Patents by Inventor Thomas T. Hardt
Thomas T. Hardt 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).
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Patent number: 7623356Abstract: Embodiments of the present technique are directed to a blade system. The blade system may include a first blade module comprising a first conjoining channel, and a second blade module comprising a second conjoining channel aligned with the first conjoining channel, wherein the first blade module and the second blade module are symmetrical and mechanically coupled to form a conjoined blade, wherein electrical components of the first blade module and electrical components of the second blade module are electrically coupled via an electrical coupler routed through the aligned first conjoining channel and second conjoining channel.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2007Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Kevin B. Leigh, Thomas T. Hardt, Timothy A. McCree
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Patent number: 7554815Abstract: An device including a fastener. In some embodiments, the device is an electronic device that includes a circuit board, a support structure, and a resilient conductive clip. The circuit board may include a slot extending between opposite faces. The resilient conductive clip may couple to the support structure and be removably inserted through the slot so that it is disposed at least partially about the opposite faces. The resilient conductive clip may include lower and upper grounding portions engaged against the opposite faces of the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Thomas T. Hardt, Carlos Torres, David E. Thomas
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Patent number: 7466544Abstract: A latch mechanism comprising a frame having an insertion axis therethrough. A first latch spring is disposed on the frame and is biased to an extended position. A handle is connected to the frame and is movable along the insertion axis between a first position and a second position. A first cam is disposed on the handle and moves the first latch spring to a retracted position as the handle moves toward the second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Thomas T. Hardt, Carlos Torres
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Publication number: 20080266815Abstract: Embodiments of the present technique are directed to a blade system. The blade system may include a first blade module comprising a first conjoining channel, and a second blade module comprising a second conjoining channel aligned with the first conjoining channel, wherein the first blade module and the second blade module are symmetrical and mechanically coupled to form a conjoined blade, wherein electrical components of the first blade module and electrical components of the second blade module are electrically coupled via an electrical coupler routed through the aligned first conjoining channel and second conjoining channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Kevin B. Leigh, Thomas T. Hardt, Timothy A. McCree
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Patent number: 7349200Abstract: A latch mechanism comprising a frame having an insertion axis therethrough. A first latch spring is disposed on the frame and is biased to an extended position. A handle is connected to the frame and is movable along the insertion axis between a first position and a second position. A first cam is disposed on the handle and moves the first latch spring to a retracted position as the handle moves toward the second position.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Thomas T. Hardt, Carlos Torres
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Patent number: 7190586Abstract: Heat sink retention assemblies and related methods are described. In one embodiment, a system comprises a base, a handle rotatably mounted on the base, and heat sink retention structure joined with the handle and moveable by the handle between an opened and a closed position effective to secure a heat sink on a substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: John P. Franz, Thomas T. Hardt, David Deis
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Patent number: 7138579Abstract: A flexible grounding strip includes an electrically conductive strip having an elongated base, opposite sides of which extend to respective flanges spaced from the base. Each flange extends from one side of the base and terminates at an edge generally facing the opposed side of the base. The edges are spaced from each other. Each of the opposite sides have lengthwise spaced slots extending partly across the base towards the opposite side of the base. The slots extending from one side of the base are interleaved with slots extending from the opposite side of the base.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: George D. Megason, Thomas T. Hardt
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Patent number: 7102883Abstract: A memory package comprising a first circuit board having a plurality of memory element sockets and a second circuit board coupled to the first circuit board and comprising a controller chip. The first and second circuit boards are disposed within a tray having a base and two sides. A handle is connected to the tray such that the handle is pivotal with respect to the tray. The handle has a lever system and latch that is slidably engaged with the lever system.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Thomas T. Hardt, George D. Megason, Kurt A. Manweiler
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Patent number: 7092258Abstract: A system and method for supporting at least one electrical cable is provided. The at least one electrical cable may be secured to a movable electronic device disposed within a chassis. A harness is provided that is securable to at least one electrical cable. A flexible support member is provided to support the harness and the at least one electrical cable. The flexible support member may move with the electrical device as the electrical device is moved. The flexible support member may comprise wire. A wire reel may be provided to extend and retract the wire. The wire of the wire reel may be unwound as the electrical device is moved from a normal position to a withdrawn position. The wire of the wire reel may be wound as the electronic device is moved from the withdrawn position to the normal position.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Thomas T. Hardt, Allison R. McGrew
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Patent number: 7072186Abstract: A computer chassis comprising a chassis base and first and second drawers removably engaged with the chassis base. An interface board is mounted to the first drawer so as to couple to a first electrical component when the first electrical component is located in the first drawer. The second drawer has a connector mounted so as to couple to a second electrical component when the second electrical component is located in the second drawer. The connector engages the interface board so as to couple the first electrical component to the second electrical component when the first and second electrical components are located in the respective first and second drawers.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Thomas T. Hardt, Carlos Torres, Kurt A. Manweiler
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Patent number: 6972369Abstract: A flexible grounding strip includes elongated electrically conductive strip having a base extending between spaced, opposed sidewalls. At least one of the sidewalls has a flange spaced from the base and extending towards the opposed sidewall. Each of the sidewalls has a series of lengthwise-spaced slots extending widthwise across the sidewall into and at least partly across the base towards the opposed sidewall. The slot dimensions and spacing impart flexibility to enable the strip to bend transversely of its length.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: George D. Megason, Thomas T. Hardt
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Patent number: 6824324Abstract: A system for pivotably coupling components. The system comprises a pivot structure having a head, a body, a deformable retention feature and a stop. The stop is positioned to limit movement of a cooperating deformation tool to ensure predictable pivot spacing.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Thomas T. Hardt
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Publication number: 20040065787Abstract: A system and method for supporting at least one electrical cable is provided. The at least one electrical cable may be secured to a movable electronic device disposed within a chassis. A harness is provided that is securable to at least one electrical cable. A flexible support member is provided to support the harness and the at least one electrical cable. The flexible support member may move with the electrical device as the electrical device is moved. The flexible support member may comprise wire. A wire reel may be provided to extend and retract the wire. The wire of the wire reel may be unwound as the electrical device is moved from a normal position to a withdrawn position. The wire of the wire reel may be wound as the electronic device is moved from the withdrawn position to the normal position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Thomas T. Hardt, Allison R. McGrew
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Patent number: 6646893Abstract: A system and method for supporting at least one electrical cable is provided. The at least one electrical cable may be secured to a movable electronic device disposed within a chassis. A harness is provided that is securable to at least one electrical cable. A flexible support member is provided to support the harness and the at least one electrical cable. The flexible support member may move with the electrical device as the electrical device is moved. The flexible support member may comprise wire. A wire reel may be provided to extend and retract the wire. The wire of the wire reel may be unwound as the electrical device is moved from a normal position to a withdrawn position. The wire of the wire reel may be wound as the electronic device is moved from the withdrawn position to the normal position.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Thomas T. Hardt, Allison R. McGrew
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Publication number: 20030113158Abstract: A system for pivotably coupling components. The system comprises a pivot structure having a head, a body, a deformable retention feature and a stop. The stop is positioned to limit movement of a cooperating deformation tool to ensure predictable pivot spacing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Applicant: COMPAQ INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, L.P.Inventor: Thomas T. Hardt
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Patent number: 6459589Abstract: A modularized computer chassis for housing multiple computer modules, such as a processor module, media storage module, an I/O module, and power supplies includes a housing divided generally into four regions, with each region configured for receiving one of the modules or power supplies. A single center pluggable midplane board is positioned in the middle of the housing such that each of the modules and power supplies can be interconnected through the single midplane board. The single center pluggable midplane board includes direct pluggable connectors which correspond to connectors on each of the modules and power supplies, such that each of the modules and power supplies are directly connected to the single pluggable midplane board, and no ribbon signal and power cables are needed for the connection. The direct connection between the single center pluggable midplane board and the modules and power supplies helps to minimize the height of the chassis, thereby saving valuable rack space.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Compaq Information Technologies Group LLPInventors: Kurt A. Manweiler, Thomas T. Hardt, Michael C. Sanders
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Patent number: 6326547Abstract: A cable management system for organizing and controlling cables extending from an electronic device while providing substantially unimpeded device access, substantially unrestricted cable movement and substantially unrestricted air flow into and out of the device. The system attaches to a secure structure and is capable of boxing out from the structure to allow access to service a device positioned within the secure structure. The cable management system includes at least three cable arms of rigid material, a coupling member attached between each adjacent pair of the at least three cable arms, where the coupling member provides movement between each of the adjacent pairs of cable arms.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1999Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Compaq Computer CorporationInventors: Don M. Saxby, Mark J. Williams, Thomas T. Hardt, Joseph R. Allen, Edward J. Kliewer, Christopher Hunt, Henry C. Coles, III
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Publication number: 20010010619Abstract: A modularized computer chassis for housing multiple computer modules, such as a processor module, media storage module, an I/O module, and power supplies includes a housing divided generally into four regions, with each region configured for receiving one of the modules or power supplies. A single center pluggable midplane board is positioned in the middle of the housing such that each of the modules and power supplies can be interconnected through the single midplane board. The single center pluggable midplane board includes direct pluggable connectors which correspond to connectors on each of the modules and power supplies, such that each of the modules and power supplies are directly connected to the single pluggable midplane board, and no ribbon signal and power cables are needed for the connection. The direct connection between the single center pluggable midplane board and the modules and power supplies helps to minimize the height of the chassis, thereby saving valuable rack space.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2001Publication date: August 2, 2001Inventors: Kurt A. Manweiler, Thomas T. Hardt, Michael C. Sanders
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Patent number: 6229709Abstract: A card guide assembly for isolating printed circuit boards from each other during insertion and removal from a mounting array. The assembly includes first and second isolation channels that are configured to permit the receipt of a variety of PC board sizes therein and a securement cap for receipt thereover. The cap may be adjustably positioned within the isolation channels for establishing a secured mounting for a variety of PC board sizes. A locking mechanism is provided between the cap and the channels for secured engagement therebetween. The channels are mounted on opposite sides of the PC board connector region permitting conventional mounting of the PC board into a mounting connector.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1998Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Compaq Computer CorporationInventors: Thomas T. Hardt, Karl N. Walker
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Patent number: 6208522Abstract: A modularized computer chassis for housing multiple computer modules, such as a processor module, media storage module, an I/O module, and power supplies includes a housing divided generally into four regions, with each region configured for receiving one of the modules or power supplies. A single center pluggable midplane board is positioned in the middle of the housing such that each of the modules and power supplies can be interconnected through the single midplane board. The single center pluggable midplane board includes direct pluggable connectors which correspond to connectors on each of the modules and power supplies, such that each of the modules and power supplies are directly connected to the single pluggable midplane board, and no ribbon signal and power cables are needed for the connection. The direct connection between the single center pluggable midplane board and the modules and power supplies helps to minimize the height of the chassis, thereby saving valuable rack space.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Compaq Computer Corp.Inventors: Kurt A. Manweiler, Thomas T. Hardt, Michael C. Sanders