Integrated computer module having a data integrity latch
US6271604A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 10, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 10, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/183
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention is an integrated computer module adapted for removable insertion into a docking bay in a host assembly wherein such module includes an enclosure, a main printed circuit board assembly, a module connector for connection to a host connector, a disk drive, and a locking mechanism for automatically engaging a projecting member in the docking bay to secure the module therein to prevent loss of data due to a surprise removal of the module. The preferred locking mechanism involves a solenoid and a latch plate with a downwardly-opening notch that engages a recess on the projecting member. The preferred locking mechanism is biased closed such that the locking mechanism locks the module in by default and must be energized for removal. The preferred circuitry for operating the locking mechanism has two parallel circuits, a software controlled circuit for programmatically energizing the solenoid and unlocking the module when power is present and it is safe to do so and a manual override circuit for energizing the solenoid and unlocking the module in the absence of power using energy stored in low-leakage capacitors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.