International Business Machines Corporation

Martin David Williams

James L Overacker

Craig T Danielson

Gustave Christian Stern

Aaron Roger Cox

Camillo Sassano

Kevin Lavern Schultz

Christopher Lee Tuma

Paula Besterman

Jessica Rose Berens

Jeffrey L Justin

Multi-angled rack system door

A retention system includes a retainer having at least two wings affixed to a mounting surface by a retaining screw or like attachment device inserted into a hole of the mounting surface. A coil spring or the like, optionally captured by the retaining screw, provides tension between the retainer and the mounting surface. The hole of the mounting surface defines the potential placement of the retainer relative to the mounting surface, allowing it to assume a neutral position and a plurality of offset positions. While in its neutral position, the wings of the retainer prevent the removal of connectors, cables, screws, or other retention devices by physically trapping them between the retainer and the mounting surface. By moving the retainer to one of the plurality of offset positions, a user may expose one of the connectors, cables, screws, or other retention devices, allowing it to be removed while preventing the accidental or inadvertent removal of the other components still trapped by the retainer.

Retention system for multiple connectors

The present invention provides a flexible cable and support band assembly which is dynamically stable at high speeds over long lengths. This has been accomplished by cupping both the flexible cable and the support band in cross section along their lengths so that they cup one within the other to essentially move as a unit even though they are not attached except at their ends. A single support band can be employed to support multiple flexible cables. Additional support has been provided by employing resilient spaced apart strips along a track upon which the one or more flexible cables and support band slide. The resilient strips center the travel of the one or more flexible cables and support band and minimize rocking motion and vibration. Still further the one or more flexible cables and support band are arranged with respect to a robotic media library so that a single length of the one or more flexible cables and the support band will serve a range of lengths of the library.

Support band for movable flexible cable assembly

Movable flexible ribbon cable and support band assembly

Growing community of inventors

Tucson, AZ, United States of America

Martin David Williams