Patents by Inventor Tom J Searby

Tom J Searby 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: 7061761
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system for cooling components of an electronic device includes a chassis having a base, sides, and a removable cover disposed over the sides; a first component, a second component, and a third component disposed in the chassis; and a duct disposed in the chassis. In some embodiments, a duct includes a passage, an inlet to the passage, and an outlet from the passage, wherein the passage is disposed over the first component but not over the second and third components; and an upper member disposed against the removable cover lengthwise along the duct, wherein the duct and the upper member are configured to separate the second component from the third component in substantially different regions within the chassis. In particular embodiments, the system also includes a fan disposed angularly in the duct, such that the fan can provide an airflow in an angular direction relative to the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Sean W. Tucker, Tom J. Searby, Arlen L. Roesner
  • Patent number: 6989988
    Abstract: A duct for cooling multiple components in a processor-based device. The duct has an inlet cooling duct section for a cooling airflow focused toward a processor region. The duct also has at least one exit cooling duct section for the cooling airflow extending from the inlet cooling duct section and focused toward a component region, wherein the cooling airflow is successively transportable through the processor region followed by the component region. A processor-based system having a focused cooling duct. The focused cooling duct comprises an inlet cooling duct section for a cooling airflow having a fan receptacle, and a plurality of exit cooling duct sections for the cooling airflow extending from the inlet cooling duct section and focused toward component regions, wherein the cooling airflow is successively transportable through the inlet cooling duct section followed by the plurality of exit cooling duct sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Porter Arbogast, Robert L. Crane, Michael P. Eland, Steven E. Hanzlik, Arlen L. Roesner, Erick J. Tuttle, Tom J. Searby
  • Patent number: 6816370
    Abstract: A computer enclosure has first and second removable access panels. The access panels may be locked shut by securing them both to a chassis at a single point with a locking device. When the locking device is removed, each access panel may be opened and removed independently of the other access panel. The first removable access panel has a first locking tab. The second removable access panel has a second locking tab. The first and second locking tabs do not overlap one another. When the first and second removable access panels are mounted to the chassis, the chassis restrains the first and second removable access panels from movement in first and second orthogonal directions. When the locking device is in place, the locking device restrains the first and second removable access panels from movement in a third orthogonal direction by securing the first and second locking tabs to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Tom J Searby, Michael P Eland, Ronald P Dean
  • Patent number: 6795307
    Abstract: A tool-less latch mechanism for attaching a panel to an enclosure for electronic equipment such as a computer. A lever is mounted to a first enclosure component at a pivot point and is operable to move in a pivot plane. A pawl extends from the lever substantially orthogonal to the pivot plane, and an arcuate slot is fixed on a second enclosure component. When the lever pivots from an open to a closed position, engagement of the pawl with a first surface of the slot causes relative movement between the enclosure components in a first longitudinal direction. When the lever pivots from the closed to the open position, engagement of the pawl with a second surface of the slot causes relative movement between the enclosure components in an opposite longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Porter Rodgers Arbogast, Arlen L. Roesner, David W. Mayer, Tom J. Searby, Clint E. Conrady, Tillman Frazier Taylor
  • Publication number: 20040164656
    Abstract: A computer system comprises a chassis having a frontal mounting surface. The system also comprises a bezel-less drive cage coupled to the chassis and adapted to receive at least one frontally-exposed drive. The drive cage extends forward beyond the frontal mounting surface of the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Arlen L. Roesner, Clint E. Conrady, Tom J. Searby, David W. Mayer
  • Publication number: 20040165347
    Abstract: A computer identification system comprises an identification member retractable into an internal area of a chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Arlen L. Roesner, David W. Mayer, Tom J. Searby, Ryan Ebert
  • Publication number: 20040165349
    Abstract: A duct for cooling multiple components in a processor-based device. The duct has an inlet cooling duct section for a cooling airflow focused toward a processor region. The duct also has at least one exit cooling duct section for the cooling airflow extending from the inlet cooling duct section and focused toward a component region, wherein the cooling airflow is successively transportable through the processor region followed by the component region. A processor-based system having a focused cooling duct. The focused cooling duct comprises an inlet cooling duct section for a cooling airflow having a fan receptacle, and a plurality of exit cooling duct sections for the cooling airflow extending from the inlet cooling duct section and focused toward component regions, wherein the cooling airflow is successively transportable through the inlet cooling duct section followed by the plurality of exit cooling duct sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Porter Arbogast, Robert L. Crane, Michael P. Eland, Steven E. Hanzlik, Arlen L. Roesner, Erick J. Tuttle, Tom J. Searby
  • Publication number: 20040120106
    Abstract: A transformable computer comprises a computer chassis and a plurality of mounts. The computer chassis comprises a mounting latch member. The plurality of mounts are interchangeably coupleable with the mounting latch member, wherein the plurality of mounts comprise a rail mount for a rack mount computer configuration and a tower base mount for a vertical tower computer configuration. A method of using a computer chassis comprising providing a computer chassis and interchangeably coupling one of a rack mountable rail and a tower base mount to the computer chassis at least partially with a tool-free coupling member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Tom J. Searby, Sean W. Tucker
  • Publication number: 20040085720
    Abstract: A tool-less latch mechanism for attaching a panel to an enclosure for electronic equipment such as a computer. A lever is mounted to a first enclosure component at a pivot point and is operable to move in a pivot plane. A pawl extends from the lever substantially orthogonal to the pivot plane, and an arcuate slot is fixed on a second enclosure component. When the lever pivots from an open to a closed position, engagement of the pawl with a first surface of the slot causes relative movement between the enclosure components in a first longitudinal direction. When the lever pivots from the closed to the open position, engagement of the pawl with a second surface of the slot causes relative movement between the enclosure components in an opposite longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Porter Rodgers Arbogast, Arlen L. Roesner, David W. Mayer, Tom J. Searby, Clint E. Conrady, Tillman Frazier Taylor
  • Patent number: 6726295
    Abstract: A configurable enclosure covers a computer for use in an office setting and can be removed for use of the computer in a rack-mount setting. The enclosure may be constructed using one identical panel in two places. The two panels releasably engage opposite sides of the computer to form a shell assembly. The shell may be taller and wider than the computer to establish air cavities that are in fluid communication with ambient air for cooling purposes. The panels are releasably attached by hooks that engage holes on the computer. Resilient catches secure the panels once the hooks are engaged. The assembly may be placed on its side in a pedestal. Tabs on the back and protrusions on the sides of the assembly secure it in the pedestal. An access panel of the computer may be removed while leaving the panels of the shell assembly attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Tom J Searby
  • Publication number: 20030223192
    Abstract: A computer enclosure has first and second removable access panels. The access panels may be locked shut by securing them both to a chassis at a single point with a locking device. When the locking device is removed, each access panel may be opened and removed independently of the other access panel. The first removable access panel has a first locking tab. The second removable access panel has a second locking tab. The first and second locking tabs do not overlap one another. When the first and second removable access panels are mounted to the chassis, the chassis restrains the first and second removable access panels from movement in first and second orthogonal directions. When the locking device is in place, the locking device restrains the first and second removable access panels from movement in a third orthogonal direction by securing the first and second locking tabs to the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Tom J. Searby, Michael P. Eland, Ronald P. Dean
  • Publication number: 20030214204
    Abstract: A configurable enclosure covers a computer for use in an office setting and can be removed for use of the computer in a rack-mount setting. The enclosure may be constructing using one identical panel in two places. The two panels releasably engage opposite sides of the computer to form a shell assembly. The shell may be taller and wider than the computer to establish air cavities that are in fluid communication with ambient air for cooling purposes. The panels are releasably attached by hooks that engage holes on the computer. Resilient catches secure the panels once the hooks are engaged. The assembly may be placed on its side in a pedestal. Tabs on the back and protrusions on the sides of the assembly secure it in the pedestal. An access panel of the computer may be removed while leaving the panels of the shell assembly attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Tom J. Searby
  • Patent number: 6628512
    Abstract: A computer enclosure has first and second removable access panels. The access panels may be locked shut by securing them both to a chassis at a single point with a locking device. When the locking device is removed, each access panel may be opened and removed independently of the other access panel. The first removable access panel has a first locking tab. The second removable access panel has a second locking tab. The first and second locking tabs do not overlap one another. When the first and second removable access panels are mounted to the chassis, the chassis restrains the first and second removable access panels from movement in first and second orthogonal directions. When the locking device is in place, the locking device restrains the first and second removable access panels from movement in a third orthogonal direction by securing the first and second locking tabs to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Tom J Searby, Michael P Eland, Ronald P Dean
  • Patent number: 6621717
    Abstract: An EMI cover for a media drive housing. The cover includes a conductive surface adapted to cover one end of the housing. Conductive flanges are disposed along the sides of the surface. A first flange hingingly engages the housing. A second flange catchingly engages the housing. Attachment and removal of the cover may be achieved without the use of fasteners or tools. Protrusions disposed along the periphery of the cover enhance EMI blocking characteristics of the cover. A raised section of one of the flanges may extend over a portion of the housing to form an EMI-efficient cable management port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development, L.P.
    Inventors: Erick J. Tuttle, Tom J Searby
  • Patent number: D479717
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Tom J. Searby, Sean William Tucker
  • Patent number: D480077
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Tom J. Searby, Max Yoshimoto, Gil Wong, Glenn Wong, Nicolas Denhez
  • Patent number: D480078
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Tom J. Searby, Dustin C. Rosing
  • Patent number: D480082
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Tom J. Searby, Sean William Tucker
  • Patent number: D480086
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Tom J. Searby, Sean William Tucker
  • Patent number: D481037
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Tom J Searby