76 results about "Drive bay" patented technology

A modular data device assembly includes a chassis that has an open front and a back. The chassis also has exterior dimensions that correspond to the dimensions of an industry standard drive bay. The chassis further has a plurality of slots that are disposed inside the chassis. The modular data device also includes a plurality of Serial ATA disk data storage devices, a backplane, and a connector. Each Serial ATA disk data storage device is disposed in one of the plurality of slots. The backplane is disposed in the back of the chassis. The backplane has a plurality of connectors which are mechanically coupled thereto and each of which is connected to one of the Serial ATA disk data storage devices. The power source connector is mechanically and electrically coupled to the backplane.

A modular data device assembly includes a chassis that has an open front and a back. The chassis also has exterior dimensions that correspond to the dimensions of an industry standard drive bay. The chassis further has a plurality of slots that are disposed inside the chassis. The modular data device also includes a plurality of disk data storage devices, a backplane, and a connector. Each disk data storage device is disposed in one of the plurality of slots. The backplane is disposed in the back of the chassis. The backplane has a plurality of connectors which are mechanically coupled thereto and each of which is connected to one of the disk data storage devices. The power source connector is mechanically and electrically coupled to the backplane.

A flash-memory-card reader reads and writes multiple types of flash-memory cards, including CompactFlash, and the smaller SmartMedia, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, and Memory Stick. A converter chip converts the different card signals for transfer to a host personal computer (PC). Serial-to-parallel data conversion is performed for the smaller card formats with serial data interfaces, but not for CompactFlash with a parallel-data interface. A single slot has a 50-pin connector for CompactFlash cards or passive adapters. The passive adapters have the CompactFlash form factor and a smaller connector fitting smaller flash cards. Passive adapters have no components but simply wire the smaller connector to the CompactFlash connector. A pin mapping allows card-type detection by sensing the LSB address pins of the CompactFlash interface. A larger CompactFlash reader has multiple slots for each card type. The reader is connected to the PC by a cable, or located within the PC chassis in a drive bay. A stand-alone reader copies images from the flash-memory card to a removable disk media. Pressing a button initiates image transfer.

A (e.g., U-shaped) receiving frame to be mounted in a drive bay or similar enclosure and interfaced with a host computer. The receiving frame receives therewithin a removable computer drive carrier module which encloses a computer drive and a removable fan module which exhausts heat generated by the computer drive to the atmosphere. Should the fan module fail, it is simply and easily removed from the receiving frame to be replaced by a new module, but without affecting the operation of the computer drive module or requiring that the receiving frame be taken out of service. A rotatable handle is pivotally connected across the first end of the computer drive carrier module. When the computer drive module is installed in the receiving frame, the handle is rotated to a closed position by which to cause power to be supplied to the computer drive. When it is desirable to apply a pulling force to the handle in order to remove the computer drive carrier from the receiving frame, the handle is rotated to an open position by which to cause power to be automatically removed from the computer drive.

An integrated drive panel for a peripheral / drive bay within the case of a computer or like electronic device comprises a cover assembly having an integral EMI shield. The integrated drive panel does not require removal of the front bezel of the computer case or access to the peripheral / drive bay from inside the computer case during installation and removal.

A hinged computer case that can be mounted to the underside of a desk surface directly in front of and hidden from its user and accommodates the ergonomic requirements of the user is described. All peripheral devices meant for user access are located in a flat drive bay, which also forms an adjustable keyboard tray, while the non-access devices are located in a CPU enclosure. In the stow-away position, the computer case hangs from a pair of guide rails with the cable connectors facing up, for easy installation. In the operational position, the computer case pivots 90° and slides on the guide rails. The flat drive bay that supports the keyboard tray s pivotally attached to the CPU enclosure by means of a cable hinge assembly. The hinge assembly enables positioning of the keyboard at a suitable angle for a respective user, and also accommodates the cables between the two enclosures. Media drives needed for upgrades can be added to the sides of the flat drive bay, and they may be used to provide a mouse pad, or / and additional work-space.

Embodiments of the inventive concept include 2.5 inch hard disk drive form factor solid state drive multi-card adapters that can include multiple M.2 solid state drive cards, which can be incorporated into existing enterprise servers without major architectural changes, thereby enabling the server industry ecosystem to easily integrate M.2 solid state drive technology into servers. Multiple M.2 solid state drive cards and a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) switch can be included within a 2.5 inch hard disk drive form factor solid state drive multi-card adapter. The solid state drive multi-card adapters can be attached to or seated within drive bays of a computer server that supports non-volatile memory express (NVMe) 2.5 inch drives without any changes to the server architecture, thereby providing a straight-forward upgrade path.

A removable hard disk drive (HDD) bay has a casing, a door assembly and an extracting assembly. The door assembly has a pivoting member, a cover slidably mounted on the pivoting member, a retainer slidably mounted in the cover and selectively hooking the casing, and a driving member driving the retainer. The extracting assembly pivotally connects the door assembly to the casing. When the door assembly is opened relative to the casing, the extracting assembly extracts the HDD (AA) with a simple mechanism and the door assembly does not occupy any room in the casing. The casing does not have to reserve a room for the door assembly and a volume of the removable HDD bay is efficiently minimized.

A flash-memory-card reader reads and writes multiple types of flash-memory cards, including CompactFlash, and the smaller SmartMedia, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, and Memory Stick. A converter chip converts the different card signals for transfer to a host personal computer (PC). Serial-to-parallel data conversion is performed for the smaller card formats with serial data interfaces, but not for CompactFlash with a parallel-data interface. A single slot has a 50-pin connector for CompactFlash cards or passive adapters. The passive adapters have the CompactFlash form factor and a smaller connector fitting smaller flash cards. Passive adapters have no components but simply wire the smaller connector to the CompactFlash connector. A pin mapping allows card-type detection by sensing the LSB address pins of the CompactFlash interface. A larger CompactFlash reader has multiple slots for each card type. The reader is connected to the PC by a cable, or located within the PC chassis in a drive bay. A stand-alone reader copies images from the flash-memory card to a removable disk media. Pressing a button initiates image transfer.

A modular data device assembly includes a chassis that has an open front and a back. The chassis also has exterior dimensions that correspond to the dimensions of an industry standard drive bay. The chassis further has a plurality of slots that are disposed inside the chassis. The modular data device also includes a plurality of disk data storage devices, a backplane, and a connector. Each disk data storage device is disposed in one of the plurality of slots. The backplane is disposed in the back of the chassis. The backplane has a plurality of connectors which are mechanically coupled thereto and each of which is connected to one of the disk data storage devices. The power source connector is mechanically and electrically coupled to the backplane.

A flash-memory-card reader reads and writes multiple types of flash-memory cards, including CompactFlash, and the smaller SmartMedia, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, and Memory Stick. A converter chip converts the different card signals for transfer to a host personal computer (PC). Serial-to-parallel data conversion is performed for the smaller card formats with serial data interfaces, but not for CompactFlash with a parallel-data interface. A single slot has a 50-pin connector for CompactFlash cards or passive adapters. The passive adapters have the CompactFlash form factor and a smaller connector fitting smaller flash cards. Passive adapters have no components but simply wire the smaller connector to the CompactFlash connector. A pin mapping allows card-type detection by sensing the LSB address pins of the CompactFlash interface. A larger CompactFlash reader has multiple slots for each card type. The reader is connected to the PC by a cable, or located within the PC chassis in a drive bay. A stand-alone reader copies images from the flash-memory card to a removable disk media. Pressing a button initiates image transfer.

A remote power sensing system for a hard disk bridge coupled to a drive bay uses a power sensor connecting a bridge to an energization control in the drive bay. The power sensor can be a cable or the like to provide a power detection signal to the bridge. The drive bay energization control selectively provides power to the drive bay (for example, by a key switch or the like). Energization of the drive bay may also energize a drive bay device such as a fan that also functions as an energization proxy. The power sensor connects the bridge to the energization proxy so that energization of the drive bay can be detected via the energization proxy and power sensor. When the sensor detects power provided to the drive bay, the bridging function of the bridge is enabled.

Uninterruptable PC Power Unit (UPCPU) for a personal computer (PC) replaces the power supply of a PC. The UPCPU comprises an internal battery to be used during AC power interruption. The UPCPU may be connected to external batteries installed in the PC's 5.25″ or 3.5″ drive bays. The UPCPU may supply 12V, uninterrupted power to power external devices such as a display or modem. The UPCPU is capable of safely saving work in progress and force shutdown or hibernation state of the PC.

A hard disk drive carrier having a latch apparatus to facilitate leveraged insertion of a hard disk drive into a receiving drive bay to an interfaced position, securing of the hard disk drive carrier in the drive bay when the hard disk drive secured to the carrier interfaces with a host computer, leveraged dislodgement of the hard disk drive from its interfaced position for removal of the hard disk drive from the drive bay, and proper positioning of the latch apparatus upon insertion of the hard disk drive carrier to ensure proper engagement of the latch apparatus with the drive bay for leveraged insertion and removal.

The present invention represents a significant advancement in the field of cooling systems for computer hardware. One embodiment of a system for cooling a heat-generating device includes a housing sized to fit within a drive bay of a computing device, a heat exchanger disposed within the housing and configured to transfer heat from liquid to air, a fan disposed within the housing and configured to force air through the heat exchanger, and a pump disposed within the housing and configured to circulate a liquid through a cold plate sub-assembly and back to the heat exchanger. The cold plate sub-assembly is configured to be thermally coupled to the heat-generating device. The disclosed system may be advantageously disposed in any computing device whose chassis has a standard-sized drive bay, thereby enabling the system to be easily implemented across a wide variety of computing devices.

A hinged computer case that can be mounted to the underside of a desk surface directly in front of and hidden from its user and accommodates the ergonomic requirements of the user is described. All peripheral devices meant for user access are located in a flat drive bay, which also forms an adjustable keyboard tray, while the non-access devices are located in a CPU enclosure. In the stow-away position, the computer case hangs from a pair of guide rails with the cable connectors facing up, for easy installation. In the operational position, the computer case pivots 90° and slides on the guide rails. The flat drive bay that supports the keyboard tray s pivotally attached to the CPU enclosure by means of a cable hinge assembly. The hinge assembly enables positioning of the keyboard at a suitable angle for a respective user, and also accommodates the cables between the two enclosures. Media drives needed for upgrades can be added to the sides of the flat drive bay, and they may be used to provide a mouse pad, or / and additional work-space.

A universal receiving frame to be mounted in a drive bay of a chassis or storage enclosure that is interfaced with a host computer. The universal receiving frame is capable of interchangeably receiving different removable computer drive carriers having respective remote computer drives that are configured for parallel and serial operation. A printed circuit board is mounted on the back wall of the universal receiving frame in which an incoming removable drive carrier is slidably received. A suitable (e.g. a Serial ATA) interface and a serial-to-parallel bridge are located on the printed circuit board of the frame, whereby different removable carriers, regardless of drive configuration, can communicate with the chassis by way of the same receiving frame. In an alternate embodiment, which eliminates the universal receiving frame, the removable carriers are connected to one side of a backplane within the chassis and pull-out peripheral circuit boards are connected to the opposite side. A serial-to-parallel bridge is mounted on each of the removable carriers and a serial-to-serial or serial-to-parallel converter is mounted on each of the peripheral circuit boards.

A push-push eject disk drive chassis user-swappably accepts a disk drive, without tools or a caddy and is sufficiently narrow, such that two such chassis may be disposed side-by-side within a housing having a standard disk drive form factor and accept disk drives having smaller form factors. A data storage system that conforms to a disk drive form factor and that can be installed into a disk drive bay of a user computer includes a plurality of such disk drive chassis user-swappably accepts a plurality of side-by-side disk drives, without tools or caddies. The data storage system may include electronics that manage storage space on any disk drives installed in the chassis and present the cumulative storage space (less space used for overhead and redundancy) as a single virtual disk drive to the user computer.

The modular measuring drive system can include a housing having a cavity and being sized and shaped to fit within a disk drive bay of a computer and a measuring device, disposed within the cavity of the housing, for providing a measurement value to the computer. The modular measuring drive system can also include a conduit having a first end, which provides an opening for fluid to pass, and a second end coupled to the measuring device, a data port coupled to the measuring device and configured to be coupled to the computer and a power supply port, coupled to the measuring device, capable of receiving power from a power supply.

An alignment device of a hard disk drive (HDD) bay has a casing, at least one door, and at least one alignment mechanism. The at least one door is mounted on a front sidewall of the casing. The at least one alignment mechanism is mounted on a rear sidewall of the casing. Each of the at least one alignment mechanism has a stationary seat, and an aligning panel and a torsion spring pivotally mounted on the stationary seat. The torsion spring pushes the aligning panel to pivot toward a lateral sidewall of the casing. When inserting an HDD into the casing and the HDD abuts against the aligning panel, the aligning panel pushes the HDD to slide laterally and align with the connector on the rear sidewall of the casing. Thus, pins on a rear end of the HDD can accurately plug into corresponding holes of the connector.

A novel door for an access opening in an electronic component housing includes a bracket pivotally connected to the housing, and a cover elastically mounted to the bracket. In a particular embodiment, the bracket includes a wing spring for biasing the cover to the bracket, and the cover includes a channel for receiving the wing spring. Optionally, the cover and the bracket include an alignment feature and a complementary alignment feature, respectively, that moveably engage one another to facilitate relative movement between the cover and the bracket. The door is pivotally connected to the housing by a pair of L-shaped hinge members to rotate about an axis adjacent the opening in the housing. The bracket and the cover mount together to form the door assembly, and the assembly includes a smooth rear surface for slidably abutting devices (e.g., optical disk trays, etc.) moving through the opening. The door assembly is substantially free of any members projecting rearward of the smooth rear surface, so the opening in the housing is essentially clear of any components (e.g., retracting mechanisms, retaining structures, etc.) that might interfere with the travel of a device through the opening. The cover includes a beveled edge that mates with a beveled seat in the housing surrounding the opening in the housing. The alignment feature and the complementary alignment feature of the cover and the bracket loosely engage one another to allow the beveled edge of the cover to self-align within the beveled seat of the opening in the housing.

A computer server is disclosed having one of the set of drive bays thereof constructed in the form of a dual-purpose bay with a hard disk drive female connector and a combo device female connector so that a hard disk drive and a combo device can be alternatively installed in the dual-purpose bay, which combo device having a DVD-ROM male connector and a floppy disk drive male connector integrated into a combo device male connector electrically connectable to the combo device female connector of the dual-purpose bay.

A computer peripheral device mounting arrangement has a pair of computer peripheral device mounts. Each computer peripheral device mount includes a computer peripheral device side bracket that is mounted on an exterior sidewall of the computer peripheral device. Each computer peripheral device mount also includes a drive bay bracket fixedly positioned in a drive bay. Clips and slots provide a non-locking securement arrangement on the computer peripheral device side bracket and the drive bay bracket. The computer peripheral device side bracket and the drive bay bracket of each computer peripheral device mount is secured by a single screw that prevents relative movement between the computer peripheral device side bracket and the drive bay bracket.

The present invention represents a significant advancement in the field of cooling systems for computer hardware. One embodiment of a system for cooling a heat-generating device includes a housing sized to fit within a drive bay of a computing device, a heat exchanger disposed within the housing and configured to transfer heat from liquid to air, a fan disposed within the housing and configured to force air through the heat exchanger, and a pump disposed within the housing and configured to circulate a liquid through a cold plate sub-assembly and back to the heat exchanger. The cold plate sub-assembly is configured to be thermally coupled to the heat-generating device. The disclosed system may be advantageously disposed in any computing device whose chassis has a standard-sized drive bay, thereby enabling the system to be easily implemented across a wide variety of computing devices.

A system and apparatus are described for removably mounting one or more hard disk drives within a computer system. According to one embodiment, the system includes a disk drive carrier cage configured to receive a disk drive backplane and up to eight pair of disk drive carrier rails. The disk drive carrier cage is sized for insertion into a drive bay having the dimensions of two optical mass storage devices compatible with a 5.25 inch form factor. The system also includes a disk drive backplane for receiving up to eight hard disk drives, disk drive carriers for holding the hard disk drives, and disk drive carrier rails mountable within the disk drive carrier cage for slidably receiving the disk drive carriers. The disk drive carriers and disk drive carrier rails are translucent thereby permitting light emanating from the backplane to be viewed at the front of the cage.

A hard disk drive is rendered removable by modifying its ID buffer to indicate to the host computer that the hard drive is a removable media device. A drive assembly is mounted in a drive bay of the host computer and permanently connected to the assembly. A hard drive is mounted in a removable cartridge that is dimensioned for insertion into the drive assembly. The drive assembly reads the hard drive ID buffer, modifies the buffer and stores the same. Upon request from the host computer, the modified buffer is presented.

A personal computer has a central air plenum straddled by opposed drive bays, and memory modules in the plenum are covered by a shroud that increases the air flow over the memory modules. The plenum establishes a first pathway for air flow and parallel to the plenum is a second pathway for air flow past cards such as graphics and network cards.