Patents by Inventor William O. Bain

William O. Bain 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: 7585182
    Abstract: A cable connecting apparatus includes a base. A plug member extends in a first direction from the base. A cable extends from the base in the first direction. The plug member may be connected to a socket, whereby the cable connecting apparatus provides the cable with a strain relieved 180 degree bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Kwabena Asante, William O. Bain, Anil Kurugode
  • Patent number: 7535205
    Abstract: A system and method for a bridgeless power supply is disclosed. The bridgeless power supply includes a digital control module that controls a first switch, a second switch, and a transistor, thereby the bridgeless power supply rectifies an alternating current (AC) variable input voltage and regulates a direct current (DC) output voltage. The digital control module applies a first and second control signal to the first and second switches thereby rectifying and regulating the AC variable input voltage. Additionally, the digital control module provides a high frequency and constant duty cycle third control signal to the transistor in series with an output transformer of the bridgeless power supply device, to assure primary-to-secondary isolation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP
    Inventors: Lucian Popescu, William O. Bain
  • Publication number: 20080239765
    Abstract: A system and method for a bridgeless power supply is disclosed. The bridgeless power supply includes a digital control module that controls a first switch, a second switch, and a transistor, thereby the bridgeless power supply rectifies an alternating current (AC) variable input voltage and regulates a direct current (DC) output voltage. The digital control module applies a first and second control signal to the first and second switches thereby rectifying and regulating the AC variable input voltage. Additionally, the digital control module provides a high frequency and constant duty cycle third control signal to the transistor in series with an output transformer of the bridgeless power supply device, to assure primary-to-secondary isolation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Dell Products, LP
    Inventors: Lucian Popescu, William O. Bain
  • Patent number: 7392410
    Abstract: In a method and system for an improved power adapter providing power to a load, the power adapter is electrically coupled to the load via a multi-conductor connector. A change in a current flowing through a conductor of the connector is sensed in response to the coupling. The power output of the adapter is enabled after establishing initial contact, as sensed by the change in the current. Power supply identifier (PSID) information is enabled for communication through the conductor after enabling the power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Allen, William O. Bain
  • Patent number: 7243246
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the type of power source supplying electrical power to a power adapter for a portable computer. In an embodiment of the invention, a power adapter for a portable computer is provided with a first power identification circuit for generating system information relating to operation on an AC power source and a second power identification circuit for generating system information relating to operation on a DC power source. A power source detector is operable to detect whether the electrical power supplied to the power adapter is AC or DC power and to enable the first or second power identification circuit, respectively, thereby generating a data signal indicating the respective type of power source. The data signal is provided to a subsystem manager in the computer to allow identification of the type of external power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Allen, William O. Bain
  • Patent number: 6957161
    Abstract: An information handling system (IHS) is provided which includes a power supply with a self diagnostics feature. The power supply supplies power to a test load resistor for a predetermined brief test period. The test period selected is sufficiently short so that a relatively small power rating load resistor is not overheated during the load test. A first indicator is activated if power good is indicated after the load test. This provides a notification that the power supply is operating properly. If power good is not indicated after the load test then a test is conducted to see if the supply is connected to the system board. If the supply is not connected to the system board and power good is not indicated, then a second indicator is activated to conclusively notify of power supply failure However, if the supply is found to be connected to the system board and power good is not indicated, then a third indicator is activated to notify the user that the source of failure is undetermined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Allen, William O. Bain
  • Patent number: 6851960
    Abstract: An AC adapter connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes both a connector plug and a socket. The connector plug includes a connector housing having a first body and a second body both extending from the connector housing. The second body is offset and in alignment with the first body. A first pin aperture and a third pin aperture are disposed within the first body while a second pin aperture is disposed within the second body. The socket assembly includes a socket housing having a first aperture and a second aperture offset from the first aperture. A first pin and a third pin are disposed within the first aperture and a second pin is disposed within the second aperture. The connector plug assembly is operable to couple with the socket assembly in a specific orientation and support both a three wire power cord and a two wire power cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: William O. Bain, Christopher H. Muenzer
  • Publication number: 20040043651
    Abstract: An AC adapter connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes both a connector plug and a socket. The connector plug includes a connector housing having a first body and a second body both extending from the connector housing. The second body is offset and in alignment with the first body. A first pin aperture and a third pin aperture are disposed within the first body while a second pin aperture is disposed within the second body. The socket assembly includes a socket housing having a first aperture and a second aperture offset from the first aperture. A first pin and a third pin are disposed within the first aperture and a second pin is disposed within the second aperture. The connector plug assembly is operable to couple with the socket assembly in a specific orientation and support both a three wire power cord and a two wire power cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: William O. Bain, Christopher H. Muenzer