US5544008A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computer expansion module apparatus
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1994-06-30
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Granted: 1996-08-06
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Expires: 2014-06-30
Abstract
Abstract An expansion module for use in a computer system is disclosed. The expansion module holds a first card, which has a data processing unit and associated memory coupled together via a high speed internal local bus and an external coupler for an external peripheral device. An expansion coupler is also provided for coupling a second expansion card to the first card. The expansion module has a system connector for connecting the expansion module to a lower speed input-output bus of a computer system. The module can also accommodate additional SIMM modules as its associated memory. The module uses sidewalls or book covers made of a shielding material to provide electrical shielding and protection from external conditions. The expansion module improves the upgradeability and expandability of a data processing system.
Inventors
- 👤 Roger F. Dimmick
- 👤 Gary A. Fitterer
- 👤 Jeff A. Jajowka
- 👤 William F. Otto
- 👤 Jerry R. Rasmussen
- 👤 Terry L. Sobotta
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 05:27
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/18; G06F1/183; G06F1/185; G06F1/184; G06F1/186; G06F13/00; G06F13/38; G06F13/40; G06F13/4063; G06F13/409
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
A computer system expansion module for connection to a computer system main board via an expansion slot, comprising: a first card having a data processing unit and associated memory coupled together via a high speed internal local bus; means for connecting a second expansion card to said first card; and means for externally connecting said expansion module to a lower speed input-output bus of a computer system.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
67 words
A computer system expansion module for connection to a computer system main board via an expansion slot, comprising: a first card having a data processing unit and associated memory coupled together via a high speed internal local bus; means for connecting a second expansion card to said first card; and means for externally connecting said expansion module to a lower speed input-output bus of a computer system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computer system expansion module according to claim 1 wherein said associated memory is a single inline memory module.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The computer system expansion module according to claim 1 further comprising side enclosures that provide electrical shielding.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The computer system expansion module according to claim 1 wherein said first card further comprises a communications port for coupling a peripheral device to said computer system.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
138 words
A data processing system having improved upgradeability and expandability, comprising: a central processing unit; an input-output system bus, coupled to said central processing unit; a short term memory device, coupled to said input-output system bus; means for allowing a user to interface with said data processing system, coupled to said central processing unit via said input-output bus; a plurality of expansion slots, each coupled to said input-output system bus; an expansion module, coupled to one of said plurality of expansion slots, comprising: a first card having a data processing unit and associated memory coupled via an internal local bus operating at a bus speed faster than said input-output bus; means for connecting a second expansion card to said first card; and means for externally connecting said expansion module to said input-output system bus of said data processing system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
138 words
A data processing system having improved upgradeability and expandability, comprising: a central processing unit; an input-output system bus, coupled to said central processing unit; a short term memory device, coupled to said input-output system bus; means for allowing a user to interface with said data processing system, coupled to said central processing unit via said input-output bus; a plurality of expansion slots, each coupled to said input-output system bus; an expansion module, coupled to one of said plurality of expansion slots, comprising: a first card having a data processing unit and associated memory coupled via an internal local bus operating at a bus speed faster than said input-output bus; means for connecting a second expansion card to said first card; and means for externally connecting said expansion module to said input-output system bus of said data processing system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The data processing system according to claim 5 further comprising a rack of long-term memory storage devices, coupled to said input-output data bus.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The data processing system according to claim 5 wherein said user interface means comprises a keyboard for allowing data input by the user.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The data processing system according to claim 5 wherein said user interface means comprises a video monitor for provide data output to the user.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The data processing system according to claim 5 wherein said user interface means comprises a printer for providing data output to the user.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The data processing system according to claim 5 wherein said expansion slots have a data bus of at least 32 bits wide.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The data processing system according to claim 5 wherein said associated memory on said first card include SIMM-compatible connectors.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-08-06 | 2000-02-05 | 2000-08-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-08-06 | 2004-02-05 | 2004-08-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-08-06 | 2008-02-05 | 2008-08-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |