Patents by Inventor Steve Sands

Steve Sands 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: 6272005
    Abstract: An apparatus including a main chassis and a system component chassis removably mounted in the main chassis through an opening in a top portion thereof. A positioning member is attached to the system component chassis. A handle is pivotally attached adjacent to an end wall of the main chassis for being moved between a first position and a second position. The handle includes a portion engaged by the positioning member to position the system component chassis in a docking position with respect to the main chassis when the system component chassis is mounted in the main chassis with the handle in the first position. An insertion member is attached to the handle for engaging a portion of the power supply chassis for movement thereof from the docking position to a docked position when the handle is moved from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Ralph W. Jensen, Steve Sands
  • Patent number: 6222736
    Abstract: A computer, or other electronic device, according to which a handle is pivotally mounted to a component, such as a power supply, for installing the component supply in the computer chassis. After the component is inserted in the chassis, the handle is pivoted towards the component which establishes a fulcrum for forcing the component into the chassis. To remove the component from the chassis, the handle is pivoted away from the component which establishes a fulcrum to assist in the removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Vibora Sim, Steve Sands
  • Patent number: 6220456
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a computer chassis (12). A rack-mounted computer system is provided that includes at least two posts (16). A rail (20) is attached to each post (16). Each of the rails (20) includes two ribs (24) that together define a slot (26). One portion (28) of the slot (26) has a greater separation between the ribs (24). A computer component chassis (12) that needs to be mounted includes two faces (100,102) on its outer surface. Each face has at least one protuberance (104). The protuberances (104) are shaped to fit at least partially into the slot (26) of one of the rails (20) at the portion (28) having greater separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Ralph Warren Jensen, Steve Sands
  • Patent number: 6061237
    Abstract: A computer, or electronic device, according to which two fans are mounted on a mounting member which, in turn, is mounted to a wall of the chassis of the computer or component so that the fans establish an air flow in the chassis in a predetermined direction. The fans are mounted to the mounting member, and the mounting member is mounted to the wall, in a manner so that the fans extend at an angle to the wall and so that the space occupied by the fans is less than the space that the fans would occupy when mounted in a side-by-side relation and parallel to the wall. The fans are also positioned so that, if one fails, the other will cool the components normally cooled by the failed fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Steve Sands, Andrew L. McAnally, R. Steven Mills
  • Patent number: 6021047
    Abstract: A computer and a rack mount system and method for mounting a computer in which the computer is mounted on a shelf that is slidable to a position outside the cabinet of the rack mount system. The computer is then slid in a direction transverse to the first direction after which it is pivoted relative to the shelf to permit it to be serviced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Dell U.S.A., L,P.
    Inventors: Arthur Lopez, Steve Sands
  • Patent number: 5622064
    Abstract: A device and method for locking a computer access port. In a preferred embodiment, a locking device prevents removal of devices and media installed in a computer access port, but permits air circulation, visual access, and limited physical access. The locking device has an elongated member with an L-shaped engaging portion at one end and a barrel lock mechanism at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Steve Gluskoter, Steve Sands
  • Patent number: 5579924
    Abstract: A mounting accessory and storage system includes an accessory bracket which is designed to be detachably connected to an associated electronic equipment box in a closed or storage position without extending beyond the perimeter of the box during shipment of the electronic equipment. The mounting accessory is easily detachable from the box and reinstalled in a second position in the box which provides an extended bracket interface, connected to but extending beyond the perimeter of the box, to overlap with a corresponding mounting edge of an equipment mounting rack unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Steve Sands, Steve Mills