Dell Products Inc.

Phase Metrics, Inc.

Convergent Technologies, Inc.

Rior Technologies, Inc.

Ian C Fry

Richard N Hibbs

Blasius Brezoczky

Shari J Nolan

Jeffery S Nespor

Jerome Parker Lane

Victor Y Cheung

Robert M Wilcox

Watch

A mechanism that prevents premature disengagement of a component from a computer system is provided. Through a graphical user interface, the user signals to logic associated with the computer system to ready a component for removal from the computer system chassis. A trigger recessed in a handle is depressed to mechanically free the handle to pivot from the engaged position outward. The trigger activates a lock, which is coupled to logic associated with the computer system, which is capable of deactivating the lock. The lock prevents disengagement of the component from the computer system by preventing a handle arm, to which the handle is attached, from pivoting outward. When the lock is deactivated, the handle arm is actually free to pivot. When pivoting, the handle arm engages a hub, which rotates as the handle arm pivots. The hub is coupled to a first lever arm which moves and pivots a first engagement member. This engagement member may include a catch which engages insertion and extraction stops mounted on the chassis of the computer system. In one aspect of the invention, the action of the first lever arm and first engagement member may be substantially balanced by a second lever arm and second engagement member. In another aspect of the invention, an indicator light may be provided on or proximate to the component, to signal the user which component is ready for removal, decreasing the chance that the wrong component will be removed.

Electromechanical lock for components

An assembly that engages a component to a computer system includes a cover adapted to retain the component and to be inserted within a chassis of the computer system. A slide movably coupled to the cover has a proximal position associated with inserting the cover into the chassis and a distal position associated with withdrawing the cover from the chassis. A detector coupled to a lock and to the slide detects movement of the slide to actuate the lock. The lock is coupled to the slide and to the detector, and blocks movement of the slide towards the distal point when the lock is in an engaged state.

Hot-swap assembly for computers

A spindle motor assembly which utilizes a reservoir of electrically conductive fluid to provide a conductive path through the assembly. The spindle motor assembly includes a spindle shaft that is located within a housing and rotated by an internal motor. The end of the spindle shaft is located within the reservoir. The reservoir also is electrically coupled to the housing. The electrically conductive fluid provides a conductive path between the spindle and the housing while minimizing the frictional forces on the spindle. The spindle may be coupled to a chuck that holds a magnetic disk within a disk certifier. The magnetic disk is electrically grounded to the housing through the chuck, the spindle and the electrically conductive fluid.

Conductive contact for an air bearing spindle

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Danville, CA, United States of America

Ian C Fry