Rotatable Patents (Class 361/755)
  • Patent number: 7474531
    Abstract: A circuit board testing jig for testing a circuit board and dissipating heats generated by a heat-generating electronic element of the circuit board is provided. The circuit board testing jig includes a fixing frame, a platform, and a displacement mechanism. The fixing frame and the platform are respectively used to support the circuit board and a heatsink module. The displacement mechanism enables the platform to move between a ready position and an attached position. When the platform is located at the ready position, the heatsink module on the platform is separated from the heat-generating electronic element; when the platform is located at the attached position, the heatsink module is pressed onto the heat-generating electronic element, for dissipating the heat generated by the heat-generating electronic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Chien-Cheng Chen, I-Wei Shen
  • Patent number: 7466554
    Abstract: A pivotal mounting structure for an electronic device, an electronic device utilizing the pivotal mounting structure, and a method of mounting an electronic device on a rack. The pivotal mounting structure allows an electronic device to be mounted in a rack, and allows the electronic device to pivot up so that the front operating panel can be set at an angel with respect to the rack. The structure comprises a angle member, a side plate, a pivot shaft, a holding section, and a support device. The side plate is attached to the electronic device, and the angle member is attached to the rack. The pivotal shaft allows rotation between the angle member and the side plate. The holding section and the supporting device allows the angle between the angle plate and side plate to be maintained at specific angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Roland Corporation
    Inventors: Sinichi Matsumoto, Shigeru Sawada
  • Patent number: 7466558
    Abstract: Provided is a portable electronic device which employs a simple structure to prevent a waterproof cap fitted in a through hole for a flexible wiring board from coming off outward. The through hole is formed in a side face of an upper housing. The flexible wiring board is inserted into the through hole. The flexible wiring board has the waterproof cap formed therein and fitted in the through hole. A hinge cover member is attached to the upper housing in such a way as to cover the flexible wiring board. A pull-stop claw formed on the hinge cover member covers a flange of the waterproof cap from outside the upper housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinya Yasuda
  • Patent number: 7466556
    Abstract: A low-profile Universal-Serial-Bus (USB) assembly includes a modular USB core component that is mounted into a swivel casing. The modular USB core component includes a PCBA in which all passive components and unpackaged IC chips are attached to a single side of a PCB opposite to the metal contacts. The IC chips (e.g., USB controller, flash memory) are attached to the PCB by wire bonding or other chip-on-board (COB) technique. The passive components are attached by conventional surface mount technology (SMT) techniques. The swivel casing includes a holder that is pivotably mounted into an external housing by way of a pivot pin. The pivot pin is either a separate structure that is inserted into holes formed in the holder and housing, or is integrally formed on the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Super Talent Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Siew S. Hiew, Jin Kyu Kim, Abraham C. Ma, Ming-Shiang Shen
  • Patent number: 7457131
    Abstract: The driving apparatus including a rotation driving unit in the bottom which has an electric motor for rotation which is provided to a base plate for rotation and a train of gears for reducing rotation speed which reduces the rotation of the motor to rotate a base plate for elevation; a elevation driving unit in the middle which has an electric motor provided to the base plate for elevation and a train of gears which reduces the rotation of the motor as well as moves a base plate for tilting up and down via an elevating means, and; the driving unit on the top which has an electric motor for tilting which is provided to the base plate for tilting and a train of gears for tilting and reducing rotation speed which reduces the rotation speed of the motor and tilts a tilting plate provided to the flat display via a tilting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Simotec Inc.
    Inventor: Takayuki Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7448891
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus, which includes a first hinge part connected, in a rotatable manner, to a first electronic apparatus, a second hinge part having a second hinge axis connected in an inclined manner at a predetermined angle to a first hinge axis of the first hinge part, a wiring member for connecting the first and the second electronic apparatus by sequentially passing by the first and the second hinge axes in a manner of winding around the outer peripheral surfaces of each of the first and the second hinge axes. Accordingly, the hinge apparatus can connect a plurality of electronic apparatus so that those electronic apparatus are mutually rotatable in a plurality of rotational directions without implementing the complicated manufacturing process of forming through holes on each of the hinge axes, and inserting the wiring member into those through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyoung-jin Ahn
  • Patent number: 7446398
    Abstract: A bump pattern design for flip chip semiconductor packages includes a pattern of contact pads formed on a package substrate. Each contact pad is adapted to receive a corresponding solder bump from a semiconductor chip attached thereto. The pattern includes a central portion and a peripheral portion with a transition portion therebetween. The transition portion has a lower pattern density than the central portion and peripheral portions. In the peripheral portion is at least one outer portion having a pattern density less than the average pattern density of the central portion. The outer portions of reduced pattern density may be the corner sections in a rectangular bump pattern and may further include channels that are void of contact pads. The peripheral portion may include an average pitch between most of the rows and columns, but also an increased pitch between some adjacent rows and columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pao-Kang Niu, Pei-Haw Tsao, Hao-Yi Tsai, Yung-Kuan Hsiao, Chung Yu Wang, Shang-Yun Hou, Lin Yu-Ting
  • Patent number: 7440288
    Abstract: A casing for carrying a detachable expansion card having a connecting plate includes a main frame, a first limit element and a second limit element. The main frame has a first surface for leaning against the connecting plate partially, a second surface and a third surface. The first limit element pivoted to the main frame swings about a first axis between a first location and a second location. The second limit element pivoted to the main frame, disposed on the second surface and adjacent to the first limit element swings about a second axis between a third location and a fourth location. The first limit element locked by the second limit element locks the connecting plate and covers part of the third surface to fix the detachable expansion card in the casing when the first and the second limit elements are located at the second and the fourth locations respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Lin-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 7438571
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for securing a module in an electronic component chassis includes at least one lever arm attached to the module and rotable between a latched and unlatched position, at least a portion of the lever arm having an interference fit with the chassis when the lever arm is in the latched position. The latch mechanism further includes at least one pawl rotably attached to the module such that when the lever arm is moved to the latched position, the lever arm rotates the pawl into a latched position wherein the pawl has an interference fit with the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard M. Barina, Derek I. Schmidt, James Scott Womble
  • Publication number: 20080232071
    Abstract: A device (100) having a first housing (101) and a second housing (102) may be selectively opened with a multi-axis coupling mechanism (500). The multi-axis coupling mechanism (500) works as an opening mechanism that is configured to cause the first housing (101) and the second housing (102) to rotate angularly about an opening axis (105) due to a preloaded tensioning device (401). The first housing (101) and second housing (102) are held in a closed position by retaining devices. The multi-axis coupling mechanism (500) is actuated when the first housing (101) is rotated about an actuation axis (106) that, in one embodiment, is substantially perpendicular to the opening axis (105). Opposing members may be employed to assist the multi-axis opening mechanism (500) during initial actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Kevin J. Schechtel, Roger W. Harmon, Nicholas Woodley
  • Patent number: 7414855
    Abstract: A portable communication device has a modular inner chassis containing a main printed circuit board and an outer housing for releasable engagement over the inner chassis so as to substantially completely enclose and conceal the inner chassis. The outer housing has at least two parts. A first part of the outer housing contains a keypad and a separate keypad printed circuit board for connection with a keypad connector on the main printed circuit board when the housing is engaged over the inner chassis. The outer housing and inner chassis have releasable interengaging formations for releasably securing the first and second parts of the outer housing over the inner chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kyocera Wireless Corp.
    Inventor: Thomas Arnold
  • Patent number: 7408253
    Abstract: The present invention includes a chip-embedded support-frame wrapped-by-flex-circuit package assembly. The package assembly includes a flex circuit having a plurality of patterned connecting-traces. The package assembly further includes a plurality of semiconductor chips mounted on the flex circuits wherein the semiconductor chips having a plurality of contact terminals connected to corresponding connecting traces on the flex circuit. The package assembly further includes a support frame-board having an edge surface placed along predefined folded lines on the flex circuit. The frame-board has a plurality of open spaces for disposing each of the semiconductor chips therein. The flex circuit is provided for folding onto the support frame along the predefined folded lines to form the chip-embedded support-frame wrapped-by-flex-circuit package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Paul T. Lin
  • Patent number: 7382626
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit includes a pull spring is attached to opposing sides of the PCB and bezel assembly. Each pull spring includes a generally M-shaped spring. A first end of the M-shaped spring includes a first pin carrying a knob. The first pin extends through an opening in the bezel and the knob is disposed within a recessed portion of the bezel and is generally flush with a front face of the bezel with the M-shaped spring compressed in a normal constrained position. In an extended position when the M-shaped springs return to a substantially uncompressed state, the knobs are pushed forward and are spaced apart in front of the bezel, enabling a person to grip and pull each knob to remove the PCB and bezel assembly from the unit in which it is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Dingfelder, James Dorance Gerken, Scott Raymond LaPree, Gregory Todd Smith
  • Patent number: 7359209
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first body having a first connector and a second body. A hinge located in the electronic device comprises a first hinge piece fastened to the first body, a second hinge piece fastened to the second body and pivotally coupled to the first hinge piece, and a second connector fastened to the fastened to the hinge piece and electrically connecting to the second body and the first connector individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: ASUSTek Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Chien-Sheng Lo
  • Patent number: 7355860
    Abstract: Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover one set of contacts can be rotated out of the way by hand when that set of contacts is being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: SanDisk Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Miller, Hem P. Takiar, Joel Jacobs, Robert Howard, Motohide Hatanaka, Robert F. Wallace, Edwin J. Cuellar, Eliyahou Harari
  • Patent number: 7345890
    Abstract: Rotating latching mechanism for securing Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture (ATCA) mezzanine card (AdvancedMC) modules within mezzanine slots on an ATCA carrier board. The rotating latching mechanism includes a rotating latching member having a handle coupled to a shaft to which a latching paddle and position detector actuator paddle are also coupled. The rotating latching member is pivotally coupled relative to a faceplate of a module proximate to the handle, and the shaft at the opposite end is supported by a rear bearing support member coupled to the modules circuit card. As the handle is rotated, the latching paddle is rotated to engage a cutout formed in a strut coupled to the ATCA carrier board, thus latching the module in place. The position detector actuator paddle is also rotated to cause a position detector to be actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Steven DeNies, William Handley, Mark D. Summers
  • Patent number: 7344394
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for securing a module in an electronic component chassis includes at least one lever arm attached to the module and rotable between a latched and unlatched position, at least a portion of the lever arm having an interference fit with the chassis when the lever arm is in the latched position. The latch mechanism further includes at least one pawl rotably attached to the module such that when the lever arm is moved to the latched position, the lever arm rotates the pawl into a latched position wherein the pawl has an interference fit with the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard M. Barina, Derek I. Schmidt, James S. Womble
  • Patent number: 7342806
    Abstract: An electronic device has a main body, a flip attached to the main body and multiple input interfaces. A first input interface is disposed on the main body of the electronic device. Second and third input interfaces are disposed on apposing sides of the flip. The flip covers at least a part of the first input interface when the flip is in a closed position. The flip is rotatable so that either the second or third interface can be selectively used when the flip is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Kurt M. Hickey
  • Patent number: 7322517
    Abstract: An automated banking machine includes a processor case rotatably mounted in supporting connection with a chest. The processor case houses and supports various components including at least one processor. A movable mounting tray supported on the chest housing, supports various banking machine components which may include a display, a card reader, a receipt printer, and input keys. When the automated banking machine is in an operable condition, the processor case and the mounting tray are housed in an interior area defined by a top housing. To access and service the banking machine components, the movable tray may be extended outwardly from a front opening in the top housing and the processor case may be rotated from an operational position to a service position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard C. Lute, Zachary Utz, Pedro Tula, Klaus Steinbach, Natarajan Ramachandran, Mark Estep
  • Publication number: 20080000850
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus is provided for mounting expansion cards. The mounting apparatus includes a rear panel, a retainer, and a clip. The rear panel has a support wall for supporting the bent portion of the cover plate, the rear panel defining an opening for facilitating installing or removing the expansion card. The retainer has a pressing plate pivotally coupled to the support wall. The clip has a resilient member for securing the retainer to the rear panel. The retainer has a fixing member for clasping the bent portion of the cover plate when the retainer is rotated to a first position and unclasping the bent portion of the cover plate if the retainer is rotated to a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: WEN-TANG PENG, JUN-XIONG ZHANG, XIN-HU GONG
  • Patent number: 7297015
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a guide plate selectively securable in a position adjacent a first electronic connector, wherein the guide plate includes a linear slot. A mounting plate is positioned generally parallel to the guide plate, wherein the mounting plate comprises two or more mounting pins, and is vertically slidably secured to the guide plate by the pins extending through the linear slot. Between the guide plate and the mounting plate, a rotatable plate is pivotally coupled, wherein the rotatable plate includes one or more cam slots slidably receiving a mounting pin. An electronic circuit board is coupled to the mounting plate, the electronic circuit board having a second electronic connector selectively mateable with the first electronic connector. The rotatable plate is actuated so that the cam slots cause the mounting plate and circuit board to move vertically to insert and remove the second connector relative to the first connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Bruce Desrosiers, Dean Frederick Herring
  • Patent number: 7257005
    Abstract: A portable device includes a first casing which houses a circuit board having a first conductive layer, a second casing which houses a circuit board having a second conductive layer, and a coupling part which openably and closably couples the first casing and the second casing. The coupling part is made of a metal material, and the first conductive layer is electrically connected to the second conductive layer via the coupling part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuki Kato
  • Patent number: 7203076
    Abstract: A retention device used in a circuit card of a computer is composed of a fixing board, an upper board surface of which is provided with a positioning hole having two ear parts at two sides; a positioning member, two sides of which are provided with shaft members which can be transfixed into shaft holes of the ear parts, and pressing surfaces at a lower part of which are pressed and in touch with a horizontal board surface of the fixing board. A projection piece which is extended from a metallic piece connected at a side of a circuit card is pressed by the positioning member which is rotated in the shaft holes with the shaft parts, to release the circuit card from being positioned and pressed, such that the circuit card can be easily taken out of the fixing board, thereby achieving a robustness in positioning the circuit card, along with a quick and convenient dismantling and assembling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Super Micro Computer
    Inventor: Chien-Fa Liang
  • Patent number: 7181968
    Abstract: An improved accelerometer assembly including a circuit board and an accelerometer is provided. The accelerometer is configured to sense acceleration along a sensing axis. The accelerometer is attached to the circuit board and configured to sense acceleration along a sensing axis. A housing is configured to receive the circuit board in a first and second orientation, wherein the sensing axis in the first orientation is rotated 90° from the sensing axis in the second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Still
  • Patent number: 7184275
    Abstract: There is provided a foldable electronic apparatus in which first and second casings are pivotally mounted by a bearing portion so as to be freely rotatable and these casings are automatically opened until a predetermined opening angle and then further manually opened. In the electronic apparatus of the present invention, the first and second casings (1), (2) are freely rotatably connected to each other (pivotally mounted) through a bearing portion (3). An opening/closing device (4) for automatically opening the first and second casings (1), (2) until a predetermined opening angle by operating a push button (49) is secured to the bearing portion. The opening/closing device (4) includes a mechanism for opening the casings until a larger opening angle exceeding the predetermined opening angle, and the first and second casings (1), (2) can be manually opened till a larger opening angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumasa Yamaguchi, Teruo Nanmoku, Shinichi Otsuka, Ryuichi Toyoda, Yoshihisa Naito
  • Patent number: 7180754
    Abstract: A connecting mechanism for a battery case and a main body of a portable electronic device includes a main body (10), a connecting member (20), a cover (30), and a shaft (40). The main body has a receptacle (162), and a recessed portion (192) for receiving the battery case. The connecting member has a body (22) and one or more mounting portions (24). The cover defines a sliding space. The shaft extends through the mounting portions and is received in the receptacle. Thus the connecting member is rotatable relative to the main body about the shaft. The connecting member is received in the sliding space and can slide along the sliding space relative to the cover. Thus the cover is both rotatable and slidable relative to the main body, and need not be detached from the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Ind. Co., Ltd., Sutech Trading Limited
    Inventors: Shui Yuan Qin, Chia-Hua Chen, Yu-Chieh Lee, Jiang Yuan He, Lin Hu, Changzhi Li
  • Patent number: 7136291
    Abstract: A connecting structure for a battery case and a main body of a portable electronic device comprises a base (1), a connecting member (2), a cover (3), a shaft (4), a spring module (5) and a cylinder (6). The base has a receiving part (163) and a recessed portion (194). A hinge (22) is formed on one end of the connecting member. The cover has a track (322) and the connecting member can slide along the track. The connecting member is connected to the cylinder, and the shaft extends through the cylinder and is received in the receiving part of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industrial Co., Ltd., Sutech Trading Limited
    Inventors: Ying Liang Tu, Chia-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 7120032
    Abstract: An expansion card mounting apparatus includes a rear panel (14) defining an opening (16), a mounting frame (20) attached to the rear panel around the opening, a pressing body (30) pivotably mounted to the mounting frame, and two retention members (40) attached to opposite sides of the mounting frame. The mounting frame includes a support plate (22) for supporting an end portion (122) of a slot cover (120) of an expansion card (100). Each retention member defines a retention portion (40B) having a protrusion (44) formed thereon. When the pressing body is pivoted to an engaging position in which the pressing body presses the end portion against the support plate, the protrusion snappingly engages with opposite ends of the pressing body so as to retain the pressing body in said engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignees: Hong Fujin Precision Ind. (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Chih Lin, Yi Ze Fang
  • Patent number: 7108530
    Abstract: In a card fitting mechanism for receiving a card fitted thereto, a plurality of card receiving portions are arranged parallel to one another. Each of the card receiving portions is adapted to receive the card. A guiding member is disposed between adjacent ones of the card receiving portions so as to enter into adjacent ones of the card receiving portions. When the card is inserted in only one of the adjacent card receiving portions, the guiding member is moved by the card to serve as a guide for guiding the card that is inserted into another of the adjacent card receiving portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignees: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited, JAE Hirosaki, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kimura, Kazushi Kamata, Nobukazu Kato, Tomohiko Tamada
  • Patent number: 7102881
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a slide type portable terminal and methods for the same. Embodiments of a slide type portable terminal can include a main unit having key sections that are formed on a surface of the main unit, a slide unit that can slide relative to the surface of the main unit to cause each of the plurality of the key sections of the main unit to be covered and exposed and a slide driving mechanism for causing the slide unit to slide, for example, using restorative forces. The slide mechanism can include coil springs guided by guide bars. The guide bars can have both ends rotatably coupled to the main and slide units, respectively, such that the lengths of portions of the guide bars can change as the slide unit is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ji-Sung Park, Sang-Hyuk Im
  • Patent number: 7085137
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing multi-directional signaling interface connection of a printed circuit card within a computer chassis. In one embodiment, a blind swap cartridge carries a circuit card that includes a first signaling interface connector in the form of a PCI edge connector. The edge connector is movable via a pivot point on the cartridge in a substantially transverse direction with respect to an insertion direction of said blind swap cartridge. In accordance with the present invention, a second signaling interface connector, such as a SCSI connector, is rigidly affixed to the exterior of the blind swap cartridge. The second signaling interface connector is preferably disposed on the cartridge in an orientation such that its connection direction is substantially aligned with the blind swap cartridge insertion direction. A flexible interconnect member is preferably utilized to couple the second signaling interface connector to the circuit card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Andrew Smith, Brian Michael Kerrigan, Michael Sven Miller, Paul Andrew Wormsbecher, John Gary Bulluck
  • Patent number: 6974914
    Abstract: A retention system is provided for a printed circuit assembly. The retention system comprises a structural wall having a wall edge that defines a slot. A printed circuit assembly is disposed proximate the slot, and a retainer plug is slidably disposed in the slot, such that appropriate movement of the retainer plug locks the retainer plug at a desired location along the slot to limit movement of the printed circuit card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Tillman Frazier Taylor, David William Mayer, Arlen Lee Roesner
  • Patent number: 6970363
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to an expansion card support mechanism. In certain embodiments, a tool-free, chassis mountable arm comprising a support end and a card-configurable mount to orient the support end over an expansion card within a chassis, wherein the chassis mountable arm is adapted to bias the expansion card. In other embodiments, a system has a card support mechanism configurable for at least one electronics card. The card support mechanism has a chassis with at least one tool-free mounting mechanism, and an arm rotatably coupled to the chassis, wherein the arm comprises a card retention end springably engageable against a peripheral portion of the at least one electronics card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Bassett, Kristina L. Mann, James R. Bullington
  • Patent number: 6952349
    Abstract: There is described a motion control device for preventing free-fall of electronics modules during vertical movement into or out of a supporting structure. The system comprises a rotatable element on the module or structure engageable with surface on the structure or module, respectively, for rolling movement therealong. The rotatable element is provided with a clutch or brake to provide resistance to rotation at least when the module is moving downward relative to the structure. The rotatable element may be a gear engageable with a toothed rack, or a friction roller engageable with a friction surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Ronald Gough, James Robert Kitchen, Jay K. Osborn, Stephen David Sparkes, Sean Conor Wrycraft
  • Patent number: 6937466
    Abstract: A rear panel (1) of a computer enclosure for covering a rear part of a computer enclosure includes a base (10) and four brims (20). The base defines a plurality of parallel expansion slots (108) for receipt of expansion cards of the enclosure. The base comprises a support plate (114) integrally extending therefrom in a first direction for securing the expansion cards. The brims extend from respective edges of the base. Each of the brims comprises an inner wall (202) extending from the base in the first direction and an outer wall (206) extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction for attaching the panel to the computer enclosure. The base and the inner walls of the brims cooperatively define a cavity for receiving one or more components thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 6930892
    Abstract: A docking apparatus for printed circuit boards including a cassette housing so as to define a housing cavity for containing a printed circuit board (PCB) and a linkage mechanism disposed so as to be associated with the cassette housing. The linkage mechanism includes a linkage arm pivotally connected to the cassette housing via a pivot and has a first arm pivotally connected to the PCB, a clevis pivotally connected to a second arm extending from the first arm, a shaft extending through an aperture in the clevis at a first end defining the shaft, the first end configured to operably transfer axial translation of the shaft to the clevis, and an opposite second end defining the shaft includes a thread, and a nut operably secured to the cassette housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Shawn Canfield, Jody A. Hickey, Peter W. Kelly, Edward J. Seminaro, Harold M. Toffler
  • Patent number: 6870731
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a lock member (20), a support panel (30), and a securing panel (40). The support panel includes a main wall (32). First and second lock plates (33, 34) and catches (35) are arranged on the main wall. The securing panel includes a base board (41) and a flange (42). Catch holes (49) are defined in the base board, the catch holes engagingly receiving the catches. Two openings (45) are defined between the base board and the flange. The lock member includes two latches (22) engaging in the openings. First and second cutouts (23, 24) are defined respectively in opposite sides of the lock member. The first and second lock plates of the support panel are passed through the first and second cutouts of the lock member, thereby enabling the lock member to be slidably retained on the main wall by the first and second lock plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Chih Lin, Da-Long Sun, Li Tong
  • Patent number: 6847522
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing that is formed with two fixed positioning members, and a back-supporting plate that is movable forcibly on an upright housing portion of the housing to move two tongues of two movable members along two annular guide slots in the positioning members. Each of the annular guide slots has a plurality of positioning slot portions. Each of the tongues of the movable members is limited to move within a corresponding one of the annular guide slots along a single direction, and is biased into a selected one of the positioning slot portions of the corresponding one of the annular guide slots. As such, the inclination angle of an upright housing portion of the housing relative to a horizontal support surface can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: First International Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-Yuan Fan, Yuan-Te Chang
  • Publication number: 20040212968
    Abstract: The present invention provides a double hinge structure utilized in folder-style electronic devices (eg: notebooks, portable DVD players, cellphones). The double hinge structure connects a first unit and a second unit of the folder-style electronic device and is utilized for making the first unit rotate to a position directly on top of the second unit or to a position directly underneath the second unit. The double hinge structure contains a plurality of bolts; at least a plate installed and rotatable on the plurality of bolts; and a plurality of fasteners installed and rotatable on the plurality of bolts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Jui-Chiang Lin
  • Patent number: 6802117
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the insertion and extraction of a PC board into and from a card cage, comprising a mounting body, an engager, and an actuator. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus has a ring-shaped mounting body having a clearance hole therethrough. The apparatus is slidably and rotatably mounted on a cylindrical rod through the clearance hole such that the apparatus is slidably rotatable along the length of the cylindrical rod. In operation, the engager is positioned in physical contact with the PC board in a notch in the board such that when a force is applied to the actuator, the engager is effected to urge the board to move in the direction of the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: George Dalisay
  • Publication number: 20040190271
    Abstract: A foldaway electronic device includes a base unit having opposing lateral surfaces and an end portion, a cover unit having opposing lateral surfaces, each of which corresponds to one of the lateral surfaces of the base unit, and an end portion that is rotatably attached to the end portion of the base unit, whereby the cover unit may be rotated between a folded position relative to the base unit and an unfolded position relative to the base unit, a locking mechanism in the base unit and cover unit that locks the cover unit in the folded position, a lock release mechanism in the base unit that releases the locking mechanism when the cover unit is in the folded position, and impelling means in the base unit for impelling the cover unit from the folded position to an unfolded position after the lock release mechanism has been actuated, wherein either lateral surface of the base unit has a guard portion that extends over and prevents contact by a user's thumb and fingers with a portion of the corresponding lateral
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Hisamitsu Takagi
  • Patent number: 6788550
    Abstract: A circuit card retention device includes a longitudinal retention bar hinge-mounted to a support member of a computer enclosure or chassis. First and second hand-releasable lock members are attached to the retention bar at either end. Each lock member includes a flexible stop. When the retention bar is in a retaining position, the flexible stops engage a substantially rigid surface of the enclosure or chassis, keeping the bar in the retaining position. The flexible stops may be disengaged from the rigid surface by application of finger pressure, allowing the retention bar to pivot from the retaining position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronald Paul Dean, Kristina L Mann, Clint E. Conrady, James Bullington
  • Patent number: 6778408
    Abstract: A computer includes a main casing having an opening to accommodate a plurality of hardware components, a movable casing rotatably combined to the main casing to cover and uncover the opening of the main casing, and a stopper located on one of the main casing and the movable casing. The stopper rotates between a stop position, at which the stopper prevents the movable casing from closing the opening at a predetermined angle, and a withdrawal position at which the stopper allows the movable casing to close the opening. Thus, the movable casing rotatably combined to the main casing, is stopped from closing the opening of the main casing while a casing of the computer is opened to replace or repair hardware components, thereby preventing accidents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-hwan Yang
  • Patent number: 6778399
    Abstract: A pluggable transceiver module comprising a housing having a first side and a face perpendicular to the first side, and a tab extending beyond the surface of the first side, and the tab sized to mate with a slot in a receptacle of a host device for receiving the pluggable transceiver module housing; a member slidably mounted on the first side proximate the tab; a lever rotatably mounted on the housing, whereby rotating the lever causes the member to slide between the tab and the slot on the receptacle and remove the tab from within the slot, thereby releasing the pluggable transceiver module from the receptacle. The lever includes a free end and a rotatably mounted end, the rotatably mounted end including an extension adjacent to the member, such that extending the free end outward causes the extension to drive the member inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Stratos International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raul Medina, Bruce A. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6754074
    Abstract: A server, or other electronic device, includes a handle mated with the server. The server slides into and mates with a chassis. The handle is formed to provide a central opening through which visual and physical access is provided to a portion of the server, and preferably a portion of the server on which user interactive components are provided. Such components may one or more include status indicators, one or more user activated controls and one or more connectors. The opening permits the user to see the status indicators, which may comprise LEDs, activate the controls and connect an external cable to the server. The handle also is mated to the server via a hinge and a locking mechanism. With the locking mechanism is disengaged, the handle pivots away from the server. The user can then grip and further pivot the handle and pull the server out of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Belgie B. McClelland, II, Scott R. Gant, Daniel T. Thompson, Erik R. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20040090754
    Abstract: If only an operating button 14 is pushed, an electrically opening and closing mechanism 1 disengages a first clutch K1 while engaging a second clutch K2 to operate an electrically driving means 2 to automatically open or close a second member (e.g., a liquid crystal display panel) 4 which is rotatable with respect to a first member (e.g., a body having a plurality of keys) 3. If the operating button 14 is pushed, the second member 4 automatically rotates to an optional angular position with respect to the first member 3, and if the operating button 14 is released (if the operating button 14 is returned to the original angular position by the spring force of a second spring 23), the first clutch K1 is engaged at the optional angular position to hold the attitude of the second member 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Toru Takumori
  • Patent number: 6735089
    Abstract: An ejector handle mounted to an electronic circuit card provides leverage to assist in engaging and disengaging the electronic circuit card from engagement with an electronic shelf. The ejector handle transmits light, such as by using light pipes, from an end of the handle adjacent to the faceplate of the electronic circuit card to a distal end of the handle where the transmitted light exits for viewing by maintenance personnel. A visual indicator assembly on the electronic circuit card supplies the sources of light that are coupled to and transmitted through the ejector handle. Indicia on the surface of the ejector handle identifies the corresponding function of the lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Calvin Byers, Todd Keaffaber, Andrew F. Scott
  • Patent number: 6728109
    Abstract: An anchoring apparatus for computer drives without using screws includes an anchor plate coupling on two struts located on an installation rack of the drives. The anchor plate pivotally and respectively engages with an actuating member on the left side and the right side through stub shafts. The anchor plate has anchor stubs corresponding to anchor holes of the installation rack. Each strut is coupled with a returning spring. The actuating member has a driving lever on an outer side and an inner side extended to form a driven end. The driving lever may be moved to a returning position thereby to replace and install the drive without disassembling screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Cotytech Industrial Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Liang Wu
  • Patent number: 6714406
    Abstract: An extractable motherboard seat plate of a computer case including a motherboard seat plate disposed on a lateral side of a frame for installing a computer motherboard is characterized that the back side of the frame is disposed with a long opening and a guide channel is respectively and oppositely disposed on the upper and the lower lateral sides of the long opening; at least one or more than one resilient press plate is disposed inwardly on one side of the guide channel; the motherboard seat plate slides into the guide channel; a big-end screw inserts a through hole on the back plate to fasten the motherboard seat plate onto the frame. The application according to the abovementioned structure is capable of fast installing or dismounting the motherboard seat plate to convenience the maintenance of the motherboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Lian Li Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Deng-Hsi Chen
  • Publication number: 20040057219
    Abstract: An electronic circuits module includes a cover and a base. A lever and cam assembly is rotatably attached to the cover, and the cam includes first and second lobes. The lever and cam assembly is rotatable between first, second and third positions. In the first position, the first lobe can be inserted through an eccentric opening in the base, and then rotated to the second position to lock the cover to the base. In the third position, the module can be inserted into the computer and when the lever and cam assembly is moved back to the second position, the second lobe locks the module in the computer. A mechanism in the computer inhibits the movement of the lever and cam assembly into the first position, thereby preventing the disconnection of the base from the cover when the module is installed in the computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Pat Gallarelli, Kevin Duane Johnson