Abstract: A modular chassis arrangement for electronic modules that is configurable into a mechanically and electrically interconnected structure capable of delivering scalable mechanical, electrical and environmental functionality for a multiplicity of electronic modules. In one embodiment, the electronic modules are compliant with AdvancedTCA or MicroTCA standards in a modular Pico-Shelf configuration that support stackable and/or back-to-back multiple unit chassis.

Abstract: A modular computer includes a display with a docking station on its back side. A CPU module connects to the docking station. Peripheral modules connect with the resulting display/CPU assembly so that the peripheral modules contact the back side of the display screen.

Abstract: A computer server is configured to electrically and mechanically couple with a plurality of different power modules. These power modules are interchangeable, and all fit within the form factor of the server, eliminating the use of PDUs within the server rack. The server may be configured in the factory or in the field to use either the single-phase AC power configuration, the 3-phase AC power configuration, or any other power configuration, such as DC, desired.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus (1) for accommodating a plurality of individual inverters (2), comprising a rack, the individual inverters (2) being removably mountable to the side elements of said rack, said rack having at least one terminal block (10) for receiving cables for current supply and evacuation.

Abstract: A modular remote control consistent with certain implementations has a first end module having a sliding connector disposed on one end thereof for sliding engagement with a mating sliding connector, wherein one of the sliding connector and the mating sliding connector is designated male and the other is designated female, respectively. A last end module has a mating sliding connector disposed on one end thereof for sliding engagement with a sliding connector. At least one intermediate module has both a sliding connector and a mating sliding connector, wherein, the modular remote control is assembled with the first end module mated by the sliding connection with the at least one intermediate module, and the last end module is mated to the at least one intermediate module by the sliding connection to produce a linear configuration of modules.

Abstract: Modular soft starters are disclosed having a plurality of soft starter modules with stacked SCRs and heat sinks for accommodating a single phase of a three phase motor, where the modules may be connected serially for starting each phase of a higher voltage motor, and where the modules can be mounted in a cabinet in a variety of different orientations to facilitate optimized cabinet space utilization.

Abstract: An orientation detector within a device package is used to establish the device orientation. A host controller coupled to the device supplies a control signal to at least one of the pins on the device during a setup phase. The pin that receives the control signal is used for active signaling during normal operations of the device. Based on the control signal, the orientation detector generates an orientation signal within the device. An analog or digital selector circuit connects the pins to correct internal circuit components according to the device orientation.

Abstract: A releasably mountable electronics component is provided. The electronics component comprises a backing having a mounting surface and an electronic module joined to the mounting surface of the backing. The electronic module has electrical contacts disposed on a first side thereof. The electronic module also includes an adhesive covering at least a portion of the mounting surface. The adhesive provides a releasable adhesive for releasably mounting the electronics component to a substrate on which the electronic module is connectable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for coupling a vertically oriented electrical device to a wall utilizing an existing electrical recess for support and power. The system electrically couples the device to an existing power system while providing a mechanical coupling for support. In addition, the system provides for vertical adjustments while maintaining the electrical and mechanical coupling. The system generally includes a recess coupling module, a vertical support receptacle, an electrical power system, and at least one electrical device. The vertical support receptacle is coupled to the recess coupling module in a substantially perpendicular manner. The electrical power system is electrically coupled to the electrical system disposed in the existing power recess and distributed across the vertical support receptacle. The at least one electrical device is adjustably coupled to the vertical support receptacle such that it is both mechanically supported and electrically powered.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a housing, a first unit that is attached through a front side of the housing, a second unit that is attached through a backside of the housing, a panel that has a first surface connected to the first unit, and a second surface connected to the second unit, and establishes an electric connection between the first unit and the second unit, and a support member to which the panel is attached, the support member being movable relative to the housing in a side surface direction of the housing.

Abstract: An electrically conductive shock mount system for electrical subassemblies is provided. The shock mount system includes a first assembly having a housing containing a hook member for a hook and loop fastener. The second assembly has a housing containing a loop member for a hook and loop fastener. A plurality of holes in the housings of the first and second assemblies allows the hook member to engage the loop member. In one embodiment, the housings are made from a conductive fabric and include a plurality of conductive columns that extend through the housings.

Abstract: A disk array system capable of efficiently cooling the canisters and achieving the high-density mounting of the canisters without reducing the number of canisters is provided. In the disk array system having a HDD box which stores a plurality of canisters, a canister on an upstream side of cooling air and a canister on a downstream side of the cooling air both standing upright are arranged with a difference in level therebetween in the HDD box. The canister on the upstream side has a reliability assurance temperature lower than that on the downstream side, and a disk size of the canister on the upstream side is smaller than that on the downstream side. Also, the canister on the downstream side is arranged higher than that on the upstream side so that an alarm indicator LED and a ready indicator LED can be checked visually.

Abstract: A blanking panel includes a main body extending from a first end to a second end and adapted to cover a rack having at least two posts, a fastener portion at the end of each of the first and the second ends, and an alignment member at the end of each of the first end and the second end, the alignment feature including a first pin and a second, removable pin such that the main body can be alternatively attached to a square hole with the removable pin intact, or attached to a round hole with the removable pin removed and the first pin extending through the hole.

Abstract: A redundant power supply system includes a system cabinet, a first power supply apparatus, a second power supply apparatus and a power converting circuit board. The system cabinet at least includes a first receptacle and a second receptacle. The first power supply apparatus has a first connection interface. The second power supply apparatus has a second connection interface. The power converting circuit board is disposed inside the system cabinet and includes a first insertion slot, a second insertion slot and a power converting circuit. A voltage outputted from the first power supply apparatus and/or the second power supply apparatus is converted by the power converting circuit into a regulated voltage when the first connection interface of the first power supply apparatus and the second connection interface of the second power supply apparatus are inserted into the first insertion slot and the second insertion slot, respectively.

Abstract: A portable storage device is provided. A housing has a first opening and a second opening. A storage body has a connector and a pair of positional restriction structures. The storage body slides in the housing to make the connector extend outside the housing or hide in the housing via the first opening. A pair of actuating arms is provided in the housing and can swing. An actuating structure is partially exposed outside the housing via the second opening and pivotally connected to the pair of actuating arms. An elastic element is connected to the actuating structure and the storage body, so that the elastic element pushes the storage body and drives the actuating arms to return to the original position to block the positional restriction structures.

Abstract: An equipment module, a module retention device, as well as a system and a method for mounting equipment modules are disclosed. The modules can be installed without tools, using the retention device. Each module includes a chassis unit which slides into a unit rack, which is in turn attached to a mounting frame. The entire assembly may be mounted to an instrument panel. The module retention device is attached to the chassis unit, typically engaging a slot on the rack. A rotating fastener secures the retention device in the engaged position. The method includes inserting an electronic module into the open end of a unit rack, sliding an engagement lug attached to a cam lever into engagement with a slot on the rack, electrically coupling a connector on the module with a connector on the rack, and attaching the rack to the mounting frame.

Abstract: A disk array system capable of efficiently cooling the canisters and achieving the high-density mounting of the canisters without reducing the number of canisters is provided. In the disk array system having a HDD box which stores a plurality of canisters, a canister on an upstream side of cooling air and a canister on a downstream side of the cooling air both standing upright are arranged with a difference in level therebetween in the HDD box. The canister on the upstream side has a reliability assurance temperature lower than that on the downstream side, and a disk size of the canister on the upstream side is smaller than that on the downstream side. Also, the canister on the downstream side is arranged higher than that on the upstream side so that an alarm indicator LED and a ready indicator LED can be checked visually.

Abstract: The invention provides a casing for a storage apparatus having a first receiving portion for receiving a disc drive box in which a plurality of disc drives are received in a line, the first receiving portion being approximately equal in height and width to the disc drive box, and a second receiving portion for receiving a control portion box in which a plurality of control boards for executing a control relating to a data input and output process with respect to the disc drive are received in a line, the second receiving portion being approximately equal in height and width to the first receiving portion.

Abstract: A piece of telecommunications equipment (A) includes: a plurality of circuit packs (20), each circuit pack (20) including a circuit arranged thereon and a first connector (24) in communication with the circuit; a rack (10) including a plurality of slots (12), each slot (12) including a second connector (14) and being arranged to have at least one of the circuit packs (20) selectively installed therein such that when a circuit pack (20) is installed in a slot (12) the first connector (24) of the circuit pack (20) operatively connects with the second connector (14) of the slot (12); a plurality of locking mechanisms, each of the locking mechanisms being associated with one of the slots (12); and, a controller (40) that selectively engages and disengages the locking mechanisms such that when a locking mechanism is engaged a circuit pack (20) installed in the corresponding slot (12) is secured therein and when a locking mechanism is disengaged a circuit pack (20) installed in the corresponding slot (12) is free t

Abstract: A floating guide device provides increased thermal conductivity between a printed wiring assembly and a heat sink chassis. The guide device includes an elongated thermally conductive rod and a wedgelock used in conjunction with the rod that can be attached to the rod. The guide device can be used in an electronic assembly comprising a chassis having at least one slot, and at least one printed wiring assembly with a printed wiring board disposed in the slot. At least one integrated circuit package is electrically attached to the printed wiring board. The printed wiring board provides a thermal path to the chassis. The guide device provides one or more additional thermal paths between the printed wiring board and the chassis.

Abstract: An equipment rack panel system using one or more rack extension panels with optional raceway to interconnect equipment cables to service cables through connectors within the rack extension panel. The rack extension panel is either fastened to or integral with one of the posts of the equipment rack or otherwise adjacent to the equipment rack and extends away from the equipment rack so as not to occupy space within the equipment rack normally reserved for equipment.

Abstract: In a module socket, a connecter and a connector are connected by wiring, and three LED modules are connected in parallel with respect to a constant voltage circuit unit via the wiring. Each module has a constant current circuit unit and an LED mounting unit. The constant current circuit unit includes one resistor and two transistors mounted on a surface of a sub-substrate on which a conductive land is formed. The sub-substrate is bonded to a main substrate.

Abstract: A method of electrically coupling a central processing unit (CPU) of a network server to a plurality of network interface modules. The method comprises providing each of the plurality of network interface modules with a respective bus adapter chip to route an I/O bus having a first format from the central processing unit to a primary side of each of the plurality of bus adaptor chips and routing another I/O bus of the first format from a secondary side of each of the plurality of bus adapter chips to respective ones of the network interface modules. The bus adapter chips also provide for arbitered access along the I/O buses and isolation of the CPU from electrical disruption when one the network interface modules is removed.

Abstract: Device for locking and unlocking at least one interface card plugged into a socket of a receiving system (2) linked to a data processing system. The device (1) comprises a box (3) mounted to the receiving system (2) and receiving at least one sliding locking/unlocking element (4a-4n) for locking/unlocking interface cards. Each of elements (4a-4n) is disposed opposite a socket in a position that blocks the access to or removal of an interface card. Each element (4a-4n) comprising an element for controlling the power supply (63) of the card, a visual element for indicating the operation and the recognition of the card, and a detecting element for detecting the intent to unlock the card. The device (1) includes a communication element that makes it possible to transmit signals between the data processing system and the device.

Abstract: A support module for a modular computer system can provide switching functions. Internal information signal interfaces can connect to information processing modules. First external information interfaces can connect to a first external information network under a first network protocol different to a network protocol used internally to the support module. A connector sub-module, receivable in the support module, includes a protocol translator for translating between information protocols.

Abstract: A universal modular power supply carrier mounts different sized power supplies within a substantially rectangular body designed for thermal and electromagnetic emissions control. The power supplies are preferably secured within the carrier body. Input connectors may be alternating current or direct current. The output connector may be pin, or blade, and socket with blind mating capability. One or more direct current voltages may be output by the carrier to a motherboard or other electronic circuitry. The universal modular power supply carrier may be contained in a one-size universal electronic equipment cabinet.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to a system for power distribution to network devices. The system includes a plurality of network switches each having an internal power supply and a plurality of ports for connecting to the network devices and an external power supply having a plurality of output ports for connecting to the network switches. The external power supply communicates power available to the network switches. Each network switch determines amounts and priority levels of power for the network devices connected thereto, sums together the amounts at each priority level, determines additional amounts and priority levels of power required beyond the is internal power supply capability, and sends a power request to the external power supply. The external power supply allocates power to the network switches depending on the power requests received.

Abstract: An adapter for a portable integrated circuit device of the chip card variety has a reduced format in comparison with the standard mini-card format. The device with a reduced format includes a body on which a microcircuit defining contact pads is disposed. A support which has a standard mini-card format is provided with a cavity having the dimensions of the device with a reduced format. The device is detachably fixed in the cavity. The cavity is located in the support in such a way that the location of the contact pads of the microcircuit of the device with a reduced format coincides with the standardization location of the contact pads of a microcircuit having a standard format mini-card.

Abstract: A miniature, multimode, modular RF terminal includes a plurality of processing modules, where at least one of the processing modules includes an external connector for conveying an input or output RF signal. The terminal further includes a segmented coaxial analog bus comprising a plurality of multi-conductor coaxial connectors, wherein each of the multi-conductor coaxial connectors is integrated in or forms a portion of one of the processing modules, and wherein the segmented coaxial analog bus conveys RF signals between the processing module having the external connector and at least one other processing module. The modules of the terminal can be arranged in a stack, on a rigid substrate, connected via a flexible substrate or combinations thereof. The terminal supports processing of communication, navigation and sensor signals.

Abstract: A modular laptop computer for accommodating selective placement and customization of user interface components. The computer includes a cavity having a connection or interface or coupling region, such as a universal serial bus jack for connecting to or mating with a corresponding interface on each component. The interface connections in the cavity are connected to one or more buses for providing an interface between the attached components and a computer processor. In this manner, the components such as keyboards, trackballs, drives, music players and so forth, can all be rearranged within the cavity in the positions of the user's preference.

Abstract: A universal serial bus hub (100, 700) includes a housing (110) having a top portion (111), a bottom portion (211) opposite the top portion, a first side (112) between the top portion and the bottom portion, and a second side (113) between the top portion and the bottom portion. The universal serial bus hub further includes a first universal serial bus port (120) at the top portion and a second universal serial bus port (210) at the second side.

Abstract: A memory module includes a plurality of memory units and an assembling holder. Each of the memory units includes a memory substrate, at least a memory chipset having a predetermined memory capacity mounted on the memory substrate, and an electric terminal provided at a lower edge portion of the memory substrate. The assembling holder includes an elongated unit housing having an elongated receiving slot extended therealong and a signal terminal provided along the unit housing, wherein the electric terminals of the memory substrates are detachably inserted into the receiving slot of the unit housing to electrically connect the electric terminals with the signal terminal, such that the memory units are alignedly and detachably mounted along the receiving slot in an edge to edge manner.

Abstract: The invention provides a casing for a storage apparatus having a first receiving portion for receiving a disc drive box in which a plurality of disc drives are received in a line, the first receiving portion being approximately equal in height and width to the disc drive box, and a second receiving portion for receiving a control portion box in which a plurality of control boards for executing a control relating to a data input and output process with respect to the disc drive are received in a line, the second receiving portion being approximately equal in height and width to the first receiving portion.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) tuner includes a housing, a cantilever snap formed in the housing, the cantilever snap being configured to securely couple the housing to a consumer premise component, and a handle formed on an edge of the housing.

Abstract: An enclosure for an electronic device has a front opening and rear opening formed by a base casing and a U-shaped cover mounted together thereon. A plurality of modular plates with electrical components pre-mounted thereon are removably and interchangeably mounted at selected positions in the front opening and rear opening of the base casing. The modular plates have an extension bottom leg portion having a shape and configuration with a complementary to those of mounting openings formed in even spacings along the entire length of the edge portion of the base casing. The modular plates also have an upper extension lip engageable with elongated channels formed on an underside edge portion of the front edge and rear edge of the cover.

Abstract: A method of electrically coupling a central processing unit (CPU) of a network server to a plurality of network interface modules. The method comprises providing each of the plurality of network interface modules with a respective bus adapter chip to route an I/O bus having a first format from the central processing unit to a primary side of each of the plurality of bus adaptor chips and routing another I/O bus of the first format from a secondary side of each of the plurality of bus adapter chips to respective ones of the network interface modules. The bus adapter chips also provide for arbitered access along the I/O buses and isolation of the CPU from electrical disruption when one the network interface modules is removed.

Abstract: A housing for an adapter module is provided with a bail latch mechanism that serves to engage and disengage the frame into which the adapter module housing fits. The housing is stamped and formed from a piece of sheet metal and the bail latch is rotatably mounted in the housing. The bail latch is movable between two positions and the bail latch engages a cam member that is stamped and formed in one side of the housing so that movement of one end of the bail latch over the cam member cams one of the two free ends of the bail latch inwardly into the housing to thereby release the housing from the adapter frame.

Abstract: A module connection assembly connects modules in a torus configuration that can be changed remotely. In particular, a single module can be added to or deleted from the configuration by remotely switching from conducting paths that provide end-around electrical paths to conducting paths that provide pass-through electrical paths. The assembly includes two backplanes, a first set of module connectors for electrically connecting modules to one of the backplanes, and a second set of module connectors for electrically connecting modules to the other backplane. The assembly further includes configuration controllers. Each configuration controller selects between end-around electrical paths that electrically connect multiple module connectors of the first set to each other, and pass-through electrical paths that electrically connect module connectors of the first set to module connectors of the second set.

Abstract: A compact enclosure for interchangeable SONET multiplexer cards and a method for using the same. The present invention further provides a compact enclosure for receiving one or more reduced size SONET multiplexer cards having front panel access to electrical and optical connectors, along with other cards such as DS1-DS3 multiplexer cards and wave division multiplexing cards, which is adapted for use in a reduced size enclosure, and a method for using the same.

Abstract: A universal modular power supply carrier mounts different sized power supplies within a substantially rectangular body designed for thermal and electromagnetic emissions control. The power supplies are preferably secured within the carrier body. Input connectors may be alternating current or direct current. The output connector may be pin, or blade, and socket with blind mating capability. One or more direct current voltages may be output by the carrier to a motherboard or other electronic circuitry. The universal modular power supply carrier may be contained in a one-size universal electronic equipment cabinet.

Abstract: A portable computer is disclosed having a casing formed with a hard disk drive accommodating part, a main board accommodated in the casing, a hard disk drive connector electrically connected with the main board in the hard disk drive accommodating part, a hard disk drive assembly having a connecting pin part sliding into the hard disk drive accommodating part to detachably engage with the hard disk drive connector, and a location guide part having a guide projection and an accommodating guide. The guide projection is provided at either the hard disk drive assembly or the hard disk drive accommodating part. The accommodating guide engages with the guide projection when the hard disk drive assembly is slid into the hard disk drive accommodating part. The disclosed portable computer allows for a connector pin part of a hard disk drive to accurately engage with a hard disk drive connector of a hard disk drive accommodating part to prevent damage of the connector pin part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a module for measuring purposes comprising an electrical or electronic circuit, which has at least one power supply connection and at least one data line connection for connecting, in the manner of a bus, to at least one other module of the same type that is also used for measuring purposes. According to the invention, the electronic circuit (80) is arranged inside a housing, the housing has a first contact surface (90) and a second contact surface (91), and the first contact surface (90) is joined to the second contact surface (91) of the other module (22, 32, 42) in a manner that permits it to be mechanically detached. The at least one power supply connection has a power supply contact (84a, 85a) in the first contact surface (90) and has a corresponding power supply contact (84b, 85b) in the second contact surface (91).

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated disk-ejection apparatus for use in a disk system. The disk system includes a disk box for housing a disk drive, and the auto-ejection apparatus comprises: a handle for pulling out or pushing back the disk box; a pushing mechanism for pushing the handle; and a control circuit for controlling the pushing mechanism. The featured disk apparatus is designed such that while the disk box needs to be pulled out in order for loading or replacing the disk drive, the pushing mechanism is activated to push the handle. The handle can thus be rotated along the pivot into an inoperative state, for subsequently to be pulled for withdrawing the disk box. Moreover, another embodiment of the present invention relates to using a pushing mechanism to push a rotatable panel of a disk box.

Abstract: A method of electrically coupling a central processing unit (CPU) of a network server to a plurality of network interface modules. The method comprises providing each of the plurality of network interface modules with a respective bus adapter chip to route an I/O bus having a first format from the central processing unit to a primary side of each of the plurality of bus adapter chips and routing another I/O bus of the first format from a secondary side of each of the plurality of bus adapter chips to respective ones of the network interface modules. The bus adapter chips also provide for arbitered access along the I/O buses and isolation of the CPU from electrical disruption when one of the network interface modules is removed.

Abstract: A function-expansion device is detachably connected to electronic equipment to expand functions of the electronic equipment. The function-ezpansion device includes a component unit which provides an extended function of the electronic equipment. A docking station detachably mounts the component unit on the docking station, the docking station connecting the component unit to the electronic equipment. The component unit is detachable from the docking station when the docking station is attached to the electronic equipment which is in an operating condition.

Abstract: A desktop personal computer appliance is described for use with external user input and display devices, the appliance consisting of: a system unit having a sealed housing comprising main processing functionality for executing application programs and at least a DC—DC converter, the housing being provided with external connectors for connection to said external user input and display devices; a removable data storage device for storing user data associated with said application programs and a user-specific software image containing said application programs, the housing having a recessed portion for receiving the removable data storage device and a movable closure member for enclosing the recessed portion; and an external power supply having a flying lead connectable to an external socket provided in the housing for supplying DC power to the DC—DC converter.

Abstract: A modular stackable USB hub system including a stackable USB. The stackable USB hub having an upstream power port for mounting to other upstream components in the stackable component system. The upstream power port includes an upstream power port connector, a voltage conductor and ground conductor for receiving voltage and ground from the upstream component to supply the high current requirements of the USB hub in high power applications. The stackable USB hub further includes a downstream power port for mounting to other downstream components in the modular stackable component system. The downstream power port includes a downstream power port connector, a voltage conductor and a ground conductor. The voltage and ground conductors are connected to the respective voltage and ground conductors of the USB upstream power port connector for passing voltage and ground to the downstream component connected to the downstream power port.

Abstract: Improved modular transient voltage surge suppressor apparatus that provide a simple structure for coupling multiple modules are disclosed. In general, such apparatus includes a substrate; a mounting post coupled to and extending substantially perpendicular to the substrate; and a transient voltage surge suppression module, wherein the module includes a non-conductive housing having a surge suppression circuit contained therein, and mounting means coupled to the non-conductive housing, the mounting means comprising a bore therethrough for slidably mounting the transient voltage surge suppression module on the mounting post, the bore having an internal profile corresponding to an external profile of the mounting post.

Abstract: A housing arrangement for a plurality of semiconductor chips (1) is disclosed, in which each of the chips is received in a respective frame or cassette (4), there being a first electrically conductive member (5), having portions (6) which are in electrical connection with one face of each of the chips and a second electrically conductive member (7), having portions (8) which are in electrical connection with an opposite face of each of the chips.

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.