Locking Or Latching Of Cabinet Or Components Within Cabinet Patents (Class 720/657)
  • Patent number: 11216025
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an adjustable fixing assembly. The adjustable fixing assembly includes a base plate and a cover plate. The cover plate includes a plate portion and a protrusion portion protruding from the plate portion. The cover plate includes a first installation position and a second installation position. When the cover plate is in the first installation position, the protrusion portion extends away from the base plate, and the cover plate is spaced apart from the base plate by a first minimum distance. When the cover plate is in the second installation position, the protrusion portion extends towards the base plate, and the cover plate is spaced apart from the base plate by a second minimum distance, where the second minimum distance is smaller than the first minimum distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignees: INVENTEC (PUDONG) TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shiang-Chun Tsau, Chen-Wei Huang, Chun-Ying Yang, Ying-Chao Peng, Hsiang-Yun Lu, Tai-Yi Chiang
  • Patent number: 10170150
    Abstract: An arm (5) is provided with protrusions (56a, 56b) disposed between a spring (7) and the arm (5) and biasing the spring (7) away from a shutter (2) when the shutter (2) is disposed at either one of two positions, a closed position and an open position. This prevents natural vibration of the spring (7) due to extension of the spring (7), thereby preventing noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsuro Nagami
  • Patent number: 9195859
    Abstract: A method and computer program product secure a hot-swap data storage device against being manually physically removed from an operable position within a chassis bay of a computer system. The hot-swap data storage device is released to be manually physically removed from the operable position within the chassis bay of the computer system in response to determining that the data storage device is not active. The hot-swap data storage device may, for example, be secured and released using an electronically-actuated lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: James J. Parsonese, Jimmy X. Tang, Kevin S D Vernon
  • Patent number: 8904413
    Abstract: A magazine box is provided for removably storing a plurality of disc-storing magazines used in a disc apparatus for feeding a disc to each of a plurality of disc drives. The magazines each include a tray for storing the disc, a case for removably storing the tray, and a first locking mechanism for releasably locking the tray to the case. The magazine box further includes a second locking mechanism for releasably locking the case of each of the plurality of magazines to the magazine box, and the second locking mechanism maintains the locked state at least during the automatic tray-ejection from the case in the disc apparatus is conducted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Maeda, Takuto Yamazaki, Hiroshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8799935
    Abstract: A multimedia device including a back-end substrate that includes a heat source and a reproducing unit that is configured to reproduce an audio and/or a video signal based on data read from a storage medium, a housing that accommodates a back-end substrate and comprises an upper cover and a lower base which are respectively disposed above and under the back-end substrate, and a heat-dissipating structure that is formed on at least one of the upper cover and the lower base and contacts a side of the back-end substrate, a support post formed on the lower cover that is configured to support a lower surface of the back-end substrate, and a push post that is configured to position an upper edge of the back-end substrate with respect post the support post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology Korea Corporation
    Inventor: Young-sun Jung
  • Patent number: 8793711
    Abstract: A tray locking device adapted to an optical disc drive for locking and releasing a tray is provided. The optical disc drive has an optical head connected to a lead screw and driven to move by the lead screw. The tray locking device includes a pushing member driven to move by the lead screw, a latching hook for locking and releasing a protruding pin, and a transmission assembly configured between the pushing member and the latching hook. The transmission assembly includes a first rod and a second rod movably configured in the tray. The first rod has a first driving portion, and the second rod has a second driving portion. When the transmission assembly is located at an initial position, the first driving portion is located on a moving path of the pushing member, while the second driving portion is not located on the moving path of the pushing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Cheng-Chung Hsu, Yung-Han Wu, Sz-Shian He, Ming-Chun Tsao, In-Shuen Lee
  • Patent number: 8752077
    Abstract: An example of an optical disc apparatus includes a top case and a bottom case. The top case includes a tab extending downward from one end of the top case. The tab includes a protrusion protruding inward. The bottom case includes a lower-side folded portion formed by folding inward an upper end of one side surface of the bottom case. The lower-side folded portion includes a cantilever spring. The cantilever spring includes a spring portion extending in a vertical direction and a curved portion formed by folding inward an upper part of the spring portion. The protrusion comes into contact with the curved portion when the top case is being affixed to the bottom case and is in contact with the spring portion under a state where the top case is affixed to the bottom case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi-LG Data Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Seiji Hamaie, Koji Matsumoto, Hideyuki Nagamine
  • Patent number: 8677381
    Abstract: An optical drive installation device including: a support frame that disposes a removable optical drive to an installation position; a lock mechanism that has a locking member which can move to a locked position preventing the optical drive from being removed or an unlocked position not interfering with the optical drive being removed, and supports the optical drive at the installation position of the support frame when the locking member is set to the locked position; an unlocking mechanism that releases the lock mechanism from the locked position; and a pushing member that pushes the optical drive in the direction in which the optical drive is removed from the installation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20140068641
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, the cassette is provided with an outer shell, a plurality of trays, a shutter, and a lock mechanism. The outer shell has an upper wall and a lower wall each including a square shape and a circular shape, a side wall between edges of the square shapes, and an opening portion between edges of the circular shapes. A tray is an annular shape having a concave portion in which an optical disk is placed. The shutter is a semicircular shape, includes a gear on an outer peripheral wall and a plurality of shelves to support each of the trays on an inner peripheral wall, and rotates from a first position for closing an opening portion to a second position for opening the opening portion. The lock mechanism locks the shutter in the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Sumio Kuroda, Kazuhito Shimomura, Yuji Sakai, Kenichiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8627346
    Abstract: A disc cartridge includes a case body for receiving disc-shaped recording media in an axial direction of a central shaft so that first and second shells respectively having a base surface portion parallel to a recording surface of the disc-shaped recording media are coupled separated by axial engagement/disengagement; and a lock lever supported perpendicular to the axial direction in the case body and locking the shells coupled. The shells are separated to form a disc insertion/extraction hole for the insert or discharge of the disc-shaped recording media into/from the case body. A support shaft serving as a pivoting point of the lock lever is installed to the case body. The lock lever includes a supported portion supported by the support shaft, a lock portion protruding from the supported portion and locking the shells, and a balance portion protruding from the supported portion approximately opposite to protrusion of the lock portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Naofumi Goto, Takeshi Kubo, Takeharu Takasawa, Akira Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8375403
    Abstract: An optical disc device prevents a rail guide from falling off from a bottom case when a housing receives an impact force. The bottom case 2 includes a bottom plate 2a, a side plate 2b and a second bottom plate 2c. The rail guide 3 has a bottom surface 3a, a side surface 3b and an upper surface 3c. The side surface 3b of the rail guide is engaged with the side plate 2b of the bottom case. The rail guide has a convex portion 3d that is located on the side surface 3b of the rail guide, the convex portion extending from the upper surface of the rail guide and being in contact with the second bottom plate 2c of the bottom case. The convex portion 3d prevents the rail guide 3 from falling off from the bottom case 2 when the bottom case 2 is deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi-LG Data Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Matsumoto, Seiji Hamaie
  • Publication number: 20120331493
    Abstract: An optical drive installation device including: a support frame that disposes a removable optical drive to an installation position; a lock mechanism that has a locking member which can move to a locked position preventing the optical drive from being removed or an unlocked position not interfering with the optical drive being removed, and supports the optical drive at the installation position of the support frame when the locking member is set to the locked position; an unlocking mechanism that releases the lock mechanism from the locked position; and a pushing member that pushes the optical drive in the direction in which the optical drive is removed from the installation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideki KAWAKAMI
  • Patent number: 8310827
    Abstract: A strap mechanism for drawing an electronic device from a cage in a first direction is disclosed. The strap mechanism includes a first rail. The first rail includes a first locking part for connecting with a lateral surface of the electronic device and disposed inside the cage in a slidable manner, and a first handle part connected to an end of the first locking part. A first slot is formed on the first handle part. The strap mechanism further includes a strap. A first end of the elastic strap is inserted inside the first slot. The strap is for contacting against the first handle part so as to provide a component force in the first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to the first handle part when a deformation of the elastic strap is generated by being pulled in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Hsiang-Wen Huang, Ta-Wei Chen, Fu-Lung Lu, Chia-Hsin Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8302117
    Abstract: A casing assembling structure of an optical disc drive is provided to comprise a bottom cover; a top cover combined with the bottom cover to form a space, wherein the top cover has a first side wall and a fixing portion, which is extended from the first side wall and is positioned under the bottom cover; and a first screw screwed on the fixing portion, wherein the top cover, the first side wall and the fixing portion are formed as a integral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Lite-On IT Corp.
    Inventors: Jung-Fu Chen, Yuan-Syun Luo, Wei-Chieh Hu, In-Shuen Lee
  • Patent number: 8181192
    Abstract: A disk apparatus includes: an apparatus body including a disk drive portion for housing a disk medium having an information recording surface and for recording and/or reproducing information; and a lid body including a display for displaying information, and closed and opened with respect to the apparatus body in such a way that the display is postured face down and up. The apparatus body further includes: a drive-portion cover which is movable in a bottom direction of the apparatus body and inserts and ejects the disk medium into and from the disk drive portion; and a lock hook and a cover hook locking the disk medium housed in the apparatus body. A locking state of the lock hook and the cover hook is kept when the lid body is in the open state with respect to the apparatus body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kozo Ezawa, Masahiro Inata, Teruyuki Takizawa, Hironori Tomita
  • Patent number: 7958521
    Abstract: There is provided an optical disc drive designed for reading data stored in an optical disc. The optical disc drive includes a body, a driving module, a body wrapping unit, and an access module designed for reading data stored in the optical disc. The driving module and the access module are both disposed in the body. The driving module has a circuit board and a driving element disposed on the circuit board, and the body has a plurality of latching structures. The driving mechanism is secured to the body with the use of the latching structures, and the driving mechanism is secured at one side of the latching structures. Moreover, the body wrapping unit used to cover the body has at least a limiting portion which is positioned at another side of a portion of the latching structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Yen-Hsing Lin, Chin-Cheng Lin, Ya-Lun Yang
  • Patent number: 7685613
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for a combination storage extracting and biasing system. The method and apparatus comprise an enclosure having a first surface and a second surface inside the enclosure. The method and apparatus also comprise at least one random access memory device adapted to be disposed substantially in the enclosure having a third surface and a fourth surface. The device comprises at least one device contact located at the third surface and adapted to be electrically linked with at least one corresponding enclosure contact located at the first surface. The at least one spring member attached to the device and interposed between the second surface and the fourth surface wherein the spring member is adapted for use as a handle to remove the device from the enclosure and to provide pressure on the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventors: Ronald Marc Permut, Edwin Jack Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 7644420
    Abstract: In an electronic unit loading mechanism, an electronic unit is attachable to or detachable from an electronic unit loading base which is retractable to a housing. The electronic unit loading mechanism comprises a main part fixed to the loading base and a holding part holding the electronic unit. The holding part is vertically movable to the main part between a taken-out position and a loaded position, wherein the holding part at the taken-out position is taken out from the main part so that the electronic unit is attached to or detached from the loading base, and the holding part at the loaded position is contained in the main part so that the electronic unit is loaded to the loading base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Masayuki Korikawa
  • Patent number: 7634782
    Abstract: A front panel that can be removed from and installed onto a computer hardware chassis. A computer system housing includes a chassis and a removable front panel that is removably connectable to the chassis. The chassis includes a first locking mechanism, a first structure for engaging and releasing the first locking mechanism, a second locking mechanism and a second structure for engaging and releasing the second locking mechanism. The front panel includes a first mating portion for receipt at the first locking mechanism, wherein the first mating portion is removably engaged with the first locking mechanism, and a second mating portion for receipt at the second locking mechanism, wherein the second mating portion is removably engaged with the second locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kai Ng, Guillermo Andres
  • Patent number: 7617506
    Abstract: An optical disc apparatus has the following arrangements. Specifically, the optical disc apparatus includes a lock pin and a lock arm. The lock pin is disposed on a side of an inner surface of a case of the apparatus, being tapered in a protruding direction thereof. The lock arm is disposed on a side of a tray of the apparatus. The lock arm, urged by a resilient member, includes a hook portion to be engaged with an inclined surface of the lock pin. When the tray has moved to a predetermined position within the case, the lock arm is engaged with the lock pin, so that the tray is held in position at the predetermined position. When an impact force equal to, or more than, a predetermined value is applied to the optical disc apparatus, the hook portion of the lock arm is displaced in the protruding direction of the lock pin along the inclined surface of the lock pin, thereby disengaged from the lock pin. Engagement of the tray is thereby released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi-LG Data Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Nozomu Harada, Hideyuki Onuma, Yoshiaki Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 7600237
    Abstract: A locking device for locking a main body with a lid is provided. The locking device includes a base, a fixed piece, an engaging piece, and a driver. The base is disposed on the main body. The fixed piece disposed on the base includes a track. The engaging piece slides in the track. The first end of the engaging piece is received into or separated from the recess when the engaging piece slides. The driver drives the engaging piece to slide in the track. In locking state, the engaging piece is engaged with the recess of the lid, while the lid is locked with main body. When the driver drives the engaging piece to slide along track, the first end of the engaging piece is separated from the recess of the lid for the lid to be unlocked from the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Lite-On It Corporation
    Inventors: Yuan-Hung Chang, Tzu-Nan Chen, Hui-Chu Huang
  • Publication number: 20090178068
    Abstract: A multimedia player is disclosed, including a base, a cover rotatably disposed on the base, an engaging mechanism disposed on the base, an elastic element connecting the base and the cover, and a carrier disposed on the cover to carry a media source. When the cover is closed to cover the base, the cover engages the base with the engaging mechanism, and the elastic element is biased to store an elastic potential and when the cover is released from the engaging mechanism, the elastic potential is released to open the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Shih-Yun Lee, Yun-Liang Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7535697
    Abstract: A flexible docking bay is disclosed. The flexible docking bay comprises a body having a cartridge-receiving portion defining a front region that defines an opening and a rear region that defines a rear bounding wall. A cartridge-encasing wall extends from the opening to the rear bounding wall. The flexible docking bay comprises a sled-receiving feature configured to engage a cartridge. The sled-receiving feature is movably coupled with an interior surface of the cartridge-encasing wall. If the cartridge has physical attributes that when fully inserted into the receiving portion of the flexible docking bay is not fixed by a holding mechanism that secures the sled-receiving feature in a first position, then the cartridge and the sled-receiving feature travel past the holding mechanism to a second position. Otherwise, the cartridge and the sled-receiving feature are held in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Robertson, Ray Gradwohl
  • Patent number: 7536701
    Abstract: A cartridge carrier has a base with a recessed plate, a top surface, and a bottom surface. An locking ejection mechanism is coupled to the base. A guide may be coupled to the top surface of the base to receive the cartridge and an interposer board may be coupled to the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Certance LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Henry McCormack, John A. Hamming
  • Publication number: 20090083775
    Abstract: A disk device includes: a front panel; a bottom chassis, including: a bottom plate, having a first end and a second end; and a side plate, formed on the first end, the side plate formed with a first through hole; a connecting member, having a first wall formed with a second through hole and a second wall coupled with the front panel; a hook portion, formed on the first wall so as to extend in a first direction and engaging with the side plate; a screw, fitted into the first through hole and the second through hole thereby coupling the first wall and the side plate; a first engaging member, formed on the side plate; and a second engaging member, formed on the connecting member, and engaging with the first engaging member such that movement thereof in at least the first direction is restricted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Yutaka Ohira
  • Patent number: 7418724
    Abstract: A disk changer apparatus includes a rotation base on which a turntable and a head are mounted. The rotation base can rotate about the rear end thereof as a fulcrum. The disk changer apparatus further includes a base supporter opposed to the top end of the rotation base when the rotation base moves to a driving position where the rotation base can drive a disk selected from a plurality of disks, a lock member movably mounted on the rotation base, and a lock control mechanism for causing the lock member to be connected to the base supporter when the rotation base moves to the driving position. The disk changer apparatus having such a structure stably supports both ends of the rotation base when the rotation base rotates to the driving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tatekawa, Tokio Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7409696
    Abstract: An opening actuator for a video disc player includes a clasp arm with a clasp hole at a distal end thereof, a press button, an elastic component for repositioning the press button and a cover. The press button includes a stop portion for limiting a stroke of the press button, a clasp portion, and at least one guide portion. The cover includes a positioning member and at least one guide member receiving the at least one guide portion. The clasp portion of the press button engages in the clasp hole of the clasp arm for holding the top lid on the cover, and the press button can actuate the clasp portion thereof to exit the clasp hole for releasing the top lid from the cover. Because the press button is located in a side of the cover of the video disc player, there is little risk of the press button being accidentally actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xi-Ping Dai
  • Patent number: 7386868
    Abstract: An external docking station for a removable data storage unit, allowing it to communicate with a computer system via a standard interface connection, such as a USB connector. In one implementation, the present invention provides a docking station that, in a locked or closed mode, locks a removable data storage unit into place via a latch. In one implementation, the docking station includes a motorized, geared lever assembly that simultaneously unlocks and ejects the removable data storage unit from the docking station. In one implementation, a spring biases the latch to maintain the docking station in an open position for receipt of a removable data storage unit. In one implementation, after the user presses the eject button, the present invention delays ejection of the removable data storage unit until the hard disk drive is no longer in use, thereby preventing possible damage to the drive media and/or read-write heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick McCormack
  • Patent number: 7375922
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for securing a data storage device (10) defining a number of fixing apertures (101) includes a bracket assembly (20), and a number of resilient gaskets (30). The bracket assembly comprises a first bracket (210), and a second bracket (220). The first bracket comprises a bottom panel (211), and a side panel (212). The second bracket includes a vertical plate (222) secured to the bottom panel of the first bracket. A number of positioning strips (204) some with a tab (206) extend perpendicularly from the bracket assembly to position the resilient gaskets respectively. The vertical plate is resiliently and outwardly moved to sandwich the data storage device in the bracket assembly. The data storage device is secured with the tabs engaging with the fixing apertures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Xi-Hua Jiang
  • Patent number: 7363640
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a bracket (20), a first rail member (30) and a second rail member (40) to secure a storage device (10) therein. The bracket comprises a first side wall (24) and a second side wall (26) each defining a slot (241, 261) therein. A protrusion (266) protrudes outwardly from each of the first and second side walls of the bracket. The first and second rail members are attached to both sidewalls of the data storage device. Each of the rail members comprises a body (32, 42) and a hook (342, 442) formed at an end thereof. A pair of posts (324, 428) protrudes outwardly from the body. The posts slide in the slots of the bracket, till the hooks of the rail members hook the protrusions of the first and second side walls of the bracket. Thus the data storage device is secured in the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang Chin Wang, Li-Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 7318231
    Abstract: A fixing mechanism for use in a peripheral storage device having a cover and a core, includes a first hook slip element on the cover and a second hook slip element on the core. The first hook slip element is formed with a bending part and an extension part. The second hook slip element is formed with a first step part on which the bending part rests and a hook slip part for the extension part to pass therethrough to be engaged with the hook slip part, such that the cover and the core are hooked together in a way that movement of the cover in both vertical and horizontal directions is restricted with respect to the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Micro-Star Int'l Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Ming Hsieh, Jen-Chen Wu
  • Patent number: 7317592
    Abstract: To prevent a door opening when a carrier moves without using an electric actuator and without placing a burden on a device. An auto lock/unlock mechanism is composed solely of mechanical elements, and a lock mechanism is switched between an unlocked state and a locked state using the movement of the carrier. Thereby an automatic medium changer, which does not need an electric actuator such as a solenoid and is low price, is provided. Further, an opening manipulation of the door is permitted when the carrier is located at an evacuation position. This prevents a hand or a finger from being caught in an operable portion of the device. Further, since emergency stopping measures of the carrier for preventing an accident is not required, problems of damages, overloads or the like to the device are solved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7304840
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a chassis (10), a fixing member (50) and a drive bracket (70). The chassis includes a front panel (13) defining an opening (12) and a through hole (19) therein. The fixing member includes a main body (51) mounted to the chassis. The main body includes a fixing part (63) formed upwardly therefrom, an operation part (65) extending forwardly, and an elastic hook (53) extending rearwardly therefrom. The drive bracket includes a mounting wall (73 or 71). The mounting wall comprises a stop (77) formed downwardly therefrom and an aperture (75). In assembly, the operation part of the fixing member extends through the through hole of the front panel. The drive bracket slides in the chassis from the opening thereof. The hook of the fixing member is received in the aperture of the drive bracket. The fixing part of the fixing member engages with the stop of the drive bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Indusrty (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun Lung Chen, Hui Li
  • Patent number: 7284252
    Abstract: The present invention provides a locking mechanism for an external optical disk drive. The locking member is positioned on the upper housing to release or lock the cover. The cover has a projection extending downwardly from its front end and three journals are integrally formed with the cover. Three grooves are defined on the upper housing and sized to receive three corresponding journals of the cover. Besides, both ends of a resilient member are respectively adapted to be received in hubs. The resilient member is restrained by the upper housing and the hubs. Viscous material can be applied between the hubs and the shallow shaft. When the locking member disengages from the opening of the cover, the cover will be opened smoothly due to the viscosity of the viscous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Lite-On IT Corporation
    Inventors: Huang Hui-Chu, Kuo Sheng-Jung
  • Patent number: 7257827
    Abstract: A computer comprising: a main body casing accommodating a plurality of hardware components and comprising an entrance opening on a first side thereof; an optical disk drive assembly combined to the main body casing to rotate relative to the main body casing; and a hinge unit provided on a side of the entrance opening of the main body casing, and supporting the optical disk drive assembly to enable the optical disk drive assembly to rotate between an accommodated position where the optical disk drive assembly is accommodated in the main body casing and an ejected position where the optical disk drive assembly is ejected out of the main body casing through the entrance opening. Such a computer is easy for disassembling and assembling when the user repairs or upgrades because an optical disk drive assembly rotates between the accommodated position and the ejected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-woon Lee
  • Patent number: 7159227
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a CD-ROM drive capable of rapidly detaching and installing, which comprises a frame mounted in a case of a computer. The frame comprises a side opening, an interior cavity in communication with the side opening so that the CD-ROM drive can be mounted in the cavity through the side opening, and an elongated fastening assembly at a side of the cavity. The fastening assembly comprises an elongated sliding member capable of moving toward or away from the side opening, and an elongated fastening member capable of moving toward or away from the CD-ROM drive. After mounting the CD-ROM drive in the cavity, it is possible of manipulating the sliding member to move the fastening member for fastening or detaching the CD-ROM drive to or from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: First International Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Hsin An Hsu
  • Patent number: 7093269
    Abstract: When a disk (1) is placed at a playback position, a clamp arm (15) clamps the disk (1). The clamp arm (15) has an engagement hook (16) for engaging with an engagement groove (12) of a fixed base (11) when the clamp arm (15) pivots on a slide base (13) so as to return to a standby position for waiting for a pivot while the slide base (13) slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiichiro Murotani
  • Patent number: 6999308
    Abstract: A modularized electronic device assembly architecture is proposed, which is designed for the assembly of a modularized electronic device to a base chassis effortlessly simply by hand without requiring the technical personnel or user to use any assisting tools; and which is characterized by the use of a specially designed hand-turnable reciprocating device that can be turned to generate either an inward linear force to mount the modularized electronic device in position on the base chassis, or an outward linear force to withdraw the modularized electronic device from the base chassis. This feature allows the manufacturer to assembly the modularized electronic device to the base chassis more quickly and efficiently and thereby significantly reduce the required labor hours and costs. Moreover, it also allows after-sale maintenance or upgrade to be carried out more quickly and efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Cheng-Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 6934959
    Abstract: A disk recording and/or reproducing apparatus includes a mechanical deck having a disk receiver with a disk carrying unit for carrying a disk, a disk recording and/or reproducing section for recording and/or reproducing the disk received in the disk receiver, and an outer case housing the mechanical deck. A relaxation mechanism and a lock mechanism are disposed between the mechanical deck and the outer case. The relaxation mechanism prevents vibration from being transmitted mutually between the mechanical deck and the outer case. The lock mechanism locks the mechanical deck to the outer case in such a manner as to oppose a relaxing operation of the relaxation mechanism. Thereby, operational vibration, noise and the like caused to the mechanical deck during recordation and/or reproduction can be prevented from being transmitted to the outer case's side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Takizawa, Tomohiro Watanabe, Toru Hama
  • Patent number: 6930727
    Abstract: A protection-cover opening/closing mechanism for a digital still camera includes an electromagnet having stator around which an electromagnetic coil is formed and a movable member, a first lever to which the movable member is pivotally attached at a first end portion and which receives a rotational force, a second lever which is able to reciprocate on a stationary member, which is engageable with a second end portion of the first lever, and which is pressed toward an initial position thereof. While a CD-R is being operated, current is applied to the electromagnetic coil to restrain the movable member on the stator and thereby prevent the first lever from rotating, and the movement of the second lever in the direction away from the initial position is limited due to the engagement between the first lever and the second lever, thereby locking a protection cover at a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Uwagawa, Toshiaki Ueda
  • Patent number: 6907613
    Abstract: A disk device has a driving unit supported by elastic members. In a standby state, locking of the driving unit by a lock member is disengaged, so that the driving unit is elastically supported by dampers and a coil spring. This reduces the time of restriction by pins, thereby preventing damage to the pins. The lock member is operated at the time of receiving a disk, thereby locking the driving unit. Thus, the driving unit does not need to be locked in the casing for prolonged periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ito, Nobuyuki Niiya, Osamu Watanabe, Satoshi Haga
  • Patent number: 6868548
    Abstract: This invention relates to a optical storage carrier player cover-locking mechanism and method, which provides a optical storage carrier player cover that can actuate a locked state to prevent a optical storage carrier from rotating as cover is being lifted up and a lifting-up state for putting or removing a CD. This CD cover arranges: a driving element that connects to the CD driving apparatus and makes it rotate, a controller that adjusts rotation speed of the driving element, and a switch that can touches off the controller to proceed a controlled motion with predetermined rotation speed. By touching off the switch, the controller can detect the rotation speed of the driving element. By comparing the detected rotation speed with a predetermined speed in the controller, when rotation speed is higher than the predetermined speed, the controller generates a signal to the driving element to reduce the rotation speed of motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventor: Chi-Cheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20040133903
    Abstract: When the apparatus is turned on, the rotation shaft of a solenoid and hence an eccentric cam is rotated through a predetermined angle and a semi-fixing side of an HDD bracket is pushed down to a latching flat section of a stepped stud whereby the bracket is fixed to a chassis through the stepped stud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Hideo Hayakawa
  • Publication number: 20040128678
    Abstract: A fixing structure is disclosed in which a first metal board (such as a weight board) is fixed to a second metal board (such as a baseboard) without using screws. When an eccentric rotor provided to the second metal board is rotated by a screwdriver, the eccentric rotor pushes against an aperture edge provided in the first metal board, thereby sliding the first metal board in relation to the second metal board. The first metal board and the second metal board are locked by hooks provided on the second metal board, the hooks locking against additional aperture edges provided in the first metal board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Shigeru Yoshino, Hiroaki Yumitori, Hitoshi Furuya