Patents by Inventor Ronald P Dean

Ronald P Dean 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: 8244942
    Abstract: An adapter for mounting a device in a computer enclosure is disclosed herein. A computer storage device adapter includes an adapter chassis configured to be installed in at least one drive bay of a computer, and to house a storage device. The adapter further includes a bezel attached to the chassis. The bezel has a color, texture, and relief pattern matching a color, texture, and relief pattern of a portion of a front panel of the computer directly adjacent to the at least one drive bay in which the adapter is to be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Dean, Tom J. Searby
  • Patent number: 8213171
    Abstract: An mechanism for retaining devices in a computer system is disclosed herein. A computer storage device enclosure includes an chassis configured to house a computer storage device. The chassis includes a storage device retention mechanism. The storage device retention mechanism includes a flexible retention member disposed along and connected to an outer side wall of the chassis. The flexible retention member is configured to retain a rear corner of the storage device installed in the chassis by contacting a side, rear and upper surface of the storage device at the rear corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Dean, Tom J. Searby
  • Publication number: 20110035519
    Abstract: An adapter for mounting a device in a computer enclosure is disclosed herein. A computer storage device adapter includes an adapter chassis configured to be installed in at least one drive bay of a computer, and to house a storage device. The adapter further includes a bezel attached to the chassis. The bezel has a color, texture, and relief pattern matching a color, texture, and relief pattern of a portion of a front panel of the computer directly adjacent to the at least one drive bay in which the adapter is to be installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald P. DEAN, Tom J. Searby
  • Publication number: 20110032671
    Abstract: An mechanism for retaining devices in a computer system is disclosed herein. A computer storage device enclosure includes an chassis configured to house a computer storage device. The chassis includes a storage device retention mechanism. The storage device retention mechanism includes a flexible retention member disposed along and connected to an outer side wall of the chassis. The flexible retention member is configured to retain a rear corner of the storage device installed in the chassis by contacting a side, rear and upper surface of the storage device at the rear corner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald P. DEAN, Tom J. Searby
  • Patent number: 7764492
    Abstract: A system comprises a first mechanical adapter configured to accept a plurality of non-volatile storage devices of a first size. The system also comprises a cage into which the first mechanical adapter is installable. At least one non-volatile storage device of a second size is installable in the cage without the first mechanical adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Bassett, Ronald P. Dean, Tom J. Searby
  • Publication number: 20080180902
    Abstract: A system comprises a first mechanical adapter configured to accept a plurality of non-volatile storage devices of a first size. The system also comprises a cage into which the first mechanical adapter is installable. At least one non-volatile storage device of a second size is installable in the cage without the first mechanical adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Jonathan D. BASSETT, Ronald P. Dean, Tom J. Searby
  • Patent number: 7055701
    Abstract: A system and method for mounting a device into a rack comprises a mounting shelf that is attached to the rack, a first bracket that is attached to a first side of the device, and a second bracket that is attached to a second side of the device, wherein the second side is located opposite to the first side, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are substantially similar, and wherein the device, with the first bracket and the second bracket attached thereto, is slideably positioned into the mounting shelf and attached to the mounting shelf via the first bracket and the second bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Dean, Sean W. Tucker
  • Patent number: 7031149
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for securing a component to a computer chassis comprises a cage couplable to the computer chassis and operable to hold the component and a clamp couplable to the cage and operable to secure the component to the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Dean, James R. Bullington, Tung-Yuo Liao
  • Patent number: 6826048
    Abstract: A system and method for securing a fan within an electrical device. The system comprising a housing adapted to capture the fan therein. The housing may comprise a first catch adapted to capture a fan having an having a first thickness within the housing. The system may comprise a second catch adapted to capture a fan having a second thickness within the housing. The method comprises disposing a fan within a fan housing operable to capture fans of different thickness therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Dean, Owen T. Richard, William J. Armiger, James R. Bullington
  • Patent number: 6816370
    Abstract: A computer enclosure has first and second removable access panels. The access panels may be locked shut by securing them both to a chassis at a single point with a locking device. When the locking device is removed, each access panel may be opened and removed independently of the other access panel. The first removable access panel has a first locking tab. The second removable access panel has a second locking tab. The first and second locking tabs do not overlap one another. When the first and second removable access panels are mounted to the chassis, the chassis restrains the first and second removable access panels from movement in first and second orthogonal directions. When the locking device is in place, the locking device restrains the first and second removable access panels from movement in a third orthogonal direction by securing the first and second locking tabs to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Tom J Searby, Michael P Eland, Ronald P Dean
  • Patent number: 6789685
    Abstract: A system and method for mounting a device into a rack comprises a mounting shelf that is attached to the rack, a first bracket that is attached to a first side of the device, and a second bracket that is attached to a second side of the device, wherein the second side is located opposite to the first side, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are substantially similar, and wherein the device, with the first bracket and the second bracket attached thereto, is slideably positioned into the mounting shelf and attached to the mounting shelf via the first bracket and the second bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Dean, Sean W. Tucker
  • Publication number: 20040129657
    Abstract: A system and method for mounting a device into a rack comprises a mounting shelf that is attached to the rack, a first bracket that is attached to a first side of the device, and a second bracket that is attached to a second side of the device, wherein the second side is located opposite to the first side, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are substantially similar, and wherein the device, with the first bracket and the second bracket attached thereto, is slideably positioned into the mounting shelf and attached to the mounting shelf via the first bracket and the second bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald P. Dean, Sean W. Tucker
  • Publication number: 20030223192
    Abstract: A computer enclosure has first and second removable access panels. The access panels may be locked shut by securing them both to a chassis at a single point with a locking device. When the locking device is removed, each access panel may be opened and removed independently of the other access panel. The first removable access panel has a first locking tab. The second removable access panel has a second locking tab. The first and second locking tabs do not overlap one another. When the first and second removable access panels are mounted to the chassis, the chassis restrains the first and second removable access panels from movement in first and second orthogonal directions. When the locking device is in place, the locking device restrains the first and second removable access panels from movement in a third orthogonal direction by securing the first and second locking tabs to the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Tom J. Searby, Michael P. Eland, Ronald P. Dean
  • Patent number: 6644481
    Abstract: A system and method for mounting a device into a rack comprises a mounting shelf that is attached to the rack, a first bracket that is attached to a first side of the device, and a second bracket that is attached to a second side of the device, wherein the second side is located opposite to the first side, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are substantially similar, and wherein the device, with the first bracket and the second bracket attached thereto, is slideably positioned into the mounting shelf and attached to the mounting shelf via the first bracket and the second bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Dean, Sean W. Tucker
  • Publication number: 20030205540
    Abstract: A system and method for mounting a device into a rack comprises a mounting shelf that is attached to the rack, a first bracket that is attached to a first side of the device, and a second bracket that is attached to a second side of the device, wherein the second side is located opposite to the first side, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are substantially similar, and wherein the device, with the first bracket and the second bracket attached thereto, is slideably positioned into the mounting shelf and attached to the mounting shelf via the first bracket and the second bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald P. Dean, Sean W. Tucker
  • Patent number: 6626507
    Abstract: A fire shield for mounting over air ventilation holes on the bottom of a computer chassis. The shield includes an offset for holding a fire-impenetrable surface away from the air ventilation holes. The surface blocks a path that passes through the ventilation holes and extends orthogonally outward from the computer chassis, thus preventing flaming particles that fall through the air holes from passing beyond the shield. The shield establishes an air cavity that is in fluid communication with the air holes and with ambient air for cooling purposes. It may be constructed of sheet metal with first and second folded portions serving to create the offset. Hooks along the first elongate fold engage the air holes. A clearance hole on the second elongate fold receives a fastener. The air cavity may vent to ambient air on either end of the shield between the two folds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Ronald P Dean
  • Patent number: 6628512
    Abstract: A computer enclosure has first and second removable access panels. The access panels may be locked shut by securing them both to a chassis at a single point with a locking device. When the locking device is removed, each access panel may be opened and removed independently of the other access panel. The first removable access panel has a first locking tab. The second removable access panel has a second locking tab. The first and second locking tabs do not overlap one another. When the first and second removable access panels are mounted to the chassis, the chassis restrains the first and second removable access panels from movement in first and second orthogonal directions. When the locking device is in place, the locking device restrains the first and second removable access panels from movement in a third orthogonal direction by securing the first and second locking tabs to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Tom J Searby, Michael P Eland, Ronald P Dean
  • Publication number: 20030150823
    Abstract: A system and method for mounting a device into a rack comprises a mounting shelf that is attached to the rack, a first bracket that is attached to a first side of the device, and a second bracket that is attached to a second side of the device, wherein the second side is located opposite to the first side, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are substantially similar, and wherein the device, with the first bracket and the second bracket attached thereto, is slideably positioned into the mounting shelf and attached to the mounting shelf via the first bracket and the second bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald P. Dean, Sean W. Tucker
  • Publication number: 20030080266
    Abstract: A heat sink retaining bracket having a first surface for engaging a heat sink and a second surface for engaging a chassis wall or other substantially rigid support member. The first surface may include an opening having a rim around its periphery. The rim may be adapted to engaged the top and sides of the heat sink such that sideways and upward translational movements are restrained. Air may pass through the opening as it enters or exits the heat sink so that the cooling efficiency of the heat sink is not substantially impaired by the bracket. The second surface may be adapted to engaged the chassis wall or support member using a hook-and-slot arrangement and a fastener or fasteners. In one embodiment, the fastener or fasteners may be applied in a compression mode. In another embodiment, the fastener or fasteners may be applied in a tension mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Erick J. Tuttle, Ronald P. Dean, Douglas A. Fleecs
  • Patent number: 6550732
    Abstract: A heat sink retaining bracket having a first surface for engaging a heat sink and a second surface for engaging a chassis wall or other substantially rigid support member. The first surface may include an opening having a rim around its periphery. The rim may be adapted to engaged the top and sides of the heat sink such that sideways and upward translational movements are restrained. Air may pass through the opening as it enters or exits the heat sink so that the cooling efficiency of the heat sink is not substantially impaired by the bracket. The second surface may be adapted to engaged the chassis wall or support member using a hook-and-slot arrangement and a fastener or fasteners. In one embodiment, the fastener or fasteners may be applied in a compression mode. In another embodiment, the fastener or fasteners may be applied in a tension mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Erick J. Tuttle, Ronald P Dean, Douglas A. Fleecs