Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Speirs

Thomas M. Speirs has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6030248
    Abstract: A mechanical latch for increasing the mechanical integrity of board to board interconnection. The mechanical latch adds additional retention force utilizing a rigid mechanical connection. In a first embodiment, the latch is connected to a male mating connector via two screws through adjusting slots. Once the male and female connectors are engaged, the latch can be adjusted via a thumb tab so that retaining tabs engage with the backside of the female connector. The latch is then tightened via the screws to ensure a rigid mechanical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Michael Dancel, Thomas M. Speirs