Abstract: There is described a support rail and a support element for engaging an edge of an expansion card mounted in a circuit housing, wherein the support element is fixable in a selected position along the length of the support rail by engagement of a detent on the support element and a facing abutment surface on the rail.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and extracting printed circuit boards in a computer system. More specifically, a basket assembly is provided through which a number of printed circuit boards may be attached to a motherboard. A card divider and extractor assembly including a card divider and card extractor is coupled to the basket assembly between each of the printed circuit boards. The card dividers provide structural and electrical isolation between the printed circuit boards. The card extractors provide a mechanism whereby printed circuit boards can be easily removed from the system while the system is operational.

Abstract: A fixing device for attaching an auxiliary card in a personal computer. The fixing device includes a hole formed at each end of a securing module and a main body. The main body includes an elastic portion at a top end of the main body, two arms located at the two ends of the main body, and two engaging portions, one located on each arm. The engaging portions are inserted into the holes at the ends of the securing module, coupling the main body and the securing module, while allowing the main body to partially rotate around the securing module. The elastic portion is used to elastically clamp the auxiliary card in place.

Abstract: A backplane is disclosed for attaching storage devices to the backplane that utilize removable media. The backplane is distributed and scalable. The backplane includes a generally horizontal portion for distributing electronic signals to the storage devices and a plurality of connectors coupled to said generally horizontal portion for receiving the storage devices. The storage devices are coupled to the backplane utilizing the generally horizontal portion. The storage devices are not coupled to the backplane utilizing a front or a back of any one of the storage devices such that the front and back of each storage device remain accessible when the storage devices are coupled to the backplane.

Abstract: A communication apparatus including a metallic shelf having a pair of side plates, a back wiring board mounted in the shelf on the back side thereof and having a plurality of first connectors and a solid ground pattern, and upper and lower guide plates mounted in the shelf, each guide plate having a plurality of guide rails and a plurality of vent holes. A first shield board having numerous openings is mounted on the upper guide plate, and a second shield board having numerous openings is mounted on the lower guide plate. A plurality of plug-in units are mounted in the shelf so as to be inserted along the guide rails of the upper and lower guide plates.

Abstract: A method of transporting heat from a heat dissipating electrical assemblage having a circuit board insertable in a card cage or retaining unit and at least one heat generating component mounted thereon. A heat sink is arranged in contact with the electrical assemblage and forms a coplanar wall spaced apart from the interior wall of the card cage. A thermal transport element is arranged in the thermal gap formed between the coplanar wall and the interior wall. The thermal transport element is at least in partial contact with the coplanar wall and interior wall thereby transporting heat from the hotter electrical assemblage to the cooler interior wall of the card cage.

Abstract: A computer chassis includes heat generating components and a fan housing adjacent the components. A plate is mounted in the fan housing. A first flexible member extends from the plate. A second flexible member extends from the plate and is spaced apart from the first member. A grip member interconnects a distal end of the first and second members spaced apart from the plate. A latch extends from adjacent the grip member. An anti-buckle member extends between the first and second members for maintaining the flexible members spaced apart.

Abstract: An electronic equipment has an enclosure, a backplane board, a connector, a child board, a connection plate on the bottom edge of the child board mating with the connector, a guide, a rack gear, and a pinion gear. The guide moves within a child board housing part inside the enclosure between an upper and a lower position along a substantially vertical direction. At the upper position, the guide slidably mates with the child board and guides the child board to a temporary attachment position substantially vertically, and movement from the upper to the lower position causes the child board at the temporary attachment position to move substantially vertically to a fully attached position. The rack gear fixed relative to the guide, and the rotating shaft has a pinion gear meshing with the rack gear, and is supported so as to rotate freely relative to the enclosure.

Abstract: In an apparatus (1) having a housing (2) with a first housing wall (4) and having a printed circuit board (8) which extends parallel to the first housing wall (4), an electroacoustic transducer (10) is mounted on the printed circuit board (8) with the aid of a holder (14), the holder (14) being mounted so as to be movable transversely with respect to the printed circuit board (8) and a spring device (17) being provided to urge the holder (14) together with the transducer (10) towards the first housing wall (4) under a spring load, and a part of the holder (14), at the same time, forming a sealing device(15), which guarantees a nominal isolation between the front (11) and the rear (120 of the transducer (10).

Abstract: A ruggedized electronics system is disclosed. The ruggedized electronics system includes at least one ruggedized electronics module. The electronics module has an electrical module coupling. The ruggedized electronics system also includes an open framed chassis provided with more than one electrical chassis coupling. At least one electrical chassis coupling is coupled to at least one electronic module. The electronics modules may be coupled to and decoupled from the chassis, so that the system may be selectively reconfigured.

Abstract: An improved circuit board assembly includes a cover or other member disposed adjacent to the substrate and, for example, spaced therefrom so as to define a plenum. Self-aligning heat sinks (or other heat dissipative elements) are spring-mounted (or otherwise resiliently mounted) to the cover and, thereby, placed in thermal contact with one or more of the circuit components. Flow-diverting elements are provided, e.g., so that the overall impedance of the board substantially matches that of one or more of the other circuit boards in a common chassis. The circuit board cover can be adapted to provide thermal and/or electromagnetic emission control, as well as shock and vibration. A connector arrangement provides electrical, mechanical and/or other operational coupling between the circuit board and a chassis regardless of whether the board is disposed in a slot on a first (e.g., upper) side of a source of cooling air for the chassis or on a second (e.g., lower) opposite side of that source.

Abstract: A circuit board carrier and method of using the same. The carrier allows circuit boards to be processed on lead frame-based semiconductor processing equipment. The circuit board carrier contains a structure to secure a circuit board thereto and the carrier is sized and shaped and provided with standardized indexing holes to allow processing of circuit boards on processing equipment configured for lead frame-based processing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mounting electrical equipment on a wall. A mounting plate is mounted on the wall. The mounting plate includes a lip defining a linear channel extending across the front of the mounting plate. An equipment enclosure includes a complementary upward extending hanger for engaging the linear channel. A ground strip is attached to the wall plate below the linear channel. The equipment enclosure can be positioned at any point along the length of the linear channel by engaging its complementary hanger therewith and pivoting the enclosure downward until its rear surface engages the mounting plate and a grounding lug thereof engages the ground strip.

Abstract: A modular backup power housing consists of at least one module and a base. Additional modules may be stacked to accommodate a larger bank of power cells. Each module has a cuboid frame, multiple top rails and multiple bottom tracks. The top rails and the bottom tracks are attached to top and bottom surfaces of the cuboid frame respectively and mate with the top rails and bottom tracks of adjacent modules or the base. By virtue of the interlocking top rails and bottom tracks, the total height of the modular backup power housing is less than a conventional housing, and the strength and stability of the modular backup power housing is improved.

Abstract: Mezzanine boards can be added to and removed from a supporting base board mounted in a slot of a shelf adjacent other base boards while the base boards remain in electrical service. Guide rails allow a mezzanine board to be slid into position from the front edge of the base board. The guide rails themselves can be moved to provide a new spacing to accommodate a different width mezzanine board without having to take the supporting base board out of service. Openings in the sides of the guide rails promote the flow of air between the mezzanine board and the base board to provide cooling.

Abstract: A card cage includes first and second card cage walls; a first, upper pair of members, comprising a front and a rear member, supported between the first and second card cage walls; a second, lower pair of members, comprising a front and a rear member, supported between the first and second card cage walls; a backplane supported between the front members and the rear members; and a plurality of alignment pins. The alignment pins are inserted through corresponding holes in the backplane and the front and rear members.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a carrier plate assembly for use in an electrical system is disclosed, comprising a carrier plate capable of securing at least one system board. Each system board is capable of being inserted and removed from the carrier plate assembly without disturbing another system board connected to the carrier plate assembly. The carrier plate assembly is capable of releasable attachment to the electronic system and is capable of being inserted and removed from the electronic system without disturbing another assembly connected to the electronic system.

Abstract: A printed circuit board unit comprising a printed circuit board and a correction member. The correction member contacts the printed circuit board at a pair of contact points and support points arranged between the contact points. The support points are defined at a position withdrawing from a plane including the contact points. Screws serve to urge the printed circuit board against the correction member. The correction member is adapted to generate an intentional warp or bend. Such warp serves to correct or modify the curvature of the front surface of the printed circuit board. The front surface of the printed circuit board can be maintained flat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to support varying sizes of memory cards against shock and vibration. One embodiment of the invention involves a method to assemble a support clip to one or more cards attached on a substrate by a connector. A second embodiment of the invention involves a method to fabricate a support clip. A third embodiment of the invention involves an assembled substrate with a plurality of cards secured by one or more support clips to the substrate.

Abstract: A subassembly includes a plurality of card guides formed to receive card assemblies and also to conduct air for cooling purposes to improve cooling of components on the card guide. The card guides are particularly formed to place the cards in a location to facilitate airflow and to more evenly distribute the airflow. The invention further includes a method for designing the card guides to achieve the stated functionality. The method of designing the card guides includes determining a first and a second volume of space that is desired in relation to the amount of expected heat that is to be generated within the first and second volumes of space.

Abstract: A mother board retaining bracket is mounted to an outer circuit board housing and supports an edge of a mother board. The mother board retaining bracket prevents the mother board from moving, e.g., during transportation, and prevents the associated failure of the computer system. The computer system further includes single and double locker belt retaining brackets. The single locker belt retaining bracket extends across a retaining clip on one side of a circuit board and locks the retaining clip in place. The double locker belt retaining bracket extends across retaining clips on both sides of a circuit board and locks the retaining clips in place. In this manner, the single and double locker belt retaining brackets prevent the retaining clips from becoming shook loose.

Abstract: An enclosure for an electronics assembly, comprises (i) a housing (1) having a recess (36); and (ii) a module (40) for holding one or more components of the assembly, the module being insertable into the recess by sliding, and removable therefrom by sliding in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion; and (iii) a spring retaining element (48) located in one of the housing and the module, the element being in the form of a resiliently deformable arm that engages the other of the housing and the module when the module is inserted into position within the recess in order to prevent removal of the module from the recess. The arm can be manually bent to release the module from the recess, but the housing or the module allows a degree of movement of the retaining element during release of the module that is insufficient to allow the arm to bend beyond its elastic limit. The enclosure enables the module to be held firmly in place, but allows quick and easy release for maintenance of the assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rack for electronic plug-in units, comprising a backplane. The backplane comprises at least one connector to which a connector provided in the electronic plug-in unit connects when the plug-in unit is pushed into the rack. The backplane is attached to the rack with a fastener made of a resilient material. A moment arm is formed between a point which attaches the fastener to the rack and the backplane. When the plug-in unit is pushed into the rack, there is a tolerance for alignment of the connectors enabling connection of the connectors. Furthermore, when the plug-in unit is in the rack, the mobility of the backplane prevents the connectors and/or the backplane from breaking as the rack moves.

Abstract: A quick release hold-down mechanism for releasably securing protective covers and expansion cards within a personal computer comprises a press plate for exerting a force upon the flange of a protective cover or the flange of an expansion card. A tension arm is operatively coupled to the press plate for holding the press plate in place. The tension arm is releasable to and securable within a fixed position such that the press plate maintains the force upon a surface of the expansion card or protective cover to maintain the expansion card or protective cover in its desired location. The tension arm is rotatably moved which causes the press plate to pivot through an arc, around a pivot means. By this rotatable motion of the tension arm, the press plate engages the surface of the installed protective cover or expansion card. More than one protective cover and expansion card can be installed and any number of either or both can be thus secured.

Abstract: A technique is provided for coupling and uncoupling device boards for a computer system during any operational state of the computer system. A tool-free latch assembly is provided for coupling a device switchboard and the device boards to a mounting structure of the computer system. The tool-free latch also may have a transparent portion for transmitting light from a device status light to interior and exterior areas of the computer system. A non-mechanical switch also may be utilized in conjunction with the tool-free latch assembly to control power to the device boards.

Abstract: A chassis and associated telecommunication circuit card are disclosed. The chassis has heat dissipation and flame containment features while accommodating a high density of the circuitry cards. Embodiments include an inner housing with a double-layer middle floor dividing the chassis into top and bottom chambers. Each layer has partially aligned slots, and an air gap is provided between the two layers. Embodiments also include a double-layer mesh cover with an air gap existing between the two mesh layers. Projections and grooves are provided on the inner surfaces of the inner housing to receive circuit cards having a guide on one edge and a fin on another. The circuit card includes conductor structures such as multiple board layers with paired and segregated conductors. The circuit card also includes some components positioned to cooperate with the ventilation features of the chassis and includes some components chosen for low-power consumption or reduced flammability.

Abstract: An electronic circuit card includes a circuit board and a faceplate attached to the circuit board. A connector is mounted on the faceplate such that the electronic circuit card occupies substantially one slot of a housing when the electronic circuit card is contained in the housing. The connector is also mounted on the faceplate to enable contact between the faceplate and a faceplate of an adjacent electronic circuit card for shielding against electromagnetic interference leakage when the electronic circuit card is contained in the housing. A ribbon cable electrically interconnects the connector and the circuit board. A strap is attached to the faceplate. The strap is adapted to secure a mating connector to the connector.

Abstract: This invention solves difficulty in inserting a package when a guide member deflects downward due to lack of strength of a plurality of guide members divided in a structure of a subrack of integrated type. In a structure of a subrack apparatus 1 of integrated type according to this invention, a guide plate 9 in which a guide rail 9b is provided is divided into a plurality of members in an insertion direction of the package and a reinforcement part 9a in L-shape is provided at an edge for preventing the guide plate 9 from deflecting.

Abstract: A ruggedized electronics module is disclosed. The ruggedized electronics module includes a housing supporting an electronics sub-system device. A module restraint extends from the housing. The module restraint is configured to mate with a complementary shaped restraint on a mounting adapter. The module restraint is configured to restrain the module from movement in six degrees of freedom. The module restraint includes a first surface extending from and sloping away from the housing. The module restraint also includes a second surface extending from and sloping away from the housing. The first surface intersects the second surface and the first and second surfaces slope away from each other.

Abstract: A method for supporting a wall-like structure by forming a serpentine shaped slot on a substantially planar surface. The serpentine slot includes an area of central clearance such that a wall-like structure having a width narrower than the width of the serpentine slot can be inserted into the area of central clearance and be supported by the inner sides of the serpentine slot.

Abstract: Cooling Device for Computer Hard Drive with a rectangular cooling tank, a coolant entrance pipe, a coolant exit pipe, one wall of the tank being constructed of highly heat conductive metal such as solid silver, a plurality of cooling highly heat conductive plates, the plates each having a ninety degree flange, each the flange attached to the highly conductive tank plate wall, a plurality of hard drives sandwiched between each cooling plate, a plurality of compression screws that cause the cooling plates to remain in intimate contact with said hard drive housing, and a plurality of rubber shock mounts, the top of which communicates with said compression screw, the bottom of which communicates with a mounting rail. A preferred embodiment includes wherein said highly conductive cooling plates are made of silver and have an oxidized surface that allows infrared rays to be absorbed by said plate.

Abstract: A bracket assembly includes a bracket which readily and easily couples with a printed circuit board. The bracket includes at least one tab assembly foldably attached with a support flange for supporting the printed circuit board. The bracket also includes an outer flange which is coupled with the computer chassis. Alignment apertures on the support flange and the printed circuit board facilitate the alignment of the printed circuit board, and allow for rework of the printed circuit board. Each tab assembly is adapted to frictionally engage with corresponding features on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: In a support device for printed circuit broads with a support structure, equipped with at least one board guiding groove, a locking group has the task of locking detachably the boards. The support structure has at least one transversal cutting which crosses the groove and cooperates with the locking group. The locking group includes a guiding element which slides inside a relative guiding seat. One end of the guiding element is connected to a plate provided with at least one locking element which is introduced inside the transversal cutting for locking the board.

Abstract: A cartridge is provided for the insertion and removal of printed circuit cards from a printed circuit board. The cartridges are self-contained and employ board level guides for establishing a position from which the force of card insertion can be withstood. The cartridges include an external actuating lever which also preferably operates a portion of an EMI shield system which is integrated with the circuit board. The cartridge tops also interlock to provide additional overall structural rigidity.

Abstract: A fixing device for attaching an auxiliary card in a personal computer. The fixing device includes a hole formed at each end of a securing module and a main body. The main body includes an elastic portion at a top end of the main body, two arms located at the two ends of the main body, and two engaging portions, one located on each arm. The engaging portions are inserted into the holes at the ends of the securing module, coupling the main body and the securing module, while allowing the main body to partially rotate around the securing module. The elastic portion is used to elastically clamp the auxiliary card in place.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing circuit board flexing is presented. The apparatus is fastened to a printed circuit board to provide rigid support for reducing bending and flexing. In one embodiment, a rigid frame is provided that is adapted to be fastened to one or more components and to be fastened to a printed circuit board. The frame is adapted to elevate the attached component from the PCB surface allowing components to be mounted on the PCB therewith. The frame is adapted to occupy minimal printed circuit board surface area so as not to displace electronic components. In another embodiment, an elongated truss-like stiffener is provided that is adapted to be fastened to one side of the printed circuit board and adapted to span the printed circuit board. The elongated stiffener is adapted to have an open structure to minimize cooling flow disturbance and weight. The elongated stiffener includes a plurality of legs forming a truss-like structure.

Abstract: A guide for docking a peripheral carrier in a computer chassis includes a support surface in a peripheral bay. A plurality of spaced apart guide members are formed in the support surface. Each guide member is substantially raised above the surface. A tab extends from each guide member and a lead-in is formed on the tab.

Abstract: A universal support frame that holds a printed (PCB) so that both sides are accessible for processing and testing, and which provides an attachment mechanism for holding a mechanism to cool the PCB as it is being processed or tested. The universal support frame includes a base, and a first board support pivotally connected to the base. A pair of support angles are connected at their first ends to the first board support, and are connected at their second ends to a second board support. A variety of PCBs are capable of being held between the first and second board supports since the second board support is adjustable. Furthermore, both sides of a PCB may be accessed since the first board support may be rotated relative to the base. The second board support connects to a bracket for holding a cooling mechanism, such as a fan, that cools the PCB and prevents it from overheating.

Abstract: A protective panel for use in a splitter chassis is described in this disclosure. The protective panel is configured to at least partially cover a splitter card that would otherwise be exposed but for the presence of the panel.

Abstract: A screw-less fixing structure is provided for users to mount the add-on card onto a PC. The screw-less fixing structure comprises a support plate, a rotational pressing plate, a positioning device, and a spring wire. When a user attempts to replace an old add-on card with a new one, he needs only to release the screw-less fixing structure by grasping and pulling the handling portion of the spring wire, replace the old add in card with the new one, and finally tighten the screw-less fixing structure by grasping and pushing the spring wire to reach the tightening state. In the above procedures for replacing the add-on card, the user does not need any additional tool nor screw so that the present invention has the advantages of safe, fast, easy and convenient to use.

Abstract: A module carrier with a plug module (2) can be moved into and out of a rear final position (10) with an insertion and removal grip (5). A spring-actuated lock (112) at the front side (7), which secures the insertion and removal grip in the rear final position, actuates a switching element (11) for an active switching of the plug module after an effective locking position has been reached. A pressing down of the lock (12) effects a passive switching in the locked state before the insertion and removal grip (5) is unlocked after a further displacement distance of the lock and mechanically stores the unlocking in cooperation with lock (112) by means of an engagement surface (120) with the shape of a circular segment, which is held back by a guide surface (21) of the insertion and removal grip (5).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shelf for housing PCPs. A backplane extends across the shelf. A connector module having the OAM&P connectors is electrically connected to the backplane and has two positions. In one position it extends sideways from the shelf with the connectors in a front to rear direction. In the second position, the OAM&P connector module is substantially flush with the side of the shelf.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a shelf module is provided that is adapted to store a plurality of substrate carriers. The shelf module includes (1) a plate; and (2) a plurality of shelves attached to the plate at respective elevations, each of the shelves being adapted to store a respective substrate carrier. Also provided are (1) an upper attachment mechanism adapted to attach an upper portion of the plate to a frame of a storage location; and (2) a lower attachment mechanism adapted to attach a lower portion of the plate to the frame of the storage location. At least one of the upper attachment mechanism and the lower attachment mechanism is adjustable so as to allow the plurality of shelves attached to the plate to be aligned to a reference as a unit. Other aspects are provided, as are systems and methods.

Abstract: A printed circuit card carrier permits exchange of a card during continuous operation of electronic equipment, and thus without the need to remove an upper part of the enclosure to gain access to the card for upward removal from a motherboard connector. The carrier includes a movable printed circuit card holder that slides along the carrier, perpendicularly towards and away from the motherboard. An actuator accessible from outside the equipment and the holder are coupled together such that motion of the actuator is directed into perpendicular sliding motion of the holder. This either removes the printed circuit card from the motherboard connector or installs it into connector, depending on the direction of motion of the actuator. The carrier is particularly adapted for cards meeting the PCI standard.

Abstract: A circuit board having at least one resilient leg with a catch constructed to releasably engage a shoulder of a body to releasably retain the circuit board in the body. The circuit board may be slidably inserted into a slot of the body until the catch engages the shoulder to securely and releasably retain the circuit board within the body. Desirably, the circuit board has an outwardly extending shoulder at the end of the leg opposite the catch to limit the extent of insertion of the circuit board into the body so that the catch remains generally adjacent to the shoulder. This eliminates the play or looseness in the connection between the circuit board and body by preventing the circuit board from being significantly advanced beyond the point wherein the catch engages the shoulder.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a chassis, and a first mating component disposed inside of the chassis. A second mating component is provided. The first mating component is removably connected to the second mating component. A sliding tab is connected to the chassis and is slidable in a linear direction from a first position to a second position. When the sliding tab is in the first position, the first mating component is free to be removed from the second mating component. When the sliding tab is in the second position, the first mating component is secured to the second mating component to prevent the removal of the first mating component from the second mating component.

Abstract: An EMC sealed joint is used within electronic equipment to provide compliance with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards. In one example, EMC sealed joints are used with faceplates mounted to printed wiring boards stacked side by side in an electronic equipment rack, for example, to seal the adjacent faceplates against one another and to seal the faceplates to the shelf edge portions in the rack. One type of EMC sealed joint is formed by a concave groove in a side portion of the faceplate, which receives an EMC gasket located on an adjacent faceplate. Another type of EMC sealed joint is formed by protrusions on a back surface of the front portion of the faceplate, which engage a flat surface on a shelf edge portion in the electronic equipment rack.

Abstract: A card holder for securing expansion cards (10) includes a rear panel (20) of enclosure and a locating plate (40). A shield (22) is perpendicularly stamped from the rear panel. A screw hole (28) is defined in the shield. Expansion slots (25) are defined in the rear panel at a side of the shield, for receiving slot covers (12) of the expansion cards. The locating plate includes a pressing portion (42) and a securing portion (44). The securing portion is attached to the rear panel at an opposite side of the shield. A through hole (47) is defined in the pressing portion corresponding to the screw hole of the shield, for insertion of a screw (50) therethrough. The pressing portion cooperates with the shield to sandwich heads (14) of the expansion cards therebetween. The expansion cards are thereby secured to the rear panel by the card holder.

Abstract: A module rack has on its front at least one upper and one lower crossrail and at least one left and one right vertical corner profile strip. A vertical mounting groove is formed in at least one vertical corner profile strip. The vertical mounting groove faces away from the front of the module rack. Additional fastening capabilities may be provided on the front of the module rack. These additional fastening capabilities are used for external add-on parts such as a covering box, a handle, and cover panels. The module rack may be used for e.g., plug-in modules having electric circuits and components mounted on a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A mechanism for reducing vibratory motion applied to a card cage mounted in a rack is disclosed. The cage accommodates a plurality of printed circuit boards arranged in parallel at regular intervals. The mechanism comprises dampers provided between the rack and the card cage. Each of the dampers is responsive to external vibrations applied to the rack in a transverse direction relative to a direction along which the plurality of printed circuit boards are arranged, and changes damping characteristics thereof in two stages depending on strengths and frequencies of the external vibrations.