1. A computer system, comprising:
a computing blade having a USB electrical interface;
a USB interface module having a corresponding USB electrical interface, wherein the USB interface module is communicatively coupled to the computing blade through the USB electrical interface and the corresponding USB electrical interface, and wherein the USB interface module is non-embedded on the computing blade;
a computing resource coupled to the USB interface module, wherein the computing resource communicates with the computing blade using a USB protocol; and
a mechanical retention device securing the USB interface module to the computing blade, wherein the mechanical retention device permits user removal of the USB interface module from the computing blade.
2. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the computing blade is one of a switch module, a payload module and a rear transition module.
3. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the USB interface module comprises an external IO port.
4. The computer system of claim 1, the USB interface module is interchangeable with a second USB interface module.
5. A computing blade having a USB electrical interface, the computing blade comprising:
a USB interface module having a corresponding USB electrical interface, wherein the USB interface module is communicatively coupled to the computing blade through the USB electrical interface and the corresponding USB electrical interface, and wherein the USB interface module is non-embedded on the computing blade;
a computing resource coupled to the USB interface module, wherein the computing resource communicates with the computing blade using a USB protocol; and
a mechanical retention device securing the USB interface module to the computing blade, wherein the mechanical retention device permits user removal of the USB interface module from the computing blade.
6. The computing blade of claim 5, wherein the computing blade is one of a switch module, a payload module and a rear transition module.
7. The computing blade of claim 5, wherein the USB interface module comprises an external IO port.
8. The computing blade of claim 5, the USB interface module is interchangeable with a second USB interface module.
9. An embedded computer system, comprising:
a computing blade having a USB electrical interface;
a USB interface module having a corresponding USB electrical interface, wherein the USB interface module is communicatively coupled to the computing blade through the USB electrical interface and the corresponding USB electrical interface, and wherein the USB interface module is non-embedded on the computing blade;
a computing resource coupled to the USB interface module, wherein the computing resource communicates with the computing blade using a USB protocol; and
a mechanical retention device securing the USB interface module to the computing blade, wherein the mechanical retention device permits user removal of the USB interface module from the computing blade.
10. The embedded computer system of claim 9, wherein the computing blade is one of a switch module, a payload module and a rear transition module.
11. The embedded computer system of claim 9, wherein the USB interface module comprises an external IO port.
12. A payload module having a USB electrical interface, the payload module comprising:
a USB interface module having a corresponding USB electrical interface, wherein the USB interface module is communicatively coupled to the payload module through the USB electrical interface and the corresponding USB electrical interface, and wherein the USB interface module is non-embedded on the payload module;
a computing resource coupled to the USB interface module, wherein the computing resource communicates with the payload module using a USB protocol; and
a mechanical retention device securing the USB interface module to the payload module, wherein the mechanical retention device permits user removal of the USB interface module from the payload module.
13. The payload module of claim 12, wherein the USB interface module comprises an external IO port.
14. A rear transition module having a USB electrical interface, the rear transition module comprising:
a USB interface module having a corresponding USB electrical interface, wherein the USB interface module is communicatively coupled to the rear transition module through the USB electrical interface and the corresponding USB electrical interface, and wherein the USB interface module is non-embedded on the rear transition module;
a computing resource coupled to the USB interface module, wherein the computing resource communicates with the rear transition module using a USB protocol; and
a mechanical retention device securing the USB interface module to the rear transition module, wherein the mechanical retention device permits user removal of the USB interface module from the rear transition module.
15. The rear transition module of claim 14, wherein the USB interface module comprises an external IO port.
16. A switch module having a USB electrical interface, the switch module comprising:
a USB interface module having a corresponding USB electrical interface, wherein the USB interface module is communicatively coupled to the switch module through the USB electrical interface and the corresponding USB electrical interface, and wherein the USB interface module is non-embedded on the switch module;
a computing resource coupled to the USB interface module, wherein the computing resource communicates with the switch module using a USB protocol; and
a mechanical retention device securing the USB interface module to the switch module, wherein the mechanical retention device permits user removal of the USB interface module from the switch module.
17. The switch module of claim 16, wherein the USB interface module comprises an external IO port.
18. A computer system, comprising:
a backplane;
a switched fabric operating on the backplane;
a parallel bus operating coincident with the switched fabric on the backplane;
a computing blade having a USB electrical interface, wherein the computing blade is coupled to the backplane, and wherein the computing blade is communicatively coupled to at least one of the switched fabric and the parallel bus;
a USB interface module having a corresponding USB electrical interface, wherein the USB interface module is communicatively coupled to the computing blade through the USB electrical interface and the corresponding USB electrical interface, and wherein the USB interface module is non-embedded on the computing blade;
a computing resource coupled to the USB interface module, wherein the computing resource communicates with the computing blade using a USB protocol; and
a mechanical retention device securing the USB interface module to the computing blade, wherein the mechanical retention device permits user removal of the USB interface module from the computing blade.
19. The computer system of claim 18, wherein the computing blade is one of a switch module, a payload module and a rear transition module.
20. The computer system of claim 18, wherein the USB interface module comprises an external IO port.
21. The computer system of claim 18, the USB interface module is interchangeable with a second USB interface module.
22. A computing blade, having a USB electrical interface, the computing blade comprising:
a USB interface module having a corresponding USB electrical interface, wherein the USB interface module is communicatively coupled to the computing blade through the USB electrical interface and the corresponding USB electrical interface, wherein the USB interface module is non-embedded on the computing blade, wherein the computing blade is coupled to a backplane having a parallel bus operating coincident with a switched fabric, and wherein the computing blade is communicatively coupled to at least one of the switched fabric and the parallel bus;
a computing resource coupled to the USB interface module, wherein the computing resource communicates with the computing blade using a USB protocol; and
a mechanical retention device securing the USB interface module to the computing blade, wherein the mechanical retention device permits user removal of the USB interface module from the computing blade.
23. The computing blade of claim 22, wherein the computing blade is one of a switch module, a payload module and a rear transition module.
24. The computing blade of claim 22, wherein the USB interface module comprises an external IO port.
25. A computer chassis, comprising:
a computing blade having a USB electrical interface;
a USB interface module having a corresponding USB electrical interface, wherein the USB interface module is communicatively coupled to the computing blade through the USB electrical interface and the corresponding USB electrical interface, and wherein the USB interface module is non-embedded on the computing blade;
a computing resource coupled to the USB interface module, wherein the computing resource communicates with the computing blade using a USB protocol; and
a mechanical retention device securing the USB interface module to the computing blade, wherein the mechanical retention device permits user removal of the USB interface module from the computing blade.
26. The computer chassis of claim 25, wherein the computing blade is one of a switch module, a payload module and a rear transition module.
27. The computer chassis of claim 25, wherein the USB interface module comprises an external IO port.
28. An embedded computer chassis, comprising:
a backplane;
a switched fabric operating on the backplane;
a parallel bus operating coincident with the switched fabric on the backplane;
a computing blade having a USB electrical interface, wherein the computing blade is coupled to the backplane, and wherein the computing blade is communicatively coupled to at least one of the switched fabric and the parallel bus;
a USB interface module having a corresponding USB electrical interface, wherein the USB interface module is communicatively coupled to the computing blade through the USB electrical interface and the corresponding USB electrical interface, and wherein the USB interface module is non-embedded on the computing blade;
a computing resource coupled to the USB interface module, wherein the computing resource communicates with the computing blade using a USB protocol; and
a mechanical retention device securing the USB interface module to the computing blade, wherein the mechanical retention device permits user removal of the USB interface module from the computing blade.
29. The embedded computer chassis of claim 28, wherein the computing blade is one of a switch module, a payload module and a rear transition module.
30. The embedded computer chassis of claim 28, wherein the USB interface module comprises an external IO port.
31. A method, comprising:
providing a computing blade having a USB electrical interface;
providing a USB interface module having a corresponding USB electrical interface;
communicatively coupling the USB interface module to the computing blade through the USB electrical interface and the corresponding USB electrical interface, wherein the USB interface module is non-embedded on the computing blade;
securing the USB interface module to the computing blade using a mechanical retention device, wherein the mechanical retention device permits user removal of the USB interface module from the computing blade; and
a computing resource coupled to the USB interface module communicating with the computing blade using a USB protocol.
32. The method of claim 31, further comprising:
releasing the mechanical retention device; and
interchanging the USB interface module with a second USB interface module on the computing blade.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein the computing blade is one of a switch module, a payload module and a rear transition module.
34. The method of claim 31, wherein the USB interface module comprises an external IO port.
35. The method of claim 31, further comprising coupling the computing blade to a backplane having a parallel bus operating coincident with a switched fabric operating coincidently, and wherein the computing blade is communicatively coupled to at least one of the switched fabric and the parallel bus.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
That which is claimed is:
1. A labeling apparatus for applying labels to articles and comprising:
a supply of label strip including a carrier strip and a plurality of labels having an underside adhesively secured to the carrier strip;
a label separation plate and a drive for advancing the label strip over the separation plate to separate the label from the carrier strip at a label pick-up position;
a label pick-up and placement device for picking up a label from the label pick-up position and placing the label onto an article; and
a fluid delivery device for delivering fluid flow toward the underside of the labels at the label pick-up position to promote separation of the labels from the carrier strip.
2. A labeling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said label separation plate has a V-shaped notch over which the label strip passes to thereby divide the carrier strip into two carrier waste portions.
3. A labeling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the carrier strip has a line of weakness extending longitudinally along a medial portion thereof.
4. A labeling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said fluid delivery device comprises a nozzle body having an inlet port to be connected to a fluid source and an outlet port for directing the fluid flow to the underside of the labels.
5. A labeling apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said outlet port has a diameter in a range of about {fraction (132)} to inch.
6. A labeling apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said outlet portion is spaced from the label pick-up position in a range of about to inch.
7. A labeling apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said fluid delivery device further comprises a fluid source connected to the inlet portion of said nozzle body.
8. A labeling apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said fluid source supplies a fluid pressure in a range of less than about 5 psi.
9. A labeling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said label pick-up and placement device comprises:
at least one bellows being movable between extended and retracted positions responsive to positive and negative internal fluid pressure; and
a positioner for advancing said at least one bellows along a path of travel between the label pickup position and a label application position.
10. A labeling apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said at least one bellows comprises:
a cap defining a distal end for carrying the label and having at least one cap opening therein; and
a pleated sidewall connected to said cap.
11. A labeling apparatus according to claim 10 further comprising:
a flexible coil tube positioned within said at least one bellows and having a distal end connected in fluid communication with the at least one cap opening and a proximal end for being connected to negative and positive fluid pressure, respectively; and
a pressure controller for selectively connecting said at least one bellows and the proximal end of said flexible coil tube to negative and positive fluid pressures as said at least one bellows is advanced along the path of travel.
12. A labeling apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said pressure controller comprises means for, during a first time, connecting said at least one bellows to positive fluid pressure while connecting the proximal end of said flexible coil tube to negative pressure to retain the label as said at least one bellows is moved to the extended position.
13. A labeling apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said pressure controller comprises means for, during a second time period after the first time period, connecting the proximal end of said flexible coil tube to positive fluid pressure while connecting said at least one bellows to negative fluid pressure as said at least one bellows is moved to the retracted position.
14. A labeling apparatus according to claim 10 further comprising a rotatable frame; wherein said at least one bellows comprises a plurality of bellows mounted on said rotatable frame; and wherein said positioner rotates said rotatable frame to position said plurality of bellows.
15. A labeling apparatus for applying labels to articles and comprising:
a supply for label strip including a carrier strip and a plurality of labels having an underside adhesively secured to the carrier strip, the carrier strip having a line of weakness extending longitudinally along a medial portion thereof;
a plate having a V-shaped notch therein;
a drive for advancing the label strip over the V-shaped notch to separate the carrier strip into two carrier waste portions and separate the label therefrom at a label pick-up position;
a rotatable frame;
a plurality of bellows carried by said rotatable frame for picking up labels from the label pick-up position and placing the labels onto articles; and
a fluid delivery device for delivering fluid flow to the underside of the labels at the label pickup position to promote separation of the labels from both carrier waste portions.
16. A labeling apparatus according to claim 15 further comprising a fluid pressure manifold on which said rotatable frame rotates and defining at least one negative pressure port and at least one positive pressure port therein selectively coupled to said plurality of bellows during rotation thereof.
17. A labeling apparatus according to claim 16 further comprising an air blower connected to said pressure manifold; and wherein said fluid delivery device is also connected in fluid communication with said air blower.
18. A labeling apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said fluid delivery device comprises a nozzle body having an inlet port to be connected to a fluid source and an outlet port for directing the fluid flow to the underside of the labels.
19. A labeling apparatus according to claim 18 wherein said outlet port has a diameter in a range of about {fraction (132)} to inch.
20. A labeling apparatus according to claim 18 wherein said outlet portion is spaced from the label pick-up position in a range of about to inch.
21. A labeling apparatus according to claim 15 wherein each bellows comprises:
a cap defining a distal end for carrying the label and having at least one cap opening therein; and
a pleated sidewall connected to said cap.
22. A labeling apparatus according to claim 21 further comprising a flexible coil tube positioned within each bellows and having a distal end connected in fluid communication with the at least one cap opening and a proximal end for being connected to negative and positive fluid pressure, respectively.
23. A method for applying labels to articles using a label strip including a carrier strip and a plurality of labels having an underside adhesively secured to the carrier strip, the method comprising the steps of:
advancing the label strip over a separation plate to separate the labels from carrier strip at a label pick-up position;
operating a label pick-up and placement device for picking up a label from the label pick-up position and placing the label onto an article; and
delivering fluid flow to the underside of the labels at the label pick-up position to promote separation of the labels from both carrier waste portions.
24. A method according to claim 23 wherein the label separation plate has a V-shaped notch over which the label strip passes to thereby divide the carrier strip into two carrier waste portions.
25. A method according to claim 24 wherein the carrier strip has a line of weakness extending longitudinally along a medial portion thereof.
26. A method according to claim 23 wherein the step of delivering fluid flow comprises supplying fluid to an inlet port of a nozzle body having an outlet port positioned for directing the fluid flow to the underside of the labels.
27. A method according to claim 26 wherein the outlet port has a diameter in a range of about {fraction (132)} to inch.
28. A method according to claim 26 wherein the outlet portion is spaced from the label pick-up position in a range of about to inch.
29. A method according to claim 26 wherein the step of supplying fluid to the inlet port comprises supplying fluid at a pressure in a range of less than about 5 psi.
30. A method according to claim 23 wherein the step of operating a label pick-up and placement device comprises:
selectively connecting at least one bellows to positive and negative internal fluid pressure to move the at least one bellows between extended and retracted positions responsive; and
advancing the at least one bellows along a path of travel between the label pick-up position and a label application position.