Unisys Corporation

Dell Products Inc.

Convergent Technologies, Inc.

Rior Technologies, Inc.

Richard N Hibbs

D Edmond Freige

Ian C Fry

Shari J Nolan

Ronald A Provenzale

Jeffery S Nespor

Victor Y Cheung

Jerome Parker Lane

Robert M Wilcox

Donald Haga

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 computer unit with identical compartments for receiving associated identical memory modules, these modules housing memory means adapted to be removably inserted into a receiving compartment which includes an electrical connector and engagement pin, each module also including an electrical connector for mating with the compartment connector; each module further including its own lever to engage this pin and so draw the module into the compartment, while mating the connectors, or to be reverse-activated to disengage the connectors and help eject the module from the compartment.

Removable memory modules

Computer apparatus with modular disk drive memory packages adapted to be used/replaced in a common memory stage where each module is to be inserted/renewed in a compartment (bay) thereof.

Removable disk drive modules for computer unit

Embodiments disclose modular packaged circuit-boards (plug-in 'cards') packaged in like modules, and cooled along with a motherboard in an integrated design.

Methods for packaging circuit boards

Packaged circuit-boards

Computer apparatus with modular components, adapted to be used/replaced on a common base mount; a motherboard, with some number N of connect-receptacles thereon; a deck superposed to form a plenum above the motherboard and characterized by N like aperture sets, each including a connector-slot in registry with each connect-receptacle; plus several like removable, circuit-modules each including a connector adapted to fit through any of the connector-slots to be connected with an associated receptacle; and an air cool arrangement arranged to draw cooling-air into the circuit-modules and then down upon, and across the motherboard coolingly.

Enclosure for computer control unit

Embodiments disclose modular elements of a control system wherein units are arranged in a single integrated array, with plug-in units packaged in like modules, and cooled in common, along with a motherboard.

Growing community of inventors

Palo Alto, CA, United States of America

Richard N Hibbs