Abstract: A power distribution assembly (PDA) includes AC and/or DC power modules and control modules that are installed within a chassis that is mounted to a vehicle, such as an aircraft. Each module includes a wiring harness connector and a control connector for attachment to a motherboard. A wiring harness is externally mounted to the chassis to provide a simplified connection for the wiring harness connector. The modules can be individually and selectively removed from the chassis for repair or replacement without having to remove the entire PDA from the aircraft. This is accomplished by simply removing the module from the chassis, thereby disconnecting the aircraft interface and motherboard connectors for the selected modules. Also, a common PDA can be utilized on different types of aircraft by installing desired modules within the chassis. Thus, the number and type of modules are selected to meet predetermined specifications for a specific aircraft and then installed within a PDA common to all aircraft.

Abstract: A CPCI system is adapted to reliably detect the presence of all front cards, whether hot swappable or not. The system includes a line that is used to detect the presence of a front card. The line is connected to a connector-pin of a slot. The line is also connected to a pull-up resistor so that when a front card is not inserted in the slot, the line has a high value. When a front card is inserted in the slot, the connector-pin mates with a corresponding connector-pin in the front card. The corresponding connector-pin is connected to a ground layer of the front card so that the line becomes grounded. The voltage level on the line is input to a register that outputs a high or low to a circuit for detecting the presence of a front card. The circuit may be a hot swap controller, a CPU or a status indicator. Accordingly, depending on the output of the register, the circuit reliably determines whether a front card is present in the particular slot.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described relating to a chassis for front and back inserted modules. An apparatus includes a chassis including a first module bay and a second module bay, the first module bay and the second module bay together composing both a forward section and rearward section.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a chassis, and a first mating component disposed inside of the chassis. A second mating component is provided. The first mating component is removably connected to the second mating component. A sliding tab is connected to the chassis and is slidable in a linear direction from a first position to a second position. When the sliding tab is in the first position, the first mating component is free to be removed from the second mating component. When the sliding tab is in the second position, the first mating component is secured to the second mating component to prevent the removal of the first mating component from the second mating component.

Abstract: A disk cage assembly into which multiple disk drives may be removably inserted is formed from two separate frames which are identical in shape and design and include complimentary mating features enabling the frames to be joined to form a symmetrical four-sided structure. The frames are symmetrical about a midpoint and are easily manufactured since all interior surfaces are accessible during the manufacturing process. A surface of the frames defines a plurality of channels into which modular disk drives may be inserted. In one embodiment, the frames are designed to accommodate a mid-panel which is securable within the structure and can be used to increase the number modular disk drives which can be disposed therein. The assembly may be formed from a number of different materials, including structural foam which can be used to help absorb vibrations among the disk drives within the assembly.

Abstract: A central unit for grouping electronic and electrical components of refrigerators, freezers and similar appliances, comprising a housing containing at least one electronic card provided with electrical connection means and socket means for connecting the appliance to the electrical power supply.

Abstract: A scalable Internet engine is comprised of a large number of commercially available server boards each arranged as an engine blade in a power and space efficient cabinet. The engine blades are removably positioned in a front side of the cabinet in a vertical orientation. A through plane in the middle of a chassis assembly within the cabinet provides common power and control peripheral signals to all engine blades. I/O signals for each engine blade are routed through apertures in the through plane to interface cards positioned in the rear of the cabinet. The scalable engine can accommodate different types of server boards in the same chassis assembly because of a common blade carrier structure. Different types of commercially available motherboards are mounted in the common blade carrier structure that provides a uniform mechanical interface to the chassis assembly.

Abstract: A card hold down assembly for retaining one or more expansion cards within the chassis of an electronic device such as a computer system, server, photocopier, facsimile machine, printer, or the like is described. The card hold down assembly is comprised of a retainer that engages the mounting bracket securing tab of an expansion card received in the chassis to at least partially restrain the tab for securing said expansion card in the chassis.

Abstract: A one-piece metal card cage has integral card guides provided by rows of formed projections that extend into the interior of the cage. The projections are hollow to provide ventilation openings through which air may flow to and from the interior of the cage. The card cage is fabricated from a one-piece sheet metal blank that is folded and joined together to provide top and bottom walls, opposite sidewalls, a backwall and a front opening.

Abstract: A case for an electronic circuit board mounted with electronic components having a case main body whose one end is opened, an opening formed at an outer periphery of the open end of the case main body; and retaining means such as rails, projections, recess for retaining the electronic circuit board inserted through the open end at a prescribed position in the case main body. With this, the electronic circuit board can be immobilized at the prescribed position in the case main body and the strength of the case (i.e. case main body), particularly the strength of the open end thereof, can be increased. Moreover, when resin is potted in the case main body, any resin that runs out from the open end can be caused to flow into the opening.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus which is capable of maintaining excellent EMC performances even if the number of cables to be connected thereto is increased. An electronic circuit unit is plugged into a subrack from the front of the subrack. A connector unit-receiving block is arranged on the rear surface of the subrack. A connector unit connectable with an external cable to be connected to the electronic circuit unit is plugged into the rear of the subrack at the rear of the electronic circuit unit, for being received within the connector unit-receiving block. The connector unit is configured such that a metal shield case covers a connector board having a connector mounted thereon.

Abstract: A card slot door locking mechanism includes a card slot into which a removable card can be inserted; a card slot door which is rotatable between a closed position and an open position, the card slot-door being biased to rotate in a direction towards the closed position; and a pair of door locking members positioned away from each other in a widthwise direction of the card slot. Each of the pair of door locking members locks the card slot door independent of each other when the pair of door locking members are in a free state. Furthermore, both of the pair of door locking members concurrently unlock the card slot door when the pair of door locking members are concurrently pushed by the removable card when the removable card is properly inserted into the card slot.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is a method and apparatus for a multiple card enclosure. The multiple card enclosure is arranged for mounting a mother card enclosure and a daughter card enclosure and at least another daughter card enclosure. The mother card enclosure has a first and second daughter card enclosure removably inserted into the mother card enclosure for connecting the first and second daughter card with the mother card. The first daughter card enclosure and the second daughter card enclosure are independently removable to facilitate interchanging the first daughter card and the second daughter card. The daughter card enclosures connected to the mother card enclosure are enclosed in the multiple card enclosure and a mother card connects to a back plane connector of a logic board.

Abstract: A modular frame assembly and modules are provided. The modular frame assembly includes a motherboard, module connectors and an opening in the motherboard for allowing direct connection of first and second modules. The first modules have plugs that extend through the plane of the motherboard, allowing the size of the opening to be minimized. The second modules have a wide external connector portion that allows for high density interconnection on the rear of the frame. Each of the modules may be provided with a plurality of connectors.

Abstract: A cable management system is provided for use with rack mounted devices, such as servers. The cable management system for each device mounted in the rack includes a retainer, typically mounted to the rack, and fixed to the cable. The system also includes a tension device, such as a tension reel having an extensible member, connected to the cable intermediate the retainer and the device. As the device is moved towards the retainer, the tension member pulls the cable laterally and folds the cable at the rear of the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a solid-state mass memory storage device which comprises a printed circuit assembly and a plurality of nonvolatile, high density storage devices mounted to the printed circuit assembly and electrically connected thereto. The solid-state memory device includes at least one controller mounted to the printed circuit assembly and electrically connected thereto, and a connector mounted to the printed circuit assembly and electrically connected thereto, the connector being adapted to electrically connect the solid-state mass memory storage device to a separate electronic device.

Abstract: A modular electronic chassis system with nested electronic plug-in modules including at least one circuit board providing a first-module-receiving-location and a second-module-receiving-location such that the system is capable of supporting modules in a nested configuration having increased packaging density. A first plug-in module detachably engaged with the first-module-receiving-location. A second plug-in module detachably engaged with the second-module-receiving-location so that the first plug-in module and the second plug-in module are nested.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a bracket member of a circuit board assembly as the bracket member is positioned against and secured to an electronic chassis is provided. A circuit board assembly includes a circuit board operatively attached to a bracket member. The bracket member includes a first end, a second end, an outer surface and an inner surface. A gasket is longitudinally oriented along the outer surface of the bracket member. A first pin extends from the inner surface adjacent the first end, and a second pin extends from the inner surface adjacent the second end. An electronic chassis includes a top flange and a bottom flange. The top flange includes a top flange opening and the bottom flange includes a bottom flange opening. The first pin is aligned with and extends through the top flange opening and the second pin is aligned with and extends through the bottom flange opening to align the bracket member as the bracket member is positioned against and secured to the electronic chassis.

Abstract: A shelf assembly and system, which reduces the potential for accidental disruption of service or damage to neighboring transmission elements in a telecommunications network. The present invention operates to guide the transmission elements or fiber cables to and/or from a mounting position, and in or out from either side of electrical and/or optical telecommunications equipment. Fiber cables coupled at the mounting positions can be directed through reversible and removable fiber channels. Each fiber channel has a smooth surface and a radius of curvature, which provides an appropriate bend radius for guiding, routing, or bending the fiber cables into a fiber trough.

Abstract: A housing device 100 for plural components that can be arrayed one on top of another includes a support 101 for housing the components on introducing the latter into the support, and a locking unit 102 configured for preventing the components housed in the support 101 from being moved out of the support 101. The housing device 100 also includes a base member 103 having an unlocking support 101 which is adapted to release the state of the locking unit 102 prohibiting the movement of the components housed in the support 101. The components to be housed are usually locked by the locking unit 102. The locked state of the components is established by simply placing the components into the support and is released by the unlocking support 101. A larger number of the components can be housed on top of each other if so desired.

Abstract: An electronic circuit pack having a printed circuit board with a faceplate at a front of the board. The faceplate has two end regions carrying latches for holding the board into a shelf. A front wall of the faceplate has an intermediate part between the end regions, the intermediate part extending forwardly of the end regions and lying at least between the latches. Preferably, the intermediate part of the front wall extends as far as a frontal vertical plane of the shelf which is the foremost position allowable for a shelf and a circuit board combination. The intermediate part of the front wall lying in this forward position provides additional space behind it for extending the electronic circuitry of the circuit pack for a unitary shelf size. This additional space is occupied by the printed circuit board with conductors and electronic components and/or connectors for test purposes and memory cards.

Abstract: A computer is disclosed having a flat panel display device and a disk drive unit, each pivotable between a closed position wherein they serve as covers for the housing of the computer, and an open position, wherein access is provided to the internal components of the computer, including a motherboard and drive assemblies housed in the disk drive unit.

Abstract: A modular card cage allows for improved access to the rear panel of a backplane, while providing for enhanced EMI shielding. First and second side panels, in combination with top and bottom covers, form the card cage. The top and bottom covers are adapted for removably mounting to the side panels, and, when mounted, provide lateral rigidity to the card cage. At least one of the top and bottom covers comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion of the cover is preferably separable from the rear portion such that one of the front and rear portions is removable from the side panels, while the other of the front and rear portions remains mounted for providing lateral rigidity. EMI shielding is provided in all portions of the cage, including the removably mounted covers, preferably by means of embedded, continuous gasketing.

Abstract: An electronics cabinet is described as being suitable for use in an aircraft. Various embodiments of the cabinet include a databus that facilitates data communications between circuit boards inserted into the cabinet. The cabinet also preferably includes access holes that allow inserted circuit boards to connect directly to an aircraft wiring harness.

Abstract: A card shelf includes a backplane and a plurality of slots each configured to receive an electronic card. An electronic card disposed in one of the slots has a back including a connector adapted to engage the backplane and a front including an angled receptor adapted to engage a cable with a reduced projection from the electronic card. A cable holder is aligned with the slot containing the electronic card. The cable holder is operable to receive the cable from the angled receptor. A cable trough is operable to receive the cable from the cable holder and route the cable away from the card shelf. The cable holder may include a plurality of cable receivers aligned with each slot for an electronic card in the card shelf. Each cable receiver may include a portion for receiving one or more cables from each electronic card and a portion for retaining the cables within the cable receiver.

Abstract: A printed circuit card assembly for preventing flame spread in an equipment assembly includes a printed circuit board having first and second sides, at least one of the first and second sides of the printed circuit board adapted for mounting a plurality of electronic components thereon; and a heat absorbing flame resistant shield facing one side of the printed circuit board for absorbing heat energy from an adjacent printed circuit card assembly thereby reducing heat transfer to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A housing receives a printed circuit board and a plurality of daughter boards. The housing has two opposing sidewalls, a floor, and a ceiling. The sidewalls extend from opposing sides of the floor to opposing sides of the ceiling. The opposing sidewalls, the floor and the ceiling defining an opening for receiving a daughter board within slots in the floor and the ceiling. A movable ceiling member attaches to the sidewalls. The ceiling, the movable ceiling member and the sidewalls define an opening for receiving a printed circuit board, such as a backplane, when the movable ceiling member is in an unsecured position. The movable ceiling member is aligned with the ceiling when the movable ceiling member is in a secured position. The movable ceiling member includes a fastener that secures the printed circuit board. The movable ceiling member accommodates printed circuit boards having various thicknesses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular data storage system that allows a user to arrange various data storage module configurations within a single system enclosure. More specifically, the inventive system provides a program key and a connection extender having a configuration knob. Once the appropriate connection extender is coupled to a data storage module, the program key of the system enclosure will only accept a certain connection extender configuration into a bay slot. If data storage module connection is successful, the extender will create a thermal breezeway between the data storage drive and a receptive circuit board connector to reduce the operating temperature of the connected data storage module.

Abstract: An electrical cabinet or chassis for an uninterruptible power system (UPS system) includes universal bays or slots that can receive either power modules or battery backs. The back plane of the slot has separate connector terminals for battery packs and power modules. The slots may also receive battery chargers if so desired. All of the slots of a chassis can be utilized to full capacity before another cabinet needs to be employed. The cabinet is also readily adaptable and can be easily reconfigured as desired without particular concern as to the number of power modules or battery packs that are being used. Sensors are provided which indicate the capacity of the cabinet that has been used (e.g. the number of slots still open and not used by a power module or a battery pack).

Abstract: This invention provides a dummy surface plate for shielding a partial region of an insertion opening of an electronic device housing. The electronic device housing has a first frame and a second frame. The dummy surface plate includes a main plate, a first edge which has a front face contact for contacting the front face of the first frame, a protrusion for fitting into a groove formed on the first frame, and a latch head for moving between a latching position and an unlatching position, and a second edge which has a front face contact for contacting the front face of the second frame, a protrusion for fitting into a groove formed on the second frame, and a rear face contact for contacting the rear face of the second frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electromagnetic interference (EMI) module cover for use in an electronics module that is configured to house electrical components that are capable of generating electromagnetic emissions that cause EMI. In one embodiment a conductive sidepanel has a resilient cantilever member formed therefrom with a fixed end that is integrally formed with the sidepanel and a movable end that is free of a module coupler, thereby allowing the resilient cantilever member to flex as the module is installed in a chassis. The resilient cantilever member has a boss that is formed proximate to the movable free end. The boss extends outward from the sidepanel a distance sufficient to provide a conductive path between the conductive sidepanel and an adjacent conductive surface when the module is installed in the chassis.

Abstract: In a rack system for inserting electrical printed circuit board assemblies, front elements (52,8) for slots are provided with projecting plug-in and withdrawable centering and contact elements (13,49). These elements have associated receiving elements (16,21) composed of electrically conductive material and are mounted with low impedance to a transverse connecting rail (36,38). During an insertion process, the receiving elements and the centering and contact elements come into contact in a centered manner. When inserted, the receiving elements and the centering and contact elements provide a vibration-proof mechanical connection with a high adhesion force and a low-impedance contact with a high current carrying capacity.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting retrofit equipment modules into the equipment mounting cabinetry of an installed modular equipment signal network includes an interface module and mini-backplane combination which is adapted for insertion into the equipment cabinetry with electrical signal connection of the mini-backplane to the cabinetry master backplane, and for mounting retrofit modules inserted therein in electrical signal interconnectivity with others of the network equipment modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magazine (1) adapted for enclosing a plurality of circuit boards (2) in side-by-side relationship, and comprises a plurality of guide strips (3a, 3b) on mutually opposing inner wall parts, wherein mutually opposing and mutually corresponding guide strips are adapted for coaction with mutually opposing circuit board edge parts (2c, 2e) for the guiding of a circuit board (2). The magazine includes heat-emitting means in the form of a plurality of vertical cooling channels (4a, 4b, 4c) delimited by wall parts, wherein two of these wall parts are placed close together with their respective outer surfaces (21a″, 22a) facing towards a respectively closely adjacent circuit board position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical or electronic device (1) for placement on a support rail (2), with a housing (3), and with a circuit board (4) located in the housing (3). To ensure reliable placement of the circuit board (4) in the housing (3) it is provided as claimed in the invention that there is at least one fixing means (27) which is inserted from the outside of the housing (3) into the corresponding openings (26) in the circuit board (4) and in the housing (3).

Abstract: A module of an electrical device has a printed circuit board which may be pushed into the device and plugged onto a backplane of the device. A cuboid cage is connected to the printed circuit board of the device. The cuboid cage has a backplane arranged perpendicular to the printed circuit board of the device and is connected to the circuit board by means of connectors. The backplane of the cage has its own connectors for electrical connection to separate modular cage push-in units, in the form of cards or boards, which may be inserted into the cuboid cage of the device.

Abstract: In a subrack, the front plates have shank screws which extend through the front plates and are fitted into the front plates so that the front plates have virtually no ability to move, i.e., have no “play”, in the radial direction, but the shank screws can still be rotated and be displaced in the axial direction. The shank screws advantageously undertake two functions simultaneously in this arrangement. When a module is inserted into the subrack, the front plate is simultaneously centered by the shank screw. It can also subsequently be fixed accurately in position on the subrack by the same shank screw. As a result, a multiplicity of modules can be inserted into the subrack next to one another without mutual hindrance.

Abstract: An electrical or electronic device (1) for placement on a support rail (2), with a housing (3), with at least one circuit board (4) located in the housing (3), and with contacts (6a, 6b) which point in the lengthwise direction (R) of the support rail for a data and/or power bus connection to adjacent electronic devices which have the corresponding contacts and which are placed on the support rail (2). In order to be able to easily replace the circuit board (4) without interrupting the data and/or power bus connection, the housing (3) is made in at least two parts and there is a top part (7) which holds the circuit board (4) and there is a base part (8) which has contacts (6a, 6b).

Abstract: The card removal method and system easily removes a PCA card from a powered on computer system while minimizing damage to the computer system and to the individual removing the PCA. The printed circuit assembly card removal system is comprised of: an ejection card including at least a first ejector extending from the surface of the ejection card, the ejector having a first surface for pressing against the edge of the PCA card to be removed, and an ejection card holder for mechanically supporting the ejection card. To remove the PCA, the ejection card is pulled outward causing the ejector to apply a force to the edge of the PCA card to be removed, forcing the card edge fingers of the PCA card out of the PCA connector.

Abstract: Computer-based industrial control systems and methods employing object oriented hardware elements. An object oriented hardware element may comprise a processor core coupled one side to a universal real-world interface circuit, and on the other side to an open bus interface. In a preferred embodiment, the open bus interface provides downloading software programming objects to the microprocessor core. A computer-based control system in accordance with the present invention may comprise a personal computer or central processing unit coupled to a communications network, at least one zone interface module coupled to the communications network and to an open bus, at least one zone device module coupled to the open bus and, if required, one or more zone processor modules coupled to the open bus. Software object may be downloaded from the personal computer or central processing unit to the various modules to achieve modular, exception-based, distributively intelligent (MEDI) I/O control within the system.

Abstract: An architecture and electric system for controlling various devices is disclosed. The system uses modular, interchangeable components that can perform one or several tasks, such as interacting with a human user, controlling an external device, communicating and managing communications between several modules, storing and retrieving information, and acting as a master module. The modules are stackable and can interface with any other module.

Abstract: A computer has a chassis with a variety of electronic components mounted to it. The chassis is generally rectangular and slidably mounted within a sheet metal enclosure. The enclosure closely receives the chassis to eliminate excessive movement therebetween. The enclosure is essentially a four-sided box with an opening at either end. A front panel is attached to one of the openings. The front panel and the enclosure each contain half of a labyrinth seal which seals one end of the enclosure when the front panel is assembled to the enclosure. A similar seal is formed at the other end of the enclosure when the chassis is mounted in the enclosure. The labyrinth seals have a folded configuration which forms an interleaving arrangement.

Abstract: A chassis system for housing a plurality of circuit boards, such as PCI standard bus boards, provides a rack-mountable chassis having an open front side and a motherboard with a plurality of board connectors arranged side-by-side with respect to the front end. The boards are mounted in individual frameworks that facilitate ready installation and removal from the chassis. In particular, the chassis includes a plurality of receiving blocks at the bottom rear of the chassis, aligned with each of the motherboard connectors. The receiving blocks receive pivots mounted on the back of each framework. The framework is inserted into, and removed from the front opening of the chassis in an upwardly pivoted position that clears the motherboard connectors and other obstructions in the chassis. The framework is pivoted into and out of engagement with the motherboard when the pivot is located in the receiving blocks. The chassis can include top-mounted tracks. The tracks receive rollers on the framework.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus has a housing and a frame incorporated within the housing. A lower half of the housing has a bottom wall and first wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The first wall defines a first receptacle for containing a first functional component in said lower half. The frame has a second wall opposing the first wall. The second wall defines a second receptacle for containing a second functional component within said frame. The second wall further defines a third receptacle for containing a third functional component within the lower half along with the first wall.

Abstract: A full enclosure chassis system with tool-free access to hot-pluggable circuit boards therein. The system includes a front access plate that can be opened and closed from the front of a primary chassis when mounted within a secondary chassis so that only the front access panel is externally accessible. When the front access plate is in an open position, circuit boards within the full enclosure chassis system can be hot-pluggably removed and inserted without powering down the system or disrupting any component of the system. The full enclosure chassis system supplies standard connector access to components external to the system by way of standard connectors off the backplane at the back panel of the system. No tools are required to open and close the front access plate or to remove and insert a circuit board from within the system.

Abstract: A power module for mounting in an array of electrical equipment which may have differing sizes, although within any given panel the equipment is all of the same size. The power module contains common circuitry mounted within a housing. Mounting brackets of varying size are secured to the housing to adapt the module for different sized panels.

Abstract: In a cabinet (1) for telecommunications engineering, with a frame rack containing at least one module carrier (2) designed to receive plug-in units, and a ventilating installation for cooling the plug-in units, the ventilating installation comprises at least one fan insert (13) with several vertically blowing axial fans, which can be plugged in and integrated into the module carrier (2). The fan insert (13) is located under transverse supports of the module carrier (2) and has at least one plug connector at the rear, which makes contact with a secondary plug connector provided on the rear wiring panel (10).

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 electronic variable speed drive including a cabinet having an opening door, a power system supplied with power from an AC line voltage and delivering a voltage under the control of solid state power switches and an electronic control system controlling the solid state switches. The cabinet contains, behind the door, a protective cover which protects the electronic control system and the power system which are disposed behind it. When the door is open, the protective cover protects users from the control and power systems.

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.