Hot plug solution and adjustable retention bracket

Details Hot plug solution and adjustable retention bracket Hot plug solution and adjustable retention bracket

1999-02-18

2001-09-11

Gandhi, Jayprakash N. (Department: 2841)

Electricity: electrical systems and devices

Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...

For electronic systems and devices

C361S689000, C361S753000, C361S802000, C211S041170, C439S377000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06288911

ABSTRACT:

FIELD
The present invention is directed to a hot plug peripheral component interconnect (PCI) structure, and methods of operating such structure.
In addition, the present invention is directed to adjustable retention brackets for holding PCI compliant cards of different heights and different lengths.
BACKGROUND
Modern computer systems, such as servers, workstations and personal computers, include cards that comply with the PCI bus specification, the latest version of which is “PCI Local Bus Specification, Revision 2.1”, set forth by the PCI Special Interest Group (SIG) on Jun. 1, 1995. Hereinafter, such cards in compliance with the PCI bus specification (that can be electrically connected to PCI busses complying with the PCI bus specification) are called PCI compliant cards.
Currently, there is known a top access hot plug structure, to engage/disengage PCI compliant cards with/from slots therefor in the system (e.g., computer), without powering down the system. This top access structure requires entry and removal of the PCI compliant card vertically, through the top of the, e.g., computer chassis or frame. However, this structure has various disadvantages, including a requirement of an undue amount of space.
Currently, there is no hot plug mechanism available in the market, which can be used to insert/remove PCI compliant cards horizontally from a rear of the chassis.
Furthermore, at the present time there is also no standard fixture available in the market, to retain PCI compliant cards of different sizes. That is, there is no bracket on the market which can be utilized to keep PCI compliant cards, of different sizes (different lengths and/or heights), e.g., rigid and stable.
SUMMARY
The present invention, in various embodiments, includes a hot plug structure, for engaging a PCI compliant card in a slot therefor of a system. This hot plug structure includes a frame member, having guiding structure to guide a PCI compliant card to enter a slot therefor of a system. The guiding structure has a first section spaced, in a first direction, from the slot; a second section, at a first end portion of the guiding structure, to guide a first end of the PCI compliant card closer to the slot in the first direction; and a third section, at a second end portion of the guiding structure opposite the first end portion, to guide a second end of the PCI compliant card closer to the slot in the first direction. By guiding the first and second ends of the PCI compliant card by the second and third sections of the guiding structure, the PCI compliant card is engaged in the slot.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5751559 (1998-05-01), Jensen et al.
patent: 5868585 (1999-02-01), Barthel et al.
patent: 6033254 (2000-03-01), Neal et al.
patent: 6062894 (2000-05-01), Barringer
patent: 6094358 (2000-07-01), Christensen et al.

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