Patents by Inventor Thomas L. Bentley

Thomas L. Bentley 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: 6563698
    Abstract: A system and method for providing one or more detachable components for a computer system are disclosed. The system and method allow for simplified customization of a user's computer system. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include a housing component at least partially defining an exterior surface of the computer system. The housing component may have at least one mounting finger, which may be a pin like protrusion or an elongated and flat extension. The mounting finger may extend from the housing component and be formed to define a locking shoulder. The system may also include a detachable component having a mounting tab. The mounting tab may interact with the locking shoulder to releasably couple the detachable component to the housing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Orin M. Ozias, Thomas L. Bentley, David H. Titzler, Thijs J. Gerlings, Lawrence E. Davis
  • Patent number: 6556431
    Abstract: A system and method for converting alternating current into direct current are disclosed. The system and method allow an electronic device to employ an AC adapter while limiting the sacrificing of valuable component space and minimizing the risk of component harm resulting from the AC adapter's operation. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include an electronic device containing at least one electronic component designed to operate on direct current. The system may also include a stand coupled to the electronic device and supporting the electronic device in a viewable orientation. Within the stand may be located an alternating current adapter that is conductively coupled to the at least one electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Orin M. Ozias, Thomas L. Bentley
  • Publication number: 20020126444
    Abstract: A system and method for providing one or more detachable components for a computer system are disclosed. The system and method allow for simplified customization of a user's computer system. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include a housing component at least partially defining an exterior surface of the computer system. The housing component may have at least one mounting finger, which may be a pin like protrusion or an elongated and flat extension. The mounting finger may extend from the housing component and be formed to define a locking shoulder. The system may also include a detachable component having a mounting tab. The mounting tab may interact with the locking shoulder to releasably couple the detachable component to the housing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Orin M. Ozias, Thomas L. Bentley, David H. Titzler, Thijs J. Gerlings, Lawrence E. Davis
  • Patent number: 6317316
    Abstract: A method and system integrates personal computer components to in an efficient manner that accommodates footprint and EMI demands. A base structure supports a flat panel display and enhances the stability of the display by placing the personal computer on the base structure. A support housing provides an attachment point for the display and also forms a cable cavity to enhance cable management for cables that interface external components with the personal computer. The personal computer has an inner casing with a mother board segment coupled in a hinged manner to a housing segment. The inner casing opens along the hinge to allow access to internal personal computer components, and closes during operation of the personal computer to meet EMI specifications. An outer casing encases the inner casing to enhance integration of the personal computer with other system components, such as by having a shape that conforms to the shape of a recess formed in the base structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Bentley, Orin M. Ozias, David H. Titzler, Ricardo PeƱate, Malcolm S. Smith, Jon Sedmak, Jr., Christopher N. Lenart