Abstract: An apparatus, and method for using same, is described for a distributed load board stiffener. The apparatus may include a body having a central axis portion and multiple protusions extending away from the central axis portion towards respective ends. Each of the ends of the protrusions having a mounting point to mount a printed circuit board to a chassis support. The protrusions may operate to mount the board stiffener to a printed circuit board away from trace routing areas disposed centrally on the printed circuit board. The protrusions may operate to distribute a load around a periphery of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method for using same, is described for a distributed load board stiffener. The apparatus may include a body having a central axis portion and multiple protrusions extending away from the central axis portion toward respective ends. Each of the ends of the protrusions having a mounting point to amount a printed circuit board to a chassis support. The protrusions may operate to mount the board stiffener to a printed circuit board away from trace routing areas disposed centrally on the printed circuit board. The protrusions may operate to distribute a load around a periphery of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A device is disclosed herein for engaging and disengaging electrical connector halves, particularly electrical connector halves mounted on printed assembly boards that are to be electrically connected to a back plane. The device provides a drive train mechanism comprised of a plurality of gears and racks that, when attached, act to reduce the insertion force required to make the electrical connector halves disposed on the printed board assemblies and the back plane. A further aspect of the present invention involves the method of attaching a back plane to at least one stationary printed board assembly by actuation of a drive train.

Abstract: A card support releasably retains the edges of a plurality of electronic cards in a card guide panel. The card support is formed with a card support bracket and a plurality of card retention tabs connected to the bracket by way of flexible members for releasably retaining the edges of respective cards in guide channels of the card guide panel. The retention tabs have ramps on one side for engagement with the edges of the cards being installed for momentarily moving the tabs back out of the way, allowing the cards to slide past the tabs. Once installed, the opposite sides of the tabs, which are flat, extend over the rear edge of the installed cards to retain them in the guide channels, especially during shock and vibration, including dropping the box upside down.

Abstract: A hot plug retainer and actuator is used on a chassis for releasably securing a component on the chassis. The retainer and actuator includes a one piece body having a first portion, a second portion and a living hinge pivotably connecting the first and second portions to one another for opening and closing the actuator.

Abstract: A device is disclosed herein for engaging and disengaging electrical connector halves, particularly electrical connector halves mounted on printed assembly boards that are to be electrically connected to a back plane. The device provides a drive train mechanism comprised of a plurality of gears and racks that, when attached, act to reduce the insertion force required to make the electrical connector halves disposed on the printed board assemblies and the back plane. A further aspect of the present invention involves the method of attaching a back plane to at least one stationary printed board assembly by actuation of a drive train.

Abstract: A rigid enclosure for printed circuit boards that utilizes identical top and bottom covers and provides for offsetting the distance the printed circuit board sits from the bottom cover. The enclosure utilizes features formed into the covers to provide for alignment and fastening. Removable vents provide for air flow to cool the printed circuit board and when removed, allow access for interface to the printed circuit board. Threaded inserts and standoffs provide flexibility for fastening identical parts together.

Abstract: A connection system for use in connecting a high density flexible circuit directly to a surface mounted integrated circuit component mounted on a printed circuit board. The connection system utilizes an upper and lower stiffener plate to route the contacts of the high density flexible circuit to the pins of the integrated circuit component. The connection system utilizes silicone rubber pressure rods to create a force on the contacts of the higher density flexible circuit to ensure reliable connection to the leads of the surface mounted components. The connection system utilizes comb spacers which define slots to align the contacts of the high density circuit to the pins of the integrated circuit component and a top clamp to retain the assembly onto the integrated circuit component.