Hewlett-packard Development Company, L.p.

Compaq Computer Corporation, Inc.

Juan M Perez

Gregory C Franke

Kenneth B Frame

Donald J Hall

Frances A Felcman

Jeffrey A Lambert

Stephen J Higham

John E Calloway

Michael R Durham

Francis A Felcman

A lock for a computer device comprises a lever operable to be positioned in a locked position and comprising at least one flange, a locking base slidably coupled to a device housing and attached to the lever, and a spring coupled to the locking base and to the device housing and operated upon by the lever, where in the locked position the at least one flange slides in a first corresponding at least one notch formed on the device housing, and where the locking base slides into a corresponding second notch formed on the device housing.

Method and apparatus for locking a computer device

A connector assembly for an electronic device saves space and cost. It includes first and second sockets defining first and second insertion paths for receiving mating plugs. A pivoting keep-out member has first and second blocking surfaces and can be pivoted between first and second positions. In the first position, the first blocking member blocks at least a portion of the first insertion path, but the second blocking member clears the second insertion path. In the second position, the second blocking member blocks at least a portion of the second insertion path, but the first blocking member clears the first insertion path. Thus the connector assembly may receive a plug in either the first or the second socket, but not in both simultaneously.

Dual connector assembly with pivoting keep-out member

In one embodiment there is disclosed a protective cover for a multi-pin electrical device socket. The socket, prior to having a device inserted therein, is covered with a cover having an inner surface facing the socket, a portion of the periphery of the inner surface of the cover contacting a frame having an open area surrounded by the frame structure. The inner surface of the cover has at least one protrusion thereon, with the protrusion adapted to contact an inserted electrical device thereby causing the cover to cease contacting at least one portion of the frame when the electrical device is installed in the socket.

Protective cover plate and associated system and method of use

A port control apparatus for restricting access to ports of an electronic device is disclosed. The port control apparatus comprises a housing constructed to lockingly attach to an exterior surface of the device to form an enclosure that houses the ports. Formed in the housing is at least one aperture each dimensioned to prevent passage of a connector adapted to mate with an associated port while permitting passage of cable bodies integral with any connector mated with an associated port.

Controlling access to ports of an electronic device

A screwless technique for mounting a circuit board in a computer chassis is provided in which circular portions of keyhole-shaped mounting openings in the circuit board body are first moved downwardly over notched chassis mounting bosses. The circuit board is then forwardly moved transversely to the bosses to move opening edge portions of the circuit board body into the boss notches in a manner releasably preventing the circuit board from being lifted off the bosses. A retaining bracket is placed adjacent a body edge of the installed circuit board to block the board against rearward releasing movement relative to the chassis bosses.

Circuit board mounting methods

Circuit board mounting apparatus and associated methods

A computer which includes modular structures incorporated therein provides enhanced serviceability. In a preferred embodiment, the computer has a chassis, a lid, a front bezel, an option card module, a system board module, a drive module, and a power supply module. The lid secures the option card module within the chassis. The option card module is removable from the chassis without disconnecting fasteners, option boards, or external cables therefrom. The system board module is received in the chassis and is secured therein by the option card module. The drive module has features which enable storage media devices to be conveniently installed therein and removed therefrom.

Modular desktop computer having enhanced serviceability

Modular computer apparatus

A system for automatically electrically connecting electronic components, such as an input/output board and a power supply, with a motherboard includes attaching in a tray with electronic components with a frame. In one embodiment, a tray is pivotably attached to a computer housing frame and a connector extends from the under side of the tray. As the tray is pivoted about its axis, the connector is engaged or disengaged from a connector fixedly mounted on the motherboard. The connector on the motherboard has a flexible funneled opening to facilitate insertion of the pivoting connector. In another embodiment, a tray with electronic components can be quickly disconnected from the motherboard by lifting the tray straight up guided by frame tracks. By lifting the tray, a series of leads mounted on the tray are disengaged from the slot connector mounted on the motherboard. Advantageously, a method for disconnecting electronic components from a motherboard in a computer frame is disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Tomball, TX, United States of America

Juan M Perez