Abstract: A rack serviceable computer chassis for housing multiple computer modules. A rectilinear housing receives at least one module containing electrical components associated with a computer system which includes a planar right panel, a planar left panel, a planar bottom panel, a stationary planar top panel for covering non-rack serviceable components, and a sliding top panel integral to the housing for effectuating access to the at least one module and electrical components. The sliding top panel is located above the stationary top panel while in an open position. The rack serviceable chassis further includes a means for sliding the sliding top panel between the open position and a closed position, a means for supporting the sliding top panel while in the closed position, and a means for transitioning the sliding top panel between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A cooling system for a high-end server includes four hot-pluggable fans plugged into a fan control board. The fans are arranged in two groups, with each group having two fans, one behind the other. One of the groups of fans is used to cool the processor boards and the other group is used to cool the system I/O board slots. Under normal operation, only one fan from each group is active, while the other fan freewheels, providing redundancy. A fan control board delivers power to each of the fans and further provides a signal, responsive to temperature sensors, to each of the fans to control their speeds. Each of the fans provides a fan fault signal and a fan not present signal to the fan control board. The temperature sensors are placed proximate the processors and I/O components to monitor the operating temperatures thereof, and communicate the respective temperatures back to the fan control board, via I.sup.2 C bus.

Abstract: A computer system that includes a chassis and a removable module configured to be housed inside the chassis. The chassis includes an interface plate incorporated therewith. The interface plate is perforated to allow air to flow through the interface plate and along peripheral cards attached to the interface plate. The air that flows along the peripheral cards then flows through perforations in a cover that is used to secure the peripheral cards into their associated card slots. The cover then directs the air into a primary air passage used to exhaust air pulled through the chassis.

Abstract: An electronic component chassis with a first side, a second side, and having a preferred airflow therebetween. The first side of the electronic component chassis includes an insertion slot for receiving a removable component that is to be inserted into the electronic component chassis. The insertion slot is automatically closed by an airflow control door when the removable component is not housed by the electronic component chassis. By closing the insertion slot, the preferred airflow between the first side and the second side is enabled.

Abstract: A card guide assembly for isolating printed circuit boards from each other during insertion and removal from a mounting array. The assembly includes first and second isolation channels that are configured to permit the receipt of a variety of PC board sizes therein and a securement cap for receipt thereover. The cap may be adjustably positioned within the isolation channels for establishing a secured mounting for a variety of PC board sizes. A locking mechanism is provided between the cap and the channels for secured engagement therebetween. The channels are mounted on opposite sides of the PC board connector region permitting conventional mounting of the PC board into a mounting connector.

Abstract: Quick release rail members for a computer drive unit with an arm including a detent movable relative to a D-shaped slot provided in the frame of a computer unit. Using one hand, both rail members can be disengaged for easy removal of the drive unit from the frame.

Abstract: A computer system having a cover for a frame is disclosed. The cover has a user panel and a service panel each including a plurality of inwardly extending and angled slots to be aligned with rearwardly facing tabs on the frame to facilitate a quick sliding connection of the cover to the frame.

Abstract: A computer tower unit is provided with two cooling fans, a system cooling fan and a power supply cooling fan, that draw ambient air through the unit via a pair of upper and lower exterior wall air inlet openings disposed opposite the two fans to cool a horizontally oriented motherboard, a power supply unit, disc drives and expansion cards disposed in the unit. The need for a separate fan to cool the disc drives is eliminated by a specially designed air flow control baffle disposed within the unit.

Abstract: A tower unit housing for a computer system including a rectangular box-like chassis which receives a front bezel, a L-shaped hood to cover the top and one side of the chassis and a side member to cover the other side of the chassis. The chassis includes a security tab which is aligned with a hood security tab and a side cover security tab when the hood and side cover are installed on the chassis such that openings in the tabs can receive a single lock to lock the entire unit together. The front bezel includes its own security tab which extends into a pin connection inside of the chassis such that the pin connection between the bezel and the chassis is hidden by the side cover when the side cover and L-shaped hood are installed on the chassis. In this manner, a single lock can secure the front bezel and, the L-shaped hood and the side cover from unauthorized disassembly.

Abstract: An LED indicating light assembly is mounted on the interior side of a computer housing wall, over a lens opening therein, and is operative to provide a visual confirmation that an operating component within the computer housing is activated. The assembly includes a mounting socket structure having an open front end securable to the housing wall over the lens opening, and an open rear end. An elongated lens member is longitudinally inserted forwardly into the socket structure to position a front end portion of the lens in the housing wall lens opening. As the lens is inserted into the socket structure, a transverse mounting pin portion of the lens, intermediate its front and rear ends, is latched into place by a resiliently deflectable outer side wall portion of the socket structure. An LED device positioned behind the mounted lens is used to illuminate its front end portion.

Abstract: A computer tower unit is provided with two cooling fans, a system cooling fan and a power supply cooling fan, that draw ambient air through the unit via a pair of upper and lower exterior wall air inlet openings disposed opposite the two fans to cool a motherboard, a power supply unit, disc drives and expansion cards disposed in the unit. The need for a separate fan to cool the disc drives is eliminated by a specially designed air flow control baffle disposed within the unit. The baffle functions to cause cooling air drawn into the unit through the lower air inlet opening by the system cooling fan to be deflected toward and be drawn upwardly along the motherboard before being discharged by the fan, and also cause a portion of the air drawn into the unit through the upper inlet opening by the system cooling fan to be drawn through the disc drive mounting area within the unit to thereby cool the system disc drives without the use of a separate drive unit cooling fan.

Abstract: A combined fan clearance and wire guide device for use with electronic equipment. A surface generally parallel to the rear of the computer system unit is extended from the rear of the system unit the distance necessary to provide adequate clearance for proper air flow developed by fans contained in the system unit. Arms are provided which are angled from this clearance surface and a distance from side portions of the system unit to form cavities for guiding wires and cables.

Abstract: A computer system unit including a tower unit having a generally narrow base with respect to the depth and height of the tower unit. An extensible leg capable of extending in a generally transverse direction to the depth of the tower unit may be extended on only one side of the tower unit to prevent the tower unit from overturning. Means are provided for attaching the extensible leg to the base of the tower unit.

Abstract: A power switch cover having an elongate base member with a track formed therein and adapted to support a sliding member which includes an end portion to protect a recessed switch. The switch is accessible through the base member and once turned on is protected by the sliding member. The sliding member includes at least one spring for biasing the sliding member against the base member and provides for continuous contact of said sliding member with the track of said base member. A top member is inserted over the sliding member and the base member to provide the contact points for the spring thereby biasing the sliding member against the recessed track.

Abstract: A plurality of print hammers disposed along a print station are caused to be swung against a print band and there is provided a top edge guide to limit upward movement of the band and maintain the print band in a precise path in its travel past the print station. The print band is trained around pulleys which are biased upwardly by light springs to maintain the band in contact with the top edge guide.