HWWWWWMWW WWWWMMM
`u5005822196A
`
`United States Patent
`
`[19]
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`5,822,196
`
`Hastings et at.
`
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`Oct. 13, 1998
`
`[54]
`
`[T51
`
`SECURING A CAR!) IN AN ELECTRflNIC
`DEVICE
`
`Inventors: Robert .1. Hastings, Humble; Pain '1‘.
`Varghese; Joseph R. Alien, bolh of
`’l'ombalI, all of ‘l‘ex.
`
`[73]
`
`Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation,
`Houston, Tex.
`
`App]. No.2 658,385
`
`Filed:
`
`Jun. 5, 1996
`
`Int. Cl.“ ............................................ HBSK 7214
`U.S. Cl. ......
`361N101; 361..-"683; 361N541;
`
`361N913
`361924—727.
`Field of Search
`361t684, 726, Sill, 1’96, 798. T52, 802.
`754, 683, 686, 748. 759; 439t61, 62, 152,
`153, 15?; 2005026. 51.09, 335
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3(31t798
`3361074 [WWI-"3 Donovan,]r. et al.
`.........
`..
`. 430t2t31
`3,863,33'0
`lztlij'td Goodman et a].
`
`20050 A
`.
`4.596,‘Kl’t’
`fitl'JSo [nGreco cl al.
`
`. 3611098
`4,628,413
`12,.ll I 986 Spam“? ........
`. 36-41000
`
`4,835,737
`5t1939 [IL-trig cl al.
`. 36-1098 X
`
`4,375,867
`IIIII‘JR‘) H00
`364514
`3tllJ‘Jl MeNally cl al.
`.
`4,999,?87
`. 361,098
`
`5,313,431
`33'1991
`lrnsdahl
`. Splint: X
`5,010,426
`43'1991 Krcnz
`
`20W335
`3t1993 Btockway cl at.
`5,191.9?0
`9t1993 Mutoh ct 31.
`. 395825
`5.241619
`
`5,310,998
`5,1994 Okuuo
`
`5,313,482
`511904 Bujlas ..
`5t1994 Swindle! ..
`5.311483
`
`5,428,507 @0995 Chalel cl al.
`' seiner;
`””995 I‘afiig at 11!.
`5,454,080
`
`5,473,490
`12n995 Weir
`5,504,656
`4t'19‘36 Joisl
`5,513,329
`4t199n Pceone .
`5,530,302
`5,0996 Hanire et all.
`
`
`5,555,510
`9t199fi Versepul et al.
`
`thlQ‘Jo I-lcrrrnann
`5,581.?12
`4.5199? Ad}; et al.
`5,625,933
`5.51097 Wright
`5,029,336
`
`FOREIGN PA'l‘lLNT DOCUMEN'I'S
`
`.
`
`3595:2913
`307t'14?
`361F755
`
`t} 241 905 A2
`t} 254 45.0 A2
`2850440
`3409021
`wo 93,-“15459
`
`European Pal. GIT.
`ltlil‘tfi?
`European Pal. OI}.
`”1988
`(.ietman)‘ .
`“HUT?
`3t1984 Germany .
`25:199.? WIPO .
`
`.
`.
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Hot Ping Receptncte r‘ictttnted Mechanical Latch; pp.
`363—364; IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 34. No. 6;
`Nov. 1991.
`ConnmctPCt T” Speetficntr'un; Revision 1.0; pp. 14, 36, and
`50; I’CI Industrial Computers; Nov. 1, 1995.
`Don Anderson; Card Bus System Architecture, PC System
`Architecture Series, Second Edition; pp. 17—29, 39—58,
`227—236, 321—361; Minshare.
`1116., Richardson. TX.;
`@1996.
`Don Anderson; PCMCM System Architecture. PC Sy.s'tettt
`Architecture Series, Second Edition; pp. 21—83, 1|3—l41,
`145—162, 229—309. 321—332; Mindshat'e. Inc. Richardson.
`'1'X., @1995.
`Maintenance :9: Sen-ice Guide, Compaq Deskpro XI. Series
`of Personal Computers. Compaq Corporation, 1-louston.
`Texas (Dec. 15. 1995).
`
`Pritttnry Exntttiner—Michacl W. Phillips
`Assistant Exntniner—Jayprakash N. Gandhi
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Fish & Richardson RC.
`
`ABSTRACT
`[5?]
`An add-in circuit card is secured in an electronic device. A
`clamp is. movably coupled to the electronic device and is
`configured to rcluasably engage the card upon rnovernenl of
`the clamp from a card engagement position to a card
`disengagement position. A switch may control electrical
`power In the can]. [he switch operated by [he clamp such lhal
`movement of the clamp between the engagement and dis-
`engagement positions closes and opens the switch.
`
`25 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0001
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0001
`IPR2018-01067
`|PR2018—01067
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 13, 1998
`
`Sheet 1 of 8
`
`5,822,196
`
`
`
`Figure1
`
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0002
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0002
`IPR2018-01067
`|PR2018—01067
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 13, 1998
`
`Sheet 2 01'8
`
`5,822,196
`
`mu2:9".
`
`am2:9".
`
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0003
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0003
`IPR2018-01067
`|PR2018—01067
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 13, 1998
`
`Sheet 3 on;
`
`5,822,196
`
`
`
`Figure 3
`
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0004
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0004
`IPR2018-01067
`|PR2018—01067
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 13, 1998
`
`Sheet 4 01'8
`
`5,822,196
`
`V‘‘‘‘‘‘nmm‘‘‘‘‘‘““‘‘‘‘‘‘‘\‘..‘‘‘‘x\‘‘‘‘‘‘x‘‘‘“‘.
`
`F
`
`igure
`
`4
`
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0005
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0005
`IPR2018-01067
`|PR2018—01067
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 13, 1998
`
`Sheet 5 of 8
`
`5,822,196
`
`mm3.
`
`mm.
`
`mm<
`
`8
`
`<
`
`82:9".
`
`3
`
`mm2:9“.
`
`"a2:9".
`
`aw
`
`E
`
`mm.
`
`mmEV
`
`8
`
`
`
`mm9:9".am959".
`
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0006
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0006
`IPR2018-01067
`|PR2018—01067
`
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 13, 1998
`
`Sheet 6 on;
`
`5,822,196
`
`
`
`Figure 6
`
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0007
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0007
`IPR2018-01067
`|PR2018—01067
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`0a. 13, 1998
`
`Sheet 7 of8
`
`5,822,196
`
`
`
`Figure 7A
`
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0008
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0008
`IPR2018-01067
`|PR2018—01067
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 13, 1998
`
`Sheet 8 of8
`
`5,822,196
`
`78'\‘
`
`15"“ "\/
`
`1 v
`
`Figure 8
`
`
`
`15
`
`7417
`
`70
`
`14
`
`Figure 7C
`
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0009
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0009
`IPR2018-01067
`|PR2018—01067
`
`

`

`5,822,196
`
`1
`SECURING A CARD IN AN ELECTRONIC
`DEVICE
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`This invention relates to securing a card in an electronic
`device.
`
`An option card used, for example, in computers typically
`includes a portion having a contact surface which is inserted
`into a slot on a mother board. The card is secured by a screw
`which fastens a metal bracket on the card to a shelf formed
`in the sheet metal chassis of the computer.
`SUMMARY
`
`In general, in one aspect, the invention features an appa-
`ratus for securing an add-in circuit card in an electronic
`device including a clamp movably coupled to the electronic
`device, the clamp configured to reteasably engage the card
`upon movement of the clamp from a card engagement
`position in which the clamp is substantially inside the
`electronic device to a card disengagement position in which
`the clamp is substantially outside the electronic device.
`Certain implementations of the invention include one or
`more ofthe following features. In certain implementations,
`the clamp:
`is pivotally coupled to the electronic device; is
`substantially quarter-circular in shape; and includes a pivot
`pin positioned near a center point of a circle defined by a
`path of movement of the clamp. In certain implementations,
`the electronic device includes: a computer—related device;
`and the computer-related device includes a personal com-
`puter or
`a computer expansion box.
`In certain
`implementations, the apparatus includes: a switch for con~
`trolling electrical power to the card. the switch operated by
`the clamp such that movement at the clamp between a card
`engagement position and a card disengagement position
`closes and opens the switch; a clamp having a cam surface
`which depresses and releases the switch upon movement of
`the clamp between the card engagement and disengagement
`positions; the switch is positioned opposite a pivot pin about
`which the clamp pivots between the card engagement and
`disengagement positions; a switch which controls the deliv—
`cry of signals to the card; a switch which cornmu nicates with
`an operating system to control electrical power to the card;
`an indicator light operatively coupled to the switch to
`indicate the open or closed state of the switch; a card having
`a clamp engagement surface and a contact surface releasahly
`insertable into a slot of the device, the clamp configured to
`exert a downward force on the engagement surface toward
`the slot; a downward force is exerted by a spring—loaded foot
`on an end of the clamp; a clamp including a finger pressing
`surface on an opposite end of the clamp; and an engagement
`surface including a metal bracket.
`In general, in one aspect, the invention features an appa—
`ratus for securing an add-in circuit card in an electronic
`device including a clamp movably coupled to the electronic
`device, the clamp configured to rcleasably engage the card
`upon movement of the clamp from a card engagement
`position to a card disengagement position, and a switch for
`controlling electrical power to the card. the switch operated
`by the clamp such that movement of the clamp between the
`engagement and disengagement positions closes and opens
`the switch.
`
`In general, in one aspect. the invention features an appa-
`ratus for securing an add-in circuit card in a personal
`computer including a clamp pivotally coupled to the
`computer,
`the clamp configured to releasably engage the
`
`It)
`
`15
`
`2|)
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`4:1
`
`50
`
`55
`
`fit]
`
`as
`
`2
`card upon pivoting of the clamp from a card engagement
`position in which the clamp is. substantially inside the
`computer to a card disengagement position in which the
`clamp is substantially outside the computer. The apparatus
`aLso includes a switch for controlling electrical power to the
`card, the switch operated by the clamp such that pivoting of
`the clamp between the engagement and disengagement
`positions causes a earn surface on the clamp to close and
`open the switch. The apparatus also includes an indicator
`light operatively coupled to the switch to indicate the open
`or closed state of the switch.
`
`In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method
`of securing a card in an electronic device including the steps
`of inserting the card into a slot of the electronic device. and
`engaging the card with a clamp movably coupled to the
`electronic device, the clamp configured to releasably engage
`the card upon movement of the clamp from a card engage-
`ment position in which the clamp is substantially inside the
`electronic device to a card disengagement position in which
`the clamp is substantially outside the electronic device.
`Certain implementations of the method include one or
`more of the following features. In certain implementations,
`the method further includes: coincident with the engaging
`step, the step of switching electrical power to the slot from
`an olT state to an on state by contacting a switch with the
`clamp; and the step of signaling the onfoll' state of the slot
`to a user ot‘ the electronic device.
`
`In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method
`of removing a card from an electronic device having an
`activated power source, including the steps of disengaging
`from the card a clamp movabty coupled to the electronic
`device,
`the clamp operatively coupled to a switch that
`terminates power deiivery to the card upon disengagement
`of the clamp, and extracting the card from the electronic
`device.
`
`In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method
`of adding an add-in card to an electronic device including
`the steps of inserting the card into the electronic device, and
`engaging the card with a clamp movably coupled to the
`electronic device, the clamp operatively coupled to a switch
`that activates power delivery to the card upon engagement of
`the clamp.
`Among the advantages of the invention may be one or
`more of the following. Because neither tools nor additional
`hardware are required, option cards may be easily inserted.
`secured, and removed from electronic devices. By using a
`clamp to secure the card within the electronic device, option
`cards may be exchanged without the attendant risk of losing
`screws or other attachment hardware. This feature also
`eliminates the risk of damage assuciated with dropping
`screws or tools on the board during the process of inserting
`or removing an option card. When used in contbination with
`a switch, the clamp eliminates the need to shut otf power to
`the entire electronic device. This feature not only speeds
`replacement of option cards. but also reduces the risk of
`electrical shock to the user.
`
`Other advantages and features will become apparent from
`what follows.
`
`DESCRIPTION
`
`It‘lG. l is a side view of an option card secured by a clamp.
`FIGS. 2A—2E show the process of removing an option
`card secured by a clamp.
`FIG. 3 is an exterior rear view of a clamp coupled to a
`computer related device.
`
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0010
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0010
`IPR2018-01067
`|PR2018—01067
`
`

`

`5,822,196
`
`3
`FIG. 4 is an interior rear view of a clamp coupled to a
`computer related device.
`FIGS. SA—SF are exterior, interior. top, left side sectional
`(at A—A of FIG. 5C). right side, and bottom views of a
`clamp, respectively.
`FIG. 6 is a right side view of a clamp.
`FIGS. 7A—7C are rear, top perspective, and side views of
`a blank bracket.
`FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a prior art bracket.
`Referring to FIG. 1, the mounting bracket ll) of an option
`card 12 may be secured by a clamp 18 to a shelf 14
`connected to a sheet metal chassis 16 ofa personal computer
`or an expansion box for a personal computer. The shelf 14
`includes a vertical surface 15 and a bracket retention tab 1'?
`(see FIGS. 2A and 2B). The bracket
`retention tab 17
`protrudes from the shelf 14 and engages a tab void (sec e.g.,
`FIG. 8) in the bracket 11] of the option card 12. The bracket
`retention tab 17 may accommodate either conventional
`mounting brackets and blank brackets (see FIG. 8) or blank
`brackeLs specifically designed for use with the clamp 18 (see
`FIGS. 7A—7C). Option cards secured by a clamp in a tower
`configuration central processing unit (i.e., where the cards
`are inserted into a slot in a direction which is perpendicular
`to the gravity vector) are supported, in part, by the interac-
`tion of the retention tab with the tab void of the bracket (see
`e.g., FIG. 8).
`The clamp 18 pivots about a bearing 20 aiong the path
`depicted by the doubleheaded arrow 22. As shown in FIGS.
`2A—2D, the clamp 18 may be pivoted from a closul position
`(FIG. 2A) through intermediate positions (FIGS. 213.2(3) to
`an open position (FIG. 2D). In the open position, the option
`card 12 may be removed along the path depicted by the
`arrow 24 (FIG. 2E). The position of the clamp 18 alsri
`determines whether a switch 28 is in an on (FIG. 2A) or an
`ofl.‘ (FIGS. 20—213) position. In the on position (FIG. 2A), the
`switch 28 is depressed (i.e.. forced upward) which indicates
`to the computer operating system (not shown) to deliver
`signals and power to the contact surface 30 of the option
`card 12 via a slot 32 of a board 34. Conversely, in the olf
`position (FIGS. 20—213),
`the switch 28 is released (i.e..
`allowed to return to a downward posit ion) which indicates to
`the computer operating system to terminate signals and
`power delivery to the option card 12.
`Referring to FIG. 3, the clamp 18 is maintained in the
`closed position within an opening 36 in the sheet metal
`chassis 16 by the interaction of a cantilevered spring release
`tab 38 with the vertical surface 15 of the shelf 14 (see also
`FIGS. 1. 2A and 4). As depicted in the left one—third of FIG.
`3, when the clamp 18 is in the closed position, a cam 40 of
`the clamp 18 (see FIG. 5E) depresses the switch 28 and the
`on position of the switch 28 is indicated by an illuminated
`status indicator LED 42. In contrast, when the clamp 18 is
`pivoted to the open position. the switch 28 is released and
`the OE position is indicated by a darkened status indicator
`LED 44. Thus, the illuminated and darkened status indicator
`LEDs 42, 44 signal
`the user when it
`is unsafe and safe,
`respectively, to insert or remove an option card 12 from the
`slot 32.
`The process of removing an option card which has been
`secured with the clamp 18 may be seen in the left three—
`fourths of FIG. 4. From left to right, the option card 12 is
`secured by the clamp 18, in part, by the interaction of the
`cantilevered spring release tab 38 in its rest position (i.e..
`extended upward) with the vertical surface 15 ot' the shelf
`14. The cantilevered spring release tab 38 is depresSed by the
`finger of a user to allow the clamp 18 to extend through the
`
`It)
`
`15
`
`2|)
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`4:1
`
`50
`
`55
`
`(it!
`
`{15
`
`4
`opening 36 by pivoting about the pivot pins 46 inserted into
`the eyelet tabs 48 of the shelf 14. Once the clamp 18 has
`been rotated to its full open position, the switch 28 has been
`released to iLs off position. and power to the 510132 has been
`terminated, the option card 12 may be safely removed. In
`another scheme (see right one-fourth of FIG. 4), the clamp
`18 may be used to secure an option card within a slot 5|]
`which is not coupled to a switch. In this scheme. power to
`the board 34 must be interrupted by the user prior to
`removing or replacing the option card 12.
`The structural detail of the clamp 18 may be appreciated
`by reference to FIGS. SA—SE. Referring to FIG. 5A, the
`clamp 18 includes a serrated closure surface 52 which, in
`operation. is depressed by a user to effect pivoting of the
`clamp 18 from an open position (see FIG. 2E) to a closed
`position (see FIG. 2A}. In operation, a cantilevered spring
`foot 54 is compressed when the clamp 18 is in the closed
`position {see FIG. SB). Compression of the cantilevered
`spring foot 54 creates a rotational force which facilitates
`retention of the clamp 18 in the closed position (see FIG.
`2A) via the engagement of release tab 38 with the vertical
`surface 15 of the shelf 14 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Once the
`cantilever spring release tab 38 has been disengaged from
`Contact with the vertical surface 15 of the shelf 14-.
`the
`rotational force created by the cantilevered spring foot 54
`urges the clamp 18 toward its open position (see FIG. 2E).
`Referring to FIG. 5C. the pivot pins 46 further include a
`chamfered surface 56 which facilitates insertion of the pivot
`pins 46 into the eyelet tabs 48 of the shelf 14. The cantile-
`vered spring release tab 38 further includes a serrated release
`surface 58 which facilitates the depression of the cantile-
`vered spring release tab 38 by a user preparing to remove the
`option card 12 (see FIG. 4). Asupport shelf 60 is positioned
`a fixed distance below the cantilevered spring release tab 38
`to prevent excessive depression and possible breakage ofthe
`cantilevered spring release lab 38 (see FIG. 5D).
`Referring to FIG. 6, in one example, the clamp 18 is made
`from plastic by conventional injection molding techniques,
`and is characterized by the specific dimensions noted.
`Referring to FIGS.
`IVA—TC.
`in circumstances where a
`particular slot
`is empty (e.g., because an option has been
`removed) a blank bracket 62 may be used to cover the
`opening 64 in the chassis 16 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The blank
`bracket
`is secured by the clamp in a similar manner as
`described for an option card. The blank bracket 62 includes
`a foot end 66, a body 68 having a removal tab 70, and a head
`end 72. Referring to FIG. 715, the head end 72 of the bracket
`62 includes a screw recess 74 and a tab void 2'6 which
`receives the bracket retention tab 1';I (see FIG. 7C).
`In
`contrast to a prior art blank bracket 78 (see FIG. 8) which
`has a tab slot 80, the tab void 70 of the blank bracket 62 is
`closed on all sides. This feature facilitates the retention of a
`blank bracket 62 by the clamp such that it may not be easily
`displaced by forces applied from outside the chassis (i.e., as
`may be possible for a prior art bracket 78). In addition, the
`removal
`tab 70 reduces the risk of dropping the blank
`bracket 62 on the board during its removal or insertion.
`Other embodiments are within the scope of the following
`claims.
`What is claimed is:
`l. A computer system comprising:
`a computer motherboard adapted to receive an add—in
`circuit card; and
`a chassis coupled to said motherboard, said chassis
`including an apparatus for securing said add-in circuit
`card to said motherboard, the apparatus including:
`
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0011
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0011
`IPR2018-01067
`|PR2018-01067
`
`

`

`5 ,822, I 96
`
`5
`a clamp rotationally coupled to said chassis, said clamp
`configured to exert a force on a surface of said add-in
`circuit card toward said molherboard when rotated
`from a card disengagement position to a card
`engagement position, and to releasably engage said
`add—in circuit card upon rotation of said Clamp from
`the card engagement position to the card disengage-
`ment position.
`2. An apparatus for securing an add-in circuit card in a
`personal computer. the add-in circuit card having a clamp
`engagement surface releasably insertable into a slot of the
`personal computer, the apparatus comprising:
`a clamp pivotally coupled to said personal computer, said
`clamp configured to exert a force on said engagement
`surface toward said slot upon movement of said clamp
`from a card disengagement position to a card engage-
`ment position, and to substantially release said force
`upon pivoting said clamp from said card engagement
`position to said card disengagement position;
`a switch for controllirtg the delivery of signals and elec-
`trical power to said card, said switch operated by said
`clamp such that pivoting of said clamp between said
`engagement and disengagement positions causes a cam
`surface on said clamp to close and open said switch;
`and
`
`an indicator light operatively coupled to said switch to
`indicate the opened or closed state of said switch.
`3. An apparatus for securing an add-in circuit card in an
`electronic device,
`the add-in circuit card having a clamp
`engagement surface wIeaSahly insertable into a slot of the
`device the apparatus comprising:
`a clamp movably coupled to said electronic device, said
`clamp configured to exert a force on said engagement
`surface toward said slot upon movement of said clamp
`from a card disengagement position to a card engage-
`ment position and to substantially release said force
`upon movement of said clamp from said card engage-
`ment position to said card disengagement position; and
`a switch for controlling the delivery of signals and elec»
`trical power to said card, said switch operated by said
`clamp such that movement of said clamp between said
`engagement and disengagement positions closes and
`opens said switch.
`4. An apparatus for securing an add-in circuit card in an
`electronic device. the circuit card having a clanrp engage-
`ment surface releasahly insertable into a slot of the device,
`the apparatus comprising:
`a clamp movahiy coupled to said electronic device, said
`clamp configured to exert a force on said engagement
`surface toward said slot upon movement of said clamp
`from a card disengagement position to a card engage-
`ment position and to substantially release said force
`upon movement of said clamp from the card engage-
`ment position to the card disengagement position.
`5. The apparatus of claim I, wherein said clamp is
`pivotally coupled to said electronic device.
`6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said clamp is
`substantially quarter-circular in shape.
`7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said clamp com-
`prises a pivot pin positioned near a center point of a circle
`defined by a path of movement of said clamp.
`8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said electronic
`device comprises a computer-related device.
`9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said computer-
`related device comprises a personal computer.
`10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said computer-
`related device comprises a computer expansion box.
`
`It)
`
`15
`
`2|)
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`$5
`
`50
`
`55
`
`fit]
`
`as
`
`6
`11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
`a switch for controlling electrical power to said card, said
`switch operated by said clamp such that movement of
`said clamp between said card engagement position and
`said card disengagement position closes and opens said
`switch.
`12. The apparatus of claim 11. wherein said clamp com-
`prises a cam surface which depresses and releases said
`switch upon movement of said clamp between said card
`engagement and disengagement positions.
`13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said switch is
`positioned opposite pivot pin about which said clarnp pivots
`between said card engagement and disengagement positions.
`14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said electronic
`device is selected from the group consisting of a personal
`computer and a computer expansion box.
`15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said switch controls
`the delivery of signaLs to said card.
`16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said switch
`communicates with an operating system to control
`the
`delivery of signals and electrical power to said card.
`17. The apparatus of claim ll, further comprising:
`an indicator light operatively coupled to said switch to
`indicate the open or closed state of said switch.
`18. The apparatus ofclairn 1, wherein said three isexct‘ted
`by a spring—loaded foot on an end of said clamp.
`19. The apparatus 01' claim 18, wherein said clamp com-
`prises a finger pressing surface on an opposite end of said
`clamp.
`20. The apparatus of claim I. wherein said engagement
`surface comprises a metal bracket.
`21. A method of securing a card in an electronic device,
`the card having a clamp engagement surface, comprising the
`steps of:
`inserting said card into a slot of said electronic device; and
`engaging said card with a clamp movably coupled to said
`electronic device, said clamp configured to exert a force
`on said engagement surface toward said slot upon
`movement of said clamp from a card disengagement
`position to a card engagement position and to substan—
`tially release said force upon movement of said clamp
`from said card engagement position to said card dis-
`engagement position.
`22. The method of claim 21, further comprising, coinci-
`dent with the engaging step, the step of:
`switching the delivery of signals and electrical power to
`said slot from an off state to an on state by contacting
`a switch with said clamp.
`23. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step:
`signaling the on fofl‘ state of said slot to a user of said
`electronic device.
`24. A method of removing a card from an electronic
`device having an activated power source, comprising the
`steps of:
`disengaging said card with a clamp movably coupled to
`said electronic device, said clamp operatively coupled
`to a switch that terminates power delivery to said card
`upon disengagement of said clamp; and
`extracting said card from said electronic device.
`25. A method of adding an add-in card to an electronic
`device comprising the steps of:
`inserting said card into said electronic device; and
`engaging said card with a clamp movahly coupled to said
`electronic device, said clamp operatively coupled to a
`switch that activates power delivery to said card upon
`engagement of said clamp.
`*tttxax
`
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0012
`Toshiba_Apricorn 1007-0012
`IPR2018-01067
`|PR2018—01067
`
`