Abstract: The front system has an upper and a lower end piece (5) which are fastened to the upper and lower front corner region (3), respectively, of the printed circuit board assembly (3). An upper and/or a lower lever pull handle (19), which is fitted to the upper and/or lower end piece respectively, is used for levering the printed circuit board assembly into and out of the mounting rack. A latching mechanism (25) is provided to fix the lever pull handle in the appropriate position when the printed circuit board assembly has reached the point where it has been fully inserted into the mounting rack. A push-button element (31) is integrated in the upper and/or lower end piece. When the lever pull handle is in its fixed position, the push-button element may be depressed to thereby act upon the appropriate lever pull handle, thereby actuating an external, electrical switching element. The electrical switching element, in turn, electrically enables and disables the printed circuit board assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for restricting a card within a card cage. The apparatus includes a clamping mechanism for frictionally restricting the facing sides of the card so as to restrict the card within the card cage and an actuating mechanism coupled to the clamping mechanism for actuating the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A snap door including a door housing, a door body, a latch switch and a spring, in which one side of a lower plane of the door housing is open for placing a PCB mounted with plural control switches therein. The door body includes a lower case, an upper cover, a knob assembly and a front cover. The knob assembly has a knob holder, plural remote control knobs and plural resilient bridge portions extending between the knob holder and remote control knobs. The knob holder is attached to a lower plane of the upper cover. Respective remote control knobs are formed by extension members extending to the rear side from the resilient bridge portions of the knob assembly, control buttons projectingly installed to the front side of upper planes of the extension members, and switch operative projections protrudingly installed to lower planes of the extension members. Respective remote control knobs are arranged to allow the switch operative projections to be placed on the upper portions of the control switches on the PCB.

Abstract: The processor card assembly of the present invention includes a processor card, a thermal plate and a cover with locking latches. The thermal plate and the cover form a case for housing the processor card. The locking latches are used to latch the processor card assembly to a retention apparatus for securing the processor card assembly, such that the processor card will remain connected to a receiving connector of a motherboard, under a variety of shock and vibration conditions. In some embodiments, the complementary fastening features of the thermal plate and the cover are temper resistance.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a processor card of a processor card assembly in a connected position including a first and a second retention arm having a first and a second window respectively for accepting a first and a second latch of the processor card assembly for latching the processor card assembly to the apparatus. Each retention arm further includes a first and a second support and fastening feature disposed at opposite sides of a bottom end of the retention arm. Each support and fastening feature includes at least one capturing arm for capturing in place a threaded bushing for accepting a threaded fastener for fastening the apparatus to the motherboard.

Abstract: A peripheral docketing module using a shape memory alloy actuator wire includes a shape memory alloy actuator wire controllably connected to an energy source; and a pivoting device mounted inside a system frame member architecturally positioned for occupying inside the system frame member together with a device docketed within the system frame member. Upon application of energy to the shape memory alloy actuator wire, the shape memory alloy actuator wire contracts and exerts a pulling force on the pivoting device. The result is that the pivoting device pushes and ejects the docketed device seated inside the system frame member. The employment of a shape memory alloy actuator wire replaces the employments of a solenoid and electrical motor and allows for a more compact design of an electronic system.

Abstract: An add-in circuit card is secured in an electronic device. A clamp is movably coupled to the electronic device and is configured to releasably engage the card upon movement of the clamp from a card engagement position to a card disengagement position. A switch may control electrical power to the card, the switch operated by the clamp such that movement of the clamp between the engagement and disengagement positions closes and opens the switch.

Abstract: A card cage assembly (CCA) houses printed wire boards (PWB) by a securing mechanism which attaches to the PWB, and is one of a plurality of different types. The CCA has a rectangular, box-like configuration, which comprises a top plate, bottom plate, and a first or second side plate for providing tracks. Each track provides a front-to-back path for an edge of the PWB. Further, each side plate has a mounting plate perpendicular to the surface of the side plate along an edge of the side plate which forms a periphery of an opening of the CCA. Each mounting plate also includes a plurality of fastener receivers corresponding to each track of the side plate, and spaced apart such that a PWB having a face plate with an attaching screw mates with a corresponding fastener receiver.

Abstract: A circuit card ejection device for removing a number of circuit cards from a corresponding number of electrical connectors. An elongate panel is attached to an edge of a number of circuit cards opposite an edge having an edge connector. A first position is defined when the number of circuit cards are seated in and in electrical contact relationship with the corresponding number of electrical connectors. A first ejector lever is pivotally coupled to a first pair of sockets and a second ejector lever is pivotally coupled to a second pair of sockets located at a first and second end respectively of the panel where the plane of each one of the number of circuit cards is positioned between the first pair of sockets and between the second pair of sockets.

Abstract: A PC Card ejection mechanism includes a common selector for selecting a PC Card for ejection. The common selector may also be capable of selecting a holding position for holding the PC Cards in place. The common selector is coupled to a spring-loaded shaft with a radial extension at the other end. The radial extension engages a pivoting actuator arm which pushes the PC Card out of the PC Card stack. In the holding position, the common selector engages a flap that holds the PC Cards in place. Optionally, the ejection mechanism could include a solenoid and electrically activated pin holding an extension on the shaft to prevent movement of the shaft, thereby locking it. The ejection mechanism alone or in conjunction with a locking mechanism can also be used to hold and/or lock and unlock a removable disk drive.

Abstract: An injector/ejector mechanism with a lever pivotally connected to a module faceplate to pivot about a pivot axis. The lever has a handle extending away from the faceplate, and a latch portion extending away from the faceplate in a direction opposite the handle portion. The latch portion includes a first tooth and a second tooth, the first tooth being positioned farther from the faceplate than is the second tooth, The lever is movable between a first position in which the first tooth extends laterally from the pivot axis by a limited first amount, and a second position in which the first tooth extends laterally from the pivot axis by a greater second amount, and the lever is spring biased toward the first position.

Abstract: An insertion and removal mechanism for recording media includes a door that can move between a closed position that covers a loading chamber by moving in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the recording medium is inserted and removed. In the open position, an opening is created, through which the recording medium can be inserted and removed, by the door separating from the loading chamber. A conversion mechanism converts the operating force of the door, acting in the direction of opening and closing of the door, into a force in the direction of inserting and removing the recording medium. A first driving unit is driven in the direction of insertion and removal of the recording medium through force converted by the conversion mechanism and engages with the recording medium when the door is closing so as to cause the recording medium to be moved toward the terminals of the information device.

Abstract: A circuit board retainer for use within an enclosure for guiding and securing a circuit board within the enclosure includes a guide portion having an upper rail and a lower rail extending along an edge of the circuit board retainer forming a slot therebetween for guiding a side of the circuit board. A latching portion positioned adjacent to the guide portion engages an ejector lever pivotably connected to the circuit board. The ejector lever is capable of locking the circuit board in place relative to the circuit board retainer.

Abstract: A bracket for an electronic card that is inserted into a slot of a chassis. The chassis has a pair of opposing walls with guide channels that guide the card into a motherboard. The bracket includes a pair of low friction guide rails that slide along the guide channels. Attached to the guide rails are a pair of grommet dampers which are pressed between the edges of the card and the guide channels when the card is inserted into the chassis. The grommets dampen any shock or vibrational load that is transferred from the chassis to the card. The bracket also has a pair of spring clips that are attached to the card and pressed into the guide channels to provide an electrical path between the card and the chassis. The electrical path discharges electrostatic charges on the card and provides a ground path for any electromagnetic fields generated or received by the card. The bracket further includes a lever pivotally connected to one of the guide rails.

Abstract: An improved multi-electronic device package for accommodating multiple electronic devices such as integrated circuits, memory chips, or the like, is disclosed. The package includes a first substrate and a second substrate. A first electronic device is encapsulated within an opening of the first substrate, and a second electronic device is encapsulated within an opening in the second substrate. The electronic device package includes solder balls attached to the second substrate for electrically coupling and physically attaching the electronic device package to a third circuitized substrate, and solder balls attached to the first substrate for electrically coupling and physically attaching the electronic device package to a second electronic device package in a stacked configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shielded circuit board module comprising a conductive frame and conductive cover for substantially shielding an entire circuit board. Apertures are provided in the frame so that connectors on the circuit board are exposed through these apertures rather than shielded by the conductive frame. The assembled conductive frame, cover and circuit board form a shielded circuit board connector module. According to the invention the shielded circuit board connector module can be mated with another circuit board in a parallel configuration. A receptacle frame is preferably mounted on the other circuit board to permit the module to be easily inserted therein so that the circuit boards can be connected. The receptacle frame provides for easy extraction of the module from its connection with another circuit board.

Abstract: An electronic device for inserting an electronic card. The device has a fixed housing with a slot at the back for a connector and a slot at the front for engaging the card. A gripping device carries the electronic card. The gripping device includes a receptacle into which the card is inserted at its front end, with the back of the receptacle covering the card insertion slot. The gripping device also cooperates with an extraction device placed along the card. The extraction device includes a shoulder that comes into contact with the back end of the card to extract the card.

Abstract: An insertion and withdrawal device for a plug-in assembly, provided for insertion into a sub-rack. A plunger is disposed in a holding bracket of the device for the purpose of actuating a microswitch. A space, that permits a switching process of the microswitch prior to separation of the plug connector, is provided between a press-down shoulder of the pivoting lever and the front surface of a profiled rail.

Abstract: A latch for retaining printed circuit boards (PCB) or other types of daughter cards (29) in a card file (11) is disclosed. Two latch mechanisms (43a and 43b), one located adjacent the outer corner of each card, engage latch slots (35) when the cards (29) are correctly installed. Each latch mechanism (43a and 43b) includes a latch housing (45), a plunger assembly (47) mounted in the latch housing (45), and large coil springs (49a and 49b) that create a force in a direction parallel to the direction of card installation. The large coil springs (49a and 49b) urge the plunger assembly (47) away from the direction of card installation and out of alignment with an opening (77) in the latch housing (45). The plunger assembly (47) includes a plunger housing (53), a latch pin (55), a smaller coil spring (59), and a latch pin retraction lever (57).

Abstract: A lever mechanism (1) for clamping a panel (3) to a housing has a support block (2) which, in use, is attached to a panel (3). A first lever (4) is pivotally connected to the support block (2), and arranged so that, in use, it can engage with the housing when in a first position and disengage from the housing when in a second position. A second lever (9) is pivotally mounted on the first lever, and arranged to hold the first lever in its first position by engagement with the support block. A spring or springs (8) biases the first lever towards the second position and/or biases the second lever towards the position in which it engages with the support block. The first lever (4) is mounted for translational movement relative to the support block (2) against the action of a further spring (15) to provide, in use, a predetermined clamp load between the panel (3) and housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector from a memory card in which the eject plate bears on the link arm at a first contact position during insertion. During ejectment a separate contact position is engaged. The distance between the first contact position used during insertion and the pivot point of the link arm is greater than the distance between the second contact position and the pivot point of the link arm by a factor of between 3:1 to 6:1. A significant mechanical advantage is therefore realized so that the card may be inserted with little resistance force while ample ejecting force is available.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting a memory or microcircuit unit, such as a PCMCIA card. The device comprises a mounting place receiving the memory or microcircuit unit and a protective lid. The lid pivotably attached to a locking mechanism of the protective device, operated by a removable key, is turned to protect the memory or microcircuit unit positioned in its place, when the key is turned to an ON position in the protective device.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling the removal of a memory card from a computer system. The apparatus includes a socket for receiving the memory card having a first section of card detect pins and a second section of single pins. The second section is aligned with the first section during insertion of the card into the socket. The second section slides out with the card during removal of the card from the socket. The apparatus also includes an interrupt handler for transferring control to the interrupt handler upon a break in contact between the card and card detect pins in the socket. The interrupt handler disables signal lines connected to the signal pins before the second section begins pulling out from the card upon removal of the card from the socket.

Abstract: A memory card connector (10) includes an insulative housing (20) having a plurality of cavities (26) extending therethrough in a front-to-end direction for reception of a corresponding number of contacts therein. Ejection mechanism includes a pivotal lever (70) adapted to be rotatable with regard to the housing (20), and an actuation bar (80) adapted to be lengthwise moved wherein such lever (70) and actuation bar (80) are linked with each other. A pushing block (90) positioned on the actuation bar (80), has a pushing or operation surface (95) which laterally projects out of the lengthwise axis (Z) of such actuation bar (80) so that the actuation bar (80) can be rearwardly moved by easily manually approaching such operation surface (95) from an exterior, thus actuating such pivotal lever (70) to rotationally move for ejection of the memory card inserted within the connector (10).

Abstract: A circuit board insertion and extraction apparatus. The present invention is a circuit board inserter and extractor apparatus particularly suited for use with circuit boards utilizing high insertion force connectors requiring in excess of 50 lbs of force. The handle of the inserter/extractor has novel insertion and extraction surfaces which cooperate with corresponding surfaces fabricated as part of a card guide. As the circuit board is inserted into the card guide, the handle is automatically positioned so that the user can press the bottom of the handle to insert the circuit board. The handle and card guide interface is designed to provide a large positive force to extract the circuit board from the card guide until the circuit board is unseated from the associated high insertion force connectors. Additionally, the present invention is advantageously designed to eliminate the need for fixtures or separate hardware to install the handle onto the circuit board thereby saving assembly line time and money.

Abstract: A device for removing a plug-in module adapted for insertion into a module rack is provided where the module rack has a front profile rail including a front strip and a front face, the front strip having a front edge. The plug-in module comprises a retaining block for securing the plug-in module to the front profile rail; a printed wiring board equipped with electronic components and screwed to the retaining block; and a front panel secured to the retaining block. The device includes a two-armed bell crank having a long lever arm and a short lever arm and being pivotally secured to the retaining block by a pivot pin. The long lever arm of the bell crank constitutes an actuation handle for the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hand held computer having a housing. The housing has a first side and a second side wherein the second side is opposite the first side. A display and a processor are included in the housing. There is an opening in the first side of the housing for receiving a memory card. A connector is mounted within the housing for connecting the memory card to the processor. An ejector mechanism is operable from outside the housing from the second side to eject the memory card from the connector. The ejector mechanism has a bar that spreads the ejection force to both corners of the card nearest the connector so as to provide balanced ejection force to eject the card without damage to the connector contacts. The bar is moved by a button which is held captive in the second side of the housing. The button transmits the force provided by a user's finger to the bar.

Abstract: A circuit card interface system of minimized vertical clearance, capable of interfacing one or more circuit cards to a relatively small space on a mother board. The interface system includes an interfacing connector assembly and at least one stacking connector assembly, each adapted to receive a circuit card. The conductors of the interfacing connector assembly are coupled to a substrate such as a mother board. The interfacing connector assembly can be used alone or with one or more electrically interconnected stacking connector assemblies. Rapid electrical attachment of each stacking connector assembly is accomplished by mating a cooperating portion of the stacking connector assembly with a portion of the underlying interfacing connector assembly. A separable header connector assembly 204 is attachable to a metal frame 202 comprising rails for receiving the circuit card. The separable header is attached via a metal latch with an opening 224 that engages a plastic boss 222.

Abstract: A docking module for removable disk drives provides, in one embodiment, space for two such disk drives within a standard half-height bay. The docking module provides cammed insertion and removal together with hot swappability of disk drives. The bay is provided within a housing member. A door is rotatably mounted on the housing member and configured to serve as a lever arm. An engagement portion for urging a disk drive into the bay protrudes from the door. A slide is mounted within the housing member and connected to the door such that rotation of the door causes the slide to move forward and back within the housing member. A tab on the inner end of the slide engages the disk drive to urge the disk drive out of the bay. Alternative embodiments provide ten or more disk drives at a density of two drives per half height bay.

Abstract: A small computer having a card interface slot in a side of the computer. An inserted electronic card, the connector on its inserted end mates firmly with a connector at the inner end of the recess behind the slot. The user ejects an inserted card by sliding a slider which is positioned in a shallow recess on the bottom of the computer, near the slot. The slider is connected to an ejector which actually presses against the inner end of the card. By moving the slider with his thumb, the user can push the card out far enough to disengage the contacts of the card, and then can readily remove the card by hand or allow it to drop out.

Abstract: A system for controlling staggered connection timing of an adapter module so that live insertion, or "hot swapping", may be performed with the adapter module, has a connector with staggered pins, i.e., some pins being longer than others for initial contact with mating pins of a mating connector. The system further has a latch for controlling the timing of the connection of the staggered pins. As an adapter module is inserted into a housing, the latch allows the adapter module to be in one of three positions: (1) an entirely disconnected position where none of the pins of the adapter module are connected to the pins of the housing connector; (2) a "stopped", or partially connected, position where the longer of the staggered pins are connected between the housing and adapter modules connectors; and (3) a "fully-engaged" position wherein all pins of the connectors are engaged.

Abstract: A mounting bracket is disclosed that is intended to be used, in conjunction with other identical mounting brackets, to facilitate the insertion and removal of certain printed circuit boards known as AT style cards into and out of passive backplane or motherboard slots in a computer housing, as well as to protect the AT style computer cards from damage while they are resident in the housing. The mounting bracket of the present invention is adaptable to fit an AT style card of any length, and is capable of providing close spacing between inserted cards.

Abstract: A front panel for mounting a printed circuit board in a card cage. A central frame is formed with an integral extrusion from which integral printed circuit board mounting brackets can be formed on one surface of the central frame. Ejector assemblies mount at each end of the central frame and include an extruded mounting bracket that attaches to the central frame, an extruded ejection handle with legs that straddle the mounting frame and a solid handle portion with a pivot that mounts to a solid pin captured in the assembled structure. Rotating the extraction handle causes the legs to bear against the card cage and fully extract the printed circuit board from a back plane. When adjacent printed circuit boards are fully seated, the extraction handles align parallel the central plane and can support identifying labels in a clear and secure fashion.

Abstract: A computer is provided with a pair of internal PCMCIA card connection chambers opening outwardly through a pair of housing side wall slots through which PCMCIA cards may be inserted into and withdrawn from the chambers. To facilitate the disconnection and withdrawal of the inserted cards each chamber is provided with a mechanically leveraged card ejector mechanism positioned within a thin space between the facing sides of the inserted card and a housing wall portion of the chamber, and disposed essentially entirely within the peripheral footprint of the inserted card. Each ejector mechanism includes a manually operable actuating plate slidably disposed on the outer side of the computer housing, a card receiving/ejection plate overlying the actuating plate within the housing, and a lever plate sandwiched between the actuating plate and receiving/ejection plate and pivotally connected to the housing.

Abstract: A self-adjusting insertion/extraction apparatus is disclosed for inserting and extracting a printed circuit (PC) board into and from an electrical connector mounted at the base of a PC board rack, the apparatus being configured to function effectively regardless of limited variations in the height of the PC board. The apparatus includes a lever and a pawl pivotally secured to the PC board, at an edge of the board opposite the connector. A spring resiliently couples the lever to the pawl such that pivoting the lever from a raised position to a lowered position yieldably biases the pawl into engagement with the PC board rack, to insert the board into the rack connector. Further, raising the lever from its lowered position to its raised position moves a portion of the lever into engagement with the rack, to extract the board from the connector. Limited variations in the height of the board are accommodated by corresponding flexing of the spring.

Abstract: In a computer system requiring the CPU board to be installed and removed from the top of the chassis, there is included a CPU board installation and maintaining lever supported for movement from the base of the chassis and perpendicularly to the board when the board is installed. The board has an opening of a dimension to allow the board on installation and removal to passed over the lever into a position where contact with the lever will move the board into and out of its operative position without the need to use hardware on its installation and removal. Also included is a bracket having holding surfaces securing a speaker to the bracket and the bracket to the chassis, the latter holding surfaces allowing the bracket to assume a first position in the chassis and a second position away from the base of the chassis to create a suitable space for the installation and removal of the board to and from the chassis.

Abstract: The modular structure embodying the invention comprises at least one frame, preferably manufactured in molded material, on which a printed circuit board is attached and whose rear vertical member has at least one indentation in which a group of connection elements is engaged, the frame comprising two lateral flanks equipped with attachment means to each of which can be attached either a covering plate or a second frame identical to the first one. The invention notably enables the connections between the printed circuit boards and the output connector of the structure to be reduced to a single level.

Abstract: An improved IC card ejecting mechanism including an ejecting lever that turns about two fulcrums, one after another, to eject an IC card from an underlying connector apparatus. Specifically, the ejecting lever first turns about a first fulcrum which is placed close to an ejecting end of the lever to provide a relatively large moment arm and to permit disengagement and initial ejection of the card with a relatively small applied force. The ejecting lever then turns about a second fulcrum which is placed close to the opposite end of the ejecting lever to increase the distance of travel of one end of the card outside a card opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lever mechanism for clamping a board to a housing. A support block is provided and is adapted to be attached to the board. A first lever, pivotally connected to the support block, is movable between first and second positions, and adapted to engage with the housing when in the first position and disengage from the housing when in the second position. A second lever is pivotally mounted on the first lever and adapted to hold the first lever in the first position by engagement with the support block. A spring is also provided for biasing the first lever towards the second position and also for biasing the second lever toward the position in which it engages with the support block.

Abstract: A ring maintains a circular daughtercard (32) plugged into a mothercard (30) and includes structure for removing the daughtercard from the mothercard. The ring includes: an inner vertical threading to be screwed on an external threading fixed to the mothercard (30), and a bottom portion having a cylindric recess for accommodating the daughtercard (32), the recess being coaxial to the threadings and having a depth substantially equal to the thickness of the daughtercard (32). The ring also includes at its bottom portion a plurality of vertical traversing rods (42) distributed about the recess, each having, at one end, an eccentric portion for releasing the daughtercard (44), and, at the other end, a roller for manipulating the rod and the eccentric portion.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a personal computer apparatus and a device for removing a direct access storage device from a personal computer. More particularly, this disclosure describes a tool for easily removing an electromechanical storage device such as hard disk drive which is directly attached to the bus structure provided by a planar board or motherboard of a personal computer system.

Abstract: A device for installing and removing a removable computer component, such as a data storage drive or computer card, into or out of a computer housing. The device features a drive sled to which the data storage drive is mounted. A stationary carrier tray is secured to the computer housing. Interlocking angled tracks on the drive sled and the carrier tray secure the two structures together. To promote easy coupling of the drive's electrical interface connectors, the front end of the drive sled has a floating guide plate with forward-projecting locating pins, which pins are used to align the electrical connectors held by the floating guide plate. A rack and pinion mechanism is provided. The rack is disposed on the top of the carrier tray while the pinion is located on the underside of the drive sled. As the drive sled slides onto the carrier tray, the lever-actuated pinion gear engages the rack and consequently displaces the drive sled relative to the stationary carrier tray.

Abstract: A card cage formed of mating, identical halves provides parallel slots for circuit boards carrying snap-on retainer clips with integral pawl-like clasps which lock over ridges on the exterior of the card cage. The clip is released from the cage by squeezing the clasps with one hand before withdrawing the circuit board. Slotted side brackets capture mating ribs on the card cage halves to assemble and mount the card cge to a wiring clost panel.

Abstract: An injector/extractor for circuit boards is disclosed. The device includes a slideably engagable locking member adapted to engage a locking pin mounted on a circuit board to prevent accidental release of a circuit board from a chassis.

Abstract: A connector device comprises a housing and a connector body coupled to one end of the housing. One hard disk drive package is inserted in the inner space of the housing which is constituted by first and second decks. When the hard disc drive package is not inserted in the inner space of the housing, two memory cards are inserted in the first and second decks, respectively.