With Retractable Or Readily Detachable Chassis Patents (Class 361/725)
  • Publication number: 20040008493
    Abstract: A mounting mechanism for mounting a enclosure-mountable device to an equipment enclosure having a plurality of vertical mounting rails disposed so as to define an equipment storage region is disclosed. The mounting mechanism includes a first portion configured to be attached to the enclosure-mountable device, and a second portion configured to be attached to one or more of the vertical mounting rails. The first and second portions are configured such that the enclosure-mountable device may be disposed in a first position outside the equipment storage region and a second position outside the equipment storage region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Shane R. Robbins, David Turner
  • Patent number: 6678161
    Abstract: An electronic system includes electronic circuitry having a first portion and a second portion, and an electronic cabinet assembly that houses the electronic circuitry. The electronic cabinet assembly includes a first cabinet that houses the first portion of the electronic circuitry and a second cabinet that houses the second portion of the electronic circuitry. The first cabinet includes a first frame and a first set of exterior members that mounts to the first frame. Similarly, the second cabinet including a second frame and a second set of exterior members that mounts to the second frame. The electronic cabinet assembly further includes a set of connecting members that connects to (i) the first frame of the first cabinet and (ii) the second frame of the second cabinet to hold the first frame and the second frame side-by-side and rigidly in place relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Claprood, F. William French
  • Patent number: 6671179
    Abstract: A computer enclosure (1) includes a frame (10) and a front bezel (20). The frame has a bottom plate (30), and a front plate (40) extending perpendicularly from the bottom plate. A top flange (46) is bent perpendicularly inwardly from the front plate. A pair of spaced tabs (50) is bent perpendicularly inwardly from the top flange. A front portion of the bottom plate inwardly forms a pair of spaced protrusions (32). A plurality of guiding openings (41, 45) is defined in the front plate. The bezel includes a plurality of resilient arms (21, 25) extending through the guiding openings of the front plate. A hole (22, 27) is defined in each resilient arm, the hole engagingly receiving a respective one of the tabs or protrusions. The bezel is thereby securely mounted to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 6667887
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a component in a computer system includes a housing having a component bay including a first and a second positioning device in a first sequence. A component for the bay includes a first and a second positioning device in a second sequence, which is inverse to the first sequence. In this manner, when the component is inserted into the bay, the second positioning device of the bay engages the first positioning device of the component and, simultaneously, the first positioning device of the bay engages the second positioning device of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Vibora Sim, Ty R. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6665178
    Abstract: A computer chassis includes a base portion formed of a metal chassis and a cosmetic cover. A top portion of the chassis is formed of a metal chassis and a cosmetic cover. A plurality of first computer components are mounted in the base portion. A plurality of second computer components are mounted in the top portion. A pivotal connection is provided between the top portion and the base portion. The top portion is pivotable about 90° relative to the base portion to an open position immediately exposing all of the first and second computer components for access, without removing any of the cosmetic covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: James D. Curlee, Andrew W. Moore
  • Patent number: 6665179
    Abstract: A blade server module for simultaneously installing a plurality layers of small servers in a front and rear array fashion to form a supercomputer for processing a large amount of data mainly includes a casing which have holding units divided to form retrieval spaces for housing the small servers, a radiator located in the casing and an outer lid located on the upper side of the casing. The server module may house and couple a plurality of small servers to form a supercomputer for processing a large amount of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Shin Jiuh Corp.
    Inventor: Chin-Wen Chou
  • Publication number: 20030227752
    Abstract: An electronics assembly comprises:
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: Andrew John Yair, John David Schnabel, Sean Conor Wrycraft
  • Publication number: 20030227753
    Abstract: A rack for an electronics assembly comprises:
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Sean Conor Wrycraft
  • Patent number: 6657867
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system that enables an add-in card to be removed from a densely packaged server while the server is operating. A hinged door, integral to the side of the server chassis, opens to allow access to the add-in card slots. A specially designed server chassis with a reduced height rail allows the door opening to be large enough to allow access to multiple add-in cards. The horizontally oriented add-in cards are mounted in a receiving cage that plugs into and is releasably attached to the server board. Thus, by opening the door in the side of the server chassis, individual cards can be installed or removed. If the cards are hot-pluggable, they can be installed or removed while the server is running. Additionally, the entire stack of cards can be removed from the system board as a unit without tools or loose hardware. Both of these features provide advantages that increase the efficiency of servicing and maintaining a densely packaged server unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP.
    Inventor: Kelly K. Smith
  • Patent number: 6657868
    Abstract: An electronic device mount assembly is disclosed for permitting an electronic device to be mounted within an enclosure. In one embodiment, the electronic device mount assembly includes a pair of braces operable to be secured to opposing sides of an electronic device mount assembly. Each of the braces having at least one fastener mounted thereon. A base member is also disclosed that includes raised connection assemblies operable to receive the fasteners of the first pair of braces, for securing the electronic device to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: 3PARdata, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene Yan Ki Hsue
  • Patent number: 6653802
    Abstract: A standard electronics rack-mounted dimming control system includes a chassis having spaces for power modules and a control module which can be inserted into and removed from the chassis without removing the chassis from the rack. Control electronics for generating drive signals for power control devices in the power modules are consolidated in the control module, thereby reducing the per-channel cost of the power modules an protecting the control electronics from heat generating power devices in the power modules. A power module includes an integral chassis and heatsink which forms the top, bottom and side walls of the module. The integral chassis and heatsink includes fins running the length of the module so that cooling air can flow through grooves between the fins when two modules are arranged side by side in the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence Leroy Nelson, Richard Alan Leinen
  • Publication number: 20030216084
    Abstract: The present invention provides a U-seam for coupling a panel to an electronics bay. The U-seam includes a top element, a side element, and a base element coupled to the top element through the side element, wherein the top element and the base element are spaced apart to form a gap therebetween, and wherein the gap is adapted to receive a portion of a first panel and to reduce the amount of electromagnetic interference passing between the portion of the first panel and the top, the side, and the base elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Gary Rumney
  • Publication number: 20030210529
    Abstract: A computer enclosure (1) includes a frame (10) and a front bezel (20). The frame has a bottom plate (30), and a front plate (40) extending perpendicularly from the bottom plate. A top flange (46) is bent perpendicularly inwardly from the front plate. A pair of spaced tabs (50) is bent perpendicularly inwardly from the top flange. A front portion of the bottom plate inwardly forms a pair of spaced protrusions (32). A plurality of guiding openings (41, 45) is defined in the front plate. The bezel includes a plurality of resilient arms (21, 25) extending through the guiding openings of the front plate. A hole (22, 27) is defined in each resilient arm, the hole engagingly receiving a respective one of the tabs or protrusions. The bezel is thereby securely mounted to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Yun-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 6646872
    Abstract: A data storage device mounting apparatus includes: a front panel (20) defining two openings (21, 22); two drive brackets (30, 40) each comprising a top panel (32), a bottom panel (31, 41), and a side panel (33, 43); and a cover (60). Hollow protrusions (24) are inwardly arranged at one side of the openings. Flanges (38, 48) defining catch openings (382, 482) and slits (386, 486) depend from the top and bottom panels. The cover includes two vertical plates (62, 63) each having a bent plate (64). Each bent plate includes tabs (644). Hooks (66) and resilient clasps (68) are inwardly formed from the vertical plates. After the drive brackets are attached to the front panel at the openings, the tabs engage in the hollow protrusions, and the hooks and the resilient clasps are respectively engagingly received in the slits and the catch openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun-Lung Chen
  • Publication number: 20030206402
    Abstract: Systems for mounting data storage devices to a chassises are provided. A representative system includes a filler carrier that incorporates a bezel. The bezel including a first snap configured to move between a latched position and an unlatched position. In the latched position, the snap facilitates secure mounting of the filler carrier to a chassis by forming an interference fit with the chassis. In the unlatched position, the snap facilitates removal of the filler carrier from the chassis. The bezel of the filler carrier can be formed as a monolithic structure. Other systems and devices also are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Brian S. Tsuyuki, Pete Capano, Darrel W. Poulter, Herbert J. Tanzer
  • Publication number: 20030193781
    Abstract: A computer system mountable in a support structure includes a primary system structure and a cover. The cover is mountable to the support structure and adapted to receive and support the primary system structure therein. The primary system structure includes a circuit board having at least one electronic device disposed thereon and at least one primary connector coupled thereto. The cover includes at least one reverse primary connector adapted to mate with the at least one primary connector and at least one system connector adapted to mate with at least one cable attachable to the computer system. The primary system structure and cover are adapted to enable translation of the primary system structure with respect to the cover when inserted therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Robert F. Mori
  • Patent number: 6628513
    Abstract: A system is provided that may be used to mount mass storage devices so that they may be used in a mass storage system. The mass storage devices may include respective disk storage devices. Each of the disk storage devices may have a respective form factor that may be a respective one of two possible form factors (e.g., low profile or half-height form factor).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Gallagher, Jeffrey Teachout, Thomas Linnell, Bernard Warnakulasooriya
  • Patent number: 6628516
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for preventing disengagement of electrical connectors in the assembly of computers. In one embodiment, a computer system includes a chassis, an electrical component contained within the chassis, an electrical connector engaged with a receptacle on the electrical component, and a retainer to prevent disengagement of the electrical connector from the receptacle. The retainer has a mounting portion that can attach to at least one of the electrical component or the computer chassis, and a connector interface adjacent to the electrical connector to prevent the connector from disengaging from the receptacle on the electrical component. In one aspect of this embodiment, the retainer is a one-piece retainer with a mounting portion that attaches to only one surface of the electrical component. In other embodiments, the retainer can be a two-piece retainer having a bracket and a movable retainer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig L. Boe
  • Patent number: 6618260
    Abstract: An expansion enclosure allows additional expansion cards to be used with a computer system. The enclosure exhibits a small footprint (e.g., one rack unit, or 1¾ inches) for installation in a rack or other area in which space is limited. The enclosure accepts one or more (e.g., four) expansion cards, which are connected to a removable expansion card cage. The removable cage forms part of the structure of the enclosure and provides strength and rigidity. A stabilizer may be removably but securely installed in the enclosure to stabilize or hold the removable cage as a card is installed in or removed from the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford B. Willis, Vincent P. Hileman
  • Patent number: 6618244
    Abstract: A hinged disk drive bay for a server. The bay is hinged such that it moves between a stowed position in which the bay is vertical, and a tilted position in which the bay is open. When open, the connections are exposed to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Brad R. Wooden, Lane C. Cobb
  • Patent number: 6614653
    Abstract: An insertion tool of the type for inserting and connecting a disk drive in a system is provided. The disk drive insertion tool including: a carrying board having an insertion end, back end, opposing top and bottom surfaces, and sides; a side drive guide extending from the top surface along a portion of the carrying board from proximate the insertion end substantially parallel to each of the sides; an end drive guide extending from the top surface proximate an end of the side drive guides opposite the insertion end defining a disk drive compartment between the drive guides for removably securing a disk drive therein; and the sides forming side rails having a reduced cross-section extending from the insertion end, the side rails having a cross-section sized to slide through drive bay guides formed in a system cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Adam Ian Armstrong, Peter Ira Newman, Jean Stanley Wojdylo
  • Publication number: 20030161098
    Abstract: A computer enclosure includes a hood (30), a bracket (10) attached to the hood, and a base (60). The bracket includes a connective portion (12), and two frames (14, 16) connected with opposite sides of the connective portion. Two L-shaped openings (18a) and an aperture (20a) are defined in the connective portion. A distal edge of each frame is bent outwardly to form a flange (22). An L-shaped opening (18b) and an aperture (20b) are defined in each flange. Three parallel beams (32a, 32b) are formed from a top plate (31) of the hood. The beams form a plurality of latches (36a, 36b) engagingly received in the openings of the bracket. A plurality of posts (34a, 34b) is formed at the beams, corresponding to the apertures. A plurality of screws (50) extends through the apertures and is threadedly engaged in the posts. The bracket is thereby locked on the hood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Jung-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 6611432
    Abstract: A docketing bracket (10) for rack-mounted computing devices (22). The docking bracket (10) is designed to fit inside one or more shelves of a rack (20). It may contain circuitry that would otherwise be contained in the computing equipment, such as a systems management unit (14) when the computing equipment is a server (22). The bracket (10) has an inner size and shape that generally conforms to the outer sides and back of the computing device (22). It has grooves (31) or other means for holding the computing device (22) while the computing device (22) is installed in the rack (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventor: Roger M Blood
  • Patent number: 6608754
    Abstract: A fixing device is described. The fixing device is for fixing a power supply unit in a computer cover having a first side plate and a second side plate. The first side plate has a square orifice and a guide slot connecting to the square orifice. The fixing device comprises a rotary-tightening-up device. The rotary-tightening-up device, made of plastic, has a first side member and a second side member. The fixing device further comprises plastic hook connected to the rotary-tightening-up device. The plastic hook is guided by the guide slot, thereby rotating the rotary-tightening-up device to mount the power supply unit upon the second side plate of the computer cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Ku-Feng Chen, Yu-Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 6608750
    Abstract: A carrier assembly for a storage device includes a frame for mounting to the storage device, a handle rotatably mounted to the frame, and a light conduit in the handle, said light conduit being adapted to transmit light signals from a first end of the light conduit to a second end of the light conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander F. Cruz, David Youngquist, David R. Knaub
  • Patent number: 6606243
    Abstract: A labor of disconnecting many cables is omitted even when carrying a file basestation with an external storage loaded together with a main body. An information processing unit comprises: a main body having a CPU, a keyboard and a display unit; a file basestation with an external storage, such as an FD·D or a CD-ROM·D, loaded; and a portreplicator with many connectors loaded. Removal of the main body alone from the portreplicator or removal of the main body and the file basestation can omit the labor of disconnecting many cables connected to the portreplicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Kamimaki, Yukihide Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Nakagawa, Koichi Kimura, Hideaki Gemma, Hitoshi Kawaguchi
  • Publication number: 20030147219
    Abstract: A blade server module for simultaneously installing a plurality layers of small servers in a front and rear array fashion to form a supercomputer for processing a large amount of data mainly includes a casing which have holding units divided to form retrieval spaces for housing the small servers, a radiator located in the casing and an outer lid located on the upper side of the casing. The server module may house and couple a plurality of small servers to form a supercomputer for processing a large amount of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Shin Jiuh Corp.
    Inventor: Chin-Wen Chou
  • Patent number: 6603655
    Abstract: A computer chassis includes a media access door mounted on a first surface of the chassis. The door is movable between a closed position and an open position. A first hinge portion connects the door to the chassis and permits the door to move in a rotating motion to a first open position. A second hinge portion connects the door to the chassis and permits the door to move in a translating motion along side a second surface of the chassis adjacent the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Robert D. Hrehor, Jr., Sung H. Kim, Ronald J. Smith, William S. Law
  • Patent number: 6597584
    Abstract: An ejector assembly is provided. The ejector assembly is detachably coupled to a circuit board to allow the circuit board to be locked in a chassis and separated from the chassis. The ejector assembly comprises a base portion and a locking portion. The base portion is rotatably coupled to the circuit board via a connector. The locking portion is capable of locking the circuit board into place when the ejector assembly is moved from a first position to a second position while the circuit board is in the chassis. In an alternative embodiment, the ejector assembly further comprises a holder to hold a number of cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Extreme Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Ray, Alice Meng, Dan Harden, Robert Riccomini, Paul Briel, Richard Schuler, Jay Pochop, Andy Moorwood
  • Patent number: 6594078
    Abstract: A stackable mechanical package for a digitally addressed projector (12N) includes a housing portion (22) having top and rear surfaces (44) that are shaped to form a contoured recess (46), and a pedestal portion (20) having bottom and front surfaces (60) that are sized to mate with the contoured recess when the package is in a shippable configuration. When a top side (50) of the pedestal portion is mated to a bottom side (32) of the housing portion, the stackable package is in a first operational configuration. Alternatively, when the stackable package is stacked below another similar stackable package (12F), the shippable configuration further forms a second operational configuration. The stackable package includes legs (24, 26) attached to and protruding from the pedestal portion to support the package apparatus in the first operational configuration or to fasten together the housing and pedestal portions when the package is in the shippable configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Clarity Visual Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Clifton, Christopher W. L. Brandt
  • Publication number: 20030128524
    Abstract: A mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket (10) having a side panel (14), and a clip (40) attached on the side panel. A pair of through holes (18) is defined in the side panel. The clip includes a press portion (42), and a pair of palms (48) on opposite sides of the press portion. Each palm has barbs (49) extending toward the press portion. When the press portion is inwardly pressed, the clip elastically deforms, the palms move away from each other, and the palms extend through the through holes to be received in corresponding locking holes (32) defined in a corresponding data storage device (30). The barbs firmly engage with the storage device at the locking holes, thereby securing the storage device in the mounting bracket. When the press portion is inwardly pressed again, the storage device is unlocked from the mounting bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: Andrew Cheng of Foxconn International, Inc.
    Inventor: Yun Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 6590151
    Abstract: A mounting system capable of removably mounting an information handling system includes an outer case suitable for mounting to a surface and a component tray suitable for slideable movement in the outer case. A coupling device may also be provided for coupling the component tray to the outer case. The component tray is suitable for being slideable removed from the outer case to obtain access to components contained in the component tray. In an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mounting system includes a locking device. In one embodiment, the locking device prevents removal of the component tray from the outer case. In another embodiment, the locking device prevents removal of a component from a component tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Merk, Sarah J. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6590775
    Abstract: A fastener (40) securing a data storage device (30) to a bracket (10) includes a body (42) and a handle (60). The body includes a base (43) and a head (56) extending from the base. A protrusion (52) is outwardly formed from the base, for engaging with the bracket. A pair of locating pins (46) extends away from a bottom portion of the body, for engaging with the data storage device. The head defines a latch hole (58) therein. The handle has a connection portion (62). A pair of guide flanges (66) is inwardly formed from upper and lower edges of the connection portion. The guide flanges cooperate with the connection portion to receive the head of the body therebetween. A resilient latch (68) is formed at the connection portion between the guide flanges, to be received in the latch hole. Thus, the handle is connected to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 6587347
    Abstract: At least one brackets is attached to each of opposing sides of a chassis holding telecommunications equipment, providing enhanced structural support thereto. The bracket preferably comprises a series of cutouts that allow access to a plurality of mounting holes used to secure the bracket to the equipment chassis. The cutouts advantageously allow cables to be extracted from the bracket and dressed to the front of the equipment for attachment to the chassis or individual plug-in modules as required. The bracket is preferably open at the top and bottom portions thereof to allow cables to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Telica, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Lane, Jr., Jeff Silverman
  • Patent number: 6582150
    Abstract: A device retention mechanism suitable for mounting a device in a chassis includes a chassis suitable for receiving a device. The chassis has a first side and a second side, the first side oriented generally perpendicular to the second side. A retention member is mounted to the first side of the chassis to enable the retention member to exert a force against a device, thereby applying the force from the retention member to the device and to the second side of the chassis, thereby securing the device in the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Davis, David D. Williams, Daniel C. Castillo, Jorge A. Moriel, John J. Daly, James Foster Knutson
  • Patent number: 6578935
    Abstract: CD player apparatus comprising a case having a front opening and side walls, and a slider in the case to carry a CD or DVD, and forwardly movable toward and partly through the front opening; a release at one side wall to be actuated to release the slider for forward movement relative to the front opening; an arm at the outer side of the side wall and supported to pivot toward and away from the release; and an actuator carried by the arm to be manually moved to pivot the arm toward the release to activate the release, whereby the slider can then move forward relative to the front opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Scosche Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph K. Garretson, Lewis C. Iby, Roger J. Alves
  • Patent number: 6574102
    Abstract: To provide a docking station for a portable computer, which increases its heat radiation when the docking station is docked with the portable computer. A docking station is equipped with a fan unit at a back portion of a power supply unit within a station body, and a front surface of a connection portion with which a notebook PC is docked is provided with an air suction opening. Thereby, once the fan unit is driven, high temperature air is exhausted from a station body and the connection portion, then outside air is introduced from the suction opening to stimulate the cooling of the connection portion, and the heat which is transferred from a back side portion of the notebook PC to the connection portion is also dissipated there to stimulate the cooling of the notebook PC side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyuki Usui, Akihiko Inoue, Takashi Yanagisawa, Masayoshi Nakano
  • Publication number: 20030095377
    Abstract: An adapter bracket is configured for mounting a relatively small electronic device, such as a 3½-inch drive device in a bay within a frame structure configured for mounting a relatively large electronic device, such as a 5¼-inch drive device. The relatively small electronic device is mounted either by means of screws extending upward through the bracket into holes within the lower surface of the small drive device, or by means of screws extending through elastomeric grommets, mounted within the adapter bracket, into holes within the sides of the small drive device. The adapter bracket also includes sidewalls that are mounted within the bay in the manner of a standard version of the relatively large electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Walter A. Goodman, Dean Frederick Herring, John Robert Kirksey
  • Publication number: 20030095384
    Abstract: A computer panel having a pullable door installed to an inner frame of the computer panel is disclosed. The pullable door is formed by a plurality of cover plates. Two corners of each cover plate have respective first grooves and hooks which are coupled to the cover plates. Two sides of the inner frame of the computer panel have guide plates. An elastic slot is installed at a lower end of the guide plate. Two outer sides of the inner frame of the computer panel are installed with shield plates and are formed with a guide groove with the guide plate. By above mentioned structure, the two lateral sides of the pullable door can slide along the guide grooves at two sides of the inner frame of the computer panel. Thereby, it is unnecessary to detach a panel and the cover plate, the computer panel can be installed rapidly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Shin Cheng Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming Fu Teng, Chin Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 6567271
    Abstract: An electronic system comprising a plurality of circuit boards and/or drives mounted in a stack within a housing. Interconnectors are provided between the circuit boards and/or drives to connect the circuit boards and/or drives and to provide vertical separations between the circuit boards and/or drives. A cooling fan is slidably disposed adjacent a wall of the housing to create a horizontal stream of air that flows through the separations and over the top and bottom surfaces of the circuit boards and/or the drives. This provides for convective cooling in an efficient manner, while minimizing the profile of the electronic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Stone, William Vu, Ryan Tze, Ralph Laing
  • Patent number: 6563698
    Abstract: A system and method for providing one or more detachable components for a computer system are disclosed. The system and method allow for simplified customization of a user's computer system. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include a housing component at least partially defining an exterior surface of the computer system. The housing component may have at least one mounting finger, which may be a pin like protrusion or an elongated and flat extension. The mounting finger may extend from the housing component and be formed to define a locking shoulder. The system may also include a detachable component having a mounting tab. The mounting tab may interact with the locking shoulder to releasably couple the detachable component to the housing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Orin M. Ozias, Thomas L. Bentley, David H. Titzler, Thijs J. Gerlings, Lawrence E. Davis
  • Patent number: 6560098
    Abstract: A disk drive module is adapted to be slidably disposed within the chassis of a data storage system. The disk drive module includes a fiber channel disk drive for storing data, an upper carrier sled mounted onto the disk drive and a lower carrier sled mounted onto the disk drive. A bezel assembly is snap mounted onto the upper and lower carrier sleds. The bezel assembly includes a bezel which is capable of lateral displacement relative to the upper carrier sled, an ejector pivotally mounted onto the bezel for releasably locking the disk drive module within the chassis, and a latch for releasably locking the position of the ejector. An adaptive spring includes a first end which is mounted onto the upper carrier sled and a second end which abuts against the bezel, the adaptive spring resiliently urging the bezel away from the upper carrier sled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Albert F. Beinor, Jr., Ilhan Gundogan, Joseph P. Deyesso, Joseph P. King, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6560106
    Abstract: A control panel assembly includes a modular control panel box that is mounted to a door. The door is used to cover an opening that affords access to an internal component bay that resides within an electrical system housing. A tongue and groove joint provides a mechanism for selective positioning of the modular control panel box on the door such that the modular control panel box may be moved to a position that does not interfere with opening motion of the door that, otherwise, would occur when the modular control panel box moves rearwardly of the opening to contact an adjacent chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Sam Ivey, Martha G. Peterson, JoMichael Porter, Farrukh Syed
  • Publication number: 20030076654
    Abstract: A disk drive apparatus has a main apparatus, a disk tray, a disk rotational drive unit, an optical pickup mechanism, a movable member, an elevator drive mechanism, a protrusion provided on the movable member, and a vibration-absorbing member provided on the protrusion. The disk tray causes a disk to move between a stored position and a drawn-up position relative to the main apparatus. The movable member supports the disk rotational drive unit and the optical pickup mechanism and is mounted to the frame of the main apparatus so that one end is free to rotate. The elevator drive mechanism causes the disk rotational drive unit and optical pickup mechanism to approach and move away from the disk, with the movable member free to move up and down. The protrusion extends toward one end of the movable member. The movable member is provided with the vibration-absorbing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Katsushi Ito, Yuji Shida
  • Patent number: 6552909
    Abstract: A computer system having a housing including an option bay into which a modular option device may be removably inserted is disclosed. The option bay includes a secondary access port providing access to the modular option device for uncluttered connection of lines and easy access to control functions. The secondary access port may be covered by a sliding door that opens automatically upon insertion of selected modular option devices into the option bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Liebenow
  • Patent number: 6549403
    Abstract: If the circuitry for processing television and other data signals conventionally contained in a set-top terminal is incorporated directly into a television set, heat from a removable point-of-deployment module inserted into the television set to connect with that circuitry can be primarily dissipated by providing a guide of a thermally conductive material that is in contact with both the module and the electromagnetic interference shield of the television set. This applies in either a cathode ray tube television set or a flat panel display television set. In a flat panel television set, the interference shield takes the form of a shield bracket, which is also used to support the flat panel display. In either case, heat generated by the module is conducted to the shield or shield bracket and then released by convection. Alternatively, the module can, in either case, be installed in direct physical contact with the shield or shield bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: General Instrument Corporation
    Inventors: Shlomo Ovadia, Steven Kimball
  • Patent number: 6549415
    Abstract: A first unit comprises a projection having a first planar portion and a second planar portion, which intersect at an angle. The projection is an extension of the first unit, has a linear axis, and is perpendicular to a base end of the first unit. A second unit comprises a mounting face and a receptacle. The receptacle has a shape for receiving and holding the projection. The base end is aligned with the mounting face by inserting the projection into the receptacle. The receptacle engages the first planar portion and the second planar portion, thereby preventing rotation of the projection, the first unit and the second unit about the linear axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Eugene A Miksch
  • Publication number: 20030058622
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a component in a computer system includes a housing having a component bay including a first and a second positioning device in a first sequence. A component for the bay includes a first and a second positioning device in a second positioning device in a second sequence, which is inverse to the first sequence. In this manner, when the component is inserted into the bay, the second positioning device of the bay engages the first positioning device of the component and, simultaneously, the first positioning device of the bay engages the second positioning device of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Vibora Sim, Ty R. Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20030058613
    Abstract: A power supply unit includes a housing in which one or more power supply modules can be inserted and a modular AC input section. The modular AC input section preferably attaches to the distal end of the housing from where the power supply modules are inserted. The AC input section includes one or more circuit breakers, connectors and wiring connecting the breakers to the connectors. The connectors preferably comprise blind mating connectors that mate with corresponding connectors on the rear surface of the power supply modules. The AC input section is screwed to the power supply housing or attached through some other suitable means. The AC input section is modular in the sense that it can be easily and quickly removed from the power supply unit and replaced with another section. This permits upgrades and repairs to be made in a quick, cost effective manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Paily T. Varghese, Robert J. Hastings
  • Patent number: 6530551
    Abstract: A drive bracket fastening structure includes first and second drive brackets (30, 70) and a connect panel (60). The first drive bracket includes a bottom plate (32). A pair of arcuate first slide rails (40) depends from the bottom plate. A first flange (42) depends from the bottom plate near a side thereof. A pair of through holes (44) is defined in the first flange. The connect panel is secured to the second drive bracket. The connect panel upwardly forms a pair of arcuate second slide rails (62). A second flange (64) extends upwardly from a side edge of the connect panel. A pair of screw holes is defined in the second flange. The second slide rails are slidably engaged with the first slide rails. The screw holes are aligned with the through holes for insertion of fasteners therein. The second drive bracket is thereby fastened to the first drive bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Li Yuan Gan