Abstract: A single peripheral device bay including a frame can receive a variety of different adapter plates, and thereby accommodate the maximum number of devices for each of a variety of different types and/or sizes of peripheral devices when the adapter plates are chosen for the particular type and/or size of device. Such a peripheral device bay includes a frame that can be permanently attached to the chassis of a computer system or an external enclosure. The removable adapter plates are attached to the frame so as to accommodate different devices. Because the peripheral device bay can be permanently attached to the chassis or enclosure, it can provide either with additional structural stability.

Abstract: A system and method for use in a computer system that includes a circuit board having a slot, a system processor, a card having tabs positionable in the slot, a computer bus operably connected between the system processor and the slot, a retaining module including a handle portion and a supporting frame, and a wall portion substantially covering one side of the supporting frame. The supporting frame is sized to support the card during insertion and removal of the tabs in the slot. The supporting frame includes an edge that may be used as the handle portion. The retaining module may also include a mounting platform for the card. Fastening structure may be positioned on the mounting platform, on the supporting frame, or on the edge of the supporting frame. Various types of fastening structure may be utilized including a peg that engages a hole in the card and a flexible clip that retains the card in the retaining module.

Abstract: A lock assembly for retaining computer peripheral devices in a housing. The lock assembly includes a spring-loaded lock bar that is movable between an unlock and a lock position. The lock bar is secured in the lock position by engaging a lock pin in one end of the lock bar. The lock pin is coupled for linear movement to a rotateable lock cylinder. A key is used to rotate the lock cylinder between lock and unlock positions. The key may be removed and stored in a secure place after locking the lock assembly to prevent unauthorized removal of peripheral devices from the housing. Brackets are mounted on opposing sides of the housing to retain the lock bar and to provide guide slots for controlling movement of the lock bar between lock and unlock positions.

Abstract: A lock and release mechanism is disclosed which includes an elongated bendable member which engages a lock tab such that when the lock tab is disengaged with the chassis an electronics module can be moved into a plurality of positions, including a service position, a closed position and a removal position. Such a mechanism advantageously provides latch and release functionality using a single part.

Abstract: An expansion card retention system and method. In one embodiment, the expansion card retention system includes an expansion card retaining unit which has a vertical axis, an extended member, and a vertical-axis extended member pressure application device operably connected to the extended member. In another embodiment, a data processing system includes the expansion card retention system. In yet another embodiment, the method includes securing an expansion card via the application of a wedging force.

Abstract: A chassis retaining system for securing a chassis supporting electronic equipment such as a computer system to a rack. The chassis retaining system includes a handle and a securing device with a retaining surface. The securing device is coupled to the handle, and the retaining surface is movable with respect to the handle. The chassis retaining system further includes a user interface device coupled to the handle and to the securing device. The user interface device is movable with respect to the handle. The user interface device is engageable by a user to move the retaining surface from a first position with respect to the handle wherein a surface of the electronics rack in which a chassis is mounted retains the retaining surface, to a second position wherein the surface of the electronics rack does not retain the retaining surface.

Abstract: An aperture in a mounting rail for receiving a retaining pin for securing or locking a carrier that is slid into a carrier bay on the mounting rail. The carrier holds a computer system hard disk drive. The retaining pin extends through the mounting rail aperture and engages a surface on the carrier when the carrier is in a secured position to secure or lock the carrier in the carrier bay. In one example, the mounting rail aperture is located on top of the mounting rail and is formed by an aperture frame that is supported by stiffening ribs. The retaining pin is moved to a secured or locking position by a key actuated cam. The key actuated cam moves a locking bar attached to the retaining pin.

Abstract: An electronic system includes a chassis with attachment features which may interchangeably accept and secure a connector assembly and paralleling board assembly. The connector assembly may be used in a lower cost nonredundant power supply configuration while the paralleling board assembly may be used in multiple power supply configurations. The power supply may be interchangeably connected to the connector assembly and the paralleling board assembly.

Abstract: A fan carrier for mounting a fan in a protective housing of electronic equipment. The fan carrier includes a frame for securing a fan having a flange with a front side and a back side. The fan carrier also includes a first securing device connected to the frame. The first securing device has a first surface. The fan carrier further includes a second securing device connected to the frame. The second securing device has a first surface movable as to the frame. When a fan is secured to the frame, the first surface of the first securing device retains the flange and the first surface of the second securing device retains the flange.

Abstract: A card stabilizer for stabilizing an expansion card inserted in a female edge connector. The card stabilizer consists of a frame member sized to extend around the female connector, locking device for locking the frame member relative to the female connector and a guide disposed on the frame member for receiving at least one end portion of the expansion card and to prevent movement and hence electrical disconnection of the expansion card in the female edge connector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, compact and cost effective locking device that simultaneously secures a multiple of hard disk drive carriers or cartridges in a disk drive housing. The disk drive housing includes at least two disk drive carrier bays in a disk drive carrier opening for housing associated disk drive carriers. The locking device of the present invention secures the disk drive carriers into the disk drive carrier bays and therefore into the disk drive housing. The locking device includes a moveable locking bar assembly located inside the disk drive housing and spanning the disk drive carrier bays and comprises a locking bar and at least two locking pins projecting from the locking bar, one locking pin for each of the disk drive carriers, wherein the locking bar is moveable to either a locked or an unlocked position.

Abstract: A chassis for containing a circuit board and a method of mounting a circuit board to a chassis.