Patents Assigned to DELL PRODUCT
  • Method to reduce IPMB traffic and improve performance for accessing sensor data
    Patent number: 7269534
    Abstract: An information handling system is provided with a BIOS and a baseboard management controller. The baseboard management controller is provided with non-standard functionality that enables the BIOS to request sensor data records of a specific type. Thus the BIOS can ask for specific kinds of sensor data, such as those for memory sensors only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Chandrasekhar Mugunda, Philip Dale Chidester, Mukund Purshottam Khatri, Wayne Robert Weilnau, Jr.
  • Process and mechanism to label removable media
    Patent number: 7268796
    Abstract: A method for writing labels to an optical medium is disclosed. The optical medium includes a label reflecting layer and a label recording layer. The method includes deforming a location within the label recording layer wherein deforming the location within the label recording layer causes a corresponding portion of the label reflecting layer to reflect light at an angle based upon the deforming, and repeating the deforming for a plurality of locations within the label recording layer. The repeated deforming causes a label to be presented on the optical medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventor: Mark A. Collins
  • Method of optimizing drive frequency for piezo fan device
    Publication number: 20070205694
    Abstract: For tuning a piezo electric fan, a controller measures a natural frequency of the piezo electric fan by applying a stress and measuring a response to the stress. A frequency of an alternating current (AC) input signal is adjusted by the controller to substantially match the natural frequency. The adjusted AC input having the natural frequency is provided to the piezo electric fan for improved efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventor: Charles Hood
  • System and method for reducing instability in an information handling system
    Patent number: 7266679
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing instability in an information handling system are disclosed. A method includes detecting a configuration change of a first memory device. Next, the method determines a device identifier for a second memory device depending on the configuration change. The method proceeds to update a Configurable Identification (CID) register in the second memory device with the device identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventor: Ricardo L. Martinez
  • System and method of retiring events upon device replacement
    Patent number: 7266628
    Abstract: An information handling system is disclosed that retires events upon device replacement. The system has several devices of one or more types and each device includes nonvolatile memory. A unique identifier, for devices of that type, is stored in the nonvolatile memory of each device. A first memory segment stores an event log. The event log has entries that identify system events. A second memory segment stores identifiers of devices that correspond to an entry of the event log. At least one of the corresponding devices is removable. The system detects the removal of the devices and, in response, removes any entries in the event log that correspond only to identifiers of one or more devices that have been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventor: Cynthia M. Merkin
  • System, method and software for reporting logical volume information on network attached storage appliances
    Patent number: 7266638
    Abstract: A system, method and software for reporting logical volume information on software RAID (redundant array of independent disks) enabled storage devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, a volume manager may be queried to identify one or more software RAID volumes and to determine their operating state. The information handling system's operating system may be queried to identify the storage devices included on the system and their operating state. After correlating the software RAID volumes to respective storage devices, a worst case operating state between the software RAID volumes and the storage devices may be reported to a light emitting diode (LED) driver. The LED driver may then command one or more chassis LED to illuminate in a manner that communicates the worst case operating state of one or more of software RAID volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: John C. Coppock, Jacob Cherian
  • Dynamic configuration of computer when booting
    Patent number: 7266678
    Abstract: A system and method for configuring a unique computer name record for an information handling system included in a network of a plurality of information handling systems. The method and system for dynamically generating a unique computer name for each information handling system that is connected to a network of information handling systems includes reading a service tag identifier that uniquely identifies the information handling system, incorporating at least a portion of the service tag identifier to define the unique computer name record; and using a substantially similar boot program to boot the information handling system and the plurality of information handling systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventor: Andrew W. Wilks
  • Matched-impedance high-bandwidth configuration jumper
    Patent number: 7265645
    Abstract: The present invention provides a matched-impedance jumper that is operable to connect pairs of differential signal conductors to provide improved signal transmission characteristics. In an embodiment of the invention, the impedance-matched jumper is used to connect a first pair of differential signal conductors to a selected pair of differential signal conductors selected from a plurality of second pairs of differential signal conductors. The impedance-matched jumper comprises a plurality of input pins that are operable to connect with a plurality of connection pads on the first pair of differential signal conductors and a plurality of output pins operable to connect with a plurality of connection pads on the predetermined second pair of differential signal conductors. A plurality of internal conductors are operably connected to the input pins and the output pins to define a signal path therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Carrier, John S. Loffink
  • Trunked customized connectivity process for installing software onto an information handling system
    Patent number: 7266820
    Abstract: A system and method for installing software onto a modular information handling system includes a network, a modular information handling system and a trunking management module. The network includes a network access node and at least two VLANs. The modular information handling system has a chassis, at least two blades and an embedded switch in communication with the blades. The embedded switch has a plurality of uplink ports in communication with the network access node. The trunking management module is in communication with the embedded switch and aggregates the uplink ports of the embedded switch to form a trunked connection with the network access node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Michelle A. Eddie, Paul E. Krautz, Preeti S. Samat
  • SNAP-IN FLOATING HINGE CAP FOR PORTABLE COMPUTER
    Publication number: 20070201199
    Abstract: A hinge includes a hinge portion having a pair of external opposed grooves and a first locking portion. A hinge cap is removably attached to the hinge portion by a pair of external deflecting arms received by the opposed grooves and a second locking portion received by the first locking portion. In response to mounting the hinge in the first member, the hinge cap seats in and defines a gap with a cover plate on the first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Maria Schlesener, Jefferson Wirtz
  • SNAP-IN FLOATING HINGE CAP FOR PORTABLE COMPUTER
    Publication number: 20070201200
    Abstract: A method of assembling a portable information handling system such as a laptop computer includes a chassis having a pivotally mounted top. The top and chassis are connected by a hinge. A hinge cap is releasably attached directly to the hinge and the hinge is mounted on the chassis so that the hinge cap seats in and defines a gap with a cover plate on the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Maria Schlesener, Jefferson Wirtz
  • System and method for raid configuration
    Patent number: 7263582
    Abstract: A method and system for storing and updating RAID configuration information in a storage site separate from both the RAID controller and RAID disk drives is disclosed. The configuration information in the storage sites are compared and the configuration of the RAID system is automatically without user intervention. The method may be used in any computer or information handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Bharath Vasudevan, Robert L. Nance
  • Apparatus and method for securing a component in an information handling system
    Patent number: 7262958
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a component to a chassis in an information handling system. The apparatus has a first interface configured to couple with the component, and a second interface configured to couple with the chassis. One of the first interface and the component includes a first elastically biasable member configured to engage a first engagement feature of the other of the first interface and the component. One of the second interface and the chassis comprises a second elastically biasable member configured to engage a second engagement feature of the other of the second interface and the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, James Don Curlee, John D. Revell
  • Information handling system including dust detection
    Patent number: 7262704
    Abstract: An information handling system (“IHS”) including an enclosure is provided. A dust detection circuit, located inside the enclosure, is also provided. The dust detection circuit determines whether an amount of dust present inside the enclosure is greater than a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Santosh Shetty, Paul T. Artman, Charlie Sumrell
  • Spring-loaded assembly for a connector
    Patent number: 7258560
    Abstract: A spring-loaded assembly for coupling a connector to a computer component includes an assembly housing operable to receive a portion of a screw used to couple the connector to a chassis of an information handling system. The assembly further includes a sliding block disposed in the assembly housing and operably engaged with the screw. The sliding block is operable to move the connector between a first position and a second position. The assembly further includes a spring placed between the sliding block and at least one wall of the assembly housing. The spring operably provides an axial force to bias the connector to a first position, whereby coupling the connector to the computer component causes the connector to move to a connected position intermediate the first and second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Scafidi, Karl Hamand, Theodore C. Stamos
  • System and method for intelligent information handling system projector cool down
    Patent number: 7258446
    Abstract: An information handling system projector cooling fan runs for a variably defined time after its lamp is turned off in order to adequately cool the projector without running the cooling fan for an excessive cool down period. In one embodiment, the cooling fan runs after lamp shut down until one or more thermocouples detects a predetermined temperature associated with the projector. In an alternative embodiment, fan cool down time varies based on the length of time the lamp was on before shutdown. The cool down thermal gradient is selectable between a convenience mode, in which an increased cooling gradient allows quicker cooling fan shut down, and a long-life mode, in which a decreased cooling gradient preserves lamp life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Subramanian Jayaram, Vinay Subramanian
  • COMPONENT CAM HANDLE
    Publication number: 20070188999
    Abstract: A cam handle assembly for use with a modular information handling system components includes a latch with first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion is sloped such that when the sloped portion of the first protrusion contacts a portion of a rack or chassis, the latch is urged to a recessed position that will allow the cam handle to move between its closed and open position. The second protrusion on the latch is formed to engage an interface aperture that is formed in the cam handle. The interaction between the latch protrusions, the cam handle and the rack encourage proper operation of the cam handle to install an information handling system component within a rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Bernard Strmiska, Keith Kasprzak
  • Apparatus for Accessing A Computer-Readable Medium Device
    Publication number: 20070192536
    Abstract: A computer system and method includes a computing device and an optical drive. The optical drive is accessed by the computing device to provide information. The information describes the optical drive's write capability, whether the drive executes a pre-determined write strategy, and a digital data extraction capability of the optical drive according to a pre-determined format. The system utilizes a program configured by the computing device in response to the information provided, whereby the computing device operates supporting features of the optical drive, and supports a variety of optical drives without relying on a list of supported optical drives in a static drive table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Dirk Erickson, Hong-Jing Lo
  • Porting security application preferences from one system to another
    Publication number: 20070192322
    Abstract: Configuring a security application includes determining whether user preferences for the security application are pre-loaded in an information handling system (IHS) received by a user. If the user preferences have not been pre-loaded a request to receive the user preferences corresponding to the user and the security application is sent to a provider of the security application. The request includes a unique identifier for accessing the user preferences for the security application. The user preferences, which have been previously configured by the user for another IHS, are stored in a predefined format and are accessible to any requester providing the unique identifier. The provider provides the user preferences corresponding to the unique identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Shree Dandekar, Roger Borchers, Abhinav Gupta, Olga Lyudovyk
  • Vertical docking method and system
    Patent number: 7256990
    Abstract: In a method and system for detachably docking a portable device to a docking device, the docking device is placed on a stable surface. The docking device includes a pair of moveable rear latches and moveable front latches, which are operable to latch on to corresponding matching slots of the portable device when docked. The portable device is aligned vertically on top of the docking device. A vertical force is applied on the portable device. When properly aligned a pair of alignment pins included in the docking device mate with corresponding notches on the portable device when the two devices are docked. A release latch on the docking device is operable to undock the two devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: David W. Grunow, Patrick V. Illingworth, John A. Jeffries