Abstract: A spring for mounting a computer customer replaceable unit (CRU) is provided. The spring comprises a laminated sandwich material that includes three layers: a first outer layer of metal, a second middle layer of polymeric material, and a third outer layer of metal. The spring is attached to the CRU and retains the CRU within a computer system chassis, and the spring dissipates vibration energy through fluid friction within the second layer. The fluid friction within the second layer can be the result of either opposing lateral movement of the first and third layers due to vibration, or different mode shapes of the first and third layers due to vibration.

Abstract: Fuel cell based backup unit apparatus for storage subsystems are provided. With the apparatus, at least one fuel cell is provided as part of a fuel cell power generation array that is used to provide backup power to a storage subsystem of a computing device, such as a RAM cache. A regeneration mechanism is provided for regenerating the fuel in the at least one fuel cell. A logic and control module is provided for controlling the overall operation of the backup unit including determining when to provide backup power and when to initiate regeneration of the fuel cells. A DC/DC voltage conversion module may also be provided for converting a DC output from the fuel cell power generation array into an output useable by the storage subsystem.