Abstract: A board-handling mechanism for more easily installing and removing boards from motherboards and/or other mountings within system enclosures does not require the removal of the enclosure. The mechanism provides leverage to positively seat and unseat circuit boards mounted into system connectors on the motherboard or other locations within system enclosures. A cable loop connector is provided within the enclosure opposite the opening for engaging the I/O connector on the forward edge of the daughterboard. The cable loop connector is biased to an upper position so that the daughterboard will first seat in the cable loop connector before being lowered and engaged to the motherboard connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed which provides connection of sensors to monitors. The connector is designed to be low-profile, permit ease of attachment and disconnection, and maintain a strong connection to prevent accidental disconnects.

Abstract: A track device for supporting a CPU in an extension port of a mother board, including a mounting frame fastened to the mother board at one side of the extension port and defining a vertical sliding track for guiding an inserted CPU into the expansion slot, and a support frame pivoted to the mounting frame and alternatively set between a collapsed position, a vertical position in vertical alignment with the vertical sliding track of the mounting frame for guiding an inserted CPU into the vertical sliding track of the mounting frame and the expansion port of the mother board, and stop means adapted to stop the support frame in position when the support frame it set in the vertical position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a disk drive assembly including a printed circuit board having a front end opposite a back end, and opposite side edge portions extending between the front and back ends. A disk drive is electrically and mechanically connected to printed circuit board. Clips for damping vibration are mounted on each opposite side edge portion of the printed circuit board. Damping is also achieved via elastomeric layers positioned between the clips and the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A computer system having a power supply, a backplane board and a system board includes a power supply shutdown apparatus. When an interlock pin disposed on an edge connector of the system board is not seated properly in a corresponding interlock-pin-receptacle forming a portion of a system board socket disposed on the backplane board, a shutdown circuit is actuated to produce a shutdown signal which is used for electrically isolating the power supply from the system board.

Abstract: A battery test contact clamp assembly is set forth. In one embodiment, upper and lower printed circuit boards are spaced apart on four corner located mounting rods of conductive metal. The four rods pass through one of the boards and are held to it by a set of detents and four hubs located at corners to thereby define a rectangular structure where the boards can move closer together or further apart. Frictional mounting hubs are used for the four rods. They are connected electrically in a circuit which involves contact assemblies on the two boards and they are aligned with battery terminals for contact to thereby define an electrical flow path with a test circuit. The contacts are aligned with the battery terminals. Alternative embodiments include two boards with multiple conducting rods there between and they are connected in several independent test modules. Another embodiment features two test contacts mounted on a common board for testing of batteries having two terminals at one end of the battery.

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.

Abstract: Computer apparatus 10 receives add-on electronic module 12 for installation into the computer apparatus. The add-on module has first end 12A and second end 12B with electrical contacts 12C therebetween for interfacing with the computer apparatus. Elongated electrical connector 14 mounted on the mother board, has first end 14A and second end 14B corresponding to the first end and second end of the add-on module. The electrical connector defines a module site within the computer apparatus for receiving the add-on module. The electrical connector has electrical contacts 14C between the ends thereof for electrically contacting corresponding electrical contacts 12C on the add-on module. First pivot base 16A secured to the mother board proximate the first end of the electrical connector defines first pivot axis 17A. Second pivot base 16B proximate the second end of the electrical connector defines second pivot axis 17B.

Abstract: A contact element is used for anticipatory earthing of a plug-in module during insertion in guides of a casing or a modular chassis up to plugging in. In order to ensure a reliable and effective protective earthing and a very early conducting away of electrostatic charges during the plugging-in process, a contact element is provided with a clamping area and a holding area. The clamping area is constructed for contact engagement on a circuit board and the holding area is constructed for retaining the contact element on a cross extrusion of the casing or the modular chassis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blind alignment of electronic circuit boards. A receptacle with two vertical flanges and one horizontal flange is positioned relative to an electrical connection. A circuit board having a notch on a leading edge is proximally positioned to the receptacle. As the notched edge is moved toward the receptacle, the flanges guide the board into a registered position relative to the electrical connection. The method and apparatus may be used in any number of alignment situations including those as disparate as robotic assembly operations and assembly by untrained consumers and end-users.

Abstract: A retainer frame for holding a standard printed circuit board or other electronic card is sized and adapted for insertion and removal in tight places. In particular, the retainer frame, together with an actuator bar, is employed in conjunction with a cabinet with guides and a stop mechanism to produce an initially horizontal insertion motion followed immediately by a vertical motion during which electrical connection is made between the card and a corresponding connector in the cabinet.

Abstract: A PCMCIA card connector that minimizes bent pins by employing a U-shaped outer guide rail, having a plurality of rigidly fixed pins, having at least one movable release pin, and having at least one alignment recess; a U-shaped inner guide rail, where the inside surface of the inner guide rail is shaped like a sideways flat-bottomed "V," having at least one alignment projection, and having a plurality of apertures; at least one guide spring; and at least one U-shaped release spring so that the PCMCIA card is aligned to the fixed pins of the connector prior to insertion of the pins into the PCMCIA card and the fixed pins are supported during insertion into the PCMCIA card.

Abstract: A System and Method for the multi-contact co-planar or nearly co-planar edge-to-edge electrical connection of printed circuit boards that embodies an electrical connection between the printed circuit boards and a rigid latching physical connection between the printed circuit boards. Electrical and physical connections of PCBs are simultaneously accomplished by the user through a quick and easy connection and disconnection mechanism without damage to any components. A latching mechanism on the second PCB cooperates with a shaped mating end of a first PCB whereby the second PCB slides onto and latches with the first PCB. Cantilever beam springs on either side of the second PCB permits the two PCB's to positively engage one another to form a stable rigid connection of the two PCB's.

Abstract: A connector for an edge card includes a card slot having a plurality of contact terminals disposed in a predetermined spacing. The connector also includes two latch/eject members pivotally mounted to the connector at the ends thereof in alignment with the connector card slot. The latch/eject members include an alignment surface positioned opposite the end edges of an edge card during insertion and the alignment surfaces are further positioned on the latch/eject members above an ejection surface such that the contact area between the connector housing terminals and the circuit card lies between the ejection and alignment surfaces. The alignment surface is a surface of potential revolution.

Abstract: A case unit for housing printed-circuit assemblies includes a top plate made of metal, a bottom plate, made of metal, facing the top plate, side plates facing each other, the side plates being positioned between side portions of the top plate and the bottom plate so that a space surrounded by the top plate, the bottom plate and the side plates is formed, and guide rails, made of resin, integrated with the top plate and the bottom plate, the guide rails guiding the printed-circuit assemblies loaded into the space.

Abstract: A card cage assembly (CCA) houses printed wire boards (PWB) by a securing mechanism which attaches to the PWB, and is one of a plurality of different types. The CCA has a rectangular, box-like configuration, which comprises a top plate, bottom plate, and a first or second side plate for providing tracks. Each track provides a front-to-back path for an edge of the PWB. Further, each side plate has a mounting plate perpendicular to the surface of the side plate along an edge of the side plate which forms a periphery of an opening of the CCA. Each mounting plate also includes a plurality of fastener receivers corresponding to each track of the side plate, and spaced apart such that a PWB having a face plate with an attaching screw mates with a corresponding fastener receiver.

Abstract: A slide rail for mounting internal devices, such as floppy disks and hard disks inside a computer case. The slide rail includes a biased mounting post which mates with matching mounting holes on opposite sides of the internal device. As the internal device is slid inside the computer case, the biased mounting posts protrude into the mounting holes of the internal device to reversibly affix the internal device to the computer case.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rail assembly adapted for an earth potential related magazine (1) which is constructed to accommodate a plurality of printed circuit boards, circuit boards having circuit components mounted thereon, or printed boards. An electrical contact rail (3b) has a U-shaped cross section wherein a first leg (41) is provided with a row of tongues whose outer parts are bent towards the second leg such as to form a row of electrical contact points (41c) which are intended for electrical coaction with an earth potential related layer on the circuit board, and wherein the bottom rail part (43) extending between the legs is provided with a plurality of mutually sequential contact tongues whose outer parts form a row or electrical contact points which are intended to lie against electrical contact surfaces (1b) belonging to and assigned to the magazine at a chosen contact pressure when the rail assembly is fitted, so as to obtain an earth potential relationship.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for establishing an electrical and/or optic connection of a first and a second component with a third component with connection means 14, 15 for electrical and/or optic connection of the first and second component with each other, whereby the connection means 14, 15 allow mechanical free-play between the first and second component, with a connection link 13, 16 each for the first and the second component for electrical and/or optic connection of the first and the second with a third component, and with an apparatus 31, 32, 33, 34 for limitation of the mechanical free-play between the first and the second component.

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

Abstract: A circuit board retainer for use within an enclosure for guiding and securing a circuit board within the enclosure includes a guide portion having an upper rail and a lower rail extending along an edge of the circuit board retainer forming a slot therebetween for guiding a side of the circuit board. A latching portion positioned adjacent to the guide portion engages an ejector lever pivotably connected to the circuit board. The ejector lever is capable of locking the circuit board in place relative to the circuit board retainer.

Abstract: A sliding connector block system for inserting an electronic device, such as a wireless modem transceiver, housed in a sliding metal tray into an electrical equipment enclosure containing other electronic components and blindly interconnecting the electronic device with another component via a flexible cable secured within a sliding connector block. The metal tray and connector block have flanges that align with a pair of guide rails mounted in the equipment enclosure and allow travel of the tray and connector block along the rails between stops. A bezel bonded to the front of the tray provides a handle for inserting and removing the electronic device. A grounding clip is also provided to ground the flexible cable to the sliding metal tray and rails.

Abstract: An expansion board mounting structure that securely fastens expansion cards within the chassis of a computer is provided. A receptacle is positioned on an interior wall of the computer chassis. The receptacle contains vertical slots into which inserts, connected to expansion cards are inserted. The expansion cards are mechanically attached to the computer chassis at the receptacle found in the rear wall of the computer. Electrical connection is made in the board connecting portion found at the bottom of the computer chassis. The final assembly step requires that a cover be placed over the tops of the vertical slots. This requires the cover to be fastened to the receptacle containing the vertical slots. This attachment of the cover to the receptacle is accomplished without the use of screws or threaded fasteners.

Abstract: A bracket for an electronic card that is inserted into a slot of a chassis. The chassis has a pair of opposing walls with guide channels that guide the card into a motherboard. The bracket includes a pair of low friction guide rails that slide along the guide channels. Attached to the guide rails are a pair of grommet dampers which are pressed between the edges of the card and the guide channels when the card is inserted into the chassis. The grommets dampen any shock or vibrational load that is transferred from the chassis to the card. The bracket also has a pair of spring clips that are attached to the card and pressed into the guide channels to provide an electrical path between the card and the chassis. The electrical path discharges electrostatic charges on the card and provides a ground path for any electromagnetic fields generated or received by the card. The bracket further includes a lever pivotally connected to one of the guide rails.

Abstract: A keyblock is shown for use in a computer cage having an interior and a guide rail for guiding a logic-card book into position within the interior. The keyblock is installed within a cage guide opening provided at an end of the guide rail within the cage interior by means of a downwardly projecting dart which is received within the opening in snap-fit fashion. Locating pins on the keyblock lower surface properly position and align the keyblock within the cage guide opening. Contoured regions on the keyblock upper surface engage and lead-in a complimentary surface located on the logic-card book being received within the cage interior. One or more slots provided between selected contoured regions provide a coded pattern which matches a pattern provided on the desired logic-card book to be received in a predetermined position within the cage interior.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly rack with two side walls (10, 11) and with honeycomb plates (20) which are arranged between the side walls and connected to transverse profiled rails (15, 16). In such an assembly rack, a reliable shielding against electromagnetic interference should be safeguarded at low cost. This achieved according to the invention in that two transverse profiled rails (15, 16) together with one honeycomb plate and with two lateral profiled rails form an EMI-shielded, self-contained sub-assembly which can be previously assembled, and in that the assembly rack comprises at least two such sub-assemblies (12, 13) which are connected to the side walls with fastening elements in an EMI-shielded manner.

Abstract: For providing a detachable disk drive unit mounted in a magnetic disk sysyem of a high reliability and a practical use which enables miniaturization of the magnetic disk system with high packaging density, the chassis of the disk drive unit consists of a printed circuit board supporting a disk drive and a power circuit and their accessaries. The printed circuit board with a plug-in connector is fitted in or removed from a rack of the magnetic disk system with a lever provided at its front end, and the plug-in connector is joined with a connector at the bottom of the rack when the disk drive unit is mounted in the rack.

Abstract: An assembly for removably connecting data storage devices is provided for coupling a plurality of such devices within a computer or file server. The assembly comprises a plurality of trays each having a data storage device and a first electrical connector mounted thereto. Each tray contains an adapter assembly, having a second electrical connector, for consolidating the plurality of signals between the computer and the device. The trays are removably inserted within a housing having a plurality of printed circuit boards for connecting to the first electrical connectors of the inserted trays. A plurality of locking and actuating assemblies mounted within the housing govern insertion and removal of the trays into and out of the housing and passage of signals between the electrical connectors.

Abstract: Motherboards and cards (herein "boards") mounted in computer enclosures must be supported on X, Y and Z axes to resist shock and vibration. This requires that four edges of the board be supported. Because of the high cost of such boards their lengths are made as small as possible, and this dimension is the direction of insertion of the board. A guide is attached to the leading edge of the board having a depending foot which engages fasteners formed on the base of the chassis of the enclosure. Thus the inner edge of the board is supported along two axes. Two side edges of the board are held in tracks and the outer edge is held at the point of insertion.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-terminal connector for connecting a circuit board to another circuit board. The connector body consists of a first body 20 having a bar-like base part 21 and an uprightly and linearly projecting part 22 and a second body 40 having a slot 42 into which the projecting part 22 of the first body 20 fits. The cross-sectional shape of the slot 42 is such that the projecting part 22 of the first body 20 fits into the slot 42. The first body 20 is to be attached to a circuit board 100 and the second body 40 to another. The first body 20 has cavities 27 at intervals in the lengthwise direction, and each cavity 27 provides openings in side faces of the projecting part 22. A shaft 24 extends through the projecting part 22 of the first body 20, and contact blades 26 are fixed to the shaft 24 in the respective cavities 27 in the first body 20.

Abstract: A case unit for housing printed-circuit assemblies includes a top plate made of metal, a bottom plate, made of metal, facing the top plate, side plates facing each other, the side plates being positioned between side portions of the top plate and the bottom plate so that a space surrounded by the top plate, the bottom plate and the side plates is formed, and guide rails, made of resin, integrated with the top plate and the bottom plate, the guide rails guiding the printed-circuit assemblies loaded into the space.

Abstract: A base cabinet system is provided for a laptop computer, on which the laptop can be placed for expanded home-based use. A reinforced removable cover arches over the top of the base cabinet so that the laptop can be slid into position on top of the base cabinet and beneath the cover, and the monitor rested on the top of the cover; when one wishes to use the laptop display, the monitor and cover are easily removed to permit tilt-up of the laptop display. Special retainers are provided to assure that the cover seats itself and remains in its proper installed position, and special guides are provided to assure that when the laptop is slid into position the connector on its rear side will mate properly with the corresponding connector on the base cabinet.

Abstract: A slide rail for mounting internal devices, such as floppy disks and hard disks inside a computer case. The slide rail includes a biased mounting post which mates with matching mounting holes on opposite sides of the internal device. As the internal device is slid inside the computer case, the biased mounting posts protrude into the mounting holes of the internal device to reversibly affix the internal device to the computer case.

Abstract: A circuit board electrical connector includes a holding section (21); a receiving recess (23) provided in the holding section for receiving an edge portion of a circuit board; a pair of guiding sections (22) extending upwardly from opposite ends of the holding section; a pair of receiving slots (28) provided in the guiding sections for receiving opposite side portions of the circuit board for guiding the circuit board in direction of thickness of the circuit board; and a pair of guide plates (32) provided within the guiding section and having an elastic property for making sliding contact with opposite side faces of the circuit board to guide the circuit board in widthwise direction of the circuit board.

Abstract: A first printed circuit board (principal printed circuit board) is placed onto a housing frame having a stepped contour in a front edge region of the housing. The first printed circuit board is introduced into a receptacle of the frame provided with an entry bevel and, when put in place, is automatically interlocked by interlocked elements preferably arranged at an opposite side. Additional printed circuit boards can be inserted into guide elements present at the backplane, being inserted under this first printed circuit board. Their ultimate position is compelled by corresponding holder elements. In this ultimate position, each printed circuit board that is introduced and lies parallel to the backplane is interlocked by an interlock element that takes effect in this position. The additional, second printed circuit boards can be inserted independently of the first printed circuit board and are preferably provided for optional add-ons.

Abstract: A rack for a communication system as, including a backboard having a first side, a second side, a connector capable of being connected to an electrical communication cable, and a plurality of through apertures. A first side panel has an open slot and a closed slot. The first side panel is connected to the first side of the backboard while a second side panel having a grooved slot is connected to the second side of the backboard. A rear panel has a first flange for detaining the first side panel, a second flange for detaining the second side panel, and first and second longitudinal detaining units for positioning strips perforated by columns of holes aligned with through apertures. The first and second longitudinal detaining units are located at sides of the rear panel. The strips are insertable into one of said strip detaining units. A plurality of guide plates have guide pins and a rear side.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a movable card guide mechanism for receiving a PC add-on board. The movable card guide mechanism moves vertically to seat the add-on board in, or remove the add-on board from, a bus connector when an external latch is moved inward or outward. The external latch is attached to the movable card guide mechanism by means of an actuator, and the movable card guide mechanism is mounted to the inside top wall of the PC's chassis. Thus, when the actuator moves in one direction, the movable card guide mechanism is moved down, seating the edge connector of an add-on board in a bus connector on the PC's motherboard, and when it moves in the other direction, the movable card guide mechanism is moved up, removing the add-on board from the bus connector.

Abstract: A chassis having a unique configuration is provided along with card guide assemblies having predefined configuration types for selective installation in the chassis. The guide assemblies, when installed within the chassis, enable circuit cards having varying standard dimensions to be mounted and secured within the chassis regardless of slot location. A first type of card guide assembly is mounted at the end of a plurality of slot locations a predetermined first standard distance apart to enable cards having a first length and one of a number of depths to be installed. A second type card guide assembly is mounted between the opposed first card guide assemblies at any slot location a second predetermined standard distance from one of the first guide assemblies to form a slot partition and enable the installation of cards having a second length shorter than the first length and one of the number of depths.

Abstract: A lead-in guide and starting locator for use with a sheet metal card guide or similar structure is disclosed. The disclosed lead-in guide is preferably of a one piece construction and is most preferably molded or machined from a plastic material. The lead-in guide of the present invention provides multiple board lead-in slots and preferably includes integral retention pegs for quick mechanical attachment or can be held in place by a separate fastener. In a preferred embodiment, the lead-in guide has a top surface cut by a series of grooves that will be aligned with the slots in the card guide. Preferably, the lead-in guide has a front section that is somewhat thicker than the rest of the lead-in guide.

Abstract: The apparatus permits non-disruptive addition and removal of PCMCIA modules from a host device. The host device includes a signal bus connected to mating pins of the card header. The card header has a three-sided frame into which a module is inserted. A switch disposed on an edge of the header is responsive to insertion and de-insertion of the module. The length of the mating pins vary where selected mating pins of the card header have a first length for detecting substantially complete insertion and partial de-insertion of the module, and pins of a second length for applying bus signals to the module. Pins of a third length facilitate applying electrical power to the module. The computer is responsive to the switch and the mating pins such that the signal bus is deactivated to prevent corruption of the bus signals when the switch detects insertion of the module. The signal bus remains deactivated until the module is in communication with pins of a first length, whereupon the signal bus is then reactivated.

Abstract: A device for attaching and detaching a mounting board unit with respect to a device body in a substantially vertical posture includes a controller base which has a detachable mounting board fixed thereto and a guide portion engaging a guide rail provided on the device body. The guide portion guides the controller base when the mounting board unit is attached to and detached from the device body. Mounting boards having different shapes can be mounted on the unit of the same construction, and even a mounting board on which a heavy device such as a hard disk is mounted can be easily attached to and detached from the device body in a vertically arranged condition.

Abstract: Modular automation device including a compartmented chassis which delimits an internal volume and accommodates a plurality of interface modules. Each module can be locked by a lateral pivoting lever which is journaled on one of its side walls and which cooperates with a fixed locking member on a vertical partition of its compartment. Alternatively, the lever can be journaled on a side wall of the vertical partition with the locking member located on the module.

Abstract: A sliding case mounting device including two sliding case mounting rails fixed to two opposite long sides of a rectangular sliding case for permitting it to be installed in two tracks inside a mainframe, each sliding case mounting rail having two horizontal projecting plug rods perpendicularly disposed at two opposite ends at an outer side and respectively plugged into respective mounting holes on one lateral side of the sliding case, a circularly arched tip at one end for insertion into one track of the mainframe, two outward hooks perpendicularly disposed at two opposite ends at an outer side and hooked in respective mounting holes at the bottom side of the sliding case, a front extension strip, an inward hook raised from the front extension strip at an inner side for hooking in a respective retaining hole inside the mainframe, and a press portion at one end of the front extension strip for pressing by hand to release the inward hook from the respective retaining hole on the mainframe for permitting the sli

Abstract: This invention prevents a wrong contact of terminals when one of a pair of connector housings is inserted into the other housing in a slanted position. In the connector of this invention, a female connector housing 12 is provided on opposite ends with guide ribs 21 which extend in an insertion direction and serve as guide elements when the female connector housing 12 advances into a hood 13. The female connector housing 12 is provided with a wedge like resistance-applying projection 24 which extends vertically while a male connector housing 11 is provided on an interior of the hood 13 with a groove in which the projection 24 advances. Upon insertion of the female connector housing 12, the projection 24 press-contacts with a slot 25 so as to generate an insertion resistance, thereby correcting an imbalance of the insertion resistance of the terminals 14.

Abstract: A expansion board including a main board, a common board and a system connector. The main board including a cutout and a board connector for receiving the common board. The common board having a data connector at one end and a board connector at the other end. The board connector being mounted perpendicular to the system connector to connectably mate to the common board whether components are mounted on either side of the main board. The main board includes circuitry for one of several expansion buses, the common board contains circuitry independent to any specific expansion bus.

Abstract: A circuit board electrical connector includes a housing (10); a plurality of contact elements (25) arranged in the housing; a receiving recess (23) provided in the housing for receiving a circuit board (1) such that contact pads (2) of the circuit board are brought into contact with the contact elements; an ejector (40) provided on the housing for ejecting the circuit board so as to release the contact between the circuit board and the contact elements; a slide portion (41) provided on the ejector and having an action face (49) at a lower end thereof; a finger portion (42) provided on the ejector and having a bearing face (46) for abutting action face to receive a pushing force from the slide portion for rotation to lift the circuit board; and fulcrum means (26) provided in the housing for support the finger portion between bearing face and a front end for rotation.

Abstract: A base cabinet system is provided for a laptop computer, on which the laptop can be placed for expanded home-based use. A reinforced removable cover arches over the top of the base cabinet so that the laptop can be slid into position on top of the base cabinet and beneath the cover, and the monitor rested on the top of the cover; when one wishes to use the laptop display, the monitor and cover are easily removed to permit tilt-up of the laptop display. Special retainers are provided to assure that the cover seats itself and remains in its proper installed position, and special guides are provided to assure that when the laptop is slid into position the connector on its rear side will mate properly with the corresponding connector on the base cabinet.

Abstract: A connector for an edge card includes a card slot having a plurality of contact terminals disposed in a predetermined spacing. The connector also includes two latch/eject members pivotally mounted to the connector at the ends thereof in alignment with the connector card slot. The latch/eject members include an alignment surface positioned opposite the end edges of an edge card during insertion and the alignment surfaces are further positioned on the latch/eject members above an ejection surface such that the contact area between the connector housing terminals and the circuit card lies between the ejection and alignment surfaces. The alignment surface is a surface of potential revolution.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic docking connector for edge mounting an electronic device, such as a daughter board, to a mother board. The connector comprises a pair of housing members assembled to define an elongated slot planarly aligned with the edge of the mother board. Mounted therein is a pair of opposed force applying, resilient spring members operatively mounted for receiving and applying a compressive force against the electronic device. A flexible film member, containing electrical circuitry thereon, is also mounted within said housing members for electrically interconnecting corresponding circuitry on the mother board, and the electronic device. As an alternative, a dielectric insert is disposed between each spring member and its corresponding flexible film to reduce or eliminate cross talk therein.

Abstract: A series of hard disk drives are secured atop molded plastic support trays slidably and removably received in opposing guide channel member pairs snap-fitted into opposite side walls of a sheet metal cage structure externally used in conjunction with a file server or other computer device. Snap-fitted into rear end portions of the trays are small printed circuit boards that are insertable into hot plug sockets at the rear of the cage. Forwardly projecting guard plates on the rear end of the cage block manual access to the board/socket interface, and the surface mounted grounding leads on the board extend rearwardly beyond its signal leads to enhance grounding safety during disk drive installation and removal. At the front end of each tray is a vertical support plate upon which LED indicating lights are conveniently mounted for the associated disk drive.