Retaining Means Exterior Of Slot Patents (Class 439/327)
  • Patent number: 7287996
    Abstract: A fixing device and a connector using the fixing device can fix and insert directly into the expansion card of the connector. The fixing device includes at least one of the elastic arms. The elastic arm has a buckling portion. The connector using the fixing device includes an insulating body and a fixing device. The fixing device includes at least one of the elastic arms and a buckling portion. The buckling portion is buckled the two distal ends of the insulating body. A stop sheet serves to fix the expansion card. The stop sheet is not only capable of fix firmly the expansion card to the fixing device, but also is instead of screws. Besides, a buckling portion services to fix the fixing device into the connector. The integral structure of the novel way is simple and convenient to be assembled. The novel way can not only increase the assembling efficiency, but also reduce the production costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Lotes Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien Shing
  • Patent number: 7278872
    Abstract: A card retaining apparatus includes a reinforced card support post including a board mounting member and a card securing device which is operable to couple to the reinforced card support post. The reinforced card support post may be mounted to a board adjacent a card connector and the card securing device coupled to the card support post to retain a card in the card connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Gregory Brown, Tifenn Boisard, Marco A. Marroquin, William Morris
  • Publication number: 20070224871
    Abstract: A surface contact card holder (8) includes a body (10) and a receiving mechanism (20). The receiving mechanism has two sidewalls (21), an elastic member (26), a holding wall (27), and a holding piece (25). The sidewalls, the elastic member, and the holding wall are provided on the body. The holding piece is formed on the holding wall. The elastic member and the holding wall cooperate to hold a surface contact card in a first direction. The two sidewalls cooperate to hold the surface contact card in a second direction. The holding piece and the body cooperate to hold the surface contact card in a third direction. The elastic member can be pressed in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CO,.LTD., SUTECH TRADING LIMITED
    Inventors: ZI-GANG ZHAN, CHIA-HUA CHEN
  • Patent number: 7272016
    Abstract: An interface card coupling structure includes a bracing member fastened to a case that has a retaining plate extending from an edge with a latch hole formed thereon, and a coupling member pivotally coupled on the retaining plate. The coupling member has a latch pin on one end facing the retaining plate to engage with the latch hole and anchor the coupling member on the retaining plate. The coupling member presses an interface card to form secure coupling. The coupling member may be made by injection forming. The structural elements of the bracing member of the interface card coupling structure are thus fewer. Hence the cost may be reduced and production speed increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Lin-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 7264490
    Abstract: A module includes a panel having a groove. An injector/ejector may be coupled to the panel. The injector/ejector may reside in the groove when the injector/ejector is in a closed position. A latch member may be coupled to the panel. The latch member may selectively hold the injector/ejector in the closed position in the groove. A body of the latch member may reside in a groove in the panel. In certain embodiments, latch member for a module injector/ejector is attached to the panel using a snap-on arrangement. In certain embodiments, the panel for a module may be made of a flat sheet having a fold that defines the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Naum Reznikov
  • Patent number: 7264491
    Abstract: Methods and systems for insertion of a memory module into a computer system are provided. The method includes removing an access door of the computer system to make a connector accessible, the access door having a size substantially smaller than a footprint of the memory module, and linearly inserting the memory module into the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Apple, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Lynn McBroom, Michael David McBroom, Brett William Degner, Brian Thomas Sudderth, Todd F. Gotham, Ethan Crumlin, Gavin J. Reid, John Ternus, Steven G. Siefert, Christopher Stringer, Chris Ligtenberg
  • Publication number: 20070197078
    Abstract: A holder (100) for holding a surface contact card (40) includes a main body (10) and an elastic element (20). The main body forms a receiving portion (14). The receiving portion is configured for receiving the surface contact card therein. A latching portion (16) is adjacent to the receiving portion on the main body. The elastic element (20) is positioned in the latching portion and configured for selectably resisting the surface contact card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CO,.LTD., SUTECH TRADING LIMITED
    Inventors: ZI-GANG ZHAN, CHIA-HUA CHEN
  • Patent number: 7252527
    Abstract: A surface contact card holder (100) includes a body (10), a receiving mechanism (14), a guiding mechanism (20), and a latching member (25). The receiving mechanism is provided on the body for receiving a surface contact card (30) therein. The receiving mechanism has an aperture (142) defined in one end thereof for insertion and withdraw of the surface contact card. The guiding mechanism is provided on the body and adjacent to the aperture. The latching member is slidably mounted with the guiding mechanism for opening and closing the aperture of the receiving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignees: ShenZhen FuTaiHong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Sutech Trading Limited
    Inventors: Qing Yang, Chia-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 7252528
    Abstract: A mounting assembly includes an expansion card having a slot cover, a chassis having a rear wall, the rear wall forming two opposite support tabs thereon, and a pivoting member pivotally mounted to the chassis between the two support tabs. The rear wall defines a through slot below the two support tabs for the slot cover covering thereon. At least one support tab forms a positioning portion thereon. The slot cover has a fixing portion thereon. The pivoting member has a locking portion for engaging with the positioning portion, and a retaining portion for pressing on the fixing portion of the slot cover. The mounting assembly further includes a positioning block securely attached to the chassis opposite to the rear wall of the chassis, and another pivoting member pivotally mounted to the positioning block for retaining another end of the expansion card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Ming Tsao
  • Patent number: 7252529
    Abstract: A chip card retaining mechanism for retaining a chip card (40) mounted in an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing (10) having a battery compartment (14) defined therein. The chip card retaining mechanism includes a locking member (30). The locking member is securely mounted on the receiving portion. The locking member and a surface of the housing cooperatively form a receiving cavity therebetween for receiving the chip card therein and locking the chip card in the receiving cavity. A first end of the locking member and a surface of the housing cooperatively form an opening for inserting the chip card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignees: ShenZhen FuTaiHong Precision Industrial Co., Ltd., Sutech Trading Limited
    Inventors: Qing Yang, Chia-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 7244135
    Abstract: A surface contact card latching assembly (100) is formed in a portable electronic device. The latching assembly includes a receiving portion (11) and a latch module (12). The receiving portion is configured for receiving the surface contact card, and a first end of the receiving portion forms an entrance (112) via which the surface contact card can enter or exit. The latch module includes a blocking tab (120) and an elastic latch (122). The blocking tab extends from the receiving portion for partially covering the receiving portion. The elastic latch is disposed at the first end of the receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Indsutrial Co., Ltd., Sutech Trading Limited
    Inventors: Chia-Hua Chen, Chun-Yu Chen, Zhou-Quan Zuo, Yong Li
  • Patent number: 7244134
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electric connector for inserting an expansion card, and the electric connector includes an insulating body having a plurality of terminal containing holes, at least one electrically conductive terminal disposed in the terminal containing hole, and at least one locking device being disposed on at least one end of the insulating body and capable of rotating around the insulating body, and the locking device is a bent metal rod. Compared with the prior art, the electric connector of the present invention can be fixed securely to assure a good electric connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Lotes Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ted Ju
  • Patent number: 7245499
    Abstract: Insertion and ejection mechanisms for modular boards and cards. Mechanisms are provided for coupling the motion of insertion/ejection handles coupled to a modular board or a board carrier frame to which a board is attached. The mechanisms include a single-bar linkage, a rack and pinion-based configuration, a two-bar linkage, and a telescoping configuration. Applying an input force to one of the handles causes the board to be urged inward in a chassis slot, thus coupling the connectors on the board with mating connectors on a backplane mounted within the chassis. The input force is coupled via the various handle-coupling mechanisms to the other handle, producing a result similar to if a force was applied to both handles at the same time. In a similar manner, a board may be ejected by applying a force to a single handle to cause that handle to rotate outward. An automated retention screw insertion and extraction mechanism is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas L. Stahl, Marwan Khoury, Ho Wang
  • Patent number: 7227760
    Abstract: An add-on card fastening structure is proposed, which is used for fastening an add-on card on a housing of an electronic device, wherein the housing of the electronic device is provided with a first positioning portion and a first coupling portion. The add-on card fastening structure includes a body, a second positioning portion, a second coupling portion, a plurality of confining portions, and a stop portion. The second positioning portion is disposed on the body and positionally corresponds to the first positioning portion. The second coupling portion is disposed on the body and can be coupled to the first coupling portion. The plurality of confining portions are disposed on the body so as to confine the add-on card in the fastening structure. The stop portion is disposed on the body so as to stop any displacement of a top portion of the add-on card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Lin-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 7195506
    Abstract: A fixing structure for an external circuit board is provided for fixing the external circuit board to a carrier board, the carrier board having a first opening, and the external circuit board having a second opening corresponding to the first opening. The fixing structure includes a connecting member and a cantilever extended from one end of the connecting member. When the external circuit board is vertically inserted in a connector of the carrier board, the connecting member is coupled to the first opening of the carrier board and the cantilever is coupled to the second opening of the external circuit board, such that connection between the external circuit board and the carrier board can be enhanced by means of the fixing structure to avoid the external circuit board falling off from the carrier board by shocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Lin-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 7160126
    Abstract: A locking device has a blocking member, a first operating unit and a second operating unit. The blocking member is provided for blocking a printed circuit board under a locking position when the printed circuit board is installed into the printed circuit board connector, so as to retain the printed circuit board within the printed circuit board connector. Furthermore, the blocking member is removed from the locking position by operating either the first operating unit or the second operating unit. The first operating unit and the second operating unit are spaced from each other and mounted to different positions, so as to benefit from applying either the first operating unit or the second operating unit to remove the locking position when either the first operating unit or the second operating unit is obstructed by other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Giga-Byte Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Ming Lai
  • Patent number: 7144276
    Abstract: A memory card connector includes a base member, a plurality of contacts held on the base member and a slide cover slidably engaging with the base member. The base member has a rear opening, a pair of longitudinal guiding slots respectively defined at two opposite sides thereof, and a pair of locking tab disposed thereon. The sliding cover has a card cavity for receiving a memory card, an engaging slot defined at a rear portion thereof corresponding to the rear opening, and a pair of slide arms for sliding in the corresponding guiding slots. Each slide arm extends forwards to form a resilient arm with a locking recess defined therein for engaging with the corresponding locking tab. Therefore, as used in a cellular phone, the memory card connector can facilitate insertion/extraction of the memory card and hold the memory card reliably and exactly therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mei Chuan Yang
  • Patent number: 7140900
    Abstract: A retainer includes a base member operable to be snapped onto a connector and a retaining member positioned substantially perpendicular to the base member for securely retaining the card coupled to the connector. The base member has an inner open area with dimensions substantially matching corresponding outside dimensions of the connector for a snug fit. The retaining member has a proximal section slidably coupled to a distal section. The proximal section is fixedly coupled to the base member. A length of the distal section is extensible beyond the proximal section to securely retain the card coupled to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventor: George Villanueva
  • Patent number: 7121862
    Abstract: A card edge connector assembly is adapted for mounting on a printed circuit board to electrically connect with a daughter card. The connector assembly includes a dielectric housing defining a longitude direction, a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitude direction and a slot extending from a mating face thereof along the longitudinal direction, a number of terminals respectively disposed at opposite sides of the slot and a retainer aligned with and spaced from the dielectric housing along the longitudinal direction. The retainer includes a flexible arm extending away from the dielectric housing. The flexible arm is formed with a projection for locking the daughter card in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., LTD
    Inventors: WenJun Tang, XueWu Bu
  • Patent number: 7108525
    Abstract: In order to latch an object member that is movable in a predetermined direction, a latch device has a heart cam that follows movement of the object member, and a latch member that is movable between a first position where it does not engage the object member and a second position where it engages the object member in the predetermined direction. A cam follower engaging the heart cam and the latch member urges the latch member toward one of the first and second positions following movement of the heart cam. However, actual movement of the latch member is controlled by a control mechanism that operates depending on the shape and the number of times of movement of the heart cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventor: Kazukuni Hisatomi
  • Patent number: 7083446
    Abstract: In a connector for memory card used in a mobile equipment, a locking mechanism of a memory card at a card lock position is integrally provided with a push-on/push-off mechanism constituted by a heart-shaped cam and a cam pin, so that the connector can be downsized. A heart-shaped cam groove unit is provided on a contact block fixed on a housing, and an end of a locking member is rotatably borne on a slider which can reciprocally be moved in an inside of the housing. The cam pin is provided on the other end of the locking member, and the cam pin is moved along the heart-shaped cam groove corresponding to reciprocal movement of the slider. Furthermore, a locking protrusion is provided on the locking member for protruding toward the memory card. The heart-shaped cam groove is formed in a manner so that not only the movement of the slider is locked but also the locking protrusion engages with a recess used to be locked provided on the memory card at a card lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirohisa Tanaka, Toshihiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7077679
    Abstract: This clip is used to secure a connection bridge onto the top edge of two graphics adaptor cards. It works by securing with a screw through the graphics adaptor card bracket that when tightened, applied downward pressure onto the bridge. The pressure is created by the bump above the screw boss; when the screw is tightened the bump acts as a pivot point and applied downward force on the other side of the pivot point to the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: Scott A. Szuba, George A. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 7029307
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an electrical connector may comprise a first end and a second end, wherein the electrical connector defines a channel. In some embodiments, one or more electrical contacts may be disposed within the channel. Further, a fixed retention mechanism may be coupled to the first end of the electrical connector, wherein the fixed retention mechanism is to couple to a detent portion of an electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Yun Ling, Daniel (Thai) Tong
  • Patent number: 7029302
    Abstract: A connector includes a clamp member inserted through a second insert opening into a socket portion such that the surfaces of the clamp member come into contact with the surface of a retaining member and the side wall of the socket portion running along a surface of the retaining member to press the retaining member, and such that a plurality of boards received in the socket portion are fixed to connect a plurality of first electrodes with a plurality of second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Takuji Sawaya
  • Patent number: 7018227
    Abstract: A card connector device comprising: a case 11 having a card slit port 19 capable of inserting hereinto a functional card having a terminal, and accommodating an internal connector 15 for card holding the functional card to be inserted and comprising a terminal 15b to be connected electrically with the terminal of the functional card; an external connector 17 provided protrusively on the case apart from the card slit port 19 and connected electrically with the internal connector for card; and a card stopper 20 located as being capable of sliding between the card slit port 19 of the case and the external connector, and comprising a first end 20b at the card slit port side and a second end 20c capable of protruding toward the external connector side; wherein the first end 20b clutches the functional card 14 when the card stopper 20 moves to the card slit port 19 side to suppress the functional card being pulled out of the card slit port, and the second end 20c protrudes in the protrusively provided direction of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kei Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7004777
    Abstract: A PCI card clipping device is disclosed for clipping and securing a plurality of PCI cards. The PCI card clipping device is composed of a clipping member, a fixing base, a latch member connected to the fixing base, and an elastic element (such as a spring), wherein the clipping member has a plurality of clipping elements, and each of the clipping elements is made of a clipping plate located in an opening. In the application of the PCI card clipping device, a connecting end of the PCI card is first engaged with the clipping element, and then the purpose of securing the PCI cards is achieved due to the meal material property of the latch member and the clipping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Quanta Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Chun-Yi Lien, Chi-Hao Kang, Sheng-Fu Hsu
  • Patent number: 6971900
    Abstract: An add-on circuit card retention apparatus is disclosed that includes an add-on circuit card defining a reference plane and having a first connector, a second circuit card having a second connector for mating with the first connector, and a clip assembly for releasably securing the add-on circuit card to the second circuit card. The clip assembly includes a first catch member located on the add-on circuit card and a second catch member being located on the second connector. The first catch member has a first catch surface generally lying in a plane forming a first catch member angle with respect to the reference plane of less than 90 degrees. The second catch member has a second catch surface generally lying in a plane forming a second catch member angle with respect to the reference plane of less than 90 degrees when the first connector of the add-on circuit card is in a mated condition with the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Gateway Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Liebenow
  • Patent number: 6969282
    Abstract: A SIM card retainer includes an installing base and a locking device. The installing base has a receiving space, which exposes a SIM card connector and is used for receiving the SIM card. The locking device has a fixing portion, a force-applying portion and a deformable portion. The locking device is disposed on the installing base so that the SIM card is fixed within the receiving space by the fixing portion and electrically connected to a SIM card connector. Applying a force on the force-applying portion, the deformable portion will deform elastically and the fixing portion will withdraw from the receiving space, so that the SIM card can be loaded into or unloaded from the installing base. The SIM card is fixed by removing the applying force from the force-applying portion to recover the original shape of the deformable portion and to return the fixing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: BenQ Corporation
    Inventor: Yu-Chen Liu
  • Patent number: 6960096
    Abstract: An intermediate electrical connector comprises a circuit board (10) having a plurality of contact portions (11) arranged on opposed edges thereof to which two connectors are attached in opposed directions, respectively, and a pair of supported portions (13, 14) provided at ends thereof in an arrangement direction of the contact portions. The intermediate electrical connector further comprises a guide member (20) holding the circuit board and having a support portion (21) which is brought into contact with an face of the circuit board and a pair of columns (22,13) each having a holding portion (24, 25). The supported portion has an asymmetric shape and the holding portions has a corresponding shape for receiving the asymmetric shape of the supported portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Takada
  • Patent number: 6952351
    Abstract: An insertion delay subassembly includes a support member which is configured to mount to the circuit board, and a lever coupled to the support member. The lever is configured to reside in a first orientation relative to the support member when the circuit board initially engages with a card cage, and pivot from the first orientation to a second orientation relative to the support member when the circuit board subsequently installs fully within the card cage. The insertion delay subassembly further includes an insertion delay latch coupled to one of the support member and the lever. The insertion delay latch is configured to selectively (i) block movement of the lever from the first orientation to the second orientation, and (ii) enable movement of the lever from the first orientation to the second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Cedric Elg
  • Patent number: 6951473
    Abstract: An IC card reader comprising a contact head holding body which is given a force in the card discharge direction and makes contact with an IC card at the insertion of the card. The card reader also comprises a card latch lever that is operated between an open mode, in which an IC card can be inserted and removed, and a closed mode, in which an IC card cannot be inserted or removed; an operating arm for moving the card latch lever and for holding the card latch lever in the closed mode; and an operating lever for moving the operating arm. The card latch lever enters the closed mode with the movements of the operating lever and the operating arm after an IC card is inserted to a predetermined position. The contact head holding body and the operating lever are connected with each other so that the operating lever moves synchronously with the movement of the contact head holding body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Sankyo Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Takahashi, Toshio Tatai
  • Patent number: 6950313
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an interface card fastener, which is set in a computer system host or any other electronic device comprising expansion slots, comprising a bracket and a plurality of pivot assemblies. The bracket is set upon the frame above the expansion slots inside the chassis, and comprises a back frame engaged with the chassis and a plurality of the inner frames extended from the back frame. Each two inner frames define a fasten chamber, and the back frame comprises a horizontal extended L-shape hook in the appropriate position. The pivot assembly is set in the fastener chamber, which rotates between the fastening and the release positions of the interface card, and comprises a hook and a handle linked with the hook. To operate the fastener, pushing the handle directly to hook with the L-shape hook or unhook in interface card positioning, which is easy operating and stable positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Avance Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Yu-Lin Shih
  • Patent number: 6932632
    Abstract: A card connector capable of locking/unlocking an electronic card is comprised of a shell and at least one locking member. The shell includes a receiving space inside, at least one slidable member mounted in the receiving space, and a spring mounted between the slidable guide member and the shell. The locking member includes an elastic piece mounted on said shell and a hook-like piece mounted to a distal end of the elastic piece. Accordingly, while the card is inserted into the card connector, the card can be locked by the locking member by that the hook-like piece securely hooks an external side of the card or unlocked by that the hook-like piece is pushed aside to enable the spring to push the slidable guide member to further push the card outwards for extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Tai-Sol Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yaw-Huey Lai
  • Patent number: 6929490
    Abstract: A housing (1) is provided with an eject lever (3) for ejecting a card (10). The eject lever holds a locking member (4) to be swingable around a support shaft (13). The housing is provided with a cam portion (7). The locking member is provided with a cam follower portion (14) to be engaged with the cam portion and a locking portion (15) for locking the card to inhibit the release of the card. When the eject lever is made to perform sliding movement, the cam portion and the cam follower portion cooperate to swing the locking member so that the card is locked and unlocked by the locking portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Masafumi Kodera, Joe Motojima, Akira Natori, Keiichiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6915562
    Abstract: A device for the insertion and extraction of a plug-in module into a module frame which has at least one front module bar, contains a swivel-mounted lever which is located in the front area of the plug-in module and whose short lever arm has at least one lever cam and a push-off nose and a pressure piece which is fastened to the module bar. The pressure piece absorbs the forces transferred from the lever, whereby the pressure piece has at least one recess, in which the lever cam of the lever reaches into during the insertion of the plug-in module. Furthermore the pressure piece has at least one push-off shoulder against which the push-off nose of the lever pushes off during the extraction of the plug-in module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Schroff GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Joist, Volker Haag, Paul Mazura, Klaus-Michael Thalau, Hans-Jorg Weiler
  • Patent number: 6898088
    Abstract: A technique is provided for coupling and uncoupling device boards for a computer system during any operational state of the computer system. A tool-free latch assembly is provided for coupling a device switchboard and the device boards to a mounting structure of the computer system. The tool-free latch also may have a transparent portion for transmitting light from a device status light to interior and exterior areas of the computer system. A non-mechanical switch also may be utilized in conjunction with the tool-free latch assembly to control power to the device boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: George D. Megason, Joseph R. Allen, Henry C. Coles, Dit Charoen
  • Patent number: 6884100
    Abstract: A fastening mechanism of hollow parallelepiped comprises two ribs on an underside of a top, and a rail on an inner wall of either side. An expansion slot includes a bifurcation at one end with a well defined therebetween. Either branch of the bifurcation includes a top recessed first catch distal from one end, a top recessed second catch proximate one end, and an upright latch on an inner wall. Responsive to inserting the connector of a card into the expansion slot with a projection at one end of the connector entered the well and being fastened by the latches, push the mechanism toward the bifurcation for moving the ribs to pass the second catches to engage with the first catches as the branches slid into the mechanism to matingly engage with the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Mei Ling Hsiao
  • Patent number: 6867554
    Abstract: A ballast control provided on a through-slot wave solderable daughter card package that is vertically mountable on a mother board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: International Rectifier Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Ribarich, Dana Wilhelm, Derek Brown
  • Patent number: 6843675
    Abstract: In a standing board fixing structure, a main board has a long hole, and a standing board has a hole inserting portion with taper faces of convergent shape formed at a bottom portion thereof. Engagement grooves are formed at an upper end portion of each taper face. A plated wire is attached onto the main board to stride across a region in the long hole corresponding to a lower edge portion on each taper face of the standing board. When the standing board is inserted into the long hole, the plated wire is guided to be gradually spread outwards along the taper faces and fitted and engaged in the engagement grooves, and the corresponding patterns of the standing board and the main board are soldered, whereby the standing board is stood and fixed on the main board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6837730
    Abstract: A connector is provided for mounting a module, such as a voltage regulator module, to a printed circuit board. The connector includes a housing having side walls defining a slot for receiving a module, such as a voltage regulator module, therein. Terminals are provided in the housing and are in communication with the slot. Latches and solder nails are provided at opposite ends of the side walls. The solder nails and latches may be formed as two separate components which are connected together or may be integrally formed. When a force, such as from vibration and/or shock, is applied to the latches, the force is transmitted directly to the solder nail and directed away from the leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Edmund M. W. Poh, Scott D. Sommers
  • Patent number: 6831840
    Abstract: A bracket assembly includes a bracket which readily and easily couples with a printed circuit board. The bracket includes at least one tab assembly foldably attached with a support flange for supporting the printed circuit board. The bracket also includes an outer flange which is coupled with the computer chassis. Alignment apertures on the support flange and the printed circuit board facilitate the alignment of the printed circuit board, and allow for rework of the printed circuit board. Each tab assembly is adapted to frictionally engage with corresponding features on the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Charles C. Ruff
  • Patent number: 6817875
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a card edge connector. The card edge connector is electrically connected to a first circuit board for insertion of a second circuit board therein such that the second circuit board can electrically connect with the first circuit board. The second circuit board is secured within the card edge connector by means of an interference device disposed on one side of a support arm of the card edge connector. The top side of the interference device is at a height higher than the surface of the second circuit board. When the user desires to remove the second circuit board from the card edge connector, a force can be applied to the interference device to cause the two support arms to expand slightly outward, thereby permitting removal of the second circuit board and also eliminating the risk of easy breaking of free ends of the support arms associated with conventional card edge connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Wei-Sheng Chang, Chien-Feng Chen
  • Publication number: 20040175980
    Abstract: A connector is provided for mounting a module, such as a voltage regulator module, to a printed circuit board. The connector includes a housing having side walls defining a slot for receiving a module, such as a voltage regulator module, therein. Terminals are provided in the housing and are in communication with the slot. Latches and solder nails are provided at opposite ends of the side walls. The solder nails and latches may be formed as two separate components which are connected together or may be integrally formed. When a force, such as from vibration and/or shock, is applied to the latches, the force is transmitted directly to the solder nail and directed away from the leads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Edmund M.W. Poh, Scott D. Sommers
  • Patent number: 6781848
    Abstract: An adapter or housing for a module, such as a single in-line memory module (SIMM) or the like, and method of using the same are herein disclosed where the SIMM and attached housing fit a predetermined shape SIMM socket. The housing replaces SIMM board material that would otherwise be used to help secure the SIMM to a predetermined shape SIMM socket or connector. The configuration of the housing allows a SIMM or the like to be snapped or slid and secured into the housing. If desired, an adhesive, potting material and other bonding material can be used to secure the SIMM board to the housing and/or pot the SIMM within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren M. Farnworth, Jerrold L. King
  • Patent number: 6771510
    Abstract: An expansion card retention device including a frame, a slider slidably mounted to the frame and a flap hingedly mounted to the frame. The frame is positioned above a card slot configured to receive an expansion card inserted through an opening in the frame. The flap is movable between a captive position where the flap covers the opening and a free position where the flap in clear of the opening. The slider is movable between a locked position where the slider holds the flap in the captive position and an unlocked position where the flap is free to move from the captive to the free position. A computer chassis including an expansion slot for receiving an expansion card and a card retention device mounted above the slot to a card support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy P. Novak, Curtis E. Larsen
  • Patent number: 6767234
    Abstract: A display system of having plug-in extended display hooks for hanging products of various widths. A plug-in header module has a bullnose shaped display window for product descriptions and pricing, and extends frontward to the end of the hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: P.O.P. Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Rosa, Seth Yablans, Chico Basdeo
  • Publication number: 20040097118
    Abstract: An electrical connector (1) for a flat conductor (40) having engagement steps (42) comprises terminals (32) arranged in a housing (10) and having contact portions (33A), and a pair of engagement members (13) having engaging means (13A), which engage the engagement steps of the flat conductor in concert with the contact portions to firmly hold the flat conductor in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Yoshinori Takashita
  • Patent number: 6736318
    Abstract: A smart-card reader is disclosed for receiving and locking a smart-card in a locking position. The smart-card reader comprises: a housing, a contacting apparatus, the contact elements of which are adapted to contact respective card contacts of the smart-card when the smart-card is in the reading position in the housing. A mechanical locking means for locking and releasing the smart-card. The mechanical locking means comprises a locking slide and a locking lever mechanism. The locking slide extends along and outside of the housing. The locking lever mechanism is located in front of the contacting apparatus when looking in the direction of the card insertion. The locking mechanism is also arranged above the smart-card and is adapted to lock the locking slide in the reading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Reichardt, Olga Kaiser
  • Patent number: 6722908
    Abstract: A retention mechanism for an electronic assembly which has a substrate and a heat sink. The retention mechanism includes a substrate slot that receives the substrate and a heat sink slot that receives the heat sink. There may be two retention mechanisms that are attached to a printed circuit board adjacent to an electrical connector. There may be two heat sink slots symmetrically located about the substrate slot so that the mechanism can be mounted to a left side or a right side of the connector. The symmetric slots eliminate the need for a left side mechanism and a right side mechanism. The retainer mechanism may also have a nut retainer that captures a nut that is used to attach the mechanism to the printed circuit board. The nut retainer allows the nut to be transported with the retainer mechanism during an assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Llapitan, Michael Crocker, Peter Davison
  • Patent number: 6721186
    Abstract: An electronic signal adapter module of a flash memory card is disclosed. A seat serves for storing one or a plurality of flash memory cards of different specifications. These flash memory cards use the same storage space in the seat and are inserted into the space at different timings. At least one substrate is combined with the seat. After the flash memory card is inserted into the seat, the substrate transfers signals between the flash memory cards and a reading and writing device. The feature of the present invention is that one end of the seat for being inserted by a flash memory card has two wings. Each wing is arranged with an elastic reed. By the reeds of the two wings, the flash memory card inserted into the seat generates an elastic force so that the pins on the flash memory card have preferred contact effect with the conductive elements of the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Carry Computer Eng. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Ji Yang