Patents by Inventor Derek T. Nguyen

Derek T. Nguyen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7151677
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a circuit board within a computer chassis is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a standoff support mounted in a channel so that the standoff can be positioned along the length of the channel by moving or sliding the standoff within the channel. This movable standoff facilitates the mounting of a variety of circuit boards within the same computer chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Gateway Inc.
    Inventors: Bao G. Le, Derek T. Nguyen, David R. Davis, Allan L. Klink
  • Patent number: 7095609
    Abstract: A robust intuitive latching mechanism for securing an access panel to a chassis of an electronic device comprises a hook engagement member for engaging a hook coupled to the chassis to secure the access panel to the chassis. A spring member couples the hook engagement member to the access panel. The spring member is capable of flexing between a first position wherein the hook engagement member is engaged with the hook and a second position wherein the hook engagement member is disengaged from the hook. A handle assembly is mounted to at least one of the hook engagement member and the spring member for flexing the spring member. The handle assembly is actuated for flexing the spring member from the first position to the second position for disengaging the hook engagement member from the hook to allow the access panel to be removed from the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Gateway Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon D. Erickson, David R. Davis, Derek T. Nguyen, Cesar Daniel Castillo, Armando Rocha, Richard A. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6813161
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a circuit board within a computer chassis is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a standoff support mounted in a channel so that the standoff can be positioned along the length of the channel by moving or sliding the standoff within the channel. This movable standoff facilitates the mounting of a variety of circuit boards within the same computer chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Bao G. Le, Derek T. Nguyen, David R. Davis, Allan L. Klink
  • Publication number: 20040196623
    Abstract: A robust intuitive latching mechanism for securing an access panel to a chassis of an electronic device comprises a hook engagement member for engaging a hook coupled to the chassis to secure the access panel to the chassis. A spring member couples the hook engagement member to the access panel. The spring member is capable of flexing between a first position wherein the hook engagement member is engaged with the hook and a second position wherein the hook engagement member is disengaged from the hook. A handle assembly is mounted to at least one of the hook engagement member and the spring member for flexing the spring member. The handle assembly is actuated for flexing the spring member from the first position to the second position for disengaging the hook engagement member from the hook to allow the access panel to be removed from the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon D. Erickson, David R. Davis, Derek T. Nguyen, Cesar Daniel Castillo, Armando Rocha, Richard A. Gibson
  • Publication number: 20040196637
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a circuit board within a computer chassis is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a standoff support mounted in a channel so that the standoff can be positioned along the length of the channel by moving or sliding the standoff within the channel. This movable standoff facilitates the mounting of a variety of circuit boards within the same computer chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Bao G. Le, Derek T. Nguyen, David R. Davis, Allan L. Klink
  • Patent number: 6728115
    Abstract: A string with conductive filaments is placed across an opening of an electronic cage at a point between two devices to be installed in the electronic cage. A cage for a personal computer is positioned within the personal computer and the string is positioned at a point to fill a gap between two drives when installed in the cage. The string comprises a twisted metal wire with multiple conductive filaments woven into the wire. The filaments are of sufficient length to contact both drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Bao G. Le, Derek T. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20030210532
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a circuit board within a computer chassis is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a standoff support mounted in a channel so that the standoff can be positioned along the length of the channel by moving or sliding the standoff within the channel. This movable standoff facilitates the mounting of a variety of circuit boards within the same computer chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Bao G. Le, Derek T. Nguyen, David R. Davis, Allan L. Klink
  • Patent number: 6467858
    Abstract: A spring-loaded disk drive retention tray comprises a first and a second plate moveably engaged to each other. The plates are kept in a closed position relative to each other via tension from a spring. A hard disk drive housing can be inserted into a first edge of the tray, and pressure to insert a second edge results in the opening of the first and second plate relative to each other such that the disk drive housing can be fully inserted into the retention tray. Once fully inserted, the two plates return to their closed position, and posts integral to the retention tray mechanically lock the hard disk drive housing to the retention tray via insertion of the posts into screw holes located on the hard disk drive housing. The disk drive assembly comprising the disk drive housing and the retention tray can then be inserted into receiving rails in a computer system chassis, and locked into place via mechanical abutments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Bao G. Le, Derek T. Nguyen, Lisa Luong
  • Patent number: 6351373
    Abstract: A hinge engages a cam such that the hinge first rotates relative to the cam, then linearly engages the cam. Preferably, the hinge includes a guiding post that rides along a raised arched surface on the cam during the rotary motion of the hinge. Linear motion between the hinge and the cam preferably begins when the guiding post rides off the end of the arched surface. The rotary motion of the hinge is constrained by one or more engagement assemblies. In a preferred embodiment, one or more cams are mounted on a receiving structure and one or more hinges are mounted in corresponding locations on a detaching structure, where said detaching structure is physically separable from the receiving structure. Engagement between the one or more cams and the one or more corresponding hinges allows the detaching structure to first rotate relative to, then linearly engage, the receiving structure, providing for reliable blind mating between connectors on the detaching structure and connectors on the receiving structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Bao G. Le, Derek T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6293636
    Abstract: A device cage assembly for retaining a device such as a drive or the like within the chassis of an information handling system is described. The device cage assembly includes a device cage disposed within the chassis so as to be capable of being moved between a retracted or closed position, wherein the device cage is fully contained within the chassis, and an extended or open position wherein the device cage assembly is positioned at least partially outside of the chassis. A device retention assembly is attached to the device cage for retaining the device in the device cage. The device retention assembly is comprised of a body suitable for attachment to the device cage within the chassis of the information handling system. An appendage, such as an appendage, post, or the like is mounted to the body and extends into the device cage for engaging the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Bao G. Le, Derek T. Nguyen, Lisa Luong