Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm David Hitt
  • Patent number: 6791564
    Abstract: A mechanism for, and method of, clipping a red-green-blue (RGB) integer value to an n-bit maximum value and a processor incorporating the mechanism or the method. In one embodiment, the mechanism includes: (1) a multiplexer having a first input that accepts n low-order bits of the RGB integer value and a select input that accepts at least one high-order bit of the RGB integer value and (2) an n-bit maximum value generator, coupled to a second input of the multiplexer, that provides the n-bit maximum value to the second input, an output of the multiplexer providing the n low-order bits when the at least one high order bit has a zero value and providing the n-bit maximum value when the at least one high order bit has a nonzero value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: IPFirst, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. Elliott, G. Glenn Henry
  • Patent number: 5530847
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for loading diagnostic routines for execution in a computer system. The method comprises the steps of (1) executing a boot loading routine stored in non-volatile memory within the computer system, the boot loading routine providing an environment in lieu of an operating system of the computer system within which to execute diagnostic routines, the boot loading routine including a decompression routine, (2) decompressing a compressed diagnostic routine stored in the non-volatile memory into video random access memory (RAM) and (3) executing the decompressed diagnostic routine under control of the boot loading routine. The present invention, in its preferred embodiment, allows relatively large diagnostic routines to be stored in electrically erasable programmable read only memory ("EEPROM") and decompressed, as required, into video RAM for execution, without requiring the computer's operating system to function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric Schieve, Richard Finch
  • Patent number: 5497292
    Abstract: A computer chassis having a port adapted to be configured to receive electrical connectors of differing dimensions therethrough and a method of manufacturing such configurable ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: Jerry D. Gandre
  • Patent number: 5490039
    Abstract: Disclosed are an integrated mouse tray and mouse for a portable computer and method of operation therefor. The computer, including the mouse tray of the present invention, includes: (1) a chassis having a footprint and containing components of the computer, the components including an interface circuit for communicating with a mouse, (2) a mouse electrically coupled to the interface circuit, the mouse free to move about a substantial plane to produce signals for transmission to the interface circuit and (3) a mouse tray member movably mounted to the chassis and capable of assuming a deployed position whereby the mouse tray extends substantially out of the chassis footprint, a substantially planar surface of the mouse tray providing an area on which the mouse is free to move to produce the signals, the mouse tray member further capable of assuming a stowed position whereby the mouse tray is retracted substantially to within the chassis footprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: Frank P. Helms
  • Patent number: 5467453
    Abstract: Disclosed are a circuit and method for providing automatic termination for a small computer systems interface ("SCSI") bus. The circuit resides within a bus controller comprising (1) a control circuit for controlling transmission of data on a bus and for providing an interface between the bus and a computer system for communication of the data therebetween and (2) a first bus port and a second bus port, each of the first and second bus ports permitting a device to be coupled thereto for communication with the control circuit via the bus, the bus controller being at an end of the bus when a single one of the first and second bus ports is coupled to a device and being in a middle of the bus when both the first and second bus ports are coupled to devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: Thomas Kocis
  • Patent number: 5463191
    Abstract: A circuit board design featuring a fine pitch ball grid array ("BGA") having a simplified construction. The circuit board comprises: (1) an insulating substrate, the substrate having a via therethrough, (2) a conductive layer located over the substrate, the via passing through the layer and laterally uninterrupted through the circuit board, (3) a first solder having a first melting point located within and substantially blocking the via and (4) a second solder having a second melting point located over the blocked via, the second melting point lower than the first melting point, the first solder remaining substantially solid and preventing the second solder from substantially entering the via when the first and second solders are heated to a temperature between the first and second melting points. The present invention eliminates precision drilling required by current blind via BGA pad designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: James S. Bell, Deepak Swamy
  • Patent number: 5455466
    Abstract: A system for inductively coupling power and data to a portable electronic device. A portable device, such as a personal digital assistant, is powered or recharged via an inductive link between the device and a support unit, thereby eliminating the need for cabling or other connections therebetween. The same inductive link is also used to transfer data signals between the device and a second electronic device, for example, a conventional desktop computer. The support unit includes a primary winding of a transformer, a power amplifier and a modulator. The portable device includes a secondary winding connected in parallel with the input of a rectifier, the output of which is connected to a battery charging circuit, and to a modem, which is further connected to the device microprocessor. Placement of the device on the support unit effects the inductive coupling when the primary and secondary windings are in proximity to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Terry J. Parks, David S. Register
  • Patent number: 5455933
    Abstract: Disclosed are a circuit and method for remote diagnosis of personal computers. The method comprises the steps of (1) confirming an existence and a proper operation of a modem coupled to the personal computer, the step of confirming performed in a central processing unit ("CPU") of the personal computer and in a diagnostic environment independent of a normal operating system of the personal computer, (2) receiving an indication of a selection of diagnostic routines to be performed from a remote location via the modem and (3) performing selected ones of the diagnostic routines as a function of the selection. The present invention allows an experienced technician located remotely from the computer to interact as though seated in front of it, to thereby allow remote diagnosis of even critical faults that prevent the computer from booting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric Schieve, Richard Finch
  • Patent number: 5451720
    Abstract: A circuit board having a thermal relief pattern for isolating heat generated during soldering of components thereon. The circuit board comprises (1) a substantially planar insulating substrate, the substrate having a via therethrough and (2) a substantially planar conductive layer located over the substrate, the via passing through the layer, the layer having a thermal relief pattern comprising a plurality of apertures located about the via, the plurality of apertures cooperating to restrict heat flow across the thermal relief pattern, each of the plurality of apertures having a boundary with the conductive layer free of discontinuities to inhibit edge effect electromagnetic resonance, the plurality of apertures defining a plurality of corresponding conductive bands in the conductive layer and between the plurality of apertures, the conductive bands cooperating to provide a predetermined minimum level of electrical conduction across the thermal relief pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: H. Scott Estes, David Staggs, Deepak Swamy
  • Patent number: 5424913
    Abstract: Disclosed is an access door for computer systems comprising an outer case containing an electronic component of the computer system that is capable of generating heat during the operation of the computer system. The outer case has an aperture in its surface proximate the component to allow external access into the outer case. The access door is capable of assuming a closed position where it closes the aperture, covers the component and forms a part of the outer. The access door is also capable of being placed in an open position wherein the component is externally exposed through the aperture. The access door includes a heat sink having a heat receiving portion positioned to mechanically contact a surface of the component to allow transmission of heat from the component to the heat receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: Dan Swindler
  • Patent number: 5423028
    Abstract: Disclosed is a diagnostic procedure for identifying and sizing computer memory, which, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, comprises SIMMs. The procedure comprises the steps of (1) testing a plurality of memory locations in the unit by writing and reading bit patterns to memory locations in succession to determine whether any of the memory locations contains any responding bits and (2) stipulating the unit to be present when a number of the memory locations having any responding bits reaches a predetermined minimum number. The procedure is uniquely designed to detect memory which is not fully functional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric W. Schieve, Richard W. Finch
  • Patent number: 5423029
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for testing a direct memory access ("DMA") controller. The apparatus comprises (1) a virtual control device including a virtual control latch, the virtual control device coupled to a request input of the DMA controller and capable of transmitting a signal to the DMA controller representing a request to transfer data and (2) a virtual input/output ("I/O") device including a virtual I/O latch, an acknowledgement output of the DMA controller coupled to the virtual I/O device, the virtual I/O latch capable of storing the data for use by the DMA controller. In its preferred embodiment, the present invention operates within the confines of IBM-compatible personal computer architecture, allowing DMA controller functionality to be tested directly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: Eric W. Schieve
  • Patent number: 5420779
    Abstract: A circuit and method for protecting a voltage inverter circuit is disclosed. The circuit comprises a first comparison circuit capable of comparing a first reference voltage to a voltage indicative of the load current of the voltage inverter. When the comparison circuit signals that the first reference voltage is greater than the load voltage, a disable circuit coupled to the first comparison circuit disables the voltage inverter. In the preferred embodiment, the inverter provides power to a cold cathode fluorescent lamp which, if damaged, can harm the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: Rodger E. Payne
  • Patent number: 5398333
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for providing user-invocable, non disk-based diagnostics routines for a personal computer. The method comprises the steps of (1) storing a diagnostics routine capable of performing diagnostic tests on portions of the personal computer in ROM, (2) monitoring a status of a reset button coupled to the personal computer and (3) executing the diagnostics routine if the reset button is pressed twice within a preselected period of time. The disclosed system and method allow a user to control the invocation of a diagnostics routine that needs a minimum of functioning computer hardware to execute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric W. Schieve, Richard W. Finch
  • Patent number: 5353240
    Abstract: A test apparatus and method for automatically testing computing equipment. The test apparatus comprises (1) a switch circuit, coupled to the computing equipment, capable of interrupting and restoring power to the computing equipment, (2) a timer, coupled to the switch circuit, capable of commanding the switch circuit to interrupt power to the computing equipment for a predetermined period of time and (3) a test circuit, coupled to the timer and the computing equipment, capable of determining when the switch circuit has restored power to the computing equipment and whether the computing equipment has successfully restarted following restoration of power. The test apparatus allows a laptop or desktop personal computer to be automatically boot tested, the apparatus having the capacity to display test status to remote users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Mallory, Bryan R. Franklin