Patent Publication Number: US-10314219-B2

Title: Multiple expansion card insertion and extraction tool

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to inserting an expansion card into and extracting a expansion card from a printed circuit board and, in particular, to a tool for simultaneously inserting multiple expansion cards, such as memory modules, into and extracting multiple expansion cards from a printed circuit board. 
     Mainframe computers are powerful, high-performance computers used for large-scale computing purposes that require substantial availability and security. Mainframe computers are primarily used by corporate and governmental organizations for critical applications, bulk data processing, statistics, enterprise resource planning, and transaction processing. Historically, mainframe computers have functioned as “enterprise servers” although they were not referred to as enterprise servers or “servers” until the emergence of networked computing, such as the Internet. 
     Enterprise servers contain programs that collectively serve the needs of an enterprise rather than a single user, department, or specialized application. An enterprise server is both the computer&#39;s mainframe hardware and its main software that may include one or more operating systems running on the mainframe. Thus, enterprise servers provide security, fault tolerance, efficiency, and resource allocation to an enterprise. 
     Emerging enterprise servers, such as the IBM® zEnterprise™ System, may include a central processing complex (CPC), multiple blade computers, and multiple “processor books,” all of which may be managed as a single entity by a resource manager. As can be appreciated the demand for computer memory in an enterprise server can be substantial. For example, an enterprise server may require up to three terabytes (3 TB) of available memory. To meet the memory demands of an enterprise server, the sever may is often configured with multiple processor books, commonly referred to in the art as “books”. 
     A processor book, hereinafter book, includes a multi-chip module (MCM) that comprises one or more processors, data Input/Output (I/O) paths, and a significant amount of available memory. For example, a book may have up to 750 GB or more of memory available for the server. 
     Memory in the processor book may comprise a redundant array of independent memory (RAIM). RAIM is an emerging memory technology that similar in concept to known RAID technology for protecting against disk drive failure. In the case of memory, RAIM is capable of supporting several memory device chip-kills and entire memory channel failures. RAIM is more robust than parity checking and ECC memory technologies which cannot protect against many varieties of memory failures. RAIM utilizes several memory modules and striping algorithms to strip data across the memory modules in the array to protect against the failure of any particular module of the array and keeps the memory system operating continuously, thus improving fault tolerance of the enterprise server. 
     Each book may have between 30 and 32 memory slots mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). Memory modules are inserted into available slots on the PCB to connect the memory to the PBC making the memory available for use by the server. Memory modules used in this application typically comprise “dual in-line memory module” or “DIMM” memory modules. DIMM memory modules comprise a series of dynamic random-access memory integrated circuits and have separate electrical contacts on each side of the module. The DIMM memory slots have latches on each end of the slot to prevent the DIMM from inadvertently detaching from the slot. 
     After manufacture, processor books and/or DIMMs are tested to ensure they operate properly. During the testing process of the DIMMs are manually inserted into and extracted from the memory slots a number of times. It takes a substantial amount of force, approximately 22 pounds of force, to insert a DIMM into a memory slot. It can be difficult for an operator to evenly exert the force needed to insert a DIMM into a memory slot. It can be substantially more difficult for an operator to repeatedly evenly exert the force needed to insert a DIMM into a memory slot over the course of a work day. Inserting, or attempting to insert, a DIMM into a memory slot with uneven force may cause damage to the DIMM, the memory slot, the memory slot latches, and other damage. For example, inserting a DIMM into a memory slot with more force on one end of the DIMM can damage to the DIMM and/or the latch, which may necessitate replacement of the DIMM with a new DIMM and repair of the latch and/or memory slot. 
     Over the course of a work day repeatedly exerting the force needed to insert DIMMs into a memory slots can cause operator fatigue and stress to the operator. This can results in ergonomic issues for an operator, such as sore and blistered fingers and thumbs and other potential injuries to the operator&#39;s hands. 
     DIMMs are often inserted into and then extracted from the memory slots up to three times during the during the testing process. Each book is configured with between 30 and 32 memory slots. As can be approached, it can be time consuming for an operator, to manually insert a DIMM into each memory slot and then extract the DIMM from each memory slot of the book, during the testing process. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a device includes a rail configured to span more than one slot coupled to a printed circuit board and detachably coupled to a housing. The printed circuit board is retained in the housing and each slot is provided with a retainer mechanism for retaining a card in the slot. The device includes a jaw assembly that includes a pair of inserts configured to perform a selected one of seating and extracting a card positioned in at least one of the more than one slot. The jaw assembly is configured to slide along the rail and over the more than one slot. The device also includes a lever for biasing the jaw assembly in a second position where the pair of inserts perform a selected one of seating a card in at least one of the more than one slot and extracting a card from at least one of the more than one slot. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a device that comprises a rail configured to span and detachably couple to a housing. The rail includes a mounting plate configured to engage the housing and a mechanism for securing the tool to the housing. The housing contains a printed circuit board configured with at least one row of slots comprising more than one slot, with each slot configured with a retainer mechanism for retaining a card in the slot. A jaw assembly is configured to slide along the rail over more than one card positioned in the row of slots when biased in a first position. The jaw assembly includes a pair of interchangeable inserts configured to perform a selected one of seating and extracting more than one card positioned in more than one slot. The device also includes a lever for biasing the jaw assembly in a second position, where the inserts engage a selected one of more than one card positioned in more than one slot and the retainer mechanism of more than one slot for performing a selected one of simultaneously seating more than one card into more than one slot and simultaneously extracting more than one card from more than slot. 
     In another embodiment a method that comprises providing a printed circuit board retained in a housing, the printed circuit board is configured with at least one row of slots, where each slot in the row of slots is configured with a retainer mechanism for retaining a card in the slot. The method continues with positioning cards in slots of the row of slots such that more than one card is positioned in more than one slot, and placing a device over one of the at least one row of slots such that the device is positioned over the at least one card positioned in at least one slot. In the embodiment, the device comprises a rail configured to span the housing and detachably couple thereto, a jaw assembly that is configured to slide along the rail and over the row of slots. The jaw assembly includes a pair of interchangeable inserts biased in a first position. The device also comprises a lever for biasing the interchangeable inserts in a second position. The method continues with aligning the interchangeable inserts to engage a selected one of the more than one card positioned in the more than one slot and retainer mechanism of more than one slot, and moving the lever to bias the interchangeable inserts in the second position, where the interchangeable inserts engage a selected one of the more than one card and retainer mechanism of more than one slot to perform a selected one of simultaneously seating more than one card into more than one slot and simultaneously extracting more than one card from more than one slot. 
     In a further embodiment, a system that comprises a housing containing a printed circuit board configured with at least one row of slots, where each slot is configured with a retainer mechanism for retaining a card in the slot. More than one card is positioned in more than one slot. The system also comprises a tool for performing a selected one of simultaneously seating the more than one card positioned in the more than one slot and simultaneously extracting the more than one card from the more than one slot. The tool comprises a rail configured to span the housing and detachably couple thereto, and a jaw assembly that is configured to slide along the rail and over the row of slots. The jaw assembly includes a pair of interchangeable inserts biased in a first position and a lever for biasing the interchangeable inserts in a second position. In the system, the tool positioned over a selected one of the at least one row of slots, such that the interchangeable inserts are aligned with a selected one of the more one card and retainer mechanism of more than one slot. The lever is then moved to bias the interchangeable inserts in the second position, where the interchangeable inserts engage a selected one of the more one card and retainer mechanism of more than one slot to perform the selected one of simultaneously seating more than one card into at more than one slot and simultaneously extracting more than one card from more than one slot. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of a device for simultaneously inserting multiple cards into and extracting multiple cards from a printed circuit board coupled to a computer; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a device for simultaneously inserting multiple cards into and extracting multiple cards from a printed circuit board; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a device for simultaneously inserting multiple cards into and extracting multiple cards from a printed circuit board; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a device for simultaneously inserting multiple cards into and extracting multiple cards from a printed circuit board; and 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a jaw assembly of a device for simultaneously inserting multiple cards into and extracting multiple cards from a printed circuit board. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. 
     In one embodiment, a device includes a rail configured to span more than one slot coupled to a printed circuit board and detachably coupled to a housing. The printed circuit board is retained in the housing and each slot is provided with a retainer mechanism for retaining a card in the slot. The device includes a jaw assembly that includes a pair of inserts configured to perform a selected one of seating and extracting a card positioned in at least one of the more than one slot. The jaw assembly is configured to slide along the rail and over the more than one slot. The device also includes a lever for biasing the jaw assembly in a second position where the pair of inserts perform a selected one of seating a card in at least one of the more than one slot and extracting a card from at least one of the more than one slot. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a device that comprises a rail configured to span and detachably couple to a housing. The rail includes a mounting plate configured to engage the housing and a mechanism for securing the tool to the housing. The housing contains a printed circuit board configured with at least one row of slots comprising more than one slot, with each slot configured with a retainer mechanism for retaining a card in the slot. A jaw assembly is configured to slide along the rail over more than one card positioned in the row of slots when biased in a first position. The jaw assembly includes a pair of interchangeable inserts configured to perform a selected one of seating and extracting more than one card positioned in more than one slot. The device also includes a lever for biasing the jaw assembly in a second position, where the inserts engage a selected one of more than one card positioned in more than one slot and the retainer mechanism of more than one slot for performing a selected one of simultaneously seating more than one card into more than one slot and simultaneously extracting more than one card from more than slot. 
     In another embodiment a method that comprises providing a printed circuit board retained in a housing, the printed circuit board is configured with at least one row of slots, where each slot in the row of slots is configured with a retainer mechanism for retaining a card in the slot. The method continues with positioning cards in slots of the row of slots such that more than one card is positioned in more than one slot, and placing a device over one of the at least one row of slots such that the device is positioned over the at least one card positioned in at least one slot. In the embodiment, the device comprises a rail configured to span the housing and detachably couple thereto, a jaw assembly that is configured to slide along the rail and over the row of slots. The jaw assembly includes a pair of interchangeable inserts biased in a first position. The device also comprises a lever for biasing the interchangeable inserts in a second position. The method continues with aligning the interchangeable inserts to engage a selected one of the more than one card positioned in the more than one slot and retainer mechanism of more than one slot, and moving the lever to bias the interchangeable inserts in the second position, where the interchangeable inserts engage a selected one of the more than one card and retainer mechanism of more than one slot to perform a selected one of simultaneously seating more than one card into more than one slot and simultaneously extracting more than one card from more than one slot. 
     In a further embodiment, a system that comprises a housing containing a printed circuit board configured with at least one row of slots, where each slot is configured with a retainer mechanism for retaining a card in the slot. More than one card is positioned in more than one slot. The system also comprises a tool for performing a selected one of simultaneously seating the more than one card positioned in the more than one slot and simultaneously extracting the more than one card from the more than one slot. The tool comprises a rail configured to span the housing and detachably couple thereto, and a jaw assembly that is configured to slide along the rail and over the row of slots. The jaw assembly includes a pair of interchangeable inserts biased in a first position and a lever for biasing the interchangeable inserts in a second position. In the system, the tool positioned over a selected one of the at least one row of slots, such that the interchangeable inserts are aligned with a selected one of the more one card and retainer mechanism of more than one slot. The lever is then moved to bias the interchangeable inserts in the second position, where the interchangeable inserts engage a selected one of the more one card and retainer mechanism of more than one slot to perform the selected one of simultaneously seating more than one card into at more than one slot and simultaneously extracting more than one card from more than one slot. 
     As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the invention may be embodied as an apparatus, system, or method. Aspects of the invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, and apparatus, including systems according to embodiments of the invention. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , there is shown generally at  10 , an exemplary embodiment of a device, or tool, for simultaneously inserting multiple expansion cards into and extracting multiple expansion cards from a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the tool  10  is particularly well suited for simultaneously inserting multiple memory modules into and extracting multiple memory modules from a printed circuit board. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , In an exemplary embodiment, the tool  10  includes a rail  12  configured to span and detachably couple to a housing  14 . The housing  14  may comprise a chassis  16  of a computing device  18 . The computing device  18 , hereinafter computer  18  for ease of discussion only, may comprise a known rack-mount computer or processor book. For example, in one embodiment the computer  18  comprises a processor book for an enterprise server, such as the IBM® zEnterprise™ System. Such an enterprise server may comprise a plurality of processor books  18  that are managed as a single entity. As can be appreciated, the demand for computer memory in an enterprise server can be substantial and meet the memory demands of the enterprise server, each processor book, hereinafter book  18 , may have up to 750 GB, or more, of memory available for the server. 
     For ease of discussion only, the computer  18  hereinafter is assumed to be a processor book  18 , of an enterprise server. However, in alternative embodiments, the computer  18  may comprise a rack-mount server, server node, or desktop computer. Thus, the computer  18  may comprise any computer that includes a frame, enclosure, or chassis  16  that forms the enclosure that contains most of the components of the computer  18 , and to which the tool  10  may detachably couple. In one exemplary embodiment, the chassis  16  may be constructed from steel, such as “SECC” (steel, electro-galvanized, cold-rolled, coil), aluminum, or other suitable metal alloys known in the art. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in one exemplary embodiment, the computer  18  includes a motherboard  20  that provides the electrical connectivity by which other components of the computer  18  communicate, as is well known in the art. The motherboard  20  retains a central processing unit (CPU) and connectors (both not shown) for coupling peripheral devices, such as external data storage (not shown) to the computer  18 . The motherboard  20  further includes slots  22  for connecting other components to the computer  18 . It is to be understood that the slots  22  may comprise any slot known in the art for connecting peripheral devices or memory to the computer  18  via the motherboard  20 . In some embodiments, the slots  22  may comprise expansion slots, such as such as PCI, PCI-X, PCI Express, and AGP Pro which are used for connecting peripheral cards such as video display cards, sound cards, Network cards, TV tuner cards, among numerous other peripheral cards to the computer  18 . In other embodiments, the slots  22  may comprise any of several known memory slots for connecting memory modules, such as SIMM, DIMM, and other known memory modules to the computer  18 . It is to be understood that most frequently the slots  22  provided on the motherboard  20  comprise both expansion slots and memory slots. Thus, in this description, slots  22  may refer to either expansion slots or memory slots, or both. 
     In some embodiments where the slots  22  comprise memory module slots for retaining a memory module  24 , each end of the slot  22  may be configured with a rotatable “retainer”, or latch  26  to prevent the memory module  24  from moving about in or inadvertently detaching from the slot  22 . For example, each end of the memory module slot  22  includes a latch  26  coupled to the slot  22 . The latch  26  includes an arm  28  with an inwardly projecting catch  30 . The memory module  24  is coupled to the slot  22  by pressing the module  24  into the slot  22 . As the module  24  is pressed into the slot  22 , a bottom edge of the memory module  24  contacts a bottom side  38  of each latch  26 , which causes the arm  28  of each latch  26  to rotate toward the side of the memory module  24  until the catch  30  retains the memory module  24  in the slot  22 . 
     Similarly, to detach the memory module  24  from the slot  22 , the memory module  24  is pressed slightly downward into the slot  22  until the arm  28  of each latch  26  rotates away the sides of the memory module  24  and the catches  30  are withdrawn from a top  36  of the memory module  24 , to release the module  24  from the slot  22 . 
     In some embodiments, the memory modules  24  comprise known dual in-line memory modules, known in the art as DIMM modules, or more accurately as “DIMMs.” It is to be understood that embodiments of the invention may be used with any suitable expansion or memory slot  22  and their compatible expansion cards or memory modules  24 , as known in the art. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the computer  18  may have one or more rows  40  of memory slots  22 . Each row  40  of memory slots  22  may have from about four slots  22  up to between 16 to 18 slots  22 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-4 , in one exemplary embodiment, the tool  10  includes a jaw assembly  42  slidably coupled to the rail  12 , toward a front end  44  thereof, and a handle assembly  46  slidably coupled to the rail  12 , toward a back end  48  of the rail  12 . 
     In one embodiment, the rail  12  comprises an extrusion of sufficient length L to span the chassis  16  of the computer  18 . The rail  12  may be formed with different lengths L depending upon the width of chassis  16  to which the tool  10  will detachably couple. In some preferred embodiments, the rail  12  is formed with a plurality of longitudinal T-slot channels  50  centrally positioned in each side  52  thereof, and a center  56  that extends the length L of the rail  12 . Additionally, the rail  12  is configured with four corners  54  that define a generally rectangular shape of the rail  12 . In one embodiment, the center  56  of the rail  12  may have an elongated slot  58  formed therein. The elongated slot  58  may be up to about 4.0 inches in length and is configured to receive the handle assembly  46 , to allow the handle assembly  46  to be moved along the length L of the rail  12 . 
     In one preferred embodiment, the rail  12  is constructed from a suitable lightweight and rigid alloy, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy such as 61OS-TS aluminum alloy. The rectangular shape of the rail  12  and rigidity of aluminum may inhibit torsional forces to the rail  12  when the tool  10  is in use, thus allowing the jaw assembly  42  to slide freely along the rail  12 , during use of the tool  10 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 , in one embodiment, an end plate  60  is affixed to the back end  48  of the rail  12 . The end plate  60  is affixed to the rail&#39;s back end  48  using known methods, such as by bolting the end plate  60  to the back end  48  of the rail  12 . In one preferred embodiment, an inner surface  64  of the end plate  60  is configured with a recess  66  configured to receive the back end  48  of the rail  12 . The recess  66  is provided with a central aperture  68  for receiving a suitable fastener  70  that may comprise a bolt or screw. The fastener  70  is disposed through the central aperture  68  and threaded into the rail&#39;s center  56  for attaching the end plate  60  to the rail  12 . The fastener  70  is threaded into the rail&#39;s center  56 , until the end plate&#39;s recess  66  is tight against the rail&#39;s back end  48 . In one preferred embodiment, the end plate  60  may be constructed from a suitable lightweight and rigid alloy, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. 
     A grab handle  72  may be attached to an outer surface  74  of the end plate  60  using known methods. For example, the grab handle  72  may be attached to the end plate&#39;s outer surface  74  using known fasteners  70 , that may comprise a bolts or screws. The grab handle  72  may be provided to facilitate moving the tool  10  to different positions on the chassis  16  or for moving the tool  10  from one computer  18  to the next. 
     In some embodiments, the tool&#39;s handle assembly  46  is provided to detachably couple and end of the tool to the chassis  16  of a computer  18  to inhibit the tool  10  from moving relative to the chassis  16  while the tool  10  is in use. In one embodiment, the handle assembly  46  includes a turn handle  76  that extends above a top side  52 T of the rail  12 . The turn handle  76  may comprise any suitable and commercially available turn handle  76  that includes a shaft  78 . In a preferred embodiment, the shaft  78  is configured to extend through the elongated slot  58  in the rail  12 . 
     The handle assembly  46  also includes a bracket assembly  80 . The bracket assembly  80  includes an L-shaped rear bracket  82 . The rear bracket  82  includes a wall  84  and a pair of inwardly projecting arms  86  that extend generally parallel to the length L of the rail  12 , when the bracket  82  is coupled to the rail  12 . In a preferred embodiment, the rear bracket  82  is formed with a width W B  that is wider than the rail  12 , such that the arms  86  extend on either side  52  of the rail  12 . In some embodiments, the rear bracket  82  may be constructed from a suitable lightweight and rigid alloy, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. 
     A generally planer bracket clamp  88  is provided to engage the rear bracket  82  for inhibiting relative movement between the handle assembly  46  and rail  12 , when the handle assembly  46  is secured to the rail  12 . The bracket clamp  88  includes a pair of pads  90  on each end thereof configured to engage the inwardly projecting arms  86  of the rear bracket  82 . An elongated T-shaped key  92  is configured to be interposed between the pads  90  and affixed to the bracket clamp  88 . The elongated T-shaped key  92  has a flat bottom portion  94  that extends across the clamp  88 , between the pads  90 , and is affixed to the clamp  88 . The elongated key  92  may be attached to the clamp  88  using known fasteners  70 , such as screws. In some embodiments, the elongated key  92  may be constructed from a suitable Polyoxymethylene (POM) or other suitable thermoplastic material that is sold under trade names such as Delrin® and Celcon®. In alternative embodiments, the elongated key  92  may be constructed from a suitable lightweight and rigid alloy, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. 
     The elongated key  92  further includes a ridge  96  with an aperture  98  formed therein. The aperture  98  is dimensioned to receive an end  100  of the turn handle&#39;s shaft  78  for coupling the turn handle  76  to the bracket assembly  80 . In one embodiment, a spring  102  is coupled to the shaft&#39;s end  100 . The spring  102  is snap-fit into the aperture  92 , for securing the turn handle  76  to the bracket assembly  80 . In another embodiment, not shown, the shaft&#39;s end  100  and aperture  98  may each be threaded for threading the shaft  78  into the aperture  98 , to secure the turn handle  76  to the bracket assembly  80 . In some embodiments, the elongated key&#39;s ridge  96  is formed complementary to the rail&#39;s T-slot channels  50 . In one exemplary embodiment, the ridge  96  extends into T-slot channel  50  on a bottom side  52 B of the rail  12 , when the bracket assembly  80  is against or adjacent to the bottom side  52 B. 
     Generally rectangular spacers  97  may be coupled to the bottom side  52 B of the rail  12 , with a pair of the rectangular spacers  97  coupled to the rail&#39;s bottom side  52 B and on either side of the bracket assembly  80 . In some embodiments, the rectangular spacers  97  are provided to inhibit the bottom side  52 B of the rail  12  from contacting either the computer  18  or chassis  16 , for example when the tool  10  is coupled to the chassis  16 . The rectangular spacers  97  may also inhibit the rail&#39;s bottom side  52 B from contacting either the computer  18  or chassis  16 , when the tool  10  is detached from the chassis  16  and repositioned over a different row  40  of memory modules  24  or slots  22 . 
     In use, the turn handle&#39;s shaft  78  is disposed through the elongated slot  58  in the rail  12  and coupled to the bracket assembly  80 . The turn handle  76  is then rotated clockwise for drawing the bracket assembly  80  against the rail&#39;s bottom side  52 B. The turn handle  76  is rotated clockwise until the elongated key&#39;s bottom portion  94  and the clamp&#39;s pads  90  are tight against the bottom side  52 B, to inhibit any inadvertent movement between the handle assembly  46  and rail  12 . The turn handle  76  may be rotated counterclockwise until the elongated key&#39;s bottom portion  94  and the clamp&#39;s pads  90  disengage the rail&#39;s bottom side  52 B, thus enabling the handle assembly  46  to slide forward and backward in the elongated slot  58  and along the length L of the rail  12 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 2-4 , in some embodiments, a front plate  110  is affixed to the front end  44  of the rail  12  using known methods. In one preferred embodiment, an inner surface  114  of the front plate  110  is configured with a recess  116  configured to receive the front end  44  of the rail  12 . The recess  116  is provided with a central aperture  118  for receiving a suitable fastener  70  that may comprise a bolt or screw. The fastener  70  is disposed through the central aperture  118  and threaded into the rail&#39;s center  56  for attaching the front plate  110  to the rail  12 . The fastener  70  is threaded into the rail&#39;s center  56 , until the end plate&#39;s recess  116  is tight against the rail&#39;s front end  44 . In one preferred embodiment, the front plate  110  may be constructed from a suitable lightweight and rigid alloy, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. 
     In some embodiments, a grab handle  72  may be affixed an outer surface  134  of the plate  110  to facilitate moving the tool  10  to different positions on the computer&#39;s chassis  16  for moving the tool  10  from one computer  18  to the next. The grab handle  72  is affixed to the front plate  110 , towards a top edge  120  thereof, using known methods, such as by bolting or screwing the handle  72  to the outer surface  134  of the plate  110 . 
     In some embodiments, an elongated T-shaped rod  122  may be affixed to the inner surface  114  of the front plate  110 . If preferred embodiments, the rod  122  is dimensioned to reside in a channel  124  formed in the front plate&#39;s inner surface  114  and is affixed to the plate  110  using known fasteners  70 , in one embodiment. The elongated rod  122  has a ridge  126  that extends its length and that is configured to be placed in a groove  128  in the computer&#39;s chassis  16 . The ridge  126  is positioned in the groove  128  to inhibit movement between the front plate  110 , and thus the tool  10 , and chassis  16  during use of the tool  10 . Optionally, one or more openings  130  may be formed in the front plate  110 . The openings  130  are formed in the front plate  110 , to remove material from the plate  110  and reduce its weight and the overall weight of the tool  10 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the jaw assembly  42  includes a slide block  132  for slidably coupling the jaw assembly  42  to the rail  12 . In some embodiments, the slide block  132  comprises a mounting surface  134  that extends over the top side  52 T of the rail  12  and side walls  136  that extend downwardly and adjacent the sides  50  of the rail  12 . In one embodiment, at least one of the side walls  136  of the slide block  132  is configured with a bearing  138  that resides in the elongated slot  58  of at least one side  52  of the rail  12 . In one preferred embodiment, the side walls  136  are configured with a linear bearing  138  that resides in the elongated slot  58  of each side  52  of the rail  12 , to facilitate sliding the jaw assembly  42  along the rail  12 . 
     In one embodiment, a substantially flat mounting plate  140  is attached to the mounting surface  134  of the slide block  132 . The mounting plate  140  may be attached to the mounting surface  134  using suitable fasteners  70 . In a preferred embodiment, the mounting plate  140  is generally rectangular and has a width W P , greater than the width of the rail&#39;s top side  52 T. The mounting plate  140  is affixed to the slide block&#39;s mounting surface  134  such that a front side  142  of the mounting plate  140  extends generally parallel to a front edge  144  of the slide block  132 . 
     In some embodiments, a plurality of apertures may be formed in the mounting plate  140 . In one embodiment, an aperture  144  is located adjacent to the front side  142  and each side edge  146  of the mounting plate  140 . The apertures  144  are provided for coupling spring shafts  148  to the mounting plate  140 . For example, in some embodiments, the apertures  140  may be threaded and an end  150  of each spring shaft  148  is threaded similarly, for threading the shafts  148  into the apertures  144 , to secure the spring shafts  148  to the mounting plate  140 . Alternatively, the end  150  of each spring shaft  148  may have a threaded hole (not shown) configured to receive a similarly threaded fastener  70  that is dimensioned to be disposed through each aperture  144 . The fastener  70  is disposed though each aperture  144  and threaded into the hole in the end  150  of each spring shaft  148  for fastening the shafts  148  to the mounting plate  140 . Each spring shaft  148  has a helical spring  152  that extends about its periphery  154 , discussed hereinafter. 
     Additionally, a guide shaft  156  may be affixed to the mounting plate  140  and interposed between the spring shafts  148 . The guide shaft  156  may be fastened to the mounting plate  140  using suitable fasteners  70 , as previously discussed. In some embodiments, the slide block  132 , mounting plate  140 , spring shafts  148 , helical springs  152 , and guide shaft  156  may be constructed from suitable lightweight and rigid alloys. These alloys include, but are not limited to, steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, and other suitable materials known in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2-5 , the jaw assembly  42  includes a jaws subassembly  160 . The jaws subassembly  160  includes a pair of interchangeable jaw inserts  162  detachably coupled to a spacer bar  164 . In some embodiments, the spacer bar  164  has a length L S  approximately equal to the length of a memory module  24 , or any other expansion card (not shown) to be inserted or removed using the tool  10 . A pair of openings  166  located adjacent to each end  168  of the spacer bar  164  extend vertically through the spacer bar  164 . In one embodiment, the openings  166  are dimensioned to receive the spring shafts  148 . The spacer bar  164  additionally includes an aperture  170  that extends vertically through and proximate to a center  172  of the bar  164 . In a preferred embodiment, the aperture  170  is dimensioned to receive the guide shaft  156 . When the jaws subassembly  160  is coupled to the jaw assembly  42 , such that the spring shafts  148  and guide shaft  156  reside in the openings  166  and aperture  170  of the spacer bar  164 , rotation of the spacer bar  164  relative to the rail  12  while the tool is in use is inhibited. The guide shaft  156  and spring shafts  148  may be secured to the spacer bar  164  using suitable known fasteners  70 , such as screws. In some embodiments, the interchangeable jaw inserts  162  and spacer bar  164  may be constructed from a suitable Polyoxymethylene (POM) or other suitable thermoplastic material, such as those sold under trade names such as Delrin® and Celcon®. In alternative embodiments, the elongated key  92  may be constructed from a suitable lightweight and rigid alloy, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. 
     In one embodiment, a lever ball  174  may be affixed to a top edge  176  of the spacer bar  164 . In one preferred embodiment, the lever ball  174  may comprise a commercially available tooling ball comprising a ball head  178  made integral with a shank  180 . The shank  180  is dimensioned to reside in a cavity  182  formed in the center  172  of spacer bar  164 . In some embodiments, the shank  180  may be threaded for threading the lever ball  174  into the cavity  182 , if also threaded, to attach the lever ball  174  to the spacer  164 . In one preferred embodiment, the lever ball&#39;s shank  180  is press fit into the cavity  182 , as is well known in the art, to fasten the lever ball  174  to the spacer bar  164 . 
     In one embodiment, an interchangeable jaw insert  162  is detachably coupled to each end  168  of the spacer bar  164 . The jaw inserts  162  are configured to easily attach to, and detach from, the ends  168  of the spacer bar  164 , to facilitate orienting the inserts  162  for inserting or extracting memory modules  24 , or other expansion cards, from the slots  22 . To facilitate coupling the jaw inserts  162  to the spacer bar&#39;s ends  168 , and to align the jaw inserts  162  with the spacer bar  164 , each end  168  is configured with a threaded bore  184  and at least one dowel  186 . In one preferred embodiment, the threaded bore  184  in each end  168  is located in a center  188  of the end  168  and a dowel  186  is interposed between the center  188  of the end  168  and the top  176  and a second dowel  186  is interposed between the center  188  and a bottom edge  190  of the end  168 . 
     Similarly, in a preferred embodiment, each jaw insert  162  is configured with a pair of holes  192  adjacent a top edge  194  thereof and an opening  196  interposed between the holes  192 , all of which are aligned along a vertical axis V of the insert  162 . Preferably, the holes  192  are dimensioned to receive the dowels  186  to couple the inserts  162  to the ends  168  of the spacer bar  164 . Further, the opening  196  in each jaw insert  162  is dimensioned to receive a fastener  70 , such as a threaded bolt or screw, that is disposed through the opening  196  and threaded into the spacer bar&#39;s threaded bore  184 , for quickly securing the jaw inserts  162  to the spacer bar  164 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , each jaw insert  162  has a contoured bottom  200 . In one embodiment, the jaw insert&#39;s contoured bottom  200  is configured to engage the rotatable latch  26  on each end of the slots  22  on the motherboard  20 . The contoured bottom  200  of the jaw insert  162  may comprise any of numerous different shapes, depending on certain determining factors. These determining factors can include shape of the inwardly projecting catch  30  of the latch  26 , shape of the arm  28 , location of adjacent slots  22 , and other known and obvious determining factors. In preferred embodiments, the generally non-regular arcuate shape of the contoured bottom  200  allows the jaw inserts  162  to perform both inserting a memory module  24  into and extracting a memory module  24  from a slot  22 . 
     For example, the jaw inserts  162  have an insert side  202  and an extract side  204 . When the jaw inserts  162  are secured to the ends  168  of the spacer bar  164 , with the insert side  202  of each jaw insert  162  against the spacer bar&#39;s ends  168 , the jaw inserts  162  are in an “insert” position. Similarly, when the jaw inserts  162  are secured to the ends  168  of the spacer bar  164 , with the extract side  204  of each jaw insert  162  against the spacer bar&#39;s ends  168 , the jaw inserts  162  are in an “extract” position. 
     In some embodiments, the jaw inserts  162  may be configured in different predetermined widths W J , to simultaneously engage more than one rotatable latch  26  on adjacent slots  22 . In one preferred embodiment, the jaw inserts  162  are configured with a width W J , that allows the jaw inserts  162  to simultaneously engage the rotatable latch  26  on about four adjacent slots  22 . In such an embodiment, the shape of the jaw insert&#39;s contoured bottom  200  allows the jaw inserts  162  to perform both inserting more than one card into more than one slot  22  or extracting more than one card from more than one slot  22 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2-3 , in some embodiments, the tool  10  includes a lever assembly, shown generally at  220 , for moving the jaw assembly  42  into a selected one of the insert position and extract position, depending on the orientation of the jaw inserts  162 . In one embodiment, the lever assembly  220  includes an elongated lever bar  224  rotatably coupled to a bridge  226 . In one preferred embodiment, the bridge  226  comprises a lower wall  228  attached to the jaw assembly&#39;s mounting plate  140  and an upper wall  230 . Preferably, the lower wall  228  is attached to the mounting plate  140  adjacent to the spring shafts  148  and guide shaft  156 . Preferably, the lower wall  228  extends the width W P  of the mounting plate  140  and is fastened thereto using fasteners  70 . The bridge&#39;s upper wall  230  is configured with a pair of upwardly projecting flanges  232  that are spatially positioned about a midpoint  234  thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the elongated lever bar  224  has an annular end  236  positioned between the upwardly projecting flanges  232  and rotatably coupled thereto. Optionally, one or more limit pins  238  may be disposed though and coupled to the annular end  236  of the lever bar  224  to inhibit excessive and inadvertent rotation of the lever bar  224  about the bridge  226  to prevent damage to the tool  10  or harm from coming to a user. A washer  240 , or similar device, may be interposed between the lever bar&#39;s annular end  236  and flanges  232  to allow the lever bar  224  to rotate, while being secured to the flanges  232 , as is known in the art. 
     Optionally a shim  242  may be affixed to an underside  244  of the lever bar  224 . The shim  242  may be provided to inhibit excessive wear to the lever bar  224  during use. Optionally, a tactile and pliant polymeric grip  246  may be fit on to an end  248  of the lever bar  224 . The optional polymeric grip  246  may be provided to provide comfort to the user during use of the tool  10 . 
     Referring now to the Figures, memory modules  24  to be inserted into a row  40  slots  22  in on a motherboard  20  of a computer  18  are first positioned in the slots  22  and readied for insertion into the slots  22  by hand, as is known. It is first determined that the jaw inserts  162  are in the insert position, where the insert side  202  of each jaw insert  162  is against the spacer bar&#39;s ends  168 . The tool  10  is then positioned over the row  40  of memory modules  24 , with the rail  12  spanning the computer&#39;s chassis  16  and extending over the memory modules  24 . The elongated T-shaped rod  122 , affixed to the inner surface  114  of the front plate  110 , is then placed in the groove  128  in the computer&#39;s chassis  16 . The ridge  126  is positioned in the groove  128  to inhibit movement between the front plate  110 , and thus the tool  10 , and chassis  16  during use of the tool  10 . 
     The turn handle  76  of the handle assembly  46  is rotated counterclockwise to loosen the handle assembly  46 , to allow the handle assembly  46  to slide along the rail  12 . The handle assembly  46  is slid along the rail  12  until the inwardly projecting arms  86  and bracket clamp  88  engage the chassis  16 . The turn handle  76  is then rotated clockwise to tighten the bracket assembly  80  against the chassis  16  and rail  12 , to detachably couple the tool to the chassis  16 . 
     The lever assembly  220 , and thus, the jaw assembly  42  is then slid along the rail  12  until the jaw inserts  162  are aligned with the latches  26  of slots  22  where the memory modules  24  are to be inserted. The helical springs  152  bias the jaws subassembly  160  upwardly and away from the latches  26  to prevent the inserts  162  from inadvertently contacting the latches  26  and for ease of use of the tool  10 . The lever bar  224  is rotated clockwise until the shim  242  contacts the ball head  178  of the lever ball  174  of the spacer bar  164 . The lever bar  224  rotated further clockwise, compressing the helical springs  152 , thus pressing the spacer bar  164  and inserts  162  downwardly. The spacer bar  164  and inserts  162  are pressed downwardly until the contoured bottom  200  of the inserts  162  engage the latches  26  on each side of each slot  22 , causing the inwardly projecting catch  30  of each latch  26  to engage the notch  32  in each side edge  34  of the memory module  24 , thus inserting the memory module  24  into the slot  22 . The process is repeated until all memory modules  24  are inserted in their slots  22 . 
     If it is desired to extract memory modules  24  from a row  40  slots  22  in on a motherboard  20  of a computer  18 , it is first determined that the jaw inserts  162  are in the extract position, where the extract side  204  of each jaw insert  162  is against the spacer bar&#39;s ends  168 . The tool  10  is then positioned over the row  40  of memory modules  24 , with the rail  12  spanning the computer&#39;s chassis  16  and extending over the memory modules  24 . The elongated T-shaped rod  122 , affixed to the inner surface  114  of the front plate  110 , is then placed in the groove  128  in the computer&#39;s chassis  16 . The ridge  126  is positioned in the groove  128  to inhibit movement between the front plate  110 , and thus the tool  10 , and chassis  16  during use of the tool  10 . 
     The turn handle  76  of the handle assembly  46  is rotated counterclockwise to loosen the handle assembly  46 , to allow the handle assembly  46  to slide along the rail  12 . The handle assembly  46  is slid along the rail  12  until the inwardly projecting arms  86  and bracket clamp  88  engage the chassis  16 . The turn handle  76  is then rotated clockwise to tighten the bracket assembly  80  against the chassis  16  and rail  12 , to detachably couple the tool to the chassis  16 . 
     The lever assembly  220 , and thus, the jaw assembly  42  is then slid along the rail  12  until the jaw inserts  162  are aligned with the latches  26  of slots  22  where the memory modules  24  are to be extracted. The helical springs  152  bias the jaws subassembly  160  upwardly and away from the latches  26  to prevent the inserts  162  from inadvertently contacting the latches  26  and for ease of use of the tool  10 . The lever bar  224  is rotated clockwise until the shim  242  contacts the ball head  178  of the lever ball  174  of the spacer bar  164 . The lever bar  224  rotated further clockwise, compressing the helical springs  152 , thus pressing the spacer bar  164  and inserts  162  downwardly. The spacer bar  164  and inserts  162  are pressed downwardly until the contoured bottom  200  of the inserts  162  engage the latches  26  on each side of each slot  22 , causing the inwardly projecting catch  30  of each latch  26  to disengage the notch  32  in each side edge  34  of the memory module  24 , thus detaching and extracting the memory module  24  from the slot  22 . The process is repeated until all memory modules  24  are extracted from their slots  22 . The memory modules  24  may then be removed from the row  40  of slots  22  by hand, as is known in the art. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments described herein. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the embodiments of the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.