Patents Assigned to Dell USA
  • Patent number: 6507338
    Abstract: A computer touchpad includes a first portion usable for button functions to select items on a computer display panel. A second portion of the touchpad is usable for cursor movement and placement functions. An overlay member is detachably mounted on the touchpad. The overlay member includes a first part and a second part. The first part of the overlay member includes several defined sections and the second part of the overlay member includes a single defined section. The first part of the overlay member mounts on the first portion of the touchpad and the second part of the overlay member mounts on the second portion of the touchpad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Reynold Liao, Sean O'Neal
  • Patent number: 6499115
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for dynamically connecting a system under test (“SUT”) to and disconnecting an SUT from a private VLAN in a computer manufacturing environment is described. In a preferred embodiment, each time an SUT disposed in a burn rack boots up, a VLAN-capable switch (hereinafter “CAT”) connected thereto checks the media access control (“MAC”) address of the SUT against a MAC address-to-VLAN correlation table (“MAC-VLAN table”). If the SUT's MAC address is not listed in the MAC-VLAN table, the CAT connects the SUT to a predefined default VLAN; i.e., the manufacturer's main manufacturing network. If the SUT's MAC address is included in the MAC-VLAN table, there is a private VLAN associated with the SUT and the CAT connects the SUT to the associated VLAN in a conventional fashion, at which point custom configuration can be performed as needed on the private VLAN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Wiedeman, Eugene Baker, Dwayne R. Potter, Richard Amberg
  • Patent number: 6498719
    Abstract: A portable computer housing including an enclosure with a support wall and a strike zone including a first protrusion in the support wall. A support member is attached to the enclosure. The support member includes a base wall positioned in close proximity to the support wall of the enclosure. A second protrusion is formed in the base wall of the support member. The second protrusion is offset from the base wall by a first distance with at least a portion of the second protrusion being received within the first protrusion. A recess in the second protrusion is offset from the base wall by a second distance. The second distance is less than the first distance. The potential for impact-related failure of components in the portable computer is greatly reduced. Also, the configuration of the strike zone reduces the magnitude of the shock from an impact and eliminates a portion of the high frequency content that is known to damage components such as the hard drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: John W. Bridges
  • Publication number: 20020194410
    Abstract: An adaptive card-sensitive bus slot system and method. The method and system include a substantially universal bus slot structure. In one embodiment, the substantially universal bus slot structure includes at least one Peripheral Component Interconnect adaptive key. In another embodiment, the substantially universal bus slot structure includes at least one Peripheral Component Interconnect adaptive key piston. In another embodiment, a data processing system includes the adaptive cardsensitive bus slot system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Stuart W. Hayes, Erik A. Schuchmann
  • Publication number: 20020194089
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a customer with a quote number identifying a selected PC configuration, which quote number can be later provided by the customer either via telephone or web site to facilitate the process of ordering the selected configuration. When a customer completes the configuration of a PC with a sales representative over the telephone, the sales representative provides the customer with a unique quote number identifying the selected configuration, information about the customer, and any other information the possession of which is necessary or useful in subsequently ordering the selected configuration. Later, when the customer has decided to order the PC, he or she simply accesses the web site of the vendor, enters the quote number in the appropriate field, and clicks on a “place order” button or menu selection, thereby ordering the PC on-line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: David Clifton, Laurie Dolan, Adam Moore, Dan Isaacs
  • Patent number: 6493599
    Abstract: A system for generating data for driving a manufacturing process is described. A symbiotic relationship is established between two Windows NT® system services, including a single instance of a “Sequencer” service, which provides the command, control, and communication for all work in progress, and multiple instances of a “Quantum” service, which manages the execution of a unit of work on command from the Sequencer. All configuration information for the system is stored in a system registry as predefined structures. Registry key entries define the names of the installed Quantum services, as well as the configuration dynamic linked library (“DLL”) image to be loaded by and the sequence number for each Quantum. The Sequencer manages the start up of the installed Quantum services and synchronizes with the created message queues. The Sequencer manages all work in progress and maintains the state of each unit of work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert King, David Blake
  • Patent number: 6484262
    Abstract: A computer system having network controlled security administered in conjunction with a prescribed network server of a computer network includes at least one processor, at least one memory, and a device for communicating with the prescribed network server. Operating system software is provided for use in booting up an operating system. The computer system further includes basic input output system (BIOS) firmware, the BIOS having a security measure. The security measure is implemented by the processor prior to a booting up of the operating system and in conjunction with the prescribed network server. Booting up of the operating system by the processor is controlled in response to the security measure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: Dirie Herzi
  • Patent number: 6477486
    Abstract: A test device for a computer system includes a burn rack having a plurality of workcells. A simple network management protocol switch device is provided adjacent the burn rack. The switch device includes a plurality of ports. A plurality of cables are provided such that a respective cable interconnects a respective port of the switch device and a respective workcell. A monitor is provided adjacent the burn rack and is connected to a port of the switch device. At least one of the workcells has a computer mounted therein provided with a unique Mac Address and connected to the respective cable at the respective workcell. The monitor is connected to a burn rack database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Subha Rojan Ram, Roger Wong
  • Patent number: 6470446
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for partitioning a hard disk during installation of a network OS. In one embodiment, a computer system is booted from a CD-ROM containing a computer server setup (“CSS”) program. The CSS program prompts a user for certain disk preparation data, including the primary and utility partition sizes and volume label. The CSS program then writes a self-loading binary image (“SLBI”) to the first track of the first hard disk immediately following the master boot record (“MBR”). The SLBI includes a bootstrap loader, disk preparation code, and the disk preparation data. The sector address of the SLBI bootstrap loader is placed into a partition descriptor within the master partition table (“MPT”) of the MBR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Alan E. Beelitz, Alexander Krigsfeld, Andrew Wilks
  • Patent number: 6470434
    Abstract: Execution is initiated of operating system software by a computer system. After initiating execution of the operating system software, a partition is formed within a computer-readable medium. In response to the partition, information is formed that identifies a logical drive associated with the partition, irrespective of whether execution of the operating system software is reinitiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: Alan E. Beelitz
  • Patent number: 6449579
    Abstract: A method to allow a computer system board to automatically identify the chassis in which the system board is installed. The method includes the steps of a) attaching at least one spring action grounding clip to the chassis, b) incorporating at least one conducting pad into the artwork of the printed wire assembly on the system board, c) connecting at least one conducting pad to a logic circuit on the system board, d) installing the system board in the chassis, and e) ensuring that at least one spring action grounding clip contacts at least one conducting pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Ayedin Nikazm, Steve J. Brame
  • Publication number: 20020116087
    Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing of computing devices. The system and method advantageously provide a work cell and process for physically consolidating the transformation process of a computer system (motherboard prep, chassis prep, assembly, EMR, burn, test and boxing) during manufacturing of the same in one work area. The new consolidating manufacturing assembly work cell provides a streamlined process, automation, furniture, fixtures and intelligent controls which physically consolidate the steps of the transformation process. The work cell includes a new combination of equipment for: (1) Material Handling, (2) performing the assembly steps, (3) detecting and repairing electrical and mechanical problems, and (4) performing burn and test. Further, the integration of the transformation process into one consolidated work cell for the manufacture of computer systems enables a new and more versatile manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: Mark D. Brown
  • Patent number: 6437557
    Abstract: An adjustable clamp for testing PC cards includes a base member having a planar surface and raised guides spaced apart to define a plurality of slots. A clamp member includes a plurality of spaced apart ribs seated for lateral movement in the slots. A fastener, which is removable, extends through the base member and the clamp member. The fastener is adjustable for moving the ribs laterally in the slots and retaining the clamp member on the base member. In this manner, a plurality of PC cards are retained between the raised guides and the ribs and maintained in a straightened configuration for insertion into respective circuit board connectors during testing of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: Lonnie W. Smith
  • Patent number: 6438688
    Abstract: A method and computer for locally and remotely updating a BIOS using one update file that contains a local update program and a BIOS image. To locally update a client's BIOS, the system administrator can run the update file. To locally update program would then write the BIOS image to the client's computer memory thereby completing the local update. If, however, the system administrator wishes to remotely update the client's BIOS, the update file is run using an input parameter (such as a command line switch). This action causes the local update program to create a file containing the BIOS image with a header. Using this file, a remote update program writes the BIOS image to the client's computer memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: Susan Nunn
  • Patent number: 6427091
    Abstract: A method and system for managing unique COA labels in a build-to-order computer manufacturing environment. In one embodiment, a bar code located on OS back-up media identifies unique COA information for the media. At an early stage of the manufacturing process, a line operator takes a traveler and scans in the order information. At the same time, the operator obtains the OS back-up media for the traveler and scans in the bar code. Once scanned, a COA label having imprinted thereon the COA information is printed and provided to the operator along with a service tag having imprinted thereon the track code for the computer. The service tag and COA label are then affixed to the computer chassis. The manufacturing control system matches the track code with the COA label information that is later downloaded to the hard drive at extended test (“ET”) of the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Tracy Lee Davis, Timothy James McNulty
  • Patent number: 6425078
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for factory-installing directories with long filenames while maintaining proper references to the short filename equivalents thereof are described. During a development stage, a determination is made whether any files or directories with long filenames were created by an application installed on a development system for developing an installation package for the application. If so, the development system is queried for the short filenames associated with these long filenames. The development system then creates a factory-install package for the application in which all short filename references to these long filename files and directories are programmatically replaced with tokens that are unique to each long filename. The factory-install package is then uploaded to a factory server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: T. Gavin Smith, David T. Valys, James Patrick McGlothlin
  • Patent number: 6425025
    Abstract: A bus includes at least a pair of terminators interposed between a pair of connectors. A first one of the terminators is located within a predetermined distance from a first one of the connectors. A second one of the terminators is located within the predetermined distance from a second one of the connectors. The second terminator is selectively disabled in response to the second terminator being interposed between the first terminator and a third terminator of the bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: Srinivas Rao Kamepalli
  • Patent number: 6421755
    Abstract: A hot insertion system for assigning system resources of a computer system to a hot inserted adapter circuit such as a device mounted on a PCI adapter card. The adapter circuit is hot inserted to the computer system via a connector such as a slot connector. Apertures of a system resource such as I/O address space, memory address space, and interrupt numbers, are reserved for each computer bus of the computer system. The devices located on the computer bus are assigned portions of each system resource aperture in a top down configuration. A system resource assignment routine finds the lowest assigned address of a system resource aperture to determine whether the aperture has enough assignable capacity for a hot inserted adapter circuit. If enough assignable capacity exists, then the system resource assignment routine assigns a portion of each system resource aperture located below lowest assigned address to the adapter circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: Anil V. Rao
  • Publication number: 20020083083
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for ensuring that file updates scheduled in a Wininit.ini file are applied with regard to previously existing versions and multiple instances of such updates are described. In one aspect, a computer program is installed on a computer system and executed after all file update entries have been made to a Wininit.ini file, but before the computer system is rebooted. If duplicate entries exist in the Wininit.ini file for a single destination file, the computer program determines which entry contains the newest source file based first on the version of the source file, if any, and then on the date/time stamp for the source file. The Wininit.ini entries referring to older source files, as well as the files themselves, are then marked for deletion and/or deleted before the computer system is rebooted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: DELL USA, L.P.
    Inventors: T. Gavin Smith, Vamsi Ayyagari
  • Patent number: 6411504
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a base, a display panel, a cover for housing the display panel, and a cover pivotally connected to the base. The display panel includes a front surface having an active area and an inactive area surrounding the active area. The cover includes a latch hook extending over a portion of the inactive area of the display panel. The latch hook secures the cover to the base when the cover in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Bryan F. Howell, Rick Wahl, Jeff Brostrom, Peter Skillman, Otto Deruntz