Patents by Inventor Robert D. Hrehor, Jr.
Robert D. Hrehor, Jr. 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).
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Patent number: 11826638Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, devices, apparatuses, and methods of adjusting a resistance of user-input device. In particular configurations, the device includes a shaft configured to couple to a user element, such as a joystick, a brake coupled to the shaft at a planar element of the shaft, and a piezoelectric element coupled to the brake. The piezoelectric element may be configured to apply different forces to the brake to adjust a resistance to movement of the shaft by the user. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Jason Scott Morrison, Robert D. Hrehor, Jr.
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Publication number: 20230218989Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, devices, apparatuses, and methods of adjusting a resistance of user-input device. In particular configurations, the device includes a shaft configured to couple to a user element, such as a joystick, a brake coupled to the shaft at a planar element of the shaft, and a piezoelectric element coupled to the brake. The piezoelectric element may be configured to apply different forces to the brake to adjust a resistance to movement of the shaft by the user. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2022Publication date: July 13, 2023Applicant: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Jason Scott Morrison, Robert D. Hrehor, JR.
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Patent number: 11656685Abstract: A portable information handling system includes a keyboard having a first set of conventional keys with a first travel distance to impact a membrane, such as keys having rubber dome biasing devices, and a second set of keys having a second smaller travel distance to impact the membrane with an alternative biasing device and haptic feedback to reinforce an input feel for an end user. In one example embodiment, the second set of keys are biased upward with a compressible foam with the membrane raised by a platform structure under the second set of keys and a piezoelectric device under the membrane for each key to provide a vibration when the membrane detects an input.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2022Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Brandon J. Brocklesby, Robert D. Hrehor, Jr., Chiu-Jung Tsen, Hsu-Feng Lee
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Patent number: 11513600Abstract: A portable information handling system integrates a keyboard having plural sensors configured at each of keyboard key positions to detect key inputs made with presses at the key positions by deflection of a glass cover having a reduced thickness at each key position. Haptic devices, such as piezo actuators, actuate at sensor sensed inputs to reinforce end user input touch feedback over the feedback provided by deflection of the glass cover. In one embodiment, the plural sensors are incorporated in a membrane having OLED illumination that identifies the key value at each key position.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2021Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.Inventors: Robert D. Hrehor, Jr., Jace W. Files, John Trevor Morrison
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Patent number: 11067269Abstract: A backlit haptic keyboard of an information handling system may comprise a contact foil placed between a coversheet and a support layer, operatively coupling an LED controller to an LED via metallic traces printed upon a top surface of the contact foil and operatively coupling a piezoelectric element to a keyboard controller via metallic traces printed upon a bottom surface of the contact foil. The system may further comprise the LED placed between the coversheet and the contact foil, and a piezoelectric element placed between the contact foil and support layer to receive an applied mechanical stress at a key and generate an electric actuation signal. A keyboard controller of the information handling system may receive an electric actuation signal from the piezoelectric element via the bottom metallic traces and send an electrical haptic response control signal to the piezoelectric element to cause it to generate haptic feedback at the key.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Dell Products, LPInventors: Robert D. Hrehor, Jr., Priyank Gajiwala, Michiel Knoppert
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Patent number: 11035566Abstract: A backlit haptic keyboard of an information handling system may comprise a contact foil placed between a coversheet and a support layer, operatively coupling an LED controller to an LED via metallic traces printed upon a top surface of the contact foil and operatively coupling a piezoelectric element to a keyboard controller via metallic traces printed upon a bottom surface of the contact foil. The system may further comprise the LED placed between the coversheet and the contact foil, and a piezoelectric element placed between the contact foil and support layer to receive an applied mechanical stress at a key and generate an electric actuation signal. A keyboard controller of the information handling system may receive an electric actuation signal from the piezoelectric element via the bottom metallic traces and send an electrical haptic response control signal to the piezoelectric element to cause it to generate haptic feedback at the key.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Dell Products, LPInventors: Robert D. Hrehor, Jr., Priyank Gajiwala, Michiel Knoppert
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Publication number: 20200335036Abstract: An information handling system includes a dual sided display with a transparent OLED and switchable elements on each side of the OLED display switchable to be either opaque and white or clear. In order to save power, an OLED display controller turns off a first plurality of pixels in the transparent OLED display responsive to the information handling system being in a power savings state and the OLED display controller receiving display information indicating the plurality of pixels should emit white. Rather than driving the pixels to emit white, the OLED display controller turns off, thereby causing the pixels to be transparent and allowing the white opaque switchable element to be seen through the pixels.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2019Publication date: October 22, 2020Applicant: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Robert D. Hrehor, JR., Brandon J. Brocklesby
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Patent number: 10789885Abstract: An information handling system includes a dual sided display with a transparent OLED and switchable elements on each side of the OLED display switchable to be either opaque and white or clear. In order to save power, an OLED display controller turns off a first plurality of pixels in the transparent OLED display responsive to the information handling system being in a power savings state and the OLED display controller receiving display information indicating the plurality of pixels should emit white. Rather than driving the pixels to emit white, the OLED display controller turns off, thereby causing the pixels to be transparent and allowing the white opaque switchable element to be seen through the pixels.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2019Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Robert D. Hrehor, Jr., Brandon J. Brocklesby
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Patent number: 9459669Abstract: Multi-component shared cooling systems include a chassis housing a first heat exchanger device and a second heat exchanger device. A first component such as, for example, a system processor, is housed in the chassis, includes a first thermal connection to the first heat exchanger device, and includes a second thermal connection to the second heat exchanger device. A second component such as, for example, a graphics processor, is housed in the chassis and includes a third thermal connection to the first heat exchanger device. The first heat exchanger device is configured to dissipate heat that is produced by the second component and transmitted by the third thermal connection. The second heat exchanger device is configured to dissipate the heat that is produced by the second component and transmitted by the third thermal connection, the first heat exchanger device, the first thermal connection, the first component, and the second thermal connection.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Robert D. Hrehor, Jr., Travis Christian North
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Publication number: 20150212556Abstract: Multi-component shared cooling systems include a chassis housing a first heat exchanger device and a second heat exchanger device. A first component such as, for example, a system processor, is housed in the chassis, includes a first thermal connection to the first heat exchanger device, and includes a second thermal connection to the second heat exchanger device. A second component such as, for example, a graphics processor, is housed in the chassis and includes a third thermal connection to the first heat exchanger device. The first heat exchanger device is configured to dissipate heat that is produced by the second component and transmitted by the third thermal connection. The second heat exchanger device is configured to dissipate the heat that is produced by the second component and transmitted by the third thermal connection, the first heat exchanger device, the first thermal connection, the first component, and the second thermal connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2014Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventors: Robert D. Hrehor, JR., Travis Christian North
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Patent number: 7907398Abstract: A liquid cooling system includes a board and a plurality of heat producing components (HPCs) coupled to the board. A mounting structure is located on the board adjacent to the plurality of HPCs. A liquid cooling device is coupled to the mounting structure such that the liquid cooling device engages each of the plurality of HPCs. The liquid cooling device may be decoupled from the mounting structure without detaching liquid conduits that supply it liquid in order to allow for the addition or removal of HPCs.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Robert D. Hrehor, Jr., Travis North, Kevin M. Bailey
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Publication number: 20100085712Abstract: A liquid cooling system includes a board and a plurality of heat producing components (HPCs) coupled to the board. A mounting structure is located on the board adjacent to the plurality of HPCs. A liquid cooling device is coupled to the mounting structure such that the liquid cooling device engages each of the plurality of HPCs. The liquid cooling device may be decoupled from the mounting structure without detaching liquid conduits that supply it liquid in order to allow for the addition or removal of HPCs.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2008Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.Inventors: Robert D. Hrehor, JR., Travis North, Kevin M. Bailey
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Patent number: 7423876Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for dissipating heat within the interior of an information handling system. Heat from a heat source is directed to a heat sink and is also directed in parallel to a thermoelectric cooler. The thermoelectric cooler is oriented to direct heat in the direction of a second heat sink. A feedback communications link may be provided between the thermoelectric cooler and the heat source to regulate the operation of the thermoelectric cooler so that the temperature in the vicinity of the heat source is regulated within a temperature range.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Paul T. Artman, Robert D. Hrehor, Jr.
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Patent number: 7289317Abstract: According to one embodiment, a drive mounting system includes a drive chassis having a first wall and a second wall transverse to the first wall. A third wall is supported in the chassis and movable between a first position opposite the first wall and a second position opposite the second wall. A drive is mounted in the chassis in a first orientation supported by the first and third walls in response to the third wall being in the first position, and the drive is movable to a second orientation, transverse to the first orientation, supported by the second and third walls in response to the third wall being in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Charles D. Hood, Robert D. Hrehor, Jr.
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Patent number: 7200003Abstract: A drive mounting apparatus includes a drive chassis, a first support wall on the drive chassis including a first support structure and a second support wall on the drive chassis substantially transverse to the first support wall and including a second support structure. A repositionable third support wall including a third support structure is operable to be coupled to the drive chassis in a first position opposite the first support wall to provide support between the first support structure and the third support structure, and the third support wall is operable to be repositioned on the drive chassis and coupled to the drive chassis in a second position opposite the second support wall to provide support between the second support structure and the third support structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Charles D. Hood, Robert D. Hrehor, Jr.
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Patent number: 6603655Abstract: A computer chassis includes a media access door mounted on a first surface of the chassis. The door is movable between a closed position and an open position. A first hinge portion connects the door to the chassis and permits the door to move in a rotating motion to a first open position. A second hinge portion connects the door to the chassis and permits the door to move in a translating motion along side a second surface of the chassis adjacent the first surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Robert D. Hrehor, Jr., Sung H. Kim, Ronald J. Smith, William S. Law
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Publication number: 20030026072Abstract: A computer chassis includes a media access door mounted on a first surface of the chassis. The door is movable between a closed position and an open position. A first hinge portion connects the door to the chassis and permits the door to move in a rotating motion to a first open position. A second hinge portion connects the door to the chassis and permits the door to move in a translating motion along side a second surface of the chassis adjacent the first surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2001Publication date: February 6, 2003Applicant: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Robert D. Hrehor, Jr., Sung H. Kim, Ronald J. Smith, William S. Law
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Patent number: 6215664Abstract: A method and apparatus are described herein for mounting a power supply within a PC chassis such that it is ratchetably rotatable. The chassis includes a pivot receptacle, a hook, and a dimple. The power supply is received by a mounting bracket which includes a corresponding pivot point, a curved slot having a relatively wide portion disposed at one end for engaging the hook of the chassis and a relatively narrow portion for retaining the hook during rotation of the power supply, and a plurality of shorter slots oriented in a curve for engaging the dimple of the chassis thereby providing the ratcheting action and preventing the rotation of the power supply until force is applied. In an alterative embodiment, the power supply is mounted to be translatable and rotatable. The chassis includes two cams, and a hook.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.Inventors: David Hernandez, Robert D. Hrehor, Jr., Gilberto Hernandez
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Patent number: 6054662Abstract: A return device for an electronic system push button. The return device includes a torsion bar for storing torsion energy when a push button is moved from a non actuating position to an actuating position. The return device includes an arm extending from the torsion bar for receiving a user generated force on the push button and for providing a return force for the push button. One end is rotatably coupled to a housing panel and the other end is coupled to the panel to restrict rotation of the end with respect to the housing. In one example of a return device, the push button and an actuator are fixably coupled to the arm. The return device can be used with a variety of push buttons which perform different operations for an electronic system. For example, a return device may be utilized with a push button that actuates a panel retention mechanism of a housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1999Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Dell USA L.P.Inventors: Robert D. Hrehor, Jr., Gilberto Hernandez
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Patent number: 6002093Abstract: A button with at least one flexible cantilever and an actuating portion coupled to the button can either be integrally formed from a single piece of material or assembled into a single device so that the button can be easily and quickly installed into a button housing. Additionally, because of the simplified one-piece design of the button, the button housing is further simplified.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.Inventors: Robert D. Hrehor, Jr., James D. Curlee