applied pressure on the release trigger is removed.

Abstract: An improved system for running electrophoresis gels “face up” is described. The system includes a single gel capacity strip holder, two electrodes, a sample cup, and a cover. The system provides a means of separating basic proteins on any length gel strip and the cup provides a user-friendly means of successfully putting the proteins on the gel face.

Abstract: A low profile connector assembly for use with a first printed circuit board having a plurality of first traces extending to an array of interconnect holes and a second printed circuit board having a plurality of second traces extending to an array of interconnect holes. The connector assembly comprises an elongate male connector housing extending along a longitudinal axis and having a first side extending parallel to the longitudinal axis adapted for mounting to the first printed circuit board in a position overlying the array of interconnect holes of the first printed circuit board. The male connector housing has a second side and a cavity communicating with an opening in the second side. A plurality of male electrical contacts of an electrically conductive material are carried by the male connector housing.

Abstract: A low profile connector assembly for use with first and second printed circuit boards comprising a male connector housing having a cavity communicating with an opening in a side. A plurality of male electrical contacts have respective blades are disposed completely within the cavity in longitudinally spaced-apart positions and accessible from the opening. A female connector housing is included in the connector assembly for at least partially seating within the cavity. A plurality of female electrical contacts are carried by the female housing and have respective socket portions for receiving the blades when the male and female housings are interconnected. The male and female electrical contacts serve to transmit power between the printed circuit boards. The connector assembly may include a split blade assembly having unitary bodies separated by an insulative spacer for transmitting power from distinct traces and may include cooperative ribs and grooves.

Abstract: A connector for use with a printed circuit board having a plurality of traces extening to an array of interconnect holes. The connector includes a connector housing adapted for mounting to the printed circuit board in a position overlying the array of interconnect holes and at least one male connector means of an electrically conductive material carried by the male connector housing. The male connector means is formed from a unitary body having first and second blade members and first and second central members. Each of the first and second blade members extends in juxtaposition and has first and second ends. The first ends of the first and second blade members are joined together to form a forward end of the male connector means and the second ends of the first and second blade members are joined to respective first and second central members. The first and second central members are spaced apart and each has an end.

Abstract: A low profile connector assembly for use with a first printed circuit board having a plurality of first traces extending to an array of interconnect holes and a second printed circuit board having a plurality of second traces extending to an array of interconnect holes. The connector assembly comprises an elongate male connector housing extending along a longitudinal axis and having a first side extending parallel to the longitudinal axis adapted for mounting to the first printed circuit board in a position overlying the array of interconnect holes of the first printed circuit board. The male connector housing has a second side and a cavity communicating with an opening in the second side. A plurality of male electrical contacts of an electrically conductive material are carried by the male connector housing.

Abstract: A bus bar assembly that includes a plurality of bus bars having substantially planar portions disposed in juxtaposition. Adjacent bus bars are electrically isolated from each other. The portion of each of the bus bars is made from an electrically conductive material and has a region provided with at least one interconnect hole extending through the bus bar and adapted to cooperatively receive a pin member. The regions of the bus bars are disposed substantially in a plane so as to permit pin members of equal lengths to be utilized for making electrical connections with the bus bars.