Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises one or more adhesives that serve to provide at least primary attachment of a heat sink with one or more electrical components coupled with a circuit board.

Abstract: A heat sink attachment clip for attaching a heat sink assembly to a frame, the heat sink attachment clip includes a pair of attachment brackets. Each attachment bracket has one or more attachment legs and each attachment leg has a clip attachment means for engagement with a corresponding frame attachment means. A levered cam is used to bear on heat sink assembly. The levered cam is moveable from a first position in which the levered cam does not press the heat sink assembly against the frame to a second position in which the levered cam the heat sink assembly presses the heat sink assembly against the frame. A a handle connects the levered cams of the two attachment clips so that movement of the handle engages both levered cams simultaneously.

Abstract: A reusable plastic fastener has an elongated shank having two flexible curved flanges secured thereto and a head secured to a central portion of the shank. The flanges are secured at a leading edge to the central portion and curve away to terminate in a trailing edge that is unsupported between a distal end and a base of the central portion. A top edge of each of the flanges is secured to the head of the fastener by a tab. The exterior of the flexible flanges extends outwardly away from the central portion beginning at the distal end of the central portion and is angled back in towards the central portion near the base of the central portion so as to form a shoulder between the flexible flanges and the head of the fastener. The central portion of the shank has at least one cored-out section.

Abstract: A heatsink mounting unit prevents a heatsink cooling an electronic device mounted on a printed circuit board from a breakaway. The heatsink mounting unit includes a flat spring having a first end part formed with a combining arm combined to the printed circuit board by a fastening device and a second end part having a hook. The flat spring elastically presses the heatsink against the printed circuit board. The heatsink mounting unit also includes a hook holding member combined to the printed circuit board and having a hook hole to which the hook is hooked. Thus, the present invention provides a heatsink mounting unit which is easily mounted and effectively prevents a heatsink from a breakaway.

Abstract: A heat sink assembly includes a heat sink (30), a retention frame (10), a rectangular fastener (50), four pins (20), and four springs (40). The heat sink includes a base (32) defining four bores (38) therein. The frame is secured to a printed circuit board (60) around an electronic package (70), and defines a pair of screw holes (16). The pins are received through the bores of the base and in the fastener. The springs surround the pins respectively between the base and the fastener. A pair of posts (90) is extended through positioning holes defined in the fastener and the through holes of the heat sink, and engaged in the screw holes of the frame, thereby securing the fastener to the retention frame with the spring members pressing toward the base. The heat sink is thus easily, firmly and evenly secured to the electronic package.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for secure attachment of a heat sink to its respective retention clip as well as attachment to an electronic device are presented. One embodiment of a retention clip retention apparatus consists of a protruding hip depending from a side of a heat sink protrusion adapted to capture the retention clip between the hip and the heat sink body. One embodiment of a method for forming the hip consists of using a tool to deform the heat sink protrusion. One embodiment of heat sink lateral retention apparatus consists of one or more split bobbins adapted to attach to the retention clip to prevent lateral motion of the heat sink with respect to the clip.

Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion (22) with a pair of top flanges (24), a pair of fastening fingers (26) and a pair of abutting coupling flanges (28). Each of the fastening fingers (26) are coupled to the body portion (22) that is coupled to an associated top flange (24). Each of the abutting flanges (26) has a concave surface, which engages the mounting structure. The fastening finger (26) portions are configured to engage a first side of a mounting flange on an interior trim component.

Abstract: A fixing tool fixes and supports an electronic component on a board, and includes a fixing portion to be mounted on the board. The fixing portion has a post, an engaging piece formed at a distal end of the post and extending in a direction perpendicular to a projecting direction of the post, a wing piece extending from a proximal end of the post in two outward directions perpendicular to the projecting direction of the post, and an engaging projecting portion formed to project at a distal end portion of the wing piece. The engaging piece is inserted in a mounting hole formed in the board and abuts against a lower surface of the board when being rotated along an upper surface of the board. The wing piece abuts against the upper surface of the board to clamp the board together with the engaging piece. The engaging projecting portion is fitted in the mounting hole, when being located at a rotational position, to lock rotation of the fixing portion.

Abstract: A heat sink clip comprises a connecting member (12), two pressing members (14) connecting to the connection member, each of the pressing members comprising a pressing portion (141) and two spring portions (142, 143) extending from opposite ends of the pressing portion, a first locking portion (144) depending from one of the spring portions of each pressing member, two operating members (16) each having spaced first and second pivot means, the second pivot means being below the first pivot means, the operating members respectively pivotably connected to the other one of the spring portions, and two second locking portions (18) respectively pivotably connected to the operating members. When the operating members are rotated downwardly, the first and second locking portions are raised, adapted for engaging with a retention frame and securing a heat sink to an electronic package.

Abstract: A heat sink clip (1) includes a main body (50), an operating part (30) movably received in the main body, and a pressing cam (70) pivotably attached to the main body. The main body includes a central portion (52), and two hooks (54) depending from opposite ends of the central portion. The operating part includes a driving portion (34) and a handle (32). A plurality of first teeth (346) is formed in the driving portion. The pressing cam includes a plurality of second teeth (74) that mesh with the first teeth. When the handle is slid, the first teeth drive the second teeth to rotate. The pressing cam accordingly rotates until it is forced against a top surface (3a) of a heat sink (3). The main body is thus resiliently displaced upwardly, causing the hooks to be firmly engaged with a socket (5) on which the CPU is mounted.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus (30) for pressing a heat sink (70) against an electronic device (20) positioned in a retention module (62), includes two pressing members (32) and a fastener (52). An elongate slot (34) is defined in a center of each pressing member. Two spring fingers (36) extend inwardly and downwardly from the pressing member at opposite ends of the slot respectively. An engaging portion (42) is formed at an end of the pressing member. A locking leg (47) depends from an opposite end of the pressing member. Two engaging slots (54) are defined in opposite ends of the fastener for receiving the engaging portion of the pressing member. Two locking legs (56) depend from opposite ends of the fastener respectively. A hook (48, 57) is defined at a distal end of each locking leg.

Abstract: A closure for an opening through a partition includes a flange having first and second surfaces and a first extension on a first edge, the flange having a perimeter greater than the opening perimeter. A barrier protrudes from the first surface of the flange and is surrounded by a wall having an outside surface perimeter approximating the opening perimeter. A spring member has a proximal end coupled to a second edge of the barrier and a distal end overlying a portion of the flange first surface including the first extension. The spring distal end has a contact portion confronting the first extension and a knob for manipulating the closure toward the opening.

Abstract: A system assembly for the retention of heatsinks, in particular, high-mass heatsinks, is disclosed. The system assembly includes a backplate with standoffs extending transverse to a system board, for securing a heatsink to the system board. The standoffs effectively distribute the mass of the heatsink away from the system board, the processor, and socket, minimizing damage to these components. A TIM spring disposed within the backplate provides upward pressure to the system assembly to uniformly spread a thermal interface material between the processor and the heatsink, thereby facilitating effective heat transfer.

Abstract: A heat sink assembly includes a heat sink (30), a processing unit (70), a socket (40) and a clip (1). The processing unit is mounted on the socket. Two catches (42) are provided at opposite sides of the socket. The clip includes a operating member (10) and a pressing member (20). The operating member includes a main body (14) and a handle (12). Two resilient portions (142) are formed from opposite sides of the main body. A first latching leg (146) with a fixing hole (144) extends downwardly from the main body. The pressing member includes two opposite pressing portions (24), and opposite first and second beams (22,26). A second latching leg (224) with a fixing hole (222) extends downwardly from the first beam. Two cutouts (262) are defined at a side of the pressing member, the resilient portions snappingly engaging with the pressing member in the cutouts.

Abstract: A self-contained assembled fastener (11) includes a retainer (15), a through-pin (24) assembled to an over-molded knob (13), a rubber sleeve (17), and an end cap (19). The retainer (15) includes a radially disposed upward-facing cam ramp (26) that cooperates with a like cam ramp (29) on the knob (13) affixed to the pin (24). To secure two panels (12, 14) the retainer base is first fastened to a first panel preferably by clinch-type attachment (16) with the center pin extending through the retainer and through the two panels to be attached to the opposite side of the second panel. The rubber sleeve (17) is slidably fitted around the end of the pin (24) and is retained axially by an end cap (19). When the pin is turned, the cam-action between the pin ramp and the retainer ramp withdraws the pin axially upward from the retainer compressing the rubber sleeve and causing it to bulge against the backside of the second panel.

Abstract: Assemblies comprising a fastener, which has engagement springs in opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an engagement region comprising a hindrance portion, which increases considerably the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio in the absence of the hindrance portion, thus permitting very easy insertion with considerably more difficult removal of the fastener from the slot of a panel, which provides an efficient ergonomically balanced removal to insertion force ratio. The hindrance portion comprises ripples or other hindrance elements of unexpectedly minute dimensions for providing this efficient ergonomic force balance.

Abstract: A fastening device on a plastic attachment for a motor vehicle, especially on a bumper, with a receptacle formed in one piece on the attachment for a part to be fastened to the attachment by means of snap fastening, which, like the receptacle, has no resiliently deformable snap fastening element, and a plug-in element having resiliently deformable snap fastening elements for position-setting snap fastening on the one hand to the part to be fastened and on the other hand to the socket on the attachment, is to be made susceptible of rational and simple manufacture. For this purpose such a fastening device provides for the engagement of at least one of the snap fastening means of the plug-in element, the receiver of the attachment has substantially oppositely lying arms of limited circumference with at least one opening each with respect to the direction of insertion of the plug-in element for the achievement of the position-fixing snap fastening in question.

Abstract: A Spring fastener with critical configuration of the barbs, which allow the extraction of the fastener without destruction of the slot and/or the fastener. This critical configuration of the barbs allows spring fasteners to be used in slots of various widths and prevents rattling, which would take place in the case of spring fasteners of the present state of the art. The critical configuration is based on the special dimensions and special shape of the barbs with regard to the parts and the slots involved in assemblies of the spring fasteners and the parts. Assemblies of miscellaneous parts connected together by means of such spring fasteners, as well as vehicles comprising such assemblies may be made.

Abstract: A snap fit mechanism has an elastic tongue provided on a base of the mechanism. On the tip of the tongue is provided an engaging claw that has an engaging inclined face. A far end of the engaging inclined face from the base is arranged so as to be located between the outside face of the elastic tongue and the centerline C in a longitudinal direction of the elastic tongue. Further, on the tip of the elastic tongue is provided an engagement-maintaining inclined face which gives an outward load to the elastic tongue on receiving an accidental load thereon so as to reduce the inward elastic deformation of the elastic tongue, thereby preventing the accidental release of the engagement of the tongue.

Abstract: A chip package is provided with multiple ways of attaching a heat sink directly to the chip carrier. Corner post are mounted to the surface of the chip carrier. A heat spreading plate, with a surface area substantially the same size as the surface area of the chip carrier, is positioned in thermal contact with the surface of a flip chip, for example. The heat spreading plate has corner cuts to accommodate the corner posts of the chip carrier and notches cut into at least two opposing sides. A heat sink plate with holes extending therethrough at each of its four corners is positioned to allow the corner posts of said chip carrier to extend therethrough. Notches cut in two opposing sides of said heat sink plate are aligned with the notches in said heat spreading plate to create slots for a flexible clip to clamp the assembly together. Alternatively, nuts may also be threaded onto the posts to clamp the assembly together.

Abstract: A retaining apparatus is formed with a retaining arm and a retainer clip. The retaining arm is formed combining two joint arms. After combining the two joint arms, those joint arms still have a specific action space. The retainer clip is combined with the retaining arm.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat-dissipating assembly and a securing device used therein, which utilizes a way of securing by applying force in one direction to prevent the surface of a chip from being damaged. The securing device includes a frame body having a plurality of first fasteners fastened to a socket by the first fasteners; and a wrenching member pivotally coupled to the frame body, wherein after applying an external force on the wrenching member in one direction, the heat-dissipating device can be fixed tightly on the socket.

Abstract: A fastening device for connecting an attached component to a printed circuit board (PCB) has an elongated body, an operating member and a resilient member. The elongated body penetrates through the attached component and the PCB, and has a reducing section disposed at a lower half thereof and a protruding portion positioned on a free end thereof. The operating member eccentrically pivots to the elongated body, and has an eccentric body and a pressing arm outwardly extending from the eccentric body. The resilient member sleeves on an upper half of the elongated body. The resilient member has a clipping portion disposed at an end thereof and tightly contacting the reducing section. The protruding portion is consequently uplifted to force the clipping portion horizontally supporting a bottom of the PCB while the pressing arm is pushed downwardly, such that the attached component is connected to the PCB.

Abstract: A fastening frame of the invention includes a fastener comprised of a transversal connecting arm that connects two attachment parts at two opposite sides. The transversal connecting arm has a thickness that is smaller than the space between the fins, and an edge that is parallel to the base of the heat slug. The fastening frame is thereby mounted in a manner that the transversal connecting arm inserts in a space between two fins with the attachment parts attached to the positioning socle. The transversal connecting arm is further downwardly connected to a pressing part that presses the base of the heat slug in tight abutment against the microprocessor.

Abstract: A heat sink clip (10) is shaped from a single piece of metal wire. Opposite ends of the metal wire are bent to form a generally twin strand structure that is the clip. The clip includes a central pressing portion (12), two resilient connecting portions (18) extending outwardly and upwardly from the pressing portion, and two arms (14) depending from distal ends of the connecting portions. The pressing portion has four contact points at a bottom thereof, for pressing a heat sink (20) onto a CPU (30). A pair of hooks (16, 16′) is inwardly formed from distal ends of the arms respectively, for engaging with a pair of retaining ears (42) at opposite sides of a CPU socket (40). The contact points of the pressing portion enable the heat sink to be securely fastened to the CPU mounted on the CPU socket.

Abstract: A high-strength mounting structure is used for attaching a resin article to a body panel. The resin molded article has an elongated main body and a pair of mount ribs formed in several spots intermittently in a longitudinal direction. A protrusion is provided at a distal end of each of the mount ribs. A clip has latch claws for engaging the protrusions of the mount ribs, and a slip-proof lug is located opposite to each latch claw to resist release the latch claws from the protrusions. In addition, the clip has an engagement section engaged with a body panel at a side facing the body panel.

Abstract: A heat dissipation assembly for dissipating heat from a CPU (60) mounted to a PCB (70) includes a heat sink (40), two wire clips (30), a fixing frame (20) secured to the heat sink, and a fan (10) attached to the fixing frame. Two grooves (402) are defined in the heat sink. Each clip has a central portion (302) received in a corresponding groove, and two arms (304) extending from the central portion. A hook (306) is formed at an end of each arm. An offset part is formed at the central portion, for limiting rotation of the clip in the groove. The fixing frame includes a top wall (212) and two side walls (202). Two cutouts (206) are defined in each side wall, corresponding to the grooves of the heat sink. Opposite ends of the central portion of each clip protrude out through corresponding cutouts of the fixing frame.

Abstract: A clip is disclosed which is capable of applying significant retention force via a rotatable cam arm while being easily removable due to the cam arm and a separate removal arm. A method of using the clip is also disclosed which uses the advantages of the clip, particularly in the context of computer design and construction.

Abstract: A grommet is mounted on a panel of an automobile. The grommet includes a tubular body, a fitting portion, a flange portion, projected portions, and a lip. A wire harness is passed through the grommet body. The fitting portion is formed at an end of the grommet body, and is fitted in a hole in the panel. The flange portion includes a pair of straight portions, and a pair of arcuate portions. The pair of straight portions are spaced from each other in parallel. The pair of arcuate portions interconnect the pair of straight portions. The projected portions project outwardly from the straight portions, respectively. The lip is formed at an outer peripheral edge portion of the flange portion, and when the fitting portion is fitted in the hole, the lip is held in contact with the panel.

Abstract: A hook for a mail bag, the hook including a planar attachment portion for attachment to a mail bag, the attachment portion defining a longitudinal axis; a planar supporting portion extending from the attachment portion in the direction of the longitudinal axis and which is planar with the attachment portion, the supporting portion defining an aperture therethrough; and a retaining portion which extends in the plane of the supporting portion and which partially occludes the aperture of the supporting portion, the retaining portion being resiliently deformable out of the plane of the supporting portion.

Abstract: A clip (10) for securing a heat sink (20) to an electronic chip (40) mounted on a socket (30) includes a substantially V-shaped body (11), first and a second legs (14,15) depending from respective opposite ends of the body, and a handle (17) formed at the second leg for facilitating manual operation. The body has a horizontal pressing section (12). Each leg defines a first opening (16) for engagingly receiving a respective projection (32) of the socket. The handle is integrally formed by cutting and bending material from the body and the second leg, and comprises a generally V-shaped body (171) and an operating section (172). The operating section projects out from second leg. Pressing the handle enables the second leg to be resiliently engaged with the corresponding projection of the socket.

Abstract: A fastener for installing a radiator on a radiator seat is disclosed. The fastener has a strip having a central portion curved downwards from two ends thereof. A first attaching portion is formed at a first end of the strip. The first attaching portion has a first hook formed at a bottom thereof. A second attaching portion is formed at a second end of the strip. The second attaching portion has a second hook formed at a bottom thereof and a tab formed on a top of thereof.

Abstract: By inserting at least one cable connecting two or more electronic devices (communication, audio, display, input/output, or other) into a clip that joins the cable(s) to a log detailing the cable's connections, subsequent maintenance of and changes to that connection are made simpler and more efficient. The preferred approach inserts one end of each connecting cable into a clip having a socket for a detachable log; a second approach connects the clip to an already-attached cable. The detachable log keeps the functional information concerning each cable, and its connections, held by said clip, including the physical characteristics, functional purpose, and details of the other end(s) attachment(s) and target(s). Another function of said clip permits more stable and easily-handled insertion or removal of one or more cable(s) from the device to which it is or they are attached.

Abstract: The present invention is a self locking provided with many apertures mounted onto a removable clip member provided with connecting members, which allows by the use of a tool adapted to this one to engage and block the removable clip member onto a locking pin.

Abstract: A retention device (6) includes a main frame (60), a front and a rear foldable plates (61, 62) assembled to the main frame, a spring clip (65) and an actuating lever (66). The main frame is arranged for surrounding a package upon a socket (not shown). The spring clip is pivotably assembled to the rear foldable plate. The actuating lever is pivotably assembled to the front foldable plate. The actuating lever is rotated to lock the spring clip thereby the spring clip retaining a heat sink module (5) upon the package and the socket.

Abstract: A self-contained assembled fastener (11) includes a retainer (15), a through-pin (24) assembled to an over-molded knob (13), a rubber sleeve (17), and an end cap (19). The retainer (15) includes a radially disposed upward-facing cam ramp (26) that cooperates with a like cam ramp (29) on the knob (13) affixed to the pin (24). To secure two panels (12, 14) the retainer base is first fastened to a first panel preferably by clinch-type attachment (16) with the center pin extending through the retainer and through the two panels to be attached to the opposite side of the second panel. The rubber sleeve (17) is slidably fitted around the end of the pin (24) and is retained axially by an end cap (19). When the pin is turned, the cam-action between the pin ramp and the retainer ramp withdraws the pin axially upward from the retainer compressing the rubber sleeve and causing it to bulge against the backside of the second panel.

Abstract: A retaining device includes a retention frame (20), a back plate (40), a clip (10) and a wire arm (30). The retention frame forms a pair of protrusions (24, 25) at respective opposite sides thereof and an ear (26) at one of said sides of the retention frame. A pair of posts (44) extends from the back plate and further protrudes from the protrusions. The clip comprises a pressing lever (12) and a pair of legs (14, 16) depending from the lever. A pair of hooks (142, 162) is inwardly formed from the legs for engaging with the posts. The wire arm comprises a locating portion (34) positioned on the retention frame, a pressing portion (32) resting on the clip and an operating portion (36) clamped under the ear of the retention frame. The locating portion and the operating portion extend in opposite directions from the pressing portion.

Abstract: A mounting system for an integrated circuit employs a novel load cell having a backing plate, a bow spring and a load distribution plate. The load cell controls the loading forces on contacts of an integrated circuit socket. A heat sink having a base includes a pedestal extending from the base that abuts the integrated circuit for purposes of heat removal. Springs are employed to provide loading forces for the heat sink that are lower than the loading forces for the integrated circuit socket contacts.

Abstract: A heat sink extends beyond the outer boundaries of a component cooled by the heat sink. In one embodiment, the heat sink may have a cutout shaped and located so that a protruding portion of a clip can extend through the cutout from one surface of the heat sink and mechanically fasten the component to another surface of the heat sink. There may be more than one cutout. Heat transfer values can be optimized by adjusting the number and the location of the cutouts and the size of the heat sink relative to the component and the fastening mechanism (e.g., a clip). In another embodiment, the clip that extends through the cutout holds the heat sink against a motherboard, pressing against a component located between the heat sink and the motherboard.

Abstract: A mounting a heat sink (60) in a mounting frame (80) includes two clips (20) and an operating body (40). Each clip has a central portion (22) and two arms (24) depending from opposite ends of the central portion respectively. Two hooks (28) extend inwardly from a distal end of each arm. The operating body includes a main beam (42), two pressing tabs (44) formed from upper edges of opposite ends of the main beam respectively, and two ears (48) extending coplanarly outwardly from bottom portions of the opposite ends of the main beam respectively. When the pressing tabs are depressed, they drive adjacent arms of the clips to move downwardly until the hooks of said adjacent arms are snappingly engaged in corresponding retaining holes of the mounting frame. Thus the clips press the heat sink to firmly contact an electronic package within the mounting frame.

Abstract: A heat sink assembly includes a back plate (10), a clip (20) and a heat sink (50). The back plate is attached below a motherboard (60) on which a CPU (63) is mounted. The heat sink is attached on the CPU. Two posts (13) of the back plate extend through the motherboard and the heat sink. The heat sink includes a base (51) and fins (55). A longitudinal channel (57) is transversely defined through the fins. The base defines a recess (53) under the channel fittingly receiving an annular disc (58) therein. The clip includes a pressing portion (22) received in the channel, and two locking portions (29) engaging with the corresponding posts. A bolt (40) is screwed through the pressing portion to abut against the disc. By adjusting a depth to which the bolt is screwed, the clip can provide adjustable pressure acting on the heat sink.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spring fastener, which comprises engagement springs in opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an engagement region comprising a hindrance portion, which increases considerably the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio in the absence of the hindrance portion, thus permitting very easy insertion with considerably more difficult removal of the fastener from the slot of a panel, which provides an efficient ergonomically balanced removal to insertion force ratio. The hindrance portion comprises ripples or other hindrance elements of unexpectedly minute dimensions for providing this efficient ergonomic force balance.

Abstract: A clip is disclosed which is capable of applying significant retention force via a rotatable cam arm while being easily removable due to the cam arm and a separate removal arm. A method of using the clip is also disclosed which uses the advantages of the clip, particularly in the context of computer design and construction.

Abstract: A panel fastener forming a blind connection between a primary and secondary panel is herein disclosed. The panel fastener is constructed and arranged to be preassembled with an attachment structure extending from an undersurface of the primary panel. The head of the panel fastener has an alignment detent or detent extending therefrom that engages the attachment structure of the primary panel so as to maintain the panel fastener in a predetermined orientation therewith. The panel fastener has a shank with a retaining mechanism constructed and arranged to be received and retained in a bore formed through a secondary panel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for secure attachment of a heat sink to its respective retention clip as well as attachment to an electronic device are presented. One embodiment of a retention clip retention apparatus consists of a protruding hip depending from a side of a heat sink protrusion adapted to capture the retention clip between the hip and the heat sink body. One embodiment of a method for forming the hip consists of using a tool to deform the heat sink protrusion. One embodiment of heat sink lateral retention apparatus consists of one or more split bobbins adapted to attach to the retention clip to prevent lateral motion of the heat sink with respect to the clip.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a vehicle, e.g., a snowmobile, includes a latch and a base. The latch is resiliently coupled to the base using a resilient member, for example, a ring-shaped member. The latch is movable, e.g., pivotable, between first and second stable positions. In the first stable position, the latch can be inserted through an aperture in the base, and in the second stable position, the latch can be moved or pivoted to secure the base with respect to the latch. The base may be attached to a cover member for an engine compartment of the vehicle. In the second stable position, a tab of the latch engages against a first engageable surface of the base, and portion of the latch opposite the tab includes a second engagement surface that cooperates with a second engageable surface provided on the base.

Abstract: A heat sink apparatus includes a heat sink having a plurality of circuit board component contact portions and a plurality of fin portions extending from the contact portions. The circuit board component contact portions of the heat sink conform to a surface of the circuit board component when coupled to the circuit board component, thereby providing a thermal coupling between the fin portions of the heat sink and the associated circuit board component. The heat sink apparatus also includes a retainer, such as a double buckling beam retainer, that secures the heat sink to the circuit board component. The retainer causes the circuit board component contact portions of the heat sink conform to the surface of the circuit board component, thereby providing thermal contact between the heat sink and circuit board component contact portions and alleviating the need for a base portion associated with the heat sink, as in conventional mechanisms.

Abstract: A clamp includes a locking element (4) and an element (6) for hooking to a support (3). The hooking element (6) is made integral with the locking element and is equipped with first hooking means (14) and second hooking means (16), which are of different types and are located on opposite sides of the hooking element (6). The locking element (4) includes a pair of jaws (18) that are arranged to mate together and are made integral, on either side, with the hooking element, as well as detachable locking means (26, 27, 28) for connecting the jaws (18) together in a working position in which the jaws (18) lie essentially parallel and abut one another.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus (30) for pressing a heat sink (70) against an electronic device (20) positioned in a retention module (62), includes two pressing members (32) and a fastener (52). An elongate slot (34) is defined in a center of each pressing member. Two spring fingers (36) extend inwardly and downwardly from the pressing member at opposite ends of the slot respectively. An engaging portion (42) is formed at an end of the pressing member. A locking leg (47) depends from an opposite end of the pressing member. Two engaging slots (54) are defined in opposite ends of the fastener for receiving the engaging portion of the pressing member. Two locking legs (56) depend from opposite ends of the fastener respectively. A hook (48, 57) is defined at a distal end of each locking leg.

Abstract: A heat sink assembly comprises a heat sink and a retainer clip for attachment to an electronic package or semiconductor device so as to dissipate heat from such device. The heat sink may comprise a flat base with a plurality of upwardly extending fins. The fins will define at least one channel. The retainer clip includes two parts. One part is an elongated, resilient, metal strap that has holding means at each end for engaging a semiconductor socket, or a semiconductor module, so as to secure the retainer clip and heat sink to the device or module. The retainer clip also includes a cam-type latch which is pivotally positioned in the middle of the elongated strap and includes an arm and a cam. The cam has a bearing surface which is spaced from the axis of the elongated member a distance greater than the distance between the elongated member and the upper surface of the heat sink base when in the initially assembled position.