Patents by Inventor Dirk A. Erickson

Dirk A. Erickson 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).

  • System and method for using a photodiode to self-test an optical drive
    Patent number: 6982405
    Abstract: A system and method for using a photodiode to self-test an optical drive is disclosed. An optical drive includes a light source that emits a light for interacting with optical media. A photodiode placed adjacent the light source detects a portion of the light, such that the photodiode generates an electrical signal proportional to the light that is detected. A circuit is electrically coupled to the photodiode. The circuit receives the electrical signal and, based on the electrical signal, the circuit tests the operability of the optical drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Dirk A. Erickson, Munif M. Farhan
  • System and method for using a photodiode to self-test an optical drive
    Publication number: 20040211880
    Abstract: A system and method for using a photodiode to self-test an optical drive is disclosed. An optical drive includes a light source that emits a light for interacting with optical media. A photodiode placed adjacent the light source detects a portion of the light, such that the photodiode generates an electrical signal proportional to the light that is detected. A circuit is electrically coupled to the photodiode. The circuit receives the electrical signal and, based on the electrical signal, the circuit tests the operability of the optical drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS, L.P.
    Inventors: Dirk A. Erickson, Munif M. Farhan