Dell Products Inc.

Dell USA L P

Dell Computer Corporation

Robert C Sloan

Mark S Manley

Roy A Rachui

Stephen Gill

Forrest J Pobst

Michael Tuohy

Scott Joseph Boyd

Connector tips for paired fiber optic strands are protected from damage by a tip protector held in position with one or more flexible members that are disposed to cover the connector tips with the tip protector in an unflexed position and to flex to expose the connector tips by moving the tip protector. The flexible members, such as a pair of extension springs, are coupled to the paired fiber optic strands with a clamp that holds the flexible members on opposing sides of and parallel with the fiber optic strands to provide structural support to the fiber optic strands. Bending of the flexible members from parallel alignment with the fiber optic strands removes the connector tips from a recess of the tip protector. The flexible members are biased to return to the parallel alignment so that the tip protector is biased to return to a position that covers the connector tips.

System and method for protecting a fiber optic cable connector tip

An apparatus and method for cooling a heat-generating component according to which a body member is placed over a portion of a heat sink so that flanges on the body member engage the component. The body member is forced away from the heat sink so that the flanges force the component and the heat sink into intimate contact.

Apparatus and method for cooling a heat generating component

An apparatus for automatically disconnecting a plug-in connector. A cord has a first end connected to the connector and has a second end extending from the connector. A catch member is attached to the second end. A fixed member includes an opening which is sized to permit the cord to move through the opening and to restrain the catch member from moving through the opening. As a result, movement of the connector away from the fixed member moves the cord through the opening until the catch member engages the opening, so that further movement of the connector is limited.

Apparatus and method for unattended disconnect of plug-in connectors

An apparatus and method for attaching a processor bracket to a system board. The apparatus includes: a) a driver base, b) a plurality of air drivers secured to the driver base, c) a screwdriver rod, with a screwdriver head, extending from each air driver, and d) a positioning guide attached to the driver base. The method includes the steps of: a) positioning a processor bracket, having a processor bracket slot and having multiple bracket nuts, on a system board, b) positioning a positioning guide of a multiple nut driver within the processor bracket slot, c) contacting the bracket nuts with the corresponding screwdriver heads of the multiple nut driver, and d) exerting downward pressure on all the screwdriver heads.

Multiple nut driver for computer assembly

A modular component receiving structure (,) includes a guide structure (,) for guiding a modular component (,) into a proper installed position and for ensuring that the module is handled properly during installation. A drive arrangement including a threaded drive opening (,) may be included with the guide structure (,) for use in applying a proper installation force to move the memory module (,) into a proper installed position. The drive arrangement facilitates the use of a rotary tool to apply the installation force.

Modular component receiving apparatus and method for installing modular components

A flow rack including a frame with a plurality of elongated channels attached to the frame. Each channel includes two spaced apart sides and a base wall extending between the sides. A plurality of rollers is movably mounted in each one of the channels. A portion of each roller extends above the respective channel at a first height. A reverse flow stop is pivotally mounted within each channel for movement between a stop position and a flow position. Each stop includes a stop arm. A weighted portion is attached to each stop for automatically biasing each stop to the stop position whereby the respective stop arm extends above the respective channel at a second height, greater than the first height. When the stop is in the flow position, the stop arm extends above the channel at a height equal to or less than the first height.

Flow rack with reverse flow limiting device

An option card retainer (,) includes a first elongated leg member (,) and a second elongated leg member (,). The two leg members (,) are aligned with their upper ends connected by a bridge structure (,). The first leg member (,) includes a first clip structure (,) at its lower end and the second leg member (,) includes a second clip structure (,) at its lower end. A biasing device (,) is located beneath the bridge structure (,) between the first and second leg members. The retainer (,) is fastened over an option card (,) with the biasing device (,) compressed between the bridge structure (,) and a top edge (,) of the option card with the clip structures (,) in a gripping engagement with an underside of the option card connector (,).

Option card retainer and retaining method

A universal fixture for a pre-assembly of computer components includes a base and a support plate adjustably mounted on the base for movement to various inclined positions. At least one support arm interconnects the base and the support plate for securing the support plate in an inclined position. A fixture is rotatably mounted on the support plate and includes various positioning stops and an adjustable slide for properly positioning various computer components for attaching chassis mounting devices to the components. The adjustment of the support plate and rotation of the fixture provide ergonomic advantages to the assembler performing the pre-assembly operations.

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Georgetown, TX, United States of America

Robert C Sloan