Abstract: A user accessible connector includes a contact support frame shaped to fit in an external housing, a spring contact attached to the contact support frame for contacting the apparatus PCB, and a guide pin attached to the contact support frame and having a fixed positional relationship with the spring contact. When secured to the external housing, the connector is laterally shiftable by a predetermined distance. The apparatus PCB is provided with a guide slot that is shaped to receive the guide pin of the connector. When mating the exterior housing with the PCB, a tapered surface of the guide pin effects shifting of the connector in the lateral direction to properly align the spring contacts with the PCB contact pads. Because the guide pin has a fixed positional relationship with the spring contacts and the guide slot has a similar fixed positional relationship with the PCB contact pads, when the guide pin is inserted in the PCB guide slot, the spring contacts are accurately aligned with the PCB contact pads.

Abstract: In a packaging arrangement suitable for semiconductor devices, a semiconductor chip is mounted on a surface of an aluminum base with a bonding layer interposed therebetween. The aluminum base has a capability to favorably dissipate heat from the semiconductor chip. The bonding layer consists of a resilient and heat conductive material such as silicone resin mixed with silver powder so that thermal strain of the metal base is accommodated by the resiliency of the bonding layer, and is prevented from adversely affecting the electronic component chip even though the aluminum base demonstrates a substantially more significant thermal expansion than the semiconductor chip. It is therefore possible to achieve a high reliability in the packaging of semiconductor devices at a minimum cost.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blind alignment of electronic circuit boards. A receptacle with two vertical flanges and one horizontal flange is positioned relative to an electrical connection. A circuit board having a notch on a leading edge is proximally positioned to the receptacle. As the notched edge is moved toward the receptacle, the flanges guide the board into a registered position relative to the electrical connection. The method and apparatus may be used in any number of alignment situations including those as disparate as robotic assembly operations and assembly by untrained consumers and end-users.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a mounting structure on which both a power supply and a integrated circuit (IC) chip module are mounted.

Abstract: An electrical housing (12) for a circuit board assembly (14) comprises interfitting upper and lower housing members (16,18) along which the circuit board assembly is disposed when the housing members are fitted and secured together. End members (56,58) are secured to the respective ends of housing (12) with outer ends of connectors (52,54) extending through slots (65) in the end members. Jack screws (64) have shafts (66) extending through holes (63) of the end members, through channels in the housing members formed by opposing arcuate recesses (40,48) in the housing members (16,18) and clips (69) are pressed onto the shafts (66) to secure and capture the jack screws (64) in housing (12).

Abstract: A loading and placement device for connecting circuit boards using a flex circuit and a compression connector is disclosed. A mounting mechanism holds one or more circuit boards and a flex circuit and a compression connector couple the circuit boards to a circuit board having a backplate hook and rail housings mounted onto it. The rail housings engage the frame of the mounting mechanism for easy alignment and secure attachment. A plate of the mounting mechanism slides so to engage and rotate a cam handle. The movement of the cam handle compresses the connector against the surface to which the backplate hook is mounted, thus achieving a positive connection which locks the compression connector into a position of uniform compression. The circuit boards may be disengaged by sliding the plate of the mounting mechanism so as to rotate the cams into the unlocked position and pulling the mounting mechanism out of the rail housings.

Abstract: A computer system including a chassis having a number of PCB support structures affixed thereon is disclosed. The PCB support structures are configured to support a PCB of one of a number of pre-determined lengths, employing one of a number of subset combinations of the PCB support structures. However, a constant predefined total number of fasteners is employed regardless of the length of the PCB.

Abstract: A case unit for housing printed-circuit assemblies includes a top plate made of metal, a bottom plate, made of metal, facing the top plate, side plates facing each other, the side plates being positioned between side portions of the top plate and the bottom plate so that a space surrounded by the top plate, the bottom plate and the side plates is formed, and guide rails, made of resin, integrated with the top plate and the bottom plate, the guide rails guiding the printed-circuit assemblies loaded into the space.

Abstract: An interface module for an electronic system that permits signals to pass between a high frequency main circuit board area such as used for central processing units, memories, or other relatively high clock rate components and a low frequency circuit area such as used for standard peripheral circuit modules used for disk drives, video interfaces and the like. The interconnect module is positioned near an opening in a sheet metal bulkhead used as an electromagnetic interference (EMI) barrier around the main circuit area. The interface module uses a connector that is surrounded by one or more conductive shields that contain metal fingers on inboard and outboard sides to provide a ground connection between the interface module and the EMI barrier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rigidly stabilizing or restraining circuit boards is provided. The apparatus has a rigid cross member (20) and a circuit board clamp (10). These provides stabilization of commercial off the shelf (COTS) circuit boards for use in harsh environments. A one piece clamp has hooks with notched ends that attach to opposite sides of each circuit board. The clamp has a surface parallel to the hook. The parallel surface has threaded holes. Threaded shafts are used with the threaded holes to contact the clamp hook and provide pressure on the printed circuit board. A threaded hole is used with a threaded shaft to engage a rigid cross member. The cross member has unthreaded holes to allow for attaching to the clamps with threaded fasteners. The rigid cross member is then attached to the chassis with a fastener. This eliminates flexing of the circuit board under vibration.

Abstract: A hot docking mechanism enables a PCI type card with an edge connector to be inserted into an enclosure and docked in a card socket on the motherboard without operator access to the enclosure interior. A card holder carries the card and is supported on a card guide for sliding motion into the enclosure to a position at which the edge connector is aligned with the socket secured to the device motherboard. A camming assembly includes a sliding cam operable from outside the enclosure to convert horizontal sliding motion to vertical motion of the card into and out of the socket. The card holder is cammed out of the sliding support of the card guide during docking and returned to sliding support when the camming mechanism undocks the card. The card guide also comprises a rail that guides the card holder within the enclosure during both card docked and card undocked conditions.

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: The invention relates to a rail assembly adapted for an earth potential related magazine (1) which is constructed to accommodate a plurality of printed circuit boards, circuit boards having circuit components mounted thereon, or printed boards. An electrical contact rail (3b) has a U-shaped cross section wherein a first leg (41) is provided with a row of tongues whose outer parts are bent towards the second leg such as to form a row of electrical contact points (41c) which are intended for electrical coaction with an earth potential related layer on the circuit board, and wherein the bottom rail part (43) extending between the legs is provided with a plurality of mutually sequential contact tongues whose outer parts form a row or electrical contact points which are intended to lie against electrical contact surfaces (1b) belonging to and assigned to the magazine at a chosen contact pressure when the rail assembly is fitted, so as to obtain an earth potential relationship.

Abstract: A circuit board guide and retaining apparatus to facilitate the alignment and installation of a circuit board within an electronic assembly chassis is disclosed. The circuit board guide and retaining apparatus includes a combination of alignment structures for aligning the circuit board in a prescribed orientation parallel to the base of the electronic assembly chassis and retention structures for preventing the circuit board from substantial displacement in lateral and/or vertical directions during and after the installation of the circuit board.

Abstract: A relatively large printed circuit board includes a pair of stiffening members for preventing bending of the board during handling. The stiffening members are disposed along opposite sides of the board and include edge portions abutting against the board side surfaces and forming planar side extensions of the board. The member edge portions adjoin lateral extensions which are off-set from the plane of the edge portions and which lie flat against a substrate major surface and there secured to the substrate. A beam is rigidly secured to the lateral extension of each member by means of spaced apart posts. The beam overlies the lateral extension and functions, in combination with the lateral extension and post, as a lattice-type I-beam.

Abstract: An improved printed circuit board wedge assembly having a center segment with sloped surfaces at its opposite ends and two end wedge segments having surfaces that abut against opposite ends of the center wedge segment. A drive shaft has a first ratchet member at one end, the first ratchet member engaging a second ratchet member having an elongated hex shaped member extending therefrom. The hex member is adapted to slide in a hex socket formed in an adjacent sleeve member. The drive shaft, having a threaded portion, extends lengthwise through a channel in the center wedge segment and connects together the two end wedge segments. A retaining ring is provided for captivating the driver portion of the assembly to the wedge segments. When the drive shaft is rotated in one direction, the two end wedge segments, together with the shaft, move transversely to the center wedge segment to fasten the PCB in place. The hexagonal shaped member transmits torque from an external drive to the first ratchet member.

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: The integrated shielding and mechanical support simultaneously addresses the problems of providing RF shielding for an electronic device such as a radio transceiver and providing a rigid mechanical assembly for the electronic device. Two conductive rails (120, 130) hold together multiple printed circuit boards (PCBs) (140, 160) having conductive layers (145, 165) to produce a four-sided shielding box (180) that protects certain electronic circuits on the PCBs from electromagnetic interference. An internal conductive shield (150) subdivides the inside of the shielding box to provide additional protection for sensitive circuitry. The shielding box inserts into an opening in a five-sided housing section (110) using guides (112, 114, 116, 118), which simplifies assembly of PCBs in the housing and facilitates automated assembly. A second housing section (190) attaches to the shielding box (180) once it is inserted into the five-sided housing section (110).

Abstract: An interface device that includes a base having a body between top and bottom longitudinal flanges, a circuit board, and an interface unit including a first terminal block with a row of aligned terminals at a front of the block where the aligned terminals are electrically connected to a circuit board mounted on the base. The interface device includes an additional terminal block attached to a bottom of the base by a retainer. The retainer is constructed in the form of M-shaped members attached to a face of the additional terminal block, that clip into a longitudinal groove on the bottom of the base. The additional terminal block may be mounted such that terminals on the additional terminal block are parallel to terminals on the first terminal block and set back therefrom. The body of the base also includes a longitudinal slideway in which longitudinal edges of the printed circuit board are accommodated.

Abstract: A card guide assembly for isolating printed circuit boards from each other during insertion and removal from a mounting array. The assembly includes first and second isolation channels that are configured to permit the receipt of a variety of PC board sizes therein and a securement cap for receipt thereover. The cap may be adjustably positioned within the isolation channels for establishing a secured mounting for a variety of PC board sizes. A locking mechanism is provided between the cap and the channels for secured engagement therebetween. The channels are mounted on opposite sides of the PC board connector region permitting conventional mounting of the PC board into a mounting connector.

Abstract: A frameless IC card is provided, with front and rear support structures that each includes an electrical connector, with a sheet metal cover mounted on the front and rear board supports without requiring a separate plastic frame to tie the components together. The rear support structure includes at least one rear connector (11', 12', FIG. 3) fixed to the circuit board rear end (104') and an end cap (16') at the rear of the IC card. The end cap has upper and lower flanges (126T, 126B) that form a recess therebetween that closely receives the rear of the rear connector housing to fix their relative vertical positions. The rear end cap has forwardly-extending legs (47, 48) at opposite sides, with each leg having a lug (51, 52) forming a rearwardly-facing shoulder (150) that fits into a cutout (53) at a side of the circuit board, to prevent forward movement of the connector and circuit board out of the rear end cap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing warpage of an assembly substrate and providing registration between a surface mount technology (SMT) component and the assembly substrate. The SMT component includes mounting pins extending from the component and capable of engaging corresponding apertures in the assembly substrate. Each mounting pin is registrable with a corresponding aperture in the assembly substrate. The mounting pins are capable of providing an interference fit between the SMT component and the assembly substrate.

Abstract: In a portable information apparatus having a card connector (1) for connecting a card (10) such as an IC card, a connector holding member (3) and a pair of guide members (4) are movable between both sides of a principal surface (2a) of a case member (2). The card is used for expanding function of the portable information apparatus. The connector holding member is for holding the card connector. The guide members are for guiding the card in parallel to the principal surface. When the connector holding member (3) and the guide members (4) are placed at one side of the principal surface (2a) to protrude outwardly from the case member (2), it is possible to connect the card (10) with the card connector (1). When the card (10) is not used, the connector holding member (3) and the guide members (4) are placed at another side of the principal surface (2a).

Abstract: A guide piece molded out of a rigid but slightly resilient material, such as plastic, having an elongated body with a U-shaped channel, used to hold an edge of a printed circuit card, extending the length of the guide piece to form an opening on each end. The guide piece has a plurality of raised tabs along the external surface of one leg of the channel and middle and end hubs on the external surface of the other leg of the channel. The raised tabs mate with fingers formed in a chassis, and the middle and end hubs mate with holes in the chassis. The combination of the raised tabs mating with fingers, and the middle and end hubs mating with the holes, secures the guide piece to the chassis, without requiring protrusions through the chassis.

Abstract: This invention is a system for self guiding interengagement of a securement member within a mating member having a slot for holding and securing two surface areas. The securement member is attached to one surface area and the mating member is attached to the other surface area. The securement member has a shape and the mating member has a tongue with a guiding surface, thereby promoting self guiding interengagement of the securement member within the slot of the mating member. The system is convenient for inserting a board within the obstructed view of a receptacle, such as a computer enclosure.

Abstract: A robust optoelectronic transceiver module which is quick, easy, and inexpensive to manufacture. The transceiver module has a main housing which consists of a potting box with potting material inserted therein. In addition, a circuit board is encased by the potting material. The circuit board has an optical subassembly mounted thereon. The optical subassembly extends outside of the potting box through a recess. Correspondingly, a recess cover is provided for forming a liquid tight seal between the recess cover, the potting box, and the optical subassembly.

Abstract: An electronic circuit pack and mounting frame in which a cable directed to the circuit pack is received in a connector mounted upon a face of the pack or upon a face of a printed circuit board within the pack. Cables are mounted away from the front face of the pack and are directed from a cable receiving channel of a mounting frame to the connector with cable bends being permanently held by a surrounding molded encapsulation received within an access opening of the frame.

Abstract: An edge of a long PCI card plugs into a connector at one end of a computer enclosure. The opposite end extends into the enclosure and may be superimposed over a component such as a disk drive. The support of the present invention is rigidly mounted on the enclosure to fit under the inner end of the card. A slide on the support grips the inner end of the card. The slide is adjustably positioned on the support to accommodate cards of different lengths.

Abstract: A case unit for housing printed-circuit assemblies includes a top plate made of metal, a bottom plate, made of metal, facing the top plate, side plates facing each other, the side plates being positioned between side portions of the top plate and the bottom plate so that a space surrounded by the top plate, the bottom plate and the side plates is formed, and guide rails, made of resin, integrated with the top plate and the bottom plate, the guide rails guiding the printed-circuit assemblies loaded into the space.

Abstract: A PC card wherein a housing of a socket connector is provided with a guide boss and a stopper protruding on the circuit board side, and with a cutout for fitting the guide boss in the circuit board. In this cutout the guide boss is fitted to position the socket connector in the direction of x. And the forward end of this stopper is held in contact with the circuit board to position in the direction of y, thus facilitating positioning of a socket connector in relation to a circuit board without a fear of socket connector displacement in subsequent processes.

Abstract: A chassis for containing a circuit board and a method of mounting a circuit board to a chassis.

Abstract: A frameless IC card is provided, with a rear board support (26) to hold the rear of a circuit board, wherein a single design of rear board support can hold circuit board rear ends (24A, 24B, 24C) at a selected one of a plurality of different heights. The rear board support has top and bottom horizontal flanges (52, 54) and a plurality of vertical ribs (61-66) merging with the flanges, with the ribs being laterally spaced apart. A first set of vertical ribs (61, 62) has horizontal grooves (71, 72) of a first height extending into its front edge, with the grooves being about as thick as the circuit board, to closely receive the rear (24A) of a circuit board and thereby vertically position it. The rear board support includes a second set of ribs (63, 64) with horizontal grooves (73, 74) lying at a different height, to thereby hold a circuit board rear end (24B) at a different height, thereby enabling the same rear board support to hold circuit boards at selected heights.

Abstract: A card guide that both restrains an installed electronic card and allows the card to be inserted into a computer chassis in a direction that is parallel to the motherboard of the computer. The card guide extends from a beam that is cantilevered from a frame of a computer chassis. The card guide has a groove that guides an edge of the electronic card so that the card is aligned with a connector of the motherboard. The card guide also has a ramp that guides the card into the groove in a direction parallel with the motherboard and perpendicular to the groove. The card is installed by initially pushing the electronic card along the ramp until the edge of the card snaps into the groove. The cantilevered beam is deflected by the installation force of the user to allow the card to move down the ramp. Once in the groove the electronic card is pushed in a direction perpendicular to the motherboard to plug the card into the motherboard connector.

Abstract: A case for microcircuit card reader, including a case body (1), an electronic circuit incorporated into the case body, a device for guiding the card and holding it in place, and a connector provided with elastic contact segments ensuring an electrical connection between the conductor elements of the card and the electronic circuit. It includes at least one elastic element (13, 55) for supporting the card by means of an elastic force.

Abstract: A first printed circuit board (principal printed circuit board) is placed onto a housing frame having a stepped contour in a front edge region of the housing. The first printed circuit board is introduced into a receptacle of the frame provided with an entry bevel and, when put in place, is automatically interlocked by interlocked elements preferably arranged at an opposite side. Additional printed circuit boards can be inserted into guide elements present at the backplane, being inserted under this first printed circuit board. Their ultimate position is compelled by corresponding holder elements. In this ultimate position, each printed circuit board that is introduced and lies parallel to the backplane is interlocked by an interlock element that takes effect in this position. The additional, second printed circuit boards can be inserted independently of the first printed circuit board and are preferably provided for optional add-ons.

Abstract: In a light scattering smoke sensor of the present invention, a first diaphragm portion is disposed just aheat of a light receiving device, and a second diaphragm portion is disposed ahead of the first diaphragm portion. A gap between the first and second diaphragm portion is a smoke introducing portion which introduces smoke to a smoke detecting space via a gap between labyrinth members and the second diaphragm portion.

Abstract: A CPU card mounting structure including an electrical connector installed in a mother board and having a card slot, a substantially U-shaped mounting frame mounted on the electrical connector, the U-shaped mounting frame having a horizontal section defining a connector slot, which receives the electrical connector, and two vertical sections raised from two opposite ends of the horizontal section at right angles, each vertical section having a longitudinal sliding groove and a top screw hole, a CPU card inserted through the longitudinal sliding grooves of the vertical sections of the said U-shaped mounting frame into the card slot of the electrical connector to be electrically connected to the mother board, and two holding down devices respectively fastened to the top screw holes of the vertical sections of the U-shaped mounting frame to hold down the CPU card in the card slot of the electrical connector.

Abstract: A chassis having a unique configuration is provided along with card guide assemblies having predefined configuration types for selective installation in the chassis. The guide assemblies, when installed within the chassis, enable circuit cards having varying standard dimensions to be mounted and secured within the chassis regardless of slot location. A first type of card guide assembly is mounted at the end of a plurality of slot locations a predetermined first standard distance apart to enable cards having a first length and one of a number of depths to be installed. A second type card guide assembly is mounted between the opposed first card guide assemblies at any slot location a second predetermined standard distance from one of the first guide assemblies to form a slot partition and enable the installation of cards having a second length shorter than the first length and one of the number of depths.

Abstract: The invention concerns a carrier arrangement (10) comprising a longitudinal column-type carrier (15), whereby a coupling arrangement is provided to establish a mechanical and simultaneously electrical connection to a medical apparatus (40). The coupling arrangement comprises two guide rails (20, 30) which are electrically insulated against each other and extend along the entire length of the carrier (15).

Abstract: A device for attaching and detaching a mounting board unit with respect to a device body in a substantially vertical posture includes a controller base which has a detachable mounting board fixed thereto and a guide portion engaging a guide rail provided on the device body. The guide portion guides the controller base when the mounting board unit is attached to and detached from the device body. Mounting boards having different shapes can be mounted on the unit of the same construction, and even a mounting board on which a heavy device such as a hard disk is mounted can be easily attached to and detached from the device body in a vertically arranged condition.

Abstract: An instrument chassis is disclosed. The chassis includes a housing with a front opening in a first loading plane, and instrument receiving slots located in the housing. These slots are engageable to printed circuit cards inserted through the front opening. The chassis also includes first and second power supplies. The first power supply is electrically coupled to a first set of instrument receiving slots, and the second power supply is electrically coupled to a second set of the instrument receiving slots. Thus a first set of the printed circuit cards may maintain electrical and mechanical separation and isolation from a second set of the printed circuit cards.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rack pair for mounting speakers and system board in a monitor of a computer system being mounted behind a front frame of the monitor at two lower or upper corners thereof so that a distance left between the rack pair is substantially equal to a width of a system board disposed inside the monitor. The rack pair are characterized in that the rack each is formed at an inner side with a longitudinal groove which has a width slightly larger than a thickness of the system board to clamp the system board between the rack pair, that the rack each is provided with a connecting device extending toward a display tube in the monitor to connect a speaker cabinet member, and that a locater is provided at a lower portion of each rack for engaging with a fixing device provided behind the front frame of the monitor so that the rack pair for mounting speakers and system board can be firmly mounted in the monitor for the speakers to be mounted in the monitor together with the system board.

Abstract: A housing designed to accommodate a plurality of removable electrical devices includes power connectors mounted within the housing for connecting a power source to each of the devices. In order to prevent a user from inadvertently contacting live connectors within the housing, the housing is provided with one or more safety elements e.g., in the form of fins fixed in the cavity which are positioned to lie between adjacent devices. The position, size and location of the pins are strategically chosen to prevent access to the connector(s). The position of the fins between the devices allows the user access to the devices to load and unload them into and from the housing.

Abstract: A robust optoelectronic transceiver module which is quick, easy, and inexpensive to manufacture. The transceiver module has a main housing which consists of a potting box with potting material inserted therein. In addition, a circuit board is encased by the potting material. The circuit board has an optical subassembly mounted thereon. The optical subassembly extends outside of the potting box through a recess. Correspondingly, a recess cover is provided for forming a liquid fight seal between the recess cover, the potting box, and the optical subassembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in a computer chassis containing a substantially planar removable expansion card therein, the computer chassis having an opening therein allowing access to the expansion card, a plane of the expansion card substantially parallel with a plane of the opening, a support structure for the expansion card and a method of supporting the expansion card.

Abstract: A composite printed circuit card guide and holding device including a rigid, U-shaped support member which slidably receives a printed circuit card engaging means is provided with slots adjacent the ends thereof for receiving the respective ends of the engaging means in order to inhibit relative movement between the support member and the engaging means. The interengagement of the ends of the engaging means and the support means also provides an obstruction-free entry into the card guide and holding device for enabling the smooth sliding entry of a printed circuit card into the subject device. In addition, the opposite end walls of the U-shaped support member are tapered to afford easy access to mounting holes provided in the base of the support member for facilitating mounting of the composite device to a cage or the like.

Abstract: A printed circuit board clamp, for clamping a printed circuit board to a housing of electronic, electric and apparatus installations, is secured to at least one fixing stud (1) disposed at the bottom of the housing and is provided with a bore (2). The clamp has an elongated body (4) having two ends (6 and 7) and an interconnecting neck portion (8) between the ends. The clamp also has fixing assembly (14-17) for securing the printed circuit board to the clamp. Each of the two ends of the clamp has a throughgoing aperture (9, 10) for screws or the like. At least one of the apertures is elongatedly shaped for securing the clamp to the fixing stud. To substantially facilitate mounting of printed circuit boards within different housings, the clamp includes at least a weakening point (25, 26) that can be broken manually without any tools in order to separate the ends (6, 7) of the clamp from the neck portion.

Abstract: A memory card which includes a circuit substrate having a generally planar surface, comprises a frame with an opening in one of a top or a bottom wall thereof for receiving the circuit substrate. A support structure on the frame supports the circuit substrate within the card. A cover closes the opening and encloses the circuit substrate and the electrical component within the internal card space created by the frame and cover. The support structure of the frame includes a plurality of shelves at different vertical locations within the frame to support the circuit substrate at different vertical levels to accommodate varying heights of electrical components mounted on one or both surfaces of the substrate. The circuit substrate includes a peripheral edge area with cutouts corresponding to only one of the shelves whereby only the periphery of the substrate need be modified for locating and supporting the circuit substrate at different levels within the card.

Abstract: A housing (10) incorporating a memory card connector (40) positioned in the computer for use with a memory card (100), is independently mounted on the backpanel (12) of the computer case and installed in the exterior of the computer case. The housing (10) is aligned with the inside corresponding memory card connector (40) by means of two opposite supporting arms (18) of the housing (10) being generally in alignment with the grooves (47) in the corresponding rails (44) of the memory card connector (40), respectively.

Abstract: A connector system for an add in PC card for supplying network communications functions to a host computer wherein the connector to the network is a RJ type universal jack consisting of a socket and plug. A cavity in the card is formed by an opening in the short dimension of the frame opposite the 68 position connector and the top and bottom covers. A carriage is mounted in the cavity so that it can slide in and out and occupy at least two positions. The carriage consists of a socket portion for making contact with the RJ type plug and a support and contact portion that mechanically supports the carriage within the card and also makes the electrical contact between the carriage and the card. In the first of the two positions, substantially all of the carriage is within the cavity. In the second of the two positions, the socket portion of the carriage is outside of the cavity. In this position, the socket is electrically connected to the printed circuit board.