Specific Alignment Or Guide Means Patents (Class 361/802)
  • Patent number: 6185104
    Abstract: An improved apparatus is disclosed for removing and installing faulty printed circuit cards laterally through a side wall of a computer system, while the remaining cards of the computer system remain under power and operational. The computer system incorporates zero insertion force (ZIF) connectors for receiving the printed circuit cards, and a special interlock mechanism prevents each ZIF connector from being moved from its open position to its closed position until an associated card has been fully installed into the connector. In addition, a special centering mechanism is used to adjustably position the printed circuit card with its electrical contacts precisely aligned with the contacts of the ZIF connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Hannsjorg Obermaier
  • Patent number: 6181565
    Abstract: A computer including a guiding and latching device for mounting expansion cards in the chassis of the computer. The device includes a body member defining a slot and comprising a latch movable between a non-latching position in which the slot can receive the board and a latching position in which the board is latched in the slot. The device is formed of one piece and includes a flexible arm that pivots between a latching and a non-latching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Ty Schmitt, George Thomas Holt
  • Patent number: 6181575
    Abstract: A shield adapted to protect an electronic device from electromagnetic interference includes a shielding panel having two board support arms extending from opposite sides thereof. Each board support arm defines an elongate slot therein extending in a direction substantially normal to the panel from a remote end to a proximal end. An expanded hole is defined in the board support arm at the remote end of the slot and communicates with the slot by means of a converging section whereby a mounting extension of a circuit board of the electronic device is received in the slot by being inserted in the expanded hole and guided by the converging section into the slot toward the proximal end thereof. The expanded hole facilitates the insertion of the mounting extension into the slot thus the width of the slot may be dimensioned to securely retain the circuit board without interfering with the insertion of the circuit board. The expanded hole also facilitates removal of the circuit board from the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Hon Hai Preicision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chris Kuo-Wei Yang
  • Patent number: 6178092
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ernst Billenstein, Werner Körber, Siegfried Kurrer, Kurt-Michael Schaffer
  • Patent number: 6175507
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a backplane circuit board to an electronic chassis is provided. An electronic chassis includes a first card guide assembly and a second card guide assembly. The first card guide assembly includes first and second guide pins. The first guide pin of the first card guide assembly is positioned adjacent a first end of the first card guide assembly and the second guide pin of the first card guide assembly is positioned adjacent a second end of the first card guide assembly. The second card guide assembly includes first and second guide pins. The first guide pin of the second card guide assembly is positioned adjacent a first end of the second card guide assembly and the second guide pin of the second card guide assembly is positioned adjacent a second end of the second card guide assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventors: Amir Koradia, Philip A. Ravlin, Douglas J. Pogatetz, Gerald A. Greco
  • Patent number: 6175505
    Abstract: A rectangular recessed portion is formed on the upper surface of the transceiver of a portable telephone set for receiving a SIM card. A plurality of contacts are disposed on a base plate which is disposed under the rectangular recessed portion and above a printed circuit board of the transceiver without directly contacting the printed circuit board. The rectangular recessed portion has a plurality of slots formed on the bottom thereof. Each of the contacts protrudes from the corresponding slot of the rectangular recessed portion to couple to the electrical contacts of a SIM card, and has an extended end electrically connected to the contacts of the printed circuit. The recessed rectangular recessed portion has an inclined plane for facilitating the loading of the SIM card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Acer Peripheals, Inc.
    Inventors: Yin-Shiang Cheng, Hsueh-Wen Sun
  • Patent number: 6172880
    Abstract: A faceplate assembly, for use with an electronic circuit card, comprising a faceplate and a movable plate, each including conductive portions or being made of a conductive material, and in electrical contact with each other. The faceplate is adapted to mount to an electronic circuit card, and has first and second opposite edges. The movable plate has a free edge and is movably coupled to the faceplate to move, by pivoting, sliding or the like, with respect to the faceplate between a retracted position and an extended position. Movement of the movable plate can be effected manually, or automatically by movement of the latches on the electronic circuit card assembly which latch the electronic circuit card assembly into an electronic circuit card housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric M. Petitpierre, James H. Durham
  • Patent number: 6166920
    Abstract: A retention member for securing a dual processor card retention module to a circuit board is provided. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the retention member includes a base portion. A first securement portion is disposed at a first end of the base portion and defines a first bore that extends therethrough. A second securement portion is disposed at a second end of the base portion and defines a second bore that extends therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Schweers, James D. Williams
  • Patent number: 6166917
    Abstract: A technique for installing circuit cards on a motherboard in an electronic device. A motherboard, having a plurality of keyhole apertures and locking apertures, mounts in the electronic device. Cardguide pairs mount on the motherboard to form expansion ports for receiving circuit cards. Each cardguide pair has two parallel card guides. Each card guide has an elongated body with a bottom member and a longitudinal groove. Entrance ports and ramps located at either end of the body communicate with the groove. Mushroom mounting lugs and resilient locking hooks mount on the bottom member. A cardguide installer places each card guide on the motherboard while passing each mushroom lug into a wide segment of a keyhole aperture. The installer then slides the card guides parallel to the plane of the motherboard to move the mushroom lugs into a narrow segment of the keyhole apertures, while the hooks couple to the locking apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventor: Scott Anderson
  • Patent number: 6166916
    Abstract: An adjustable circuit board support frame utilizes an adjustable frame assembly for receiving various size circuit boards having the desired interface connectors and logic circuits thereon so as to allow for necessary repair, expansion, or upgrade of the computer system. The present invention provides for the removability and replacement of any size circuit board within the computer housing at any time during manufacturing or in the field. A base computer system may be easily upgraded when more features are desired by interchanging the circuit board within the system and adjusting the frame assembly to the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Unitrend, Inc.
    Inventor: Conrad A. H. Jelinger
  • Patent number: 6157536
    Abstract: A retention module comprises a pair of first reception members each defining an inner channel formed by a vertical wall and a horizontal wall extending from the vertical wall for receiving a first CPU module. A pair of second reception members each comprise an engaging face fixed to a portion of the inner channel of one of the first reception members and a reception face opposite the engaging face for receiving an edge of a second CPU module which is shorter in length than the first CPU module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yao-Chi Huang, Jung-Chueh Hsu
  • Patent number: 6147874
    Abstract: A backplate, or network circuit card assembly having a backplate is provided having an elongated section with one or more stem sections extending therefrom in a first direction. Each stem section includes heads that extend in a second direction. The heads may be positioned from an unbiased position to a biased position, where the biased position brings the heads into sufficient proximity with one another to allow the combined heads to pass through a hole of the printed circuit card. Once through, the heads are released to secure the printed circuit card with the stem section. The heads may also provide a surface that contacts a grounding plane of the printed circuit card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: 3Com Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos Burbano, Brian Geroge Reeve
  • Patent number: 6147878
    Abstract: A locking clip is disclosed for use with modular circuit packs that mount in mounting racks, and the insertion and extraction of circuit packs from a mounting rack is facilitated using a lever that is attached to the face plate of each circuit pack. When the novel locking clip is installed in a hole through the lever it is difficult to be seen and can only be removed with tweezers or similar small grasping tool. When in place the locking clip blocks the normal operation of the lever and the circuit pack cannot be removed from the mounting rack. Removal of the locking clip permits the lever to be operated normally to remove a circuit pack from the mounting rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Heselton
  • Patent number: 6143979
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for adding shielding for electronic circuit packs. The invention includes a circuit pack cage, which has a first pair of parallel longitudinal circuit pack slots for receiving the circuit packs and further has a first longitudinal shield slot disposed between first pair of circuit pack slots for receiving a conductive sheet member. At least one conductive resilient member is disposed in the first shield slot in electrical coupling with a conductive chassis. Upon sliding the conductive sheet member between the pair of circuit packs and into the shield slot, the resilient member flexibly engages the conductive sheet member and electrically couples the conductive sheet member with the conductive chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies
    Inventor: Robert A. Millard
  • Patent number: 6137052
    Abstract: The mounting rack contains transverse rails (1, 31), at least one front element (29), and at least one spring contact strip (10; 38). The contact strip has a retaining portion (11) for fitting on an end face (21, 22) of the transverse rail and contact springs (14) which are connected to the retaining portion and have spring limbs (15) which are angled off in a direction away from the interior of the mounting rack, such that these spring limbs (15) extend in a direction generally coincident with the longitudinal side (54) of the front element the spring movements of the spring limbs (15) are generally in the same direction as the insertion and withdrawal movements (24, 48) for the printed circuit board assembly fastened to the front element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Siegfried Kurrer, Werner Koerber, Ralf Behrens, Kurt-Michael Schaffer
  • Patent number: 6137694
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Michael Kerrigan, Daniel Paul Beaman, Jeffrey William Young
  • Patent number: 6134120
    Abstract: A board mount assembly. The assembly comprises a panel, a board mount and a circuit board. The panel is generally arranged in a plane. The board mount has an attachment portion operably connected to the panel and parallel thereto, and has a support portion extending from the first portion at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the plane of the panel. The circuit board has a first standoff engaged with the board mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: Joe M. Baldwin, Dale C. Cotton, Bruce D. Smalling
  • Patent number: 6128187
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved cardcage design. The improvements result from the formation of an integral cardcage side using a construction method involving precision punched sheet aluminum that is precision formed into final configuration. The integral cardcage side design provides ease of assembly for the cardcage while enhancing structural integrity, improves the alignment of circuit cards within the cardcage to the backplane, increases the airflow channels between the card guides, and adapts to incorporate additional features for airflow control. The manufacturability of the cardcage is greatly simplified by reducing the number of parts requiring assembly and by the use of simple and inexpensive tools and assembly techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Mimlitch, III, Robert A. Bruce
  • Patent number: 6128196
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Stratus Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Willard O. Hoyle, Jr., Robert Craig Abraham, Keith A. St. Pierre, Vincent T. Curran
  • Patent number: 6122176
    Abstract: A mounting system for facilitating removal and replacement of circuit cards in a card cage includes a carrier having a generally planar shape and having a plurality of location holes therethrough. A first circuit card edge support is disposed at the bottom edge of the carrier. A first anchor assembly includes a first circuit card locator and a fastener system. The first circuit card locator is removably mounted to the carrier by the fastener system, a portion of which passes through one of the location holes in the carrier. The first circuit card locator is equipped with a support ledge and a hold-down tab for engaging opposite sides of a circuit card while the first circuit card edge support engages an edge of the circuit card. A second anchor assembly includes a post oriented generally perpendicular to the plane of the carrier and passes at least partially through a tooling hole in the circuit card. A second circuit card edge support may also be disposed at the bottom edge of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Bradley E. Clements
  • Patent number: 6122178
    Abstract: A PCMCIA electronics package adapted to enclose, and provides EMI shielding to, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB has an electrical connector adapted for plugging into a computer is at a one end and RF circuitry at the other end. Electronic components are disposed on an inner region of the surfaces of the PCB. The PCB has a ground plane conductor disposed therein. Electrically conductive strips are disposed on the surfaces of the PCB along opposing side edges and the other end of the PCB. A plurality of conductive vias pass through a portion of the PCB electrically connecting the electrical strip conductors to the ground plane conductor. A plurality of resilient, electrically conductive clips is provided. Each one of the clips has: a cup-shaped region disposed over a corresponding one of the PCB edges and the other end of the PCB. Side portions of the cup-shaped regions are in contact with conductive strips. The clips have an arm with a distal end elevated from the PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Macdonald J. Andrews, Richard G. Berard, Arnold E. VanDoren
  • Patent number: 6122169
    Abstract: A heat sink assembly of the present invention comprises a conductive housing with a heat pipe and a fan fixed therein, and fixing devices. The conductive housing is formed by die-casting and comprises a base, a heat sink portion and a shielding portion which depend downwardly from the square base. The base defines a thorough channel to fix the heat pipe for dissipating heat produced by an electronic element mounted in the shielding portion, two legs of the channel being communication with the space formed by the shielding portion and the heat sink portion respectively. The shielding portion is integral with the heat sink portion and defines a peripheral side wall to form a sealed square-shaped space together with the base to provide EMI shielding for the electronic element. A hole is defined in each of the four corners of the peripheral side wall of the shielding portion to engage with the fixing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Foxconn Precision Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Liu, Pao Lung Lin, Chun-Hsin Lu
  • Patent number: 6122161
    Abstract: A circuit board assembly (10) having a plurality of circuit board subassemblies (12) having a device (14) for releasably electrically and mechanically connecting the subassemblies (12) into a general configuration of a plane, and said subassemblies (12) having a device (16) for electrically and mechanically interconnecting the subassemblies (12) into a system back plane (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Rockwell Semiconductor Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Gierut
  • Patent number: 6115242
    Abstract: A chip chassis comprises a housing for enclosing a plurality of semiconductor devices having electrical contacts. The housing is configured to include a plurality of slots each adapted for receiving a semiconductor device. The housing further comprises a plurality of connectors in each of the slots. Each connector within a respective slot of the housing is adapted to electrically contact corresponding electrical contacts of the semiconductor device when the semiconductor device is inserted within the respective slot. Each of the plurality of connectors in each of the slots is electrically coupled to provide an electrical backplane within the housing for electrical communications between each of the slots. The housing may be configured to couple thermally with a heat sink and provide access for a flow-through of a forced coolant. The slots may be adapted to receive a particular type of semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Andrew Lambrecht
  • Patent number: 6114626
    Abstract: An assembly for attaching a printed circuit board to a chassis includes a mounting rail for engagement with the printed circuit board and a guide member for engagement with the chassis. In one embodiment, the mounting rail includes an elongated body member having a first side and a second side and a spacer formed in the first side. A lock member for engaging the printed circuit board is coupled to the spacer. The guide member defines a guide slot for slidably receiving the mounting rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: John Barnes, Thomas Holden, Merrill George
  • Patent number: 6111747
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a board in a connected position includes at least a first edge and a second edge, the apparatus including at least a first retention arm capable of holding in a connected position a first edge of the board, wherein the board is chosen from a plurality of circuit board cards, a heatsink thermal plate coupled to a circuit board card, and a heatsink thermal plate. A computer system includes at least one processor; a memory coupled to the processor and an apparatus for securing a board in a connected position, the device having at least a first edge and a second edge, the apparatus having at least a first retention arm capable of holding in a connected position a first edge of the board, wherein the board is chosen from a plurality of circuit board cards, a heatsink thermal plate coupled to a circuit board card, and a heatsink thermal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: John Jeffries, Stephen Cook
  • Patent number: 6104621
    Abstract: A wireless communications device, such as a cellular telephone, is provided with a torsional hinging mechanism for rotatably coupling a flip cover to the device's main body. The torsional hinging mechanism both minimizes lateral loading and causes the flip cover to automatically assume the open position when released. One, and preferably two, torsional axles interconnect the main body to the flip cover. One end of the torsional axle is engaged by the main body so as to prevent relative rotation therebetween, for example by fitting the end through a retaining slit in the main body. The opposite end of the torsional axle is engaged by the flip cover so as to prevent relative rotation therebetween, for example by fitting a keyed end into a keyed hole. When the flip cover is in the closed position, the torsional axle is rotationally loaded so as to urge the flip cover towards the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Ericsson, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Weadon, William H. Jennings
  • Patent number: 6094351
    Abstract: A universal enclosure system in a tower type manner for receiving different type mother boards therein includes the main body generally having at least a top wall, a bottom wall, a first and a second side walls, a front panel. Two kinds of different removable back panels are interchangeably adopted to cooperate with the main body for exclusively receiving a first type mother board, i.e., the ATX type, or a second type mother board, i.e., the NLX type, in the enclosure system wherein the first type mother board is bigger than the second type mother board. The first back panel cooperates with a first metal carrier which is adapted to mount the first type mother board thereon whereby the first type mother board is positioned in the interior of the enclosure system and almost very close to the first side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dan Kikinis
  • Patent number: 6088232
    Abstract: A device for quickly guiding and positioning a main PC board in which the main PC board may be quickly and firmly installed (or removed from) on a computer housing, including one or more rotatable arrow-shaped push retaining blocks screwably secured on an end edge near an opening of the computer housing, and a corresponding number of slide rails provided at an underside of the main PC board such that the main PC board may slide along the slide rails into rail slots pre-formed in the computer housing and further into a predetermined position. Prior to positioning, a projecting block at one side of a front end of the slide rail is fitted into a notch at an inner side of the push retaining block, and the push retaining block is turned to allow the main PC board to be correctly pushed into the computer housing with contact ends at one side thereof engaging with a connector of an interface card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Hsin Chien Ho
  • Patent number: 6080930
    Abstract: A gasket for ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection and EMC (electromagnetic containment) for use in a card cage used to house slidable circuit modules. The gasket is engaged with a rear cross member of a shelf of the card cage, adjacent a backplane. The gasket has two ridges, namely an ESD ridge to provide ESD protection and an EMC ridge to contain electromagnetic wave energy emitted from a module. As a module is slid into the card cage towards the backplane, a surface of the module contacts the ESD ridge of the gasket, thereby discharging any static electricity on the module (because the gasket is grounded through connection to the shelf which is grounded to a frame). Contact of the module with the ESD ridge occurs before engagement of pins from the backplane with connectors on a surface of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Joseph John Lommen, Scott Mackenzie
  • Patent number: 6078504
    Abstract: A universal adapter bracket for installing standard form factor adapter cards such as PCI cards into larger expansion slots of a communications device, such as a router or switch. The adapter bracket has a front face with angled flanges forming an aperture for accepting standard PC brackets, an upper flange with conductive spring clips or foam gasket material, a lower flange for securing a carrier card to the adapter bracket, and fasteners on the front face of the adapter bracket for securing and grounding the adapter bracket to the communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Cisco Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Wayne Miles
  • Patent number: 6075709
    Abstract: A memory adapter having a first cover (50), a circuit board (60), a second cover (70) detachably connected the circuit board (60) to the first cover (50) and a third cover (80) detachably connected with the first cover (50) and abutted the second cover (70) toward the first cover (50) is used by users to adapt to different cassette memory of different sizes. With the adapter, users are able to use cassette memory of different dimensions in different electrical appliance readily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Li-Ho Yang
  • Patent number: 6056574
    Abstract: Retention assembly (10) includes an end section (30,104) at each end of a pair of board-mounted receptacle connectors and defines guide channels (20) for insertion thereinto of a pair of modules (22). A retention cap (14,100) is securable to posts (38,122) of end sections (30,104) and is movable transversely to be wedged against top surfaces (68) of modules (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Yeomans, Kevin Eugene Walker
  • Patent number: 6058007
    Abstract: A computer has a mounting arrangement for enabling the same general internal space of the computer to be used either as a drive bay or as an expansion card slot. In one embodiment, the drive unit is mountable on the mounting arrangement by means of a mounting tray. In this case, the tray is preferably formed such that is serves as a blanking plate for blanking the access aperture provided in a housing wall of the computer for accessing external connectors of an expansion card when the latter is mounted in the mounting arrangement. The same fixing element used for securing the expansion card to the housing wall can also be used to secure the mounting tray to that wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Yvan Eckert, Richard Allirot, Yves Bonfort
  • Patent number: 6031725
    Abstract: A computer having a retention module connected to the circuit board of the module for receiving a cartridge containing a microprocessor. The retention module has a base member for mounting to the chassis, and a retention member formed integrally with the base member for receiving a nut for engaging a post on the chassis to mechanically connect the retention module to the chassis. The retention member retains the nut and aligns the nut with the post when the retention module is placed on the chassis prior to the nut being threadedly connected to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Dell U.S.A., L.P.
    Inventors: Erica Scholder, Gilberto Hernandez
  • Patent number: 6027535
    Abstract: A charger for a rechargeable battery pack of a power tool includes a housing and a printed circuit board on which electrical components are mounted. The printed circuit board being mounted in the housing. The housing includes vent openings disposed below the printed circuit board and vent openings disposed above the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Metabowerke GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Robert Eberle, Ulrich Haller
  • Patent number: 6023415
    Abstract: A printed circuit board and bulkhead assembly with I/O connectors that may be slidingly mated with a rear panel bulkhead frame of a computer chassis without removing the rear panel and without having to remove any mounting hardware. The I/O connectors are attached to the bulkhead assembly in such a manner that the I/O connectors clear the rear panel bulkhead frame when the bulkhead assembly is being slidingly mated with the rear panel bulkhead frame. The I/O connectors extend through the rear panel bulkhead frame once the bulkhead assembly is mated with the rear panel bulkhead frame. When fully installed, the bulkhead assembly and the rear panel bulkhead frame create a barrier against EMI/RFI radiation emissions escaping the computer chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: David Mayer, Ronald P. Dean, John P. Hoppal, Rex Seader
  • Patent number: 6021049
    Abstract: A retention device for retaining the forward edge of a PCI or ISA adapter card in a computer frame is provided. The retention device has a channel mounted to the frame opposite a rearward edge of the card. The channel has upper and lower panels which define a slot for receiving the forward edge of the card. A finger is pivotally mounted to one end of the channel and has grooves on a lower surface for engaging grooves on an upper surface of the forward edge. The finger is movable between an engaged position for capturing the forward edge to retain it from moving, and a disengaged position for releasing the forward edge and allowing the card to be removed from the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Donald L. Thompson, Roy A. Rachui
  • Patent number: 6008995
    Abstract: A card cage for mounting printed circuit cards of at least two sizes is disclosed. The card cage includes an insert removably mounted to a mounting bar position between first and second ends of the card cage. The insert extends along a portion of the width of the card cage. When the insert is mounted to the mounting bar, a printed circuit card of a first length may be disposed between the insert and one of the card cage ends. When the insert is removed, a printed circuit card of a second length greater than the first length may be mounted between the first and second ends of the card cage. Plural mounting bars may be located between the respective card cage ends to accommodate printed circuit cards of different lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Ascend Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Pusateri, John P. Jones, Mahesh N. Ganmukhi
  • Patent number: 5995377
    Abstract: A low static enclosure has an interior for holding an electronic device therein. The electronic device has opposing walls each having a guide rail thereon. The enclosure has a bottom, a top, and a backplane between the bottom and top at their respective back edges. The backplane has an electric connector on its interior surface. The bottom and top each have a flat continuous interior facing surface with a groove extending from the front edge to the back edge. The grooves on the bottom and top are for cooperation with the guide rails on the opposing walls of the electronic device to slide the electronic device along the bottom and top respectively so that an electric connector on the electronic device mates with the electric connector on the interior surface of the backplane. The flat continuous interior facing surfaces of the bottom and top discourage ESD between the surfaces and the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Digital Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph Michael Tusler, Mark S. Lewis, Reuben Martinez
  • Patent number: 5991165
    Abstract: A shield for an electronic device having a pair of cooperating printed circuit boards includes an integrated connector for connecting the printed circuit boards. The shield is provided with a frame attachable between the circuit boards and structure attached to the frame for supporting a connector that electrically connects the circuit boards. In one embodiment, the contacts of the connector are embedded in a sub-frame attached to the frame. In another embodiment, a connector holder is formed with the frame for supporting a connector that connects the printed circuit boards. By virtue of the unitary structure, problems associated with tolerance stack-up can be eliminated, and usable printed circuit board area can be maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Jones, Jr., James D. MacDonald, Jr., Bart Peter Reier, Eric Richard Burgan, Patrick Edward Nixon
  • Patent number: 5980299
    Abstract: A module guide assembly (10) having end blocks (30) surrounding a receptacle connector (14) on a circuit board (12), and further having guide members (60) to facilitate mating of a circuit card (104) of a card-containing module (100) with the connector. The guide members (60,62) are pivotably mounted to the end blocks (30) to be rotated between an upright orientation for module receipt, and a recumbent orientation parallel to the board when the module (100) is not mated to the connector. Pivot embossments (44) are seated in apertures (72) to permit pivoting, and slots (78) extend from apertures (72) to an edge of a tab section (74) to receive embossments (44) thereinto during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne Samuel Davis
  • Patent number: 5982627
    Abstract: A frame is provided at the front end of the adapter card receiving area of a personal computer which includes card guides, a flex bar for retaining inserted cards and a dual function blocking member which has opposed blocking surfaces so arranged that they retain the locking bar respectively in a lock and open position respectively and transition between the two with simple, one-hand activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Torgil Haughton, Rodrigo Samper, Joel Edwin Walker, Jacklin Ann Adams, Timothy S. Farrow
  • Patent number: 5973926
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a motherboard to a chassis of a personal computer using only a single screw. A number of standoffs snap into the base of the chassis, electrically contacting the chassis. Each standoff includes a projection. The motherboard includes apertures for accepting the projections such that when an ramp and shelf of each projection is aligned with the motherboard, the motherboard is positioned a fixed distance from the chassis. A mounting bracket also includes a number of projections. Apertures provided in the motherboard correspond to the projections of the mounting bracket. The surface of each side of the motherboard surrounding each aperture is plated with an electrically conductive material to form a conductive path between the motherboard and the standoffs and the bracket. The projections of the bracket are inserted into the corresponding apertures in the motherboard. A screw is inserted through a wall of the chassis and into a threaded hole in the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Palo Alto Design Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Sacherman, John Toor
  • Patent number: 5946193
    Abstract: A circuit board enclosure for housing a plurality of circuit boards has a polymer casing having upper and lower openings and an interior. The circuit board enclosure also has upper and lower heat conductive pieces formed of a metal and fitting respectively within the upper and lower openings in the casing, in a water tight sealed relationship with the casing. The upper and lower heat conductive pieces have heat transfer fins protruding from the openings in the casing. The upper and lower heat conductive pieces have an interior side facing the interior of the enclosure. The interior sides have guide grooves to receive opposing sides of the circuit board. The guide grooves of the upper and lower heat conductive pieces are substantially parallel. The polymer casing may be formed of polycarbonate. The upper and lower heat conductive pieces may be formed of aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter M. Hendrix, Babi Ati, Michael Guy
  • Patent number: 5943218
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a card type CPU fixing structure, characterized in that when said card type CPU (CELERON) is inserted in the main board of Pentium II framework, there is no need to change the support seat. All the user has to do is to fasten the fixing cover on the support seat, the channel on the inside of the fixing cover will press the card type CPU (CELERON) in position, so the card type CPU (CELERON) will not wobble. With the invention, the interchange between a cartridge type Pentium II CPU and a card type CPU (CELERON) can be made readily without having to replace the support seat of the main board. With the invention, the manufacturers of main boards will not have to produce additional compatible components after the card type CPU (CELERON) is put on the market, while the user will be able to replace the CPU easily and readily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Yen-Wen Liu
  • Patent number: 5940275
    Abstract: A PCMCIA card structure includes a front connector, a frame, a substrate, and a sheet metal cover having a top cover panel. A ground plate having rearwardly extending ground contacts is carried on the upper surface of the connector. The frame includes an insulative cross beam disposed adjacent to the rear of the connector, the cross beam serving to support the top cover panel of the card, to prevent the top cover panel from contacting the connector ground plate or the contacts extending from the ground plate, and, along with portions of the ground plate, to close off the space between the connector and the front edge of the top cover panel. The ground plate has a transverse length shorter than that of the connector, defining end shoulder surfaces along the upper surface of the connector. The top cover panel includes a pair of laterally spaced, forwardly extending tabs, each tab overlying an end shoulder surface on the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Xircom, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian A. Laity
  • Patent number: 5927389
    Abstract: A computer housing or electronic apparatus frame (10) includes a compartment (12) that provides space for mounting a fan assembly (14) or similar component. The fan assembly (14) is mounted on a fan tray support (16), which is removably mountable within the computer housing (10) by means of the fan tray mounts (18). Fan tray mounts (18) are oriented facing one another so that side rails (22) of fan tray (16) are slidably received by the fan tray mounts (18). The fan tray mounts (18) further includes an elongated guide channel (31) that extends the length of the fan tray mount and is formed in the inside face (30) thereof. The fan tray mounts (18) also include a first, outwardly projecting stop (52) that is positioned inwardly from end wall (38) and a second, outwardly-projecting, resiliently-deflectable stop and latch lever (54) provided adjacent end wall (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Gonsalves, Robert Antonuccio, William Izzicupo, James Carney, Mark Pugliese, Joseph Spano, Matthew Palazola, David Desilets
  • Patent number: 5903441
    Abstract: An electronic device having a printed circuit board that must align with and connect to various devices on more than one edge of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board having an isolation slot that creates a peninsula connection region near one edge of the printed circuit board to enable the printed circuit board to be readily aligned inside the electronic device with the various devices that the printed circuit board mates with. The present invention may also include a travel limit bracket attached to the printed circuit board on either side of the isolation slot in order to limit the amount of travel and twisting of the peninsula connection region. The printed circuit board may also include insertion guide that guide the printed circuit board as it is being mated with a front panel of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Ronald P. Dean, David Mayer
  • Patent number: RE36820
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. McGinley, Daniel S. Poplawski