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: A card stabilizer for stabilizing an expansion card inserted in a female edge connector. The card stabilizer consists of a frame member sized to extend around the female connector, locking device for locking the frame member relative to the female connector and a guide disposed on the frame member for receiving at least one end portion of the expansion card and to prevent movement and hence electrical disconnection of the expansion card in the female edge connector.

Abstract: The connection of the circuit board (7) of the appliance to connector blocks (10) is obtained by inserting and soldering holders (11) having connecting terminals (16) to the circuit board, connector blocks (10) being loosely attached to said connecting terminals (16). The mutual mechanical and electric connection is obtained by inserting the assembly into a case which secures the connector blocks to the circuit board, on one hand, and by fastening clamps which establish a connection of the connecting terminals (16) to connected conductors. The assembly of the appliance is particularly rational since the holders (11) with the connecting terminals are placed on the circuit board together with the remaining, non-represented components and are soldered thereto in common, the connector blocks (10) being simply slid on. The assembly is thus well suited for automation. The connector blocks abut to the edges of the circuit board (7), thus allowing a good space utilization and a compact construction.

Abstract: An electronic component assembly including a connector hole built as part of an enclosure serving as a cabinet of electronic device, where the connector hole is used for passing through an electric connector connecting a component inside the cabinet to an external device installed outside the cabinet, has a knurled portion with a plurality of dents provided around the inside of the hole for preventing the connector from rotating by engaging the corners of the flange in the connector with any of the dents. As a result, other parts, including a rear terminal assembly for preventing the connector from rotating, and the number of the assembly operations can be eliminated. The cost and processes of molding other parts can also be eliminated.

Abstract: An electronic device, such as a personal computer, has a rectangular main body including a bottom wall and a side wall which has an opening. A circuit board is arranged in the main body to oppose the bottom wall within a predetermined distance. The circuit board and the bottom wall define a mounting space therebetween. An expansion board is mounted in the mounting space and detachable through the bottom wall and the side wall. A connector is fixed to and electrically connected to the circuit board and located between the circuit board and the bottom wall. The connector has a connecting portion opposing the opening and allowing connection of the expansion board thereto. The connector also supports the circuit board. A restraining system is provided for restraining movement of the connector with respect to the bottom wall.

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 printed circuit board device comprising at least two printed circuit boards in superposition to connect their interconnection patterns, and a positioning member for putting the two boards into registry when being superimposed, the positioning member including a hole provided in one of the boards, an extension provided on the other board and arranged to be inserted into the hole, and a pair of marks for position registry provided on the respective boards.