Abstract: Components can be received within regions of limited access present in an equipment-supporting rack using an installation fixture including a pair of mounting plates which are pivotally connected to each other by a hinge positioned along lateral edges of the respective mounting plates. One mounting plate includes a bracket for fixed connection to the rack, and the other mounting plate includes a surface for receiving a desired component. Rotation of the mounting plate receiving the component relative to the mounting plate fixed to the rack permits the component to be conveniently accessed when servicing is desired, and returned to the region of limited access during normal system operations. A locking mechanism is preferably provided for securing the component and the mounting plate which receives the component in desired position during normal system operations.

Abstract: A computer system including a frame defining a plurality of cells is provided. Each of the cells is configured to receive a computer module through a respective opening adjacent the cell. The computer system also includes a computer module configured for insertion into a respective one of the cells through a respective one of the openings. The computer system also includes a cell cover substantially covering at least one other of the openings adjacent a cell not occupied by a computer module.

Abstract: A shield and method for inhibiting electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions from an enclosure is disclosed. The shield includes a cover portion and a plurality of extensions adjacent the cover portion, the extensions together at least partially defining a channel extending along at least a portion of the cover portion, the channel having substantially parallel boundaries, the channel being configured to received a portion of the enclosure and to slidably engage the enclosure such that, when engaged, the cover portion inhibits electromagnetic interference emissions from the enclosure. The method includes aligning a plurality of extensions of a shield with a portion of the enclosure and sliding the extensions into engagement with the portion of the enclosure until the shield covers an opening in the enclosure, thereby inhibiting electromagnetic interference emissions from the enclosure through the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for dissipating heat from an electronic component mounted in a conductive enclosure and for shielding electromagnetic radiation generated by the electronic component. A heat sink is configured to be mounted in thermal contact with the electronic component. An electrical conductor is operatively connected to the heat sink and configured to provide electrical contact between the heat sink and a surface of the conductive enclosure, thereby at least partially shielding the electromagnetic radiation generated by the electronic component.

Abstract: A cable routing system facilitating interconnection between a computer system and a chassis that may be extended and retracted with respect to the computer system along at least one support member is provided. The system includes a folding arm assembly supported by the at least one support member such that the folding arm assembly is moveable between a retracted position when the chassis is retracted with respect to the computer system and an extended position when the chassis is extended with respect to the computer system. The folding arm assembly defines at least one channel for routing a cable between the chassis and the computer system. The system also includes a strain relief supported by the at least one support member and positioned between the folding arm assembly and a termination point of the cable such that the strain relief substantially stabilizes the cable at the termination point.

Abstract: A computer is provided including a chassis at least partially defining an interior for housing a plurality of cards and a clip having an end portion pivotally mounted to the chassis at a point of rotation, the clip having of a latch at an end portion opposite the point of rotation. The latch has a recess to receive a portion of a card which is placed into the chassis, the recess being expandable from a securing position in which a portion of a card is secured with respect to the chassis and a releasing position in which the latch can release the portion of the card, wherein the latch is biased in its securing position. Also included as a part of the invention is an arm extending into the chassis when the clip is in its closed position to interact with a sensor in the chassis when the clip is in its closed position. Further included is a method of releasing cards from a computer.

Abstract: A clamp for securing a cabinet frame having at least one support member is provided. The clamp includes a body portion configured to be fastened to a supporting surface. The clamp also includes at least one mounting portion coupled to the body portion. The mounting portion defines a recess positioned to at least partially surround a portion of the support member. The mounting portion includes a surface positioned to contact another portion of the support member when the body portion is fastened to the supporting surface, thereby securing the cabinet frame.

Abstract: A system is provided for releasable engagement between two structures. The system includes a stud extending outwardly from one of the structures along an axis. The system also includes a resilient member positioned adjacent a surface of the other one of the structures. The resilient member is configured to expand radially outwardly to permit passage of the stud, yet the surface of the structure contacting the outer surface of the resilient member prevents movement of the outer surface radially outwardly. The resilient member is configured to engage the stud for releasable engagement, thereby providing releasable engagement between the structures.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for reducing or eliminating a gap defined between adjacent components of an electronic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference generated by the electronic system. The apparatus includes a cam having a cam surface positionable adjacent a component of the electronic system. The cam is moveable to an actuated position in which the cam surface applies a force to the component. The apparatus further includes a support mountable to the electronic system. The support engages the cam and facilitates the movement of the cam. The movement of the cam with respect to the support and into the actuated position causes the cam surface to apply the force to the component, thereby reducing or eliminating a gap between the component and an adjacent component of the electronic system.

Abstract: A modular chassis assembly is provided, including a chassis defining an access opening, an arm having a distal end portion coupled to the chassis and a proximal end portion spaced from the distal end portion, and a modular component coupled to the proximal end portion of the arm and configured for insertion into the chassis along an insertion axis. The arm is configured to facilitate displacement of the modular component along the insertion axis and movement of the modular component at an angle to the insertion axis, thereby at least partially facilitating access to the chassis through the access opening.

Abstract: A fastener assembly and method are provided to engage a component to a circuit board assembly having a circuit board and a retainer positioned adjacent the circuit board. The fastener assembly comprises an elongated member extending between proximal and distal ends. The member includes a proximal portion having threads, and a distal portion having threads configured to engage the retainer of the circuit board assembly. A shoulder is spaced from the distal end of the member, and is configured to contact a surface of the retainer and to limit the travel of the distal end of the member toward the circuit board. The distance between the distal end and the shoulder of the member is equal to or more preferably less than the distance between the surface of the retainer and the circuit board, thereby reducing or eliminating interference between the distal end of the member and the circuit board. The fastener assembly also comprises a fastener adapted to engage the threads of the proximal portion of the member.

Abstract: A fastener assembly is adapted to engage components for rotation with respect to one another. The fastener assembly includes a support contacting one of the components and a fastener contacting the other one of the components. A body of the fastener extends through apertures defined in the components and in the support. An end portion of the body of the fastener is deformed radially outwardly into engagement with the support. The fastener engages the components and the support upon deformation with sufficient compression along a pivot axis to resist unintended rotation of the components with respect to one another and to permit intended rotation of the components.

Abstract: A low-cost, self-contained close-off for a cabinet is formed as a generally planar body which is provided with integrated hardware for facilitating the attachment of the close-off to the cabinet, and subsequent detachment of the close-off from the cabinet. The planar body preferably incorporates an embossed region for providing the close-off with structural integrity, and is preferably fitted with integrated latches for securing the close-off to the cabinet. Support features are also preferably mated with the planar body including guide pins and embossed locators for positively locating the close-off relative to the cabinet at a proper height and in a correct orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for retaining a threaded fastener in an aperture of a support. The apparatus includes a flange position to limit the insertion of the apparatus within the aperture of the support. The apparatus also includes a body extending axially from the flange and being sized for insertion within the aperture of the support. The body defines an opening extending through proximal and distal sections of the body. The opening in the body is sized to receive a threaded fastener in the proximal section of the body, and the opening in the body is sized for engagement of the threaded fastener in the distal section of the body. The proximal section of the body is configured for radial deformation upon engagement of the threaded fastener in the distal section of the body. Such deformation prevents removal of the body of the apparatus from the aperture of the support. A fastener system and a rack mount computer cabinet including the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A door for a computer cabinet and method of constructing the same, with the door comprising a panel that is manufactured from a planar material, that has a corrugated cross-sectional profile, and that defines a plurality of perforations. The panel is adapted for attachment to the computer cabinet.

Abstract: A card guide is provided for guiding an edge portion of at least one circuit board with respect to a computer chassis. The card guide includes flanges defining recesses. At least one of the recesses is configured to mount the card guide to the computer chassis. Each of the recesses is configured to receive the edge portion of a circuit board, and the flanges of the body are spaced from one another to accommodate the edge portion of a circuit board to guide the circuit board with respect to the computer chassis.

Abstract: A zero clearance connecting system for use in locating and connecting together first and second housings, with each housing having a predefined interior envelope, is provided. The system comprises a locating and connecting pin having first and second ends attached to the first housing. A head is located at the first end of the pin and has a reduced diameter portion. A shank portion is located adjacent to the head and installed in an aperture defined in a surface of the first housing, with the head protruding from the surface by a predetermined distance. A slot having a large portion and a smaller portion is defined in a mating surface of the second housing. The smaller portion of the slot is in a complementary position to the head when the first and second housings are located and connected together. The large portion of the slot is sized for insertion of the head into the slot.