Patents Assigned to Dell Inc.
  • Patent number: 9261924
    Abstract: Heat pipe assemblies for Information Handling Systems (IHSs). In some embodiments, an IHS may comprise a motherboard including a Central Processing Unit (CPU); a cooling system coupled to the motherboard, the cooling system including a heat pipe, the CPU coupled to a first side of the heat pipe; and a daughterboard coupled to the motherboard and including a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) coupled to a second side of the heat pipe. In other embodiments, a method may include providing a motherboard including a CPU; coupling a cooling system to the motherboard, the cooling system including a heat pipe, the CPU coupled to a first side of the heat pipe; and coupling a daughterboard to the motherboard, the daughterboard including a GPU coupled to a second side of the heat pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: DELL INC.
    Inventors: David William Grunow, Daniel William Kehoe, Matthew B. Mendelow
  • Publication number: 20160044819
    Abstract: A scalable power and management module (PMM) includes a chassis configured to be slideably inserted into a power and management bay within a rack. The PMM provides scalable power distribution and rack-level management functions that are shared by several information technology (IT) gear. Several power supply units (PSUs) are mounted in the chassis. The number of PSUs is scalable based on the number of IT gear. A management controller is mounted in the chassis to provide rack-level management of the IT gear and at least one associated block controller within the rack. A power controller is mounted in the chassis and is communicatively coupled to the PSUs and the management controller. The power controller controls power functions of the PMM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: DELL, INC.
    Inventors: Edmond Bailey, Jimmy Pike, Joseph Andrew Vivio, John R. Stuewe
  • Patent number: 9189631
    Abstract: Firmware authentication in Information Handling Systems (IHSs) are disclosed. In some embodiments, an IHS may include a controller having a memory, the memory configured to store a plurality of firmware volumes, each of the plurality of firmware volumes including a plurality of firmware files. The IHS may also include a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) operably coupled to the controller, the BIOS having program instructions stored thereon that, upon execution, cause the BIOS to authenticate two or more firmware files within a given one of the plurality of firmware volumes using a single digital signature. In another embodiment, a method may include creating a firmware volume, adding a plurality of firmware files to the firmware volume, and creating a digital signature based upon at least one of the plurality of firmware files, where the digital signature, upon being authenticated, allows a BIOS to load any of the plurality of firmware files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dell Inc.
    Inventors: Wei G. Liu, Mark W. Shutt
  • Patent number: 9160535
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for providing anonymous cloud encryption are provided. One embodiment of a method for providing anonymous cloud encryption includes communicating an anonymizing token to a key broker. Additionally, the method may include communicating at least one encryption key associated with the anonymizing token to the key broker. The method may also include conducting a secure anonymous transaction with a cloud service using at least one of the encryption keys associated with the anonymizing token.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Dell Inc
    Inventors: Christopher Burchett, Warren Robbins, Richard E Phillips
  • Publication number: 20150256004
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method enables capacity based pre-charging and age based permanent failure detection in a battery. The method comprises detecting, via a controller, a real time cell voltage for at least one cell in the battery. The controller determines if the real time cell voltage is less than a normal operating cell voltage. In response to the real time cell voltage being less than the normal operating cell voltage, a capacity based pre-charge value is calculated based on a full charge capacity and at least one cell parameter of the cell. A pre-charge time is calculated based on the capacity based pre-charge value. A pre-charge voltage is identified. The battery management controller is triggered to pre-charge the battery using the calculated pre-charge time and the identified pre-charge voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: DELL, INC.
    Inventors: BRUCE A. MILLER, MAUREEN EMILY MARTINEZ, NIKHIL M. VICHARE, RICHARD C. THOMPSON, MARC ALLAN RICHMOND
  • Patent number: 9110963
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, and services for transparent adaptive file transform are described. In one embodiment a method for transparent adaptive file transform is performed by a data processing device. The method may include automatically detecting a data transfer addressed to an external data storage. The method may also include redirecting data associated with the data transfer to a data transformer. Additionally, the method may include applying one or more data transforms to the data associated with the data transfer to generate a transformed data set. In an embodiment, the method may also include transferring the transformed data set to the external data storage. In one embodiment, the external data storage is a cloud storage facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Dell Inc
    Inventors: Christopher Burchett, Warren Robbins, James Michael Burke, James Darrell Testerman, David Albert Consolver
  • Publication number: 20150189787
    Abstract: A modular, scalable and expandable (MSE) rack-based information handling system (RIHS) includes: a rack assembly having a frame that defines: a front bay chassis with height, depth and width dimensions that enable insertion of a plurality of different sizes of IT gear; and a rear bay that accommodates power and cooling components to support operation of the different sizes of IT gear. The power and cooling for the IT gear are provided from the rear bay and are separate from and independent of the IT gear installed within the front bay chassis. The rack assembly further includes a power and management chassis in which is inserted a power and management module having power and management components located thereon to provide rack-level power and management. A modular configuration of fan modules are inserted within fan receptacles within the rear bay to provide block level cooling of adjacent blocks of IT gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: DELL, INC.
    Inventors: EDMOND BAILEY, JOHN R. STUEWE, PAUL W. VANCIL, KUNRONG WANG, GERMAN FLOREZ-LARRAHONDO, JIMMY PIKE, STEPHEN P. ROUSSET
  • Publication number: 20150181752
    Abstract: A rack-based information handling system (RIHS) includes a rack chassis having at least two opposing side panels which are structurally held in place by one or more segments spanning between the two opposing side panels to generate an internal volume between the at least two opposing side panels. The internal volume has structures that enable insertion and retention of information technology (IT) gear and other components of the IHS at one of a front access space and a rear access space of the rack chassis that extend between the two opposing side panels. The RIHS also includes at least one security screen that is removably affixed to opposing edges of the two opposing side panels and span across a first segment of an access space to prevent direct physical access to the IT gear or other components that are inserted within the rack chassis behind the security screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: DELL, INC.
    Inventor: EDMOND BAILEY
  • Publication number: 20150180234
    Abstract: A rack-based information handling system (IHS) includes a rack having a modular structure that supports insertion from a front of the rack of different numbers and sizes of information technology (IT) gear to create one or more IT nodes. Power bay chassis is received in the rack with a power distribution unit directed towards a rear of the rack. A modular busbar assembly is attached to the rear of the rack. A first vertical busbar segment is in direct electrical connection with the power distribution unit and spans one or more nodes to provide hot pluggable electrical power to an aft-directed connection of an IT node inserted into the rack. A second busbar segment can be attached to the first vertical busbar to electrically communicate with the power distribution unit and span an additional node adjacent to the one or more nodes to provide electrical power to the adjacent node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: DELL, INC.
    Inventors: Edmond Bailey, John R. Stuewe, Paul W. Vancil, Kunrong Wang
  • Publication number: 20150181748
    Abstract: A rack-based information handling system (IHS) includes a rack containing at least one chassis having a plurality of bays open to laterally receive sleds that contain a plurality of information technology (IT) components that, when operational, enable the rack to function as an IHS. A storage sled including a stationary tray received in the chassis and a moveable trace received in the stationary tray. One or more hot swap bays that are horizontally arrayed in the storage sled in less than one (1) Server System Infrastructure (SSI) rack unit of height, wherein the moveable tray is extendable from the rack to a service position to expose all of its hot swap bays. Storage devices are insertable into a respective one of the hot swap bays of the storage sled. Each storage device may include a latching handle to lift and downward position the storage device in the corresponding hot swap bay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: DELL, INC.
    Inventors: Edmond Bailey, Jimmy Pike, Joseph Andrew Vivio
  • Publication number: 20150177806
    Abstract: A power switching system, a method, and an information handling system (IHS) enables selective activation and de-activation of respective alternating current (AC) outlets of a plurality of AC outlets within an AC switch (ACS). The AC switch includes a decoder circuit that is couple via a control interface to a management controller (MC) and receives control commands from the control interface. In response to receipt of the control command, the decoder circuit decodes the command in order to provide control signals to one or more of a number of serial voltage relays, which are each respectively coupled to the AC outlets. The AC switch utilizes the decoder circuit to respectively configure the serial voltage relays using the control signals. By configuring the serial voltage relays, the MC provides and/or removes respective connections between AC inputs and AC outlets, which selectively activates and/or de-activates respective AC outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: DELL, INC.
    Inventors: EDMOND BAILEY, JOHN R. STUEWE, KUNRONG WANG
  • Publication number: 20150177814
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method enables rack-level predictive power capping and power budget allocation to processing nodes in a rack-based IHS. A rack-level management controller receives node-level power-usage data and settings from several block controllers, including current power consumption and an initial power budget for each node. A power consumption profile is generated based on the power-usage data for each node. A total available system power of the IHS is identified. A system power cap is determined based on the power consumption profiles and the total available system power. A current power budget is determined for each node based on an analysis of at least one of the power consumption profile, the initial power budget, the current power consumption, the system power cap, and the total available system power. A power subsystem regulates power budgeted and supplied to each node based on the power consumption profiles and the system power cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: DELL, INC.
    Inventors: EDMOND BAILEY, JOHN R. STUEWE, PAUL W. VANCIL, KUNRONG WANG, GERMAN FLOREZ-LARRAHONDO
  • Publication number: 20150181747
    Abstract: A rack-based information handling system (RIHS) includes: a rack chassis having a plurality of interconnected panels forming a volumetric space having a front section and a rear section, both with opposing side panels forming a front access space and a rear access space, respectively, between corresponding opposing side panels; one or more IT gear sleds that are inserted into the front section of the rack chassis; and a pair of front expansion panels that are added to the rack chassis and which extend past an end of the opposing side panels at the front section of the rack chassis to provide a deeper IT bay within the front section and enable insertion of longer-than-standard depth IT gear within the rack chassis. The front expansion panels are cable management panels that include at least one strap that is utilized to secure one or more cables extending from one or more IT gear inserted into the rack chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: DELL, INC.
    Inventor: EDMOND BAILEY
  • Publication number: 20150177813
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method enables global throttling of processing nodes in a rack-configured information handling system (RIHS). A rack-level management controller receives power-usage data and operating parameters associated with processing nodes within separately-controlled blocks of the RIHS. A power subsystem of the RIHS regulates an amount of power supplied to the processing nodes of the RIHS based on the power-usage data and operating parameters for the processing nodes and a total amount of available power for distribution within the RIHS. In response to detecting a condition that reduces the total amount of available power for distribution within the IHS, the management controller autonomously initiates global throttling of the processing nodes within the IHS to reduce power consumption by at least one of the processing nodes. The global throttling is completed via a signal transfer over a select Ethernet cable wire to connected block controllers that control the processing nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: DELL, INC.
    Inventors: EDMOND BAILEY, JOHN R. STUEWE, PAUL W. VANCIL
  • Publication number: 20150177750
    Abstract: A rack-based information handling system (IHS) includes a rack having a modular structure that supports insertion of different numbers and sizes of information technology (IT) gear to create one or more IT nodes. A fan bay module is attached to the rack and supports insertion of multiple different fan configurations in more than one fan receptacle. At least one fan is inserted within corresponding at least one fan receptacle of the fan bay module to conform to at least a first fan configuration. A block controller is configurable to control each of the different fan configurations and which, in response to detecting the first fan configuration of the at least one fan inserted within the fan bay module, activates a corresponding first control algorithm that enables the detected first fan configuration to be utilized to provide rack-level cooling for one or more of the IT nodes inserted within the rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: DELL, INC.
    Inventors: EDMOND BAILEY, AUSTIN MICHAEL SHELNUTT, JOHN R. STUEWE, PAUL W. VANCIL
  • Publication number: 20150181750
    Abstract: A rack apparatus includes a frame having (i) a power and cooling area and (ii) a block chassis forming one or more information technology (IT) bays that enable insertion of IT components. A plurality of IT components are contained within a component cabinet inserted in the block chassis. When operational, enable the rack apparatus to function as one of an information handling system (IHS) and an extension of a modular, scalable/expandable rack-based IHS. A busbar physically located at a back of the block chassis within the power and cooling area and enables direct coupling to one of another busbar and a power source to supply power to the plurality of IT components from a power interface board. A block controller is contained in the block chassis and communicatively coupled to the other IT components. The block controller performs all localized, block level control for the rack apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: DELL, INC.
    Inventors: EDMOND BAILEY, JOSEPH ANDREW VIVIO
  • Publication number: 20150058659
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic failover in modular chassis systems. In some embodiments, a modular chassis includes a chassis management controller and a plurality of server blades. A first of the plurality of server blades may be configured to detect an internal fault to and to transmit a corresponding alert message to the chassis management controller via a midplane connection. Moreover, the chassis management controller may be configured to initiate a migration procedure to transfer one or more workloads from the first server blade to a second of the plurality of server blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Dell Inc
    Inventors: Michael Brundridge, Sudhir Vittal Shetty
  • Publication number: 20150009616
    Abstract: Modular dense storage arrays are disclosed. In some embodiments, a modular storage array may include a chassis configured to receive a plurality of drive bay modules, a first of the plurality of drive bay modules configured to receive a first plurality of storage drives in the absence of a drive adaptor, each of the first plurality of storage drives having a first form factor, and a second of the plurality of drive bay modules configured to receive a second plurality of storage drives in the absence of the drive adaptor, each of the second plurality of storage drives having a second form factor different from the first form factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Dell Inc
    Inventors: Jason D. Adrian, Douglas L. Farley
  • Publication number: 20130268545
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, and services for transparent adaptive file transform are described. In one embodiment a method for transparent adaptive file transform is performed by a data processing device. The method may include automatically detecting a data transfer addressed to an external data storage. The method may also include redirecting data associated with the data transfer to a data transformer. Additionally, the method may include applying one or more data transforms to the data associated with the data transfer to generate a transformed data set. In an embodiment, the method may also include transferring the transformed data set to the external data storage. In one embodiment, the external data storage is a cloud storage facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Dell Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Burchett, Warren Robbins, James Michael Burke, James Darrell Testerman, David Albert Consolver
  • Publication number: 20080223089
    Abstract: A media base security device and method of use is disclosed. According to one aspect, a media base security device can include a lock rod mechanism coupled to a portion of a media base housing including a security lock aperture operable to receive a security lock. The media base security device can also include a release lever accessible external to the housing. The release lever can be operable to release the media base housing when coupled to a portable computer system. The release lever can include a lock rod seat operable to engage a lock rod extending from the lock rod mechanism in response to locking the security lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: DELL, INC.
    Inventors: Chun-Kai Tzeng, Chun Yang Tseng