The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 30, 1997
Filed:
Jul. 01, 1996
James M Carney, Pepperell, MA (US);
Dave Desilets, Hopkinton, MA (US);
Clifford Willis, Tracy, CA (US);
Lee Winick, San Jose, CA (US);
Chris Chiodo, Andover, MA (US);
Sun Microsystems, Inc., Mountain View, CA (US);
Abstract
Computers are manufactured with connectors in which are inserted at least one PCI expansion card to increase the capacity of the computer. A computer enclosure panel is formed with first opening for insertion and withdrawal of the card. The card has a cover which blocks the first opening after the card has been plugged in. The invention provides a retainer mounted on the rear panel which engages the cover to hold one end of the card in place. The invention further provides room for the tab conventionally extending outward of the card to extend outward of the enclosure so that the card may be located closer to the side panel, thereby conserving space within the enclosure. The retainer has an apertured first door pivotally mounted on the exterior of the panel which in closed position surrounds a second opening through which the card tab protrudes and engages one face of the tab. A second door is pivotally mounted on the first door and in closed position covers the aperture in the first door. The second door has a latch which extends into the second opening and engages the cover to hold a second end of the cover in place. Computers as shipped from the factory many times are not provided with PCI cards and the opening in the panel is blocked by a removable blanking cover. The retainer also holds the blanking cover in position.