Abstract: A common lock used in a dual-usage portable computer formed of a base member and a display is disclosed to include an elongated operating frame bar longitudinally slidably mounted inside the display of the portable computer, a left-side frame and a right-side frame respectively fixedly mounted inside the display, a left-side hook coupled between the left end of the elongated operating frame bar and the left-side frame for locking the display to the base member when the computer is set in the form of a notebook computer, and a right-side hook coupled between the right end of the of the elongated operating frame bar and the left-side frame for locking the display to the base member when the computer is set in the form of a tablet PC.

Abstract: An upper housing and a lower housing of a mobile terminal apparatus has a hinge for rotatably and slidably supporting both the upper and lower housings at one end portion of each of the upper housing and the lower housing, and being able to slidably rotate one of the two housings relative to the other to make both the housings to be an opened state or a closed state. Further, positioning means performs a positioning in the closed state by detachably engaging the upper housing with the lower housing on another end portion opposite to the one end portion. As the positioning means is constituted of the projection and recess of the housings, the positioning means can be realized with a relatively simple structure and with a relatively low cost.

Abstract: A latch mechanism comprising a frame having an insertion axis therethrough. A first latch spring is disposed on the frame and is biased to an extended position. A handle is connected to the frame and is movable along the insertion axis between a first position and a second position. A first cam is disposed on the handle and moves the first latch spring to a retracted position as the handle moves toward the second position.

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 interface card installation apparatus for fixing an interface card includes a base and a rotating pressing means. The base may be assembled on a case. The case has an interface card flange. The interface card has a bracket. The bracket is contacted with the interface card flange. The base has a coupling portion and the rotating pressing means may be rotated to couple with the coupling portion of the base for fixing the rotating pressing means and the bracket pressed.

Abstract: A cabinet includes spaces for a number of electronic enclosures, each of which has a free end from which a pair of levers extend upward and downward to teeth engaging slots within the cabinet, aiding in the insertion and removal of the enclosures from the cabinet. An electronic enclosure that is wider than a standard width includes additional teeth on crank plates turning with the levers. The electronic enclosure may include an electrically-operated interlock mechanism preventing the insertion or removal of the electronic enclosure by preventing movement of a shaft attached to either or both of the levers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a securing device for securing a card to a socket within a computer is provided where the card and the socket are coupled. The device includes a unitary base member comprising a foundation portion dimensioned to receive a stationary socket and an arm portion orthogonally positioned relative to the foundation. A first engaging means is formed on at least one side of the arm member. The device also includes a clasp assembly that includes an opening for slideably receiving the arm portion of the unitary base member, a recess for receiving a non-connecting end of a card, and a second engaging means for securely engaging the first engaging means. The clasp assembly secures the card to the socket with the socket received in the foundation portion and edge of the card is received in the recess.

Abstract: The device includes a housing, a locking and release mechanism, an electrical connector, an optical connector, and pathological circuitry. The housing has a top, a bottom, a front, and a back. The locking and release mechanism is attached to the housing. The electrical connector is attached to the back of the housing. The optical connector is attached to the front of the housing. The pathological circuitry handles pathological conditions associated with digital video signals.

Abstract: A light-weight flash hard drive includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) mounted in a housing formed by a plastic frame and a pair of metal panels that are mounted on the plastic frame over the PCBA. The PCBA includes a PC board and a plug connector that is mounted on a front edge of the PCB. The plastic frame includes first and second parallel side rails and a back end rail extending between back ends of the first and second side rails. The frame defines an open front end and a longitudinal platform for receiving and supporting the PCBA such that the plug connector is exposed through the open front end. The metal panels are either snap-coupled to the plastic frame or to each other. Alternatively, or in addition, an adhesive or insulating film is provided between the metal panels and the IC devices mounted on the PCBA.

Abstract: An ATCA locking lever mounting structure installed in a motherboard blade formed of a motherboard and a face panel and inserted into a machine case of a server system is disclosed to included a grounding plate fixedly provided at the motherboard near a through hole on the face panel, and a locking lever pivoted to a pivot device at the motherboard and turnable about the pivot device between the locking position where the locking lever locks the motherboard blade to the machine case of the server system and connects the grounding plate to the machine case to have the motherboard be grounded, and the unlocking position where the motherboard blade is unlocked from the machine case.

Abstract: An auxiliary fixing mechanism is used for fixing an interface card to the housing of a computer. The auxiliary fixing mechanism includes an I/O window and an auxiliary fastener. The I/O window has a fixing slot and a first screw hole. The auxiliary fastener includes a first baffle, a second baffle, a third baffle, a fixing hook and a positioning hook. A screw is passed through the second screw hole of the auxiliary fastener in a direction that is vertical to the interface card. The bracket of the interface card is pushed and stopped by the baffles to restrict the movement of the interface card. Thereby, the auxiliary fixing mechanism can change the fixing direction for fixing the screw to prevent the prior art problem that the interface card could not be fixed to the housing via a screw due to space limitations.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for expansion cards (80) comprises a bracket (20), a pair of sliding members (40) and a retainer (60). The bracket staying in the chassis (90) of a computer comprises a main body (22), at the edge of the main body extends inwardly a first guiding part (224). A sliding portion (42) and a clasp portion (48) are formed on each sliding member. The sliding portion can engage in the first guiding part slidably, a post (482) protrudes outwardly from each clasp portion. The retainer comprises a rear wall (62), a serial of slots are defined on the rear wall successively for the posts to slide in. The retainer moves up and down when the posts slide in the slots.

Abstract: A device is provided for coupling (i) a PCB sheet, which includes a first PCB and a space formed after removing a defective PCB from the PCB sheet, with (ii) a replacement second PCB received in the space and has a connecting part spaced from a periphery of the space by a channel. The device includes a PCB securing plate adapted to support the PCB sheet. PCB securing pins project from an upper surface of the PCB securing plate to be inserted into pin receiving holes of the first and second PCBs for positioning the PCBs. PCB securing tapes are integrally attached on the PCB securing plate for securing the PCB sheet and the second PCB to the PCB securing plate. An adhesive is adapted to be filled into the channel to couple, when cured, the PCB sheet and the second PCB together.

Abstract: An interface card coupling structure includes a bracing member fastened to a case that has a retaining plate extending from an edge with a latch hole formed thereon, and a coupling member pivotally coupled on the retaining plate. The coupling member has a latch pin on one end facing the retaining plate to engage with the latch hole and anchor the coupling member on the retaining plate. The coupling member presses an interface card to form secure coupling. The coupling member may be made by injection forming. The structural elements of the bracing member of the interface card coupling structure are thus fewer. Hence the cost may be reduced and production speed increased.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a plurality of expansion cards (30) with cover plates (35) to a computer enclosure includes a rear panel (14) and a fixing member (40). The cover plate has an elongated portion (37) and a bent portion (39). The rear panel has a card cage (24). The card cage includes a base wall (26) to support the cover plate, and a bent wall (28). The fixing member mounted at an upper portion of the rear panel includes a bracket (42) and a plurality of fasteners (62) movably mounted on the bracket. The bracket forms a plurality of securing portions (50) thereof. The fasteners each include a pressing portion (66) corresponding to the bent portion of the cover plate. The arm portion forms a second securing portion (76) corresponding to the first securing portion.

Abstract: A retaining device (10) for retaining expansion cards (20) in a chassis (300) includes a retaining member (100) and a locking member (200). An upper positioning protrusion (316) and a lower positioning protrusion (318) are formed on a bent plate (312) of the chassis. The locking member is pivotally attached to the bent plate. A pressing portion (216) is formed on an inner side of the locking member and a notch (206) is defined in an outer side of the locking member. A support portion (126) is formed on the retaining member corresponding to the pressing portion. When the upper positioning protrusion is matched with the notch, the retaining member is put into the chassis. The locking member is pressed until the lower positioning protrusion is matched with the notch, and thus the retaining member is secured to the chassis.

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: Insertion and ejection mechanisms for modular boards and cards. Mechanisms are provided for coupling the motion of insertion/ejection handles coupled to a modular board or a board carrier frame to which a board is attached. The mechanisms include a single-bar linkage, a rack and pinion-based configuration, a two-bar linkage, and a telescoping configuration. Applying an input force to one of the handles causes the board to be urged inward in a chassis slot, thus coupling the connectors on the board with mating connectors on a backplane mounted within the chassis. The input force is coupled via the various handle-coupling mechanisms to the other handle, producing a result similar to if a force was applied to both handles at the same time. In a similar manner, a board may be ejected by applying a force to a single handle to cause that handle to rotate outward. An automated retention screw insertion and extraction mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing the accidental or premature decoupling of a device from a support chassis. The apparatus includes a moveable securing member. The moveable securing member is configured to be moved from a first position to a second position, wherein one of the first and second positions permits removal of the device from the support chassis, while the other position prevents removal of the device. An actuator coupled to the moveable securing member is responsive to an authorization command, so that a user or a controller can cause the securing member to be moved. The controller can be configured to operate in response to either or both of a user input or an error detection signal corresponding to the device.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for an electronic weighing scale is disclosed having a battery housing, a printed circuit board and a display fastened together and to a base of the scale. The printed circuit board may be adapted to accommodate a number of displays for various scale models. Additionally, a method for assembling an electronic weighing scale is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a device for coupling a PCB sheet are disclosed. If a defective PCB is found after the manufacture of continuously arranged circuit patterns, then the defective PCB sheet portion is removed to replace it with a new PCB sheet portion. That is, a defective circuit pattern sheet 2? is removed from continuously arranged circuit patterns of a first PCB sheet 4a. After removal of the defective circuit pattern sheet 2?, the first PCB sheet 4a is position-located by means of a position locating means 12. Then the space which is formed by removing the defective circuit pattern sheet 2? is filled with a second PCB sheet 4b on which a good quality circuit pattern 2b is printed. Then the first PCB sheet 4a and the second PCB sheet 4b are coupled together by using an adhesive means 14.

Abstract: An add-on card fastening structure is proposed, which is used for fastening an add-on card on a housing of an electronic device, wherein the housing of the electronic device is provided with a first positioning portion and a first coupling portion. The add-on card fastening structure includes a body, a second positioning portion, a second coupling portion, a plurality of confining portions, and a stop portion. The second positioning portion is disposed on the body and positionally corresponds to the first positioning portion. The second coupling portion is disposed on the body and can be coupled to the first coupling portion. The plurality of confining portions are disposed on the body so as to confine the add-on card in the fastening structure. The stop portion is disposed on the body so as to stop any displacement of a top portion of the add-on card.

Abstract: A power supply keying method for use with an electrical apparatus includes defining a plurality of power supply classes; associating with the plurality of power supply classes a plurality of power supplies, each of the plurality of power supplies including a power supply housing having a unique keying arrangement corresponding to one power supply class of the plurality of power supply classes; and providing in the electrical apparatus a power supply receptacle for receiving at least one power supply of the plurality of power supplies, the unique keying arrangement of the power supply housing in conjunction with the power supply receptacle permitting reception of a particular power supply of the plurality of power supplies into the power supply receptacle only if the power supply class associated with the particular power supply has power supply electrical characteristics that satisfy electrical power requirements of the electrical apparatus.

Abstract: A protective assembly for a printed-circuit electronics card having a metal substrate and a metal screening cover electrically connected to the substrate. The substrate includes a recessed gutter in which the edge of the cover is accommodated. The edge is crimped onto the substrate in the gutter.

Abstract: A screwless clip mounted computer drive.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment may include providing a circuit board assembly comprising a circuit board and a rotatable knob and at least one latch coupled to the knob via a linkage. The method of this embodiment may also include moving the at least one latch to a retracted position by rotating the knob, and inserting the circuit board assembly into a chassis. The method may then include moving the latch to an extended position. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modification are possible without departing from this embodiment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a disk drive coupling apparatus for rigidly coupling a disk drive to a chassis of a computer. In one embodiment, the disk drive coupling apparatus includes a disk drive to chassis coupler and a disk drive to chassis coupler engaging mechanism. One end of the disk drive to chassis coupler can be coupled to the chassis of the computer. The disk drive to chassis coupler engaging mechanism is capable of causing the other end of the disk drive to chassis coupler to apply pressure to the disk drive, thus, the disk drive can be rigidly coupled to the chassis.

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 lever assembly used for ejecting a circuit board or other plug-in type component from a chassis or sub-rack is disclosed. The lever assembly includes a sliding catch supported by at least a portion of the lever for rectilinear motion in a direction along the portion of the lever. The sliding catch has a catch hook adapted to engage a portion of the circuit board or other plug-in type component to retain the lever assembly in a folded-down position.

Abstract: A computer component mounting apparatus includes a bracket assembly (200) secured in a computer chassis (10), and a top panel (30) attached to the bracket assembly. The bracket assembly includes a first bracket for receiving fans (50) therein. The first bracket includes a pair of side panels (21), and a number of spaced beams (25) connecting top extremities of the side panels. A pair of retaining tabs (26) depends from opposite side edges of each beam. A number of supporting tabs (24) are formed from inner surface of the side panels in the bottom. The fans are disposed in the first bracket, held by the supporting tabs and the retaining tabs. The top panel is covered on the top of the bracket assembly by fasteners to hold fans in the computer chassis.

Abstract: A module connecting arrangement for mounting a module on a support rail includes a horizontal rectangular housing containing a longitudinal chamber, and a bottom surface that contains a recess for transversely receiving the support rail, the recess being in communication with the chamber. A pair of horizontal, superimposed, slidably-connected locking slide members are longitudinally mounted in the chamber. The slide members are spring-biased together toward a locking position in which integral opposed locking lip portions thereon extend below outwardly directed horizontal flange portions of the support rail. A separating member having a non-circular cross-section is rotatably connected with the housing and extends into a gap defined between spaced opposing walls on the slide members, whereby rotation of the separating members produces displacement of the slide members toward released positions relative to the support rail.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a voltage regulator module and a field-pluggable voltage converter module configured in an arrangement that interlocks with and optionally attaches to the voltage regulator module.

Abstract: A latch is designed to attain and keep full engagement of a sub-assembly in a chassis and to increase the reliability and longevity of connectors by increasing the chances that they remain fully engaged even in the presence of shock and vibration.

Abstract: A portable USB storage device includes a case, a USB port, and a control device. The case contains therein a data storage. The USB port can be inputted into the case in a sliding motion. The control device selectively controls a location of the USB port to keep the USB port.

Abstract: A PCI card-securing mechanism includes an external housing and a securing component. The external housing has a frame and a receiving plate extending upwardly from the frame. The frame forms with a plurality of slit ports for exposing the PCI card. The receiving plate has a pair of guiding grooves parallel to the slit ports and a pair of assembling slots formed on a top edge thereof. The securing component has a main portion forming a pair of setting bridges, a pair of pulling parts extending outwardly from a top edge of the main portion and a pressing plate bent from a bottom edge of the main portion. The pair of setting bridges are slidably assembled in the pair of guiding grooves, respectively. The pulling parts are disposed in the assembling slots, respectively. The pressing plate presses an edge of the frame to fix the PCI card.

Abstract: A modular case handle positioning device including: the handles are able to angular rotate about the respective shaft pins as axis, and a force is applied to protruding portions of slots on two sides when the handles are rotated through an angle, thereby enabling the modular case to be withdrawn from the slots using a first stage displacement action. In order to prevent the entire modular case from falling to the ground because of an overexertion of force when the modular case is being inserted into the slots, the present invention includes a second stage displacement action that acts as a force buffer and final directional displacement control, thereby enabling the modular case to be solidly positioned within the slots.

Abstract: The invention provides an expandable modular enclosure system for enclosing circuit boards connected by a stackable bus. The enclosure system includes one or more carriers and spacers, a base unit, and a top unit. The spacers and carriers are alternately stacked between the base unit and top unit, and each circuit board is mounted to a carrier. A side portion with recessed vents extends from one side of each carrier, and each carrier and spacer define an opening. Air flows through the vents, over each circuit board, and through the openings in the carrier to cool the circuit boards. Circuit boards with varying functionality can be included in the enclosure, and as many circuit boards as are necessary can be enclosed without increasing the size of the footprint of the enclosure.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a motherboard (30) having several first mounting holes (33) includes a chassis (10), a fixing member (70), and a supporting tray (50). The chassis comprised a post (24) protruding from a bottom wall (12) thereof, and a number of standoffs (18) received in first the mounting hole. The fixing member is slidably mounted to the post, and includes an engaging portion (82) protruding from a lower portion thereof. The supporting tray is attached to the motherboard, and includes a slice (66) projecting from a side portion thereof. When the engaging portion of fixing member engages with the slice of supporting tray, the motherboard is in a locked state; when the engaging portion of fixing member disengages from the slice of supporting tray, the motherboard is in an unlocked state.

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: A mounting apparatus for mounting a motherboard (70) having several first mounting holes (73) includes a chassis (10), a fixing member (30), and a supporting member (50). The chassis comprised a post (13) protruding from a bottom wall (11) thereof, and a number of standoffs (17) received in first the mounting hole. The fixing member is slidably mounted to the post, and includes a first engaging portion (35) protruding from a middle portion thereof. The supporting member is attached to the motherboard, and includes a second engaging portion (57) projecting from an end thereof. When the first engaging portion of the fixing member engages with the second engaging portion of the supporting member, the motherboard is in a lock state; when the first engaging portion of the fixing member disengages from the second engaging portion of the supporting member, the motherboard is in an unlock state.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided having a single-piece clip that interlocks into a lead frame using one or more forks on the clip that mate with one or more corresponding slots in the lead frame. A semiconductor die is mounted to a pad of the lead frame and the clip couples the die to a conductive lead of the lead frame. The interlocking coupling forms a lever that allows adjustment of a position of the clip relative to a region of the semiconductor die. Interference between the clip fork and a slot corresponding to the clip fork confines the lever motion or pivoting of the clip relative to the mounted semiconductor die. The coupling between the clip fork and the slot furthermore confines motion of the clip in each of a first dimension and a second dimension relative to a position of the lead frame.

Abstract: A USB power amplified trumpet connecting device comprises a digital conversion chip and a power amplifier chip on a circuit board; an input connected to a USB port as an input; and an output. The output is connected to one of an earphone, a trumpet, or an optical fiber terminal. The output seat is an optical output seat which is connected to an optical fiber terminal for further connecting to a decoding amplifier and then to a trumpet. Another the output can be an output wire; and the output wire is connected to a trumpet. The output is an output seat; and the output seat is able to output cable signals and optical fiber signals for being connected to one of an earphone, a trumpet and an optical fiber terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasably locking an optical transceiver with respect to a cage attached to an electrical board. The cage having a pair of inwardly biased locking tabs extending from the sides thereof. Each tab is moveable between an inner position and outer position corresponding to a locked and unlocked position respectively. The optical transceiver includes a pair of levers operable for engaging and moving the locking tabs between the biased inner position and the outer unlocked position. The locking mechanism includes a pair latches positioned on each side of the transceiver for engaging and moving the levers between first and second positions to lock and unlock the transceiver from the cage.

Abstract: A fixture assembly for securing a card in a computer includes a computer chassis with at least one slot opening and a window above the slot opening. A card is installed in the computer so that an external interface of the card matches up with a slot opening in the chassis, and an extension of a bracket attached to the card protrudes through the window. To secure the card in place, a clamp is attached over the window, where the clamp includes one or more outward folds to press against the extension of the bracket. The card's bracket may further extend through openings in the bottom of the chassis to improve the securing of the card.

Abstract: A backplane for a motor controller having a control module and one or more axis modules provides both low power and low powered signals and high power used to produce motor drive signals.

Abstract: An expansion card mounting apparatus includes a rear panel (10), a pressing body (50) pivotably attached to the rear panel, and two retention members (70) attached to the pressing body. The rear panel defines two retention slots, and includes a support frame supporting slot covers (101) of expansion cards (100). The retention members are received in the retention slots respectively. Each retention member is movable in a corresponding retention slot to drive the pressing body between a locked position in which end portions (101) of the slot covers are sandwiched between the support frame and the pressing body, and a released position in which the end portions are released from the pressing body. The retention member includes a spring arm (76) snappingly engaging in the corresponding retention slot to retain the pressing body in the locked position.

Abstract: An arrangement for introducing a plate element, for which heat needs to be dissipated by means of conduction, into a slot of a chassis which is adapted to absorb the heat. The slot has a back wall adapted to contact the plate element upon its insertion, an opposing front wall, and a base wall. The plate element has margins adapted for carrying the arrangement. The arrangement comprises has a seat located on the margins. The arrangement further has a wedgelock moveably attached to the seat, having two slot engaging surfaces adapted to contact the front and base walls of the slot, and a seat engaging portion adapted to contact the seat.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the present invention includes a first electrical connector located on a computer component and a biasing mechanism having a leverage member, such that actuation of the leverage member biases the first electrical connector between engaged and disengaged positions with respect to a second electrical connector separate from the computer component.

Abstract: A modular automation apparatus is provided that includes a base unit adapted to receive an automation module. The automation module includes at least one automation device for performing one or more specific automation functions and preferably a selectively programmable memory device for storing automation specific logic rules and/or controlling the specific automation functions. The base unit includes a frame having affixed thereto a control cabinet that houses a programmable logic controller (PLC) for executing the logic rules relayed or stored in the memory device and a power supply capable of powering the base unit and the automation module. When a base unit and an automation module are cooperatively assembled, the combination is capable of performing one or more automation functions specific to the automation module selected.

Abstract: A method and a device for coupling a PCB sheet are disclosed. If a defective PCB is found after the manufacture of continuously arranged circuit patterns, then the defective PCB sheet portion is removed to replace it with a new PCB sheet portion. That is, a defective circuit pattern sheet 2? is removed from continuously arranged circuit patterns of a first PCB sheet 4a. After removal of the defective circuit pattern sheet 2?, the first PCB sheet 4a is position-located by means of a position locating means 12. Then the space which is formed by removing the defective circuit pattern sheet 2? is filled with a second PCB sheet 4b on which a good quality circuit pattern 2b is printed. Then the first PCB sheet 4a and the second PCB sheet 4b are coupled together by using an adhesive means 14.