Patent ID: 6175491
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: G06F,Y10T

Abstract:
A device for locking a peripheral component to a computer, said device comprising:said computer having an input means, a display device, and a main body containing a central processing unit, said peripheral component, and a plurality of memory, said peripheral component being removable from said main body of said computer;a controller generating a locking-signal when a power-on signal is sent to a power supply and generating a locking-release-signal when a power-off-signal is sent to said power supply;a first locking mechanism being located on said main body of said computer system, said first locking mechanism comprising:a motor mounted on a main board of said computer driving a shaft in either one of a forward direction and a reverse direction;a first locking plate mounted on said main body and having a bore; anda locking hook having an L-shape and being attached to a rack having a plurality of gear teeth;a gear driven by said motor via said shaft, said gear engaging said rack and moving said rack supporting said locking hook in a direction depending on a direction of rotation of said motor; andsaid locking hook being engageable with said first locking plate when a distal end of said locking hook is inserted through said bore in said first locking plate;a second locking mechanism comprising a second locking plate having a hollow and being located on said peripheral component, said second locking mechanism being engageable with said first locking mechanism by inserting said locking hook through said bore in said first locking plate and through said hollow in said second locking plate;said first mechanism engaging said second mechanism when said first mechanism receives said locking-signal from said controller and preventing the removal of said peripheral component from said main body of said computer; andsaid first mechanism disengaging from said second mechanism when said locking-release-signal is received from said controller and allowing said peripheral component to be removed from said main body of said computer.