US6493235B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Auto docking/locking rack hardware for easy serviceability of printed circuit cards in tight spaces
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 2001-08-29
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Granted: 2002-12-10
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Expires: 2021-08-29
Abstract
Abstract A guide structure and matching printed circuit card carrying cartridge provides hot pluggability functionality even when electronic circuit components need to be disposed in very tight spaces. The guide structure includes front and rear portions linked by slot-defining rungs. Front and rear apertures provide alignment and/or locking functions. The guide structure is easily manufacturable from a single sheet of metal which is stamped and formed to meet all desirable design specifications. A matching self-contained docking cartridge is provided with mating parts for these apertures. EMI shielding and cooling functions are also accommodated.
Inventors
- 👤 Dennis R. Barringer
- 👤 Budy D. Notohardjono
- 👤 Edward J. Seminaro
- 👤 Harold M. Toffler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 10:55
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05K; H05K7/00; H05K7/14; H05K7/1417; H05K7/1418
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A guide especially suited for insertion of self-contained pluggable printed circuit board cartridges, said guide comprising: a rear portion having at least one vertical tab with an alignment aperture in said tab; a forward portion including a step, said forward portion also having at least one alignment aperture in a vertical portion of said step; and at least one pair of cartridge slot defining rungs extending from said rear portion to said forward portion with said pair of rungs being disposed on opposite sides of a matching pair of said alignment apertures one of which is disposed in said tab with the other aperture being disposed in said vertical step.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A guide especially suited for insertion of self-contained pluggable printed circuit board cartridges, said guide comprising: a rear portion having at least one vertical tab with an alignment aperture in said tab; a forward portion including a step, said forward portion also having at least one alignment aperture in a vertical portion of said step; and at least one pair of cartridge slot defining rungs extending from said rear portion to said forward portion with said pair of rungs being disposed on opposite sides of a matching pair of said alignment apertures one of which is disposed in said tab with the other aperture being disposed in said vertical step.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The guide of claim 1 in which said rear portion, said forward portion and said rungs form an i integral structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The guide of claim 1 in which said rear portion, said forward portion and said rungs comprise an integral metal stamping.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The guide of claim 1 in which there are a plurality of said cartridge slot defining rungs with each adjacent pair of said rungs having associated therebetween at least one aperture containing tab and aperture containing step portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
The guide of claim 1 in which at least one of said matching pair of apertures is shaped to accommodate a portion of said cartridge so as to provide a locking function in cooperation with a locking pin disposed on said cartridge.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The guide of claim 5 in which it is the aperture in said step that provides said locking function.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The guide of claim 1 further including a printed circuit board to which it is affixed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
The guide and circuit board of claim 7 in which said circuit board includes at least one pluggable electrical connector affixed to said printed circuit board and disposed between an adjacent pair of said rungs.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The guide and circuit board of claim 8 further including a printed circuit card cartridge with projections which mate with said matching apertures.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The guide and circuit board of claim 9 in which said aperture in said step is used to provide a locking function in cooperation with a corresponding locking pin on said cartridge.
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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) | 2005-12-09 | 2006-06-10 | 2006-12-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-12-09 | 2010-06-10 | 2010-12-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-12-09 | 2014-06-10 | 2014-12-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |