International Business Machines Corporation

Lenovo (singapore) Pte. Ltd.

Scott Raymond LaPree

Stephen Peter Mroz

Mark David Pfeifer

Jason R Eagle

Michael D O'Connell

James Dorance Gerken

Donald Wayne Dingfelder

Gregory Todd Smith

Robert K Mullady

Richard Andrew Crisp

Aaron Roger Cox

William James Anderl

Howard V Mahaney, Jr

Robert R Genest

Paula Besterman

Michael John MacPherson

Bob Springer

Douglas Allan Kuchta

Jessica Rose Berens

Khaalid P McMillan

Paul Steven Severson

Dano Ben Lange

Paul Jon Thomford

An apparatus includes a motherboard with a processor socket, a load frame connected to the motherboard adjacent to at least two sides of the processor socket, and a processor retainer rotatably connected to the load frame, the processor retainer being positionable in a closed position, an opened position, and an installation position. The processor retainer extends over the processor socket when the processor retainer is in the closed position.

Processor module retention

Methods and structures are provided for implementing selective airflow modification. An airflow control member holder receives and retains an airflow control member having compliance characteristics allowing easy removal and changing of the airflow control member. The airflow control member holder includes retention features to facilitate mounting and removal from the system, such as mounting and removal from a printed circuit board (PCB). The airflow control member holder provides a protective function for a component, such as a depopulated component, a central processing unit (CPU) or other device.

Implementing modular baffling mechanism for selectively redirecting and impeding airflow

A server rack door has a first dimension and a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension and includes a first group of first obstructions arranged along the first dimension. The first obstructions define a first plurality of flow channels. The server rack door further includes a second group including second obstructions arranged along the first dimension and offset from the first obstructions along the second dimension. The second dimension corresponds to a thickness of the server rack door. The second obstructions define a second plurality of flow channels, where the first obstructions and the second obstructions alternate along the first dimension.

Method and apparatus for acoustical noise reduction and distributed airflow

An externally threaded fastener is captivated by a component that includes an opening. The externally threaded fastener includes a thread and a non-threaded shaft. The opening includes a major diameter and a minor diameter. The minor diameter includes a first diameter portion, a second diameter portion, and orthogonal portions that connect the first diameter portion and the second diameter portion. To captivate the externally threaded fastener with the component, the externally threaded fastener is positioned within the component opening and the externally threaded fastener is angled relative to an axis of symmetry of the opening in order to engage the threads of the externally threaded fastener with the component opening until the non-threaded shaft is fixed against at least two planes of the component by the first diameter portion of the minor diameter.

Captive externally threaded fastener

A server enclosure having a plurality of panels abutted to one another and constrained by a connector having a channel and at least one aperture. Each respective panel has at least one perpendicular portion being perpendicular to a face of the respective panel and adjoining a perimeter of the respective panel. Connectivity media coincident to the aperture can affix at least two panels and a connector to one another.

Perforated panel connection

Captive externally threaded fastener method

A door assembly comprises a rectangular door frame that has a first, second, third, and fourth frame member. The first frame member has an outer surface that has a first pair of parallel slots. A first parallel flange protrudes from and perpendicular to the outer surface between the parallel slots. A vane extends from the first frame member to the second frame member between the third and fourth frame members. The vane has a first end that includes a pair of parallel flanges fitted into the parallel slots such that a rear surface of the first planar flange is arranged between rear edges of the first parallel flanges. A bar is mounted to the rear surface of the first planar flange and configured to hold the rear edges of the first parallel flanges in substantially the same plane as the rear surface of the first planar flange.

Efficient door assembly

A modular panel unit according to one embodiment includes a major subunit adapted for being secured to a keyed backing panel, and at least one minor subunit. The major subunit includes at least one connector adapted for coupling to a corresponding connection feature of the keyed backing panel in order to secure the major subunit to the keyed backing panel; and one or more coupling features. Each minor subunit includes: one or more couplers adapted for coupling to the one or more coupling features of the major subunit in order to secure the minor subunit to the major subunit. Additional systems and methods are also disclosed.

Visual patterning for a cover system using modular units on a patterned backing

Apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit includes a pull spring is attached to opposing sides of the PCB and bezel assembly. Each pull spring includes a generally M-shaped spring. A first end of the M-shaped spring includes a first pin carrying a knob. The first pin extends through an opening in the bezel and the knob is disposed within a recessed portion of the bezel and is generally flush with a front face of the bezel with the M-shaped spring compressed in a normal constrained position. In an extended position when the M-shaped springs return to a substantially uncompressed state, the knobs are pushed forward and are spaced apart in front of the bezel, enabling a person to grip and pull each knob to remove the PCB and bezel assembly from the unit in which it is installed.

Apparatus for tool-less removal of PCB assembly

A connector retention apparatus for resiliently retaining connectors of different heights in mated engagement with a device. Included in the apparatus is a base assembly adapted to be connected to a device; and, at least a resiliently deflectable assembly connected to the base assembly and including a connector engaging portion that is biased for engagement with a connector and capable of accommodating and biasing connectors of varying heights into mated engagement with a device. A card and connector retention system for retaining a printed circuit card assembly to a device and a connector to the printed circuit card assembly. The system includes a connector assembly for retaining a printed circuit card assembly to a device; and, a connector retention apparatus for resiliently retaining connectors of different heights in mated engagement with the printed circuit card assembly. The connector retention apparatus is couplable to the connector assembly. A method of assembly is also provided.

Growing community of inventors

Rochester, MN, United States of America

Scott Raymond LaPree