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:
Jul. 04, 2000
Filed:
Apr. 07, 1997
Richard N Rehlander, Billerica, MA (US);
Hybricon Corporation, Ayer, MA (US);
Abstract
A backplane stiffener mounts in a channel defined between parallel rows of connectors on a backplane. In a first embodiment, the stiffener has a substantially U-shaped cross section and has a maximum width less than the width of the channel. The sidewalls are parallel and linear throughout the length of the stiffener. A second embodiment is adapted for use in 'dog-legged' connector channels wherein at least one of the connectors in the row is wider than or spatially offset from the remaining connectors. The stiffener is preferably formed from a sheet of pliable material, for example sheet metal which is manipulated to form various features and folded longitudinally to form a rigid member. Rigidity is enhanced in an economic manner which does not interfere with backplane operations.