Patents by Inventor Patrick L. Ferguson

Patrick L. Ferguson 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).

  • Patent number: 10248178
    Abstract: A computing system is associated with power consumption based on Power over Ethernet (PoE). Power consumption is compared to a threshold, and a signal is asserted that power consumption is to be limited based on the comparison to the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert C. Brooks, Jeffrey C. Stevens, Patrick L. Ferguson, Charles N. Shaver
  • Publication number: 20170220101
    Abstract: A computing system is associated with power consumption based on Power over Ethernet (PoE). Power consumption is compared to a threshold, and a signal is asserted that power consumption is to be limited based on the comparison to the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Robert C. Brooks, Jeffrey C. Stevens, Patrick L. Ferguson, Charles N. Shaver
  • Patent number: 9639135
    Abstract: A computing system is associated with power consumption based on Power over Ethernet (PoE). Power consumption is compared to a threshold, and a signal is asserted that power consumption is to be limited based on the comparison to the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert C Brooks, Jeffrey C Stevens, Patrick L Ferguson, Charles N Shaver
  • Patent number: 8806237
    Abstract: Electronic circuits and methods are provided for conserving power within computers and other apparatus. A logic circuit performs a logical operation on a plurality of variables thus deriving a corresponding output. The output is used to drive and maintain an open or closed state of an electronic switch, accordingly. The electronic switch is disposed between a source of electrical energy and a system power buss of a computer. The computer can assume very low power, full power and other respective operating modes in accordance with the present state of the electronic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert C. Brooks, Patrick L. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8796880
    Abstract: A first resistance (125) within a power supply (110) can be connected to a power supply output (120). A variable resistance (130) can be serially coupled with the first resistance, thereby providing a first intermediate voltage at a point (115) disposed between the first resistance and the variable resistance. The variable resistance can be at a maximum in the absence of an expansion device (140) and at less than maximum in the presence of an expansion device. The first intermediate voltage and a second intermediate voltage (145) can be introduced to a comparator (150). The comparator can provide an output signal (170) when the first intermediate voltage exceeds the second intermediate voltage. The comparator output signal can be used to confirm the power supply capacity to power an external device (180) and to enable one or more external device functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert C Brooks, Patrick L Ferguson, Robert S Wright
  • Publication number: 20140208140
    Abstract: A computing system is associated with power consumption based on Power over Ethernet (PoE). Power consumption is compared to a threshold, and a signal is asserted that power consumption is to be limited based on the comparison to the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Robert C. Brooks, Jeffrey C. Stevens, Patrick L. Ferguson, Charles N. Shaver
  • Publication number: 20120124397
    Abstract: Electronic circuits and methods are provided for conserving power within computers and other apparatus. A logic circuit performs a logical operation on a plurality of variables thus deriving a corresponding output. The output is used to drive and maintain an open or closed state of an electronic switch, accordingly. The electronic switch is disposed between a source of electrical energy and a system power buss of a computer. The computer can assume very low power, full power and other respective operating modes in accordance with the present state of the electronic switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Robert C. Brooks, Patrick L. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20110316521
    Abstract: A first resistance (125) within a power supply (110) can be connected to a power supply output (120). A variable resistance (130) can be serially coupled with the first resistance, thereby providing a first intermediate voltage at a point (115) disposed between the first resistance and the variable resistance. The variable resistance can be at a maximum in the absence of an expansion device (140) and at less than maximum in the presence of an expansion device. The first intermediate voltage and a second intermediate voltage (145) can be introduced to a comparator (150). The comparator can provide an output signal (170) when the first intermediate voltage exceeds the second intermediate voltage. The comparator output signal can be used to confirm the power supply capacity to power an external device (180) and to enable one or more external device functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Robert C. Brooks, Patrick L. Ferguson, Robert S. Wright
  • Patent number: 7320086
    Abstract: A computer system includes a plurality of memory modules that contain semiconductor memory, such as DIMMs. The system includes a host/data controller that utilizes an XOR engine to store data and parity information in a striped fashion on the plurality of memory modules to create a redundant array of industry standard DIMMs (RAID). The host/data controller also interleaves data on a plurality of channels associated with each of the plurality of memory modules. The system implements error interrupt control, ECC error reporting, cartridge error power down procedures in response to command errors, storage of error information in unused segments of each DIMM, hot-pug procedure indicator and remote tagging capabilities of memory cartridges and DIMMs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Tim Majni, Gary J. Piccirillo, John M. MacLaren, Robert A. Lester, John E. Larson, Jerome J. Johnson, Benjamin H. Clark, Patrick L. Ferguson, Siamak Tavallaei, Jeffrey S. Autor, Christian H. Post, Dan Fink, Jeffery Galloway, Bret D. Roscoe
  • Patent number: 7028213
    Abstract: A computer system includes a plurality of memory modules that contain semiconductor memory, such as DIMMs. The system includes a host/data controller that utilizes an XOR engine to store data and parity information in a striped fashion on the plurality of memory modules to create a redundant array of industry standard DIMMs (RAID). The host/data controller also interleaves data on a plurality of channels associated with each of the plurality of memory modules. The system implements error interrupt control, ECC error reporting, cartridge error power down procedures in response to command errors, storage of error information in unused segments of each DIMM, hot-pug procedure indicator and remote tagging capabilities of memory cartridges and DIMMs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Tim Majni, Gary J. Piccirillo, John M. MacLaren, Robert A. Lester, John E. Larson, Jerome J. Johnson, Benjamin H. Clark, Patrick L. Ferguson, Siamak Tavallaei, Jeffrey S. Autor, Christian H. Post, Dan Fink, Jeffery Galloway, Bret D. Roscoe
  • Patent number: 6981173
    Abstract: A computer system includes a plurality of memory modules that contain semiconductor memory, such as DIMMs. The system includes a host/data controller that utilizes an XOR engine to store data and parity information in a striped fashion across on a plurality of memory cartridges each containing a plurality of memory modules to create a redundant array of industry standard DIMMs (RAID). Each memory cartridge includes an independent memory controller and a corresponding control mechanism in the host/data controller to interpret the independent transitioning of each memory cartridge between various states, including a redundant-ready and a powerdown state to facilitate “hot-plug” capabilities utilizing the removable memory cartridges. Fault information may be passed between the individual memory controllers and the host/data controller to facilitate expedient fault isolation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Patrick L. Ferguson, Robert A. Scheffler
  • Patent number: 6832340
    Abstract: A system and technique for correcting data errors in a memory device. More specifically, data errors in a memory device are corrected by scrubbing the corrupted memory device. Generally, a host controller delivers a READ command to a memory controller. The memory controller receives the request and retrieves the data from a memory sub-system. The data is delivered to the host controller. If an error is detected, a scrub command is induced through the memory controller to rewrite the corrected data through the memory sub-system. Once a scrub command is induced, an arbiter schedules the scrub in the queue. Because a significant amount of time can occur before initial read in the scrub write back to the memory, an additional controller may be used to compare all subsequent READ and WRITE commands to those scrubs scheduled in the queue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: John E. Larson, John M. MacLaren, Robert A. Lester, Gary J. Piccirillo, Jerome J. Johnson, Patrick L. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6785835
    Abstract: A computer system includes a plurality of memory modules that contain semiconductor memory, such as DIMMs. The system includes a host/data controller that utilizes an XOR engine to store data and parity information in a striped fashion on the plurality of memory modules to create a redundant array of industry standard DIMMs (RAID). The system supports DIMMs having X4 and X8 configurations. The system also transitions between various states, including a redundant state and a non-redundant state, to facilitate “hot-plug” capabilities utilizing its removable memory cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: John M. MacLaren, Paul Santeler, Kenneth A. Jansen, Sompong P. Olarig, Robert A. Lester, Patrick L. Ferguson, John E. Larson, Jerome J. Johnson, Gary J. Piccirillo
  • Patent number: 6715116
    Abstract: A system and technique for detecting data errors in a memory device. More specifically, data errors in a memory device are detected by initiating an internal READ command or verify operation from a set of logic which is internal to the memory system in which the memory devices reside. Rather than relying on a READ command to be issued from an external device, via a host controller, the verify logic initiates verify routine in response to an event such as an operator instruction, hot-plug operation, or a periodic schedule. By implementing the verify operation, the system does not rely on external READ commands to verify data integrity. The verify routine may rely on typical ECC error logging mechanisms and may be used in a RAID memory architecture. Further, the verify routine may be used in conjunction with other error logging and correction logic, as well as scrubbing logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert A. Lester, John M. MacLaren, Patrick L. Ferguson, John E. Larson
  • Publication number: 20030196125
    Abstract: A power control feature in a computer system. The power control feature includes a host having a motherboard with a first connector that allows motherboard signals to be shared internal to the host. The motherboard also has a second connector separate from the first connector that supports communications with the host. An extension transmitter card is included within the host and is electrically coupled to the motherboard of the host via at least the first connector and the second connector. The extension transmitter card includes an extension transmitter device that has circuitry configured to recognize specific programmable key code combinations from a keyboard. One function of the key code combinations is to indicate powering on or off the host. An extension receiver is also included in the computer system and is connected to a plurality of user interface devices including the keyboard. The extension receiver is extensibly connected to the extension transmitter card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P.
    Inventor: Patrick L. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20030184960
    Abstract: A computer interface extension configuration that includes a host having a motherboard, an extension transmitter card, and an extension receiver. The motherboard includes a first connector that allows motherboard signals to be shared internal to the host, and a second connector separate from the first connector that supports communications with the host. The extension transmitter card is positioned within the host and is electrically connected to the motherboard of the host via at least the first connector and the second connector. The extension transmitter card includes an extension transmitter device having endpoint circuitry that provides the host with information for enumeration, manageability, and security. The extension receiver is connected to a plurality of user interface devices and is extensibly connected to the extension transmitter card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P.
    Inventor: Patrick L. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20030126337
    Abstract: A computer interface extension configuration that includes a host, an extension transmitter, an extension receiver, and user interface devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and video devices. The host has a motherboard with a first connector that allows motherboard signals to be shared internal to the host. The motherboard also has a second connector separate from the first connector that supports communications with the host. An extension transmitter card is inserted within the host and is connected to the motherboard of the host via at least the first connector. The extension transmitter card has an extension controller or transmitter core that adapts to the functionality distribution of the extension transmitter. An extension receiver is included in the computer interface extension configuration as an interface to a plurality of user interface devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P.
    Inventors: Patrick L. Ferguson, Jeffery C. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20030126323
    Abstract: A computer interface extension configuration that includes a host having a motherboard, an extension transmitter card, and an extension receiver. The motherboard includes a first connector that allows motherboard signals to be shared internal to the host, and a second connector separate from the first connector that supports communications with the host. The extension transmitter card is positioned within the host and is electrically connected to the motherboard of the host via at least the first connector and the second connector. The extension transmitter card has a graphics controller that interfaces with the second connector independent from communications that occur on the first connector. The extension receiver is connected to a plurality of user interface devices and extensibly connected to the extension transmitter card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P.
    Inventors: Patrick L. Ferguson, Jeffrey C. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20030088805
    Abstract: A computer system includes a plurality of memory modules that contain semiconductor memory, such as DIMMs. The system includes a host/data controller that utilizes an XOR engine to store data and parity information in a striped fashion on the plurality of memory modules to create a redundant array of industry standard DIMMs (RAID). The host/data controller also interleaves data on a plurality of channels associated with each of the plurality of memory modules. The system implements error interrupt control, ECC error reporting, cartridge error power down procedures in response to command errors, storage of error information in unused segments of each DIMM, hot-pug procedure indicator and remote tagging capabilities of memory cartridges and DIMMs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Tim Majni, Gary J. Piccirillo, John M. MacLaren, Robert A. Lester, John E. Larson, Jerome J. Johnson, Benjamin H. Clark, Patrick L. Ferguson, Siamak Tavallaei, Jeffrey S. Autor, Christian H. Post, Dan Zink, Jeffery Galloway, Bret D. Roscoe
  • Publication number: 20030070113
    Abstract: A computer system includes a plurality of memory modules that contain semiconductor memory, such as DIMMs. The system includes a host/data controller that utilizes an XOR engine to store data and parity information in a striped fashion across on a plurality of memory cartridges each containing a plurality of memory modules to create a redundant array of industry standard DIMMs (RAID). Each memory cartridge includes an independent memory controller and a corresponding control mechanism in the host/data controller to interpret the independent transitioning of each memory cartridge between various states, including a redundant-ready and a powerdown state to facilitate “hot-plug” capabilities utilizing the removable memory cartridges. Fault information may be passed between the individual memory controllers and the host/data controller to facilitate expedient fault isolation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Patrick L. Ferguson, Robert A. Scheffler