Abstract: A connector device includes a housing mounted on a mother board and having a slot for receiving a daughter board. A retainer is used for securing the daughter board to the housing, and includes a support having a channel for receiving the daughter board, and a latch slidably received in a base and to be maintained relative to the base at either a working position to engage with the daughter board, or a non-working position to disengage from the daughter board. The daughter board may be easily engaged into the housing when the latch is located at the non-working position.

Abstract: An expansion card mounting apparatus includes: a rear panel (10) defining an opening (11) and having a support plate (12) adjacent the opening for supporting slot covers (50) of expansion cards; a mounting frame (20) having a pressing portion (21), a mounting portion (28) engaging with a top flange (15) of the rear panel, and a connecting wall (25); a slide member (30) attached to the connecting wall; and a top panel (100). The slide member includes two slide portions (38) slidably engaging with the rear panel at opposite sides of the opening. When the top panel is attached to the top flange of the rear panel, the mounting portion of the mounting frame is positioned in place. The slot covers are thus secured between the support plate of the rear panel and the pressing portion of the mounting frame.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) includes an insulative housing (10) for being mounted to an edge of a printed circuit board (6) and a plurality of contacts (12) received in recesses (20) defined in the insulative housing. The insulative housing has an elongated body portion (14), a mating portion (18) projecting forwardly from the body portion and a pair of guide portions (16) formed on a pair of lateral sides of the body portion. A pair of first retainers (40) respectively extends rearwardly from the body portion. The first retainer comprises a top latch (42) and a bottom latch (44) and a receiving slot (43, 53) defined between the top and bottom latches. A plurality of locking tabs (45) is formed on the bottom latch and extending into the receiving slots. The latches of the retainers can fix the PCB tightly and keep the PCB and the electrical connector steadily assemble together.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for an AGP display interface card includes a connector and a seat extending from one end of a socket in which an AGP display interface card is mounted. The connector is securely connected to the seat and includes a latch and a resilient look to clamp a hook on the AGP display interface card. The latch holds the hook in the connector, and the resilient loop presses against the hook to keep the hook pressed against the latch when the AGP display interface card is mounted in the socket. Therefore the AGP display interface card is stably mounted in the socket and is easily removed from the socket by releasing the connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) comprises an insulative housing (2) and a plurality of upper and lower terminals (3,4) received in the insulative housing. The insulative housing includes a plurality of retention walls (205). Every two adjacent retention walls define a narrow upper passageway (206) and a wide lower passageway for receiving a corresponding upper terminal. Each of the terminals comprises a mounting plate (30, 40, 50, 60), a resilient arm (32, 42, 52, 62) with a contacting portion (320, 420, 31, 41a) at a free end thereof. The upper and lower passageways are wider than the terminals so that different media may be inserted into the insulative housing for tuning differential impedance of the connector.

Abstract: A method of assembling a circuit board into a housing to form an assembly is disclosed. The method includes inserting a first end of the circuit board into a first slot of the housing, flexing the circuit board over a deflection/retention feature, inserting a second end of the circuit board into a second slot of the housing, and pressing the circuit board into place until the circuit board clears the deflection/retention feature and snaps into place. The circuit board thereafter returns to a substantially flat state. Moreover, inserting a first end of the circuit board into a first slot of the housing and inserting a second end of the circuit board into a second slot of the housing each include simplifying initial alignment of the circuit board into the slot by first contacting a lower surface of the slot that extends farther from a front of the housing than an upper surface of the slot.

Abstract: A telecommunications server comprises a switch/larch mechanism for use in online removal or insertion of a peripheral card, such as a PCI card. A bulkhead is adapted for mating engagement with a bulkhead mounting bracket of the peripheral card when the peripheral card is installed in the switch/latch mechanism. A doorbell switch having a vertical range of motion is manually depressed to signal the server and commence an orderly shutdown of the peripheral card in advance of online replacement of the peripheral card. A panel switch provides a mechanical lock retaining the peripheral card in place, and also function as a backup power interrupt device to protect the peripheral card in the event that depression of the doorbell button does not result in an orderly shutdown of the peripheral card.

Abstract: A transceiver module which is easily and conveniently assembled, and which is reliable. The transceiver module comprises a housing, an optoelectronic subassembly, a receptacle, a chassis and a PCB. The optoelectronic subassembly is received in the receptacle. Conductive leads of the optoelectronic subassembly are soldered to the PCB. The chassis is attached to the PCB with screws, and accommodates and protects the PCB. The housing comprises a top housing and a bottom housing. The top housing is attached to the chassis and the receptacle. The top housing and bottom housings are attached together, enclosing therein the receptacle, the chassis and the PCB.

Abstract: A memory system is disclosed that includes memory modules that are longer and taller than conventional prior art memory modules. Each memory module includes two roughly L-shaped openings that extend from the top surface of the memory module near each side surface of the memory module. These L-shaped openings form tabs that extend horizontally along the top surface of the memory module. A guide assembly that includes sockets and guides is adapted to receive the memory module. Rotating latches that couple to each guide near the top of each guide engage a notch on each side surface of the memory module for facilitating insertion and removal. Rotation of each latch into a latched position engages a tab on the memory module so as to securely latch the memory module in place.

Abstract: A chip socket assembly provides for the mechanical and electrical coupling of edge-mountable chips to a bus of a circuit board with relative ease. An edge-mountable chip may be placed in a slot defined by a base. A clip may be attached to the base to retain the chip in the base. Alternatively, the base and the package of the chip may be configured such that the chip mates with the base in retaining the chip in the base. With the chip socket assembly, users may add, remove, or replace single chips and therefore expand the functionality of a system with the granularity of a single chip in a relatively easy manner. A chip file assembly may also be used to provide for the mechanical and electrical coupling of a plurality of edge-mountable chips to a bus of a circuit board with relative ease. Assemblies for securing horizontal chip packages are also described.

Abstract: A connector equipped with a retain structure includes at least a retain section and a latch means located respectively on two ends of a slot. The latch means includes a depress ledge and a latch arm extending respectively from two sides of one end of the slot, and a latch slot located between the depress ledge and the latch arm. The latch arm is movable by the depress ledge. After an interface card is inserted in the latch slot, the retain section and latch means can prevent the interface card from the possibility of moving a displacement in the vertical direction. The latch means allows users to latch the interface card in the latch slot in a most labor-saving fashion to prevent users from wrongful operations and damaging device elements.

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.

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/or other bonding material can be used to secure the SIMM board to the housing and/or pot the SIMM within the housing.

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.

Abstract: An electrical card edge connector (1) includes an insulative housing (2) and a number of electrical contacts (3). The insulative housing has a pair of opposite longitudinal sides (20), a pair of opposite lateral sides (22) connecting with the longitudinal sides and a central slot (24) confined by the longitudinal and the lateral sides. Each lateral side is formed with a pair of arms (220) and a slit (222) between the arms to secure an inserted daughter board to the electrical card edge connector. The electrical contacts are received in the longitudinal sides and are exposed to the central slot to electrically connect with the inserted daughter board.

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.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a casing, electrically insulating separating plates arranged in the casing, electronic components arranged in proximity to the separating plate, and a securing member. The separating plate has latch regions each having a top and latch grooves below the top. The securing member is snap-fitted on the latch region and has a pawl engaged with the latch grooves and a securing portion to secure the upper edge of the electronic component. The separating plate electrically insulates one electronic component from another electronic component. The latch regions have different heights.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a printed circuit board (PCB) to an enclosure, comprising: a flexible fastener having a first pair of hooks extending from two side walls for slidably engaging with a plurality of apertures in a floor of the enclosure, two spring members extending from a front wall for exerting forward pressure, and two longitudinal members extending from a back wall of the flexible fastener, each of the longitudinal members having a snapping lock for snapping the flexible fastener into place.

Abstract: A socket 10 is used to mount a memory module 2, such as a small outline dual in-line memory module, on a printed circuit board 4. The socket 10 includes a plurality of contacts 30 mounted in a housing 20 so that contact can be established with pads on opposite sides of a card included in the module 2 when the module is cammed into the a housing slot 22. Identical latches 40 are mounted on opposite ends 24, 26 of the housing 20. Each latch 40 includes a latch arm 41 that can be deflected in opposite directions with latching surfaces 46, 47 on opposite sides, so that the same latch configuration can be used on either end. A floating solder foot 60 is mounted on each latch 40 so that the latch 40 can be soldered to the printed circuit board 4 with no concern for misalignment or stresses induced by warpage of the socket 10 or the printed circuit board 4.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for retaining a first circuit board on a second circuit board. Embodiments of the invention use a clip attached to uprights to exert a biasing force on the first circuit board. The uprights are also coupled to the second circuit board. In embodiments of the invention, the first circuit board is a processor package such as a processor package for use in a Slot 1 or Slot 2 connector, and the second circuit board is a motherboard of a computer system. Embodiments of the invention also include a memory module and a power supply.

Abstract: A bracket/collar is disclosed to circumscribe an integrated circuit card into an electrical or an optical connector. The bracket/collar has several features, such as grooves, to hold the circuit card into the bracket; the grooves may be on any available edge not mating with or held by the connector, and may hold a corner or other feature of the circuit card. Another feature of the bracket/collar is a mechanism, such as a hook or notch, to connect with the connector. Yet another feature of the bracket/collar is that, by its shape, it provides sufficient loading of the circuit card into the connector so that when dropped or otherwise mechanically shocked, the circuit card is not displaced from its connector. The bracket/collar is especially useful to secure DIMM memory cards within their electrical connectors in handheld computers.

Abstract: The present invention is a module insertion tool. The module insertion tool has two drivers on either side that operate independently of each other, and help in anchoring the module to a motherboard. There is a knob that is connected to a chain that turns the drivers until a preset torque value is reached. Since the two drivers are independent of each other, each driver turns until the preset torque value on its side is reached. This preset torque value can be obtained by either manually turning the knob, or by attaching an electric source to a socket built into the knob. There are three locators on a bottom plate that help in the alignment of the module, and there are locking pins on each driver that hold the module stationary while it is being anchored to the motherboard.

Abstract: A connection-retaining unit comprises a connection-retaining body, which includes a through-hole, a plate-like memory card, which is inserted into and extracted from the connection-retaining body, and a flexible printed board, which is also attached to and detached from the connection-retaining body. A plurality of connection terminals are provided in the through-hole, each connection terminal having a print side terminal portion and a memory side terminal portion. The print side terminal portions of the connection terminals are connected with the electrically conductive pathways of the flexible printed board, which are exposed at an end thereof, while the memory side terminal portions are connected with the terminals of the memory card, which are provided at a front end thereof.

Abstract: A printed circuit board retainer for holding a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board retainer includes a plate having opposing surfaces. Several slots extend through the plate. A latch assembly extends from another surface. The latch assembly has the printed circuit board mounted to it. Several terminals are mounted to the printed circuit board and extend through the slots. A lock is mounted to the latch assembly to prevent the latch assembly from releasing.

Abstract: A cap that is to be fitted to a printed circuit board, which has a conductive pad on the front side of the rectangular board thereof and which is to be connected to the connector. The cap is formed into a bag and is shaped into a wedge that gets thinner towards the front, and the cap has a window for exposing the conductive pad of the printed circuit board. A low insertion force connector that connects a printed circuit board having conductive pads on the front side of the rectangular board thereof. This low insertion force connector comprises a connector body having at least a pair of contacts that contact the conductive pads and clamp the printed circuit board, a slider that carries the printed circuit board and advances to and retreats from the contact, and a guide that is provided at the front end of the slider and is formed into a wedge-shape, which gets thinner towards the front.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a printed circuit board (PCB) to an enclosure, comprising: a flexible fastener having a first pair of hooks extending from two side walls for slidably engaging with a plurality of apertures in a floor of the enclosure, two spring members extending from a front wall for exerting forward pressure, and two longitudinal members extending from a back wall of the flexible fastener, each of the longitudinal members having a snapping lock for snapping the flexible fastener into place.

Abstract: The invention provides for an apparatus that secures one or more expansion boards to a motherboard. A single type of adjustable retention block can be used to engage and secure expansion boards of various sizes. The retention block secures an expansion board in a groove of the retention block along the edge of the expansion board. By this attachment, the retention block avoids contact with the electrical components of either the expansion board or the motherboard.

Abstract: A wrong insertion preventing mechanism for preventing a connector of a wrong board from being connected to a connector mounted on a mother board on a shelf is disclosed. A guide plate is installed at the opening of the shelf and has plural through holes mutually having different shapes. A guide pin which can be inserted into a specific through hole of the through holes of the guide plate is mounted on a board. The board is inserted in a right position on the shelf by the through hole and the guide pin and is never inserted onto the shelf from a wrong position. The guide pin has a projection at the end and the projection can be set to various angles.

Abstract: A card edge connector comprising a housing and a latch member. The housing is attached to a mother board. The latch member has a latch body and a fixing member. The latch body having a housing attaching portion for attachment to the housing and a daughter board holding portion for holding a daughter board. The fixing member separated from the latch body and attached to the mother board. The fixing member mounted on a tab portion formed from the latch body. The tab portion having a broad section and a narrow section having a width smaller than the broad section such that the tab portion is movable in a predetermined range in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A SIM card holder for an electronic device comprising a PCB (4) and an interior base (3). The SIM card holder comprises a connector part (5) provided with connectors (6), said connector part (5) being mounted on the PCB (4), guides (7) for guiding the SIM card (1) along two parallel opposite sides and a first end stop and a second end stop provided at two opposite sides other than said sides of the SIM card holder. Each end stop is provided as a part connected to the PCB (4) and at least one of the end stops is displaceable.

Abstract: A retention member (40) for a card edge connector (4) is provided for securing a printed circuit card (6) in the connector. The retention member is formed as a spring clip having free ends (42) secured to releasably attached to ends of the electrical connector. Tabs (44) are received in notches (32) to further secure the assembly. Slots (48) are formed in the spring clip to receive corners of the printed circuit card. The spring clip may have bowed portions to further strengthen the retention of the printed circuit card. The spring clip is released from the connector by inserting a tool into lateral tool slots (13).

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.

Abstract: A processor retention assembly is disclosed. An embodiment of the processor retention assembly includes a first dual processor retention module and a second dual processor retention module. A connecting member is attached to the first dual processor retention module at a first end and is attached to the second dual processor retention module at a second end. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, covers are hingedly attached to each of the first and second dual processor retention modules.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for retaining a first circuit board on a second circuit board. Embodiments of the invention use a clip attached to uprights to exert a biasing force on the first circuit board. The uprights are also coupled to the second circuit board. In embodiments of the invention, the first circuit board is a processor package such as a processor package for use in a Slot 1 or Slot 2 connector, and the second circuit board is a motherboard of a computer system. Embodiments of the invention also include a memory module and a power supply.

Abstract: A bracket for installing a drive device within a computer housing includes first and second end panels extending along opposite sides of a lower panel. A pair of pins extending inward from the first side panel engages a pair of mounting holes in the drive device. The drive device is held with the mounting holes in engagement with the pins by means of a spring extending inward from the second end panel. The end of the drive device adjacent the second end panel is also held against an upper locating surface by a second biasing spring extending upward from the lower panel.

Abstract: A circuit card retention mechanism having a base which is mounted around an electrical connecter of a mother board and has various embodiments of an extension piece for securing a circuit card to the electrical connecter of the mother board is presented. The base of the retention mechanism has a number of pointed bites which incline inwardly from the base and, working in opposition to one another, securely fasten the base to the electrical connecter of the mother board. A tie-wrap may be attached to the base and connected by a circuit card hook or a circuit card holder to the circuit card. Alternatively, a retainer clip with a snap lock which snaps onto the circuit card may be utilized.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for retaining an electronic component such as a flash memory card within a socket attached to a system motherboard. The apparatus includes a housing that defines an aperture or slot suitably sized for receiving a distal end of the component and at least one arm extending from a first surface of the housing. A distal end of the arm receives a structural element of the system frame. Displacement of the apparatus housing relative to the structural element is restricted when the electronic component is received within the housing and the structural element is received within the receiving structure. The receiving structure may include an upper tab and a lower tab suitably displaced from one another to engage a sheet metal element of the data processing system frame. The arms may comprise a flexible material wherein application of a compressive force on the two arms disengages the tabs from the structural element.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for retaining a circuit board in a computer system. Some embodiments include single or multiple panels hinged to a chassis of the computer that are used as retaining structures. In operation, the retaining structures may be hinged down onto a circuit board cap that is in turn coupled to a central processing unit package that includes a circuit board. In this manner, the central processing unit or another component including a circuit board may be retained in a computer system.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing an array of I/O adapter cards to a case, each one of the I/O adapter cards having mounted thereto a mounting bracket having a screw receiving hole and being adapted to be plugged into a motherboard. The apparatus includes an I/O adapter card mounting plate having captive fastening hardware and tips. The plate is adapted to be placed over the mounting bracket as a single piece. The captive hardware is adapted to pass through a first set of screw receiving holes and tips to be inserted into another set of screw receiving holes. The captive hardware is adapted to enable manual fastening of the mounting member to secure the mounting bracket between the mounting plate and the case after the array of I/O adapter cards has been plugged into the motherboard. Each one of the cards has mounted thereto an L-shaped mounting bracket, such bracket having a screw receiving hole therein. The plate is adapted to be placed over a foot of L-shaped brackets as a single piece.

Abstract: A expansion circuit board retainer comprises a supporting bracket and an adjustable sleeve. The supporting bracket is secured to a main board and the adjustable sleeve is slidably mounted thereto. The sleeve forms a slot in a wall thereof, through which bolts can extend and screw into corresponding holes of the bracket to adjust the sleeve position. The sleeve also forms pairs of guiding blocks for guiding and receiving an edge of an expansion circuit board. A retaining head is formed at top end of the sleeve, which presses the expansion circuit board downward to secure the expansion circuit board in place.

Abstract: A retention mechanism is formed of a molded plastic member having a base portion with at least one through-hole and a first through-slot adjacent thereto. The plastic member includes a card receiving structure having an open side, and a second receiving structure having an open side with a second through-slot through a wall of the receiving structure perpendicular to the base portion. Inserted in the plastic member is an elongate metal member having a base portion and a distal end. The metal member extends through the first and second through-slots with the base portion positioned adjacent the base portion and the distal portion positioned within the second receiving structure. The distal portion of the metal member is formed to provide spring action against a member inserted into the second receiving structure.

Abstract: A retention clip (30) comprises a pair of substantially vertical spring arms (32) and a horizontal bridge (33) connecting the spring arms. Each spring arm has a free end for detachably engaging with a corresponding longitudinal end of an insulative housing (24) of a card edge connector (20). The bridge defines a groove (39) therein for receiving a top edge portion of a card (4) inserted into the card edge connector. The retention clip further comprises a pair of spring tongues (34) downwardly projecting beyond a lower surface (35) of the bridge for resiliently retaining the inserted card in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A collapsible mount for mounting an electronic device to a circuit board includes a base adapted to be fixed to the circuit board and two support arms each having a lower end pivotably connected to the base and spaced from each other so as to be rotatable with respect to the base between a stowed position and an expanded position wherein the two support arms are substantially opposite to each other to define a space therebetween adapted to accommodate the electronic device therein.

Abstract: A modular component receiving structure (10) includes a guide structure (25) for guiding a modular component (12) into a proper installed position and for ensuring that the module is handled properly during installation. A drive arrangement including a threaded drive opening (32) may be included with the guide structure (25) for use in applying a proper installation force to move the memory module (12) into a proper installed position. The drive arrangement facilitates the use of a rotary tool to apply the installation force.

Abstract: The system provided attaches a cartridge-type central processor unit (CPU) to a motherboard and includes a first device, a second device and a third device. The first device has a slot for receiving the cartridge-type CPU. The second device is disposed below the motherboard to fortify the strength of the motherboard. The third device functions to attach the first device and the motherboard to the second device. The weight of the cartridge-type CPU, via the first device and the third device, is substantially transferred to the second device with the second device being a primary carrier of weight of the cartridge-type CPU. Since weight of the cartridge-type CPU is not carried by the motherboard, motherboard will experience no damage.

Abstract: A locking device for securing an edge card to an electrical connector comprises a U-shaped locking portion and a pair of second locking portions formed at either end of the electrical connector. The first locking portion includes a locking body and two clips perpendicularly extending from the locking body. A connecting portion between the locking body and corresponding clip forms a pair of ribs defining a receiving space therebetween. Each clip includes two resilient arms having two outwardly projecting barbs at a free end thereof. The second locking portions each comprises a U-shaped guiding channel extending upward from a top face of the electrical connector, and a pair of holes being defined on opposite sides of the connector housing below the guiding channel. The resilient arms are pressed oppositely so that they can be downwardly inserted into the guiding channel. Two upper corners of the edge card are securely received within the receiving space of the first locking portion.

Abstract: A retention mechanism comprises a post and a movable arm slidingly secured to the post. The post includes a plurality of serrations formed along an elongated side thereof. The movable arm includes a canister adapted to enclose and latch with the serrations of the post, and a securing portion extending from the canister for securing an upper edge of an edge card. The canister forms a pair of stoppers in two opposite holes defined in an outside wall thereof. Each stopper includes a lever and two ribs supporting the lever in the sidewall of the canister. Each lever forms an inwardly extending protrusion thereon. When lower ends of the levers are pushed inwardly toward each other, the levers pivot about the ribs and the protrusions move outwards from the serrations of the post, allowing the movable arm to slide along the elongated side of the post.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to vertically mount a first printed circuit board into a high-density connector on a second circuit board using one or more torque-limiting screws. A suitable support structure or support surface may be mounted on the second circuit board with the top of the support structure lying below the high-density connector in such a manner as to align the connecting edge on the first circuit board with the longitudinal opening in the high-density connector when the first circuit board is placed on the top surface of the support structure. One or more torque-limiting screws may be mounted on appropriated edges of the first circuit board. One or more grooved channels, preferably equal in number to the torque-limiting screws on the first circuit board, may be provided on the top of the support structure. The torque-limiting screws on the first circuit board are oriented in line with the corresponding grooved channels when the first circuit board is placed on the top of the support structure.

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.

Abstract: The invention is a retainer assembly that, upon being attached to a panel and placed in a slot in a housing, provides a smooth and continuous surface that allows the panel to slide freely in and out of the housing. The panel can be firmly retained within the housing slot by expanding the width of the retainer assembly. The retainer assembly provides a more uniform heat transfer surface when abutted against the housing slot. The retainer assembly is self-contained to prevent the individual components from becoming dispersed if the assembly is damaged or disassembled. Additionally, retainer assembly provides a mechanism to prevent it from accidentally disassembling.