Michael C Durham

US Patent:

6567868, May 20, 2003

Filed:

Apr 28, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/561430

Inventors:

Robin T. Tran - Houston TX
Michael R. Durham - Houston TX
Mark A. Piwonka - Tomball TX

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - Houston TX

International Classification:

G06F 13372

US Classification:

710 60, 710 19, 710 58, 710267, 713500, 713501, 713503

Abstract:

The preferred embodiment of the invention has a combination of a detection circuit and executable software. The detection circuit is capable of detecting the removal and replacement of a computer system microprocessor and latching an indication that the microprocessor has been removed, even if that removal has taken place while the computer system is without power. Having latched an indication that the microprocessor has been removed and replaced, the detection circuit asserts appropriate signals to start the microprocessor in a safe mode. Once operating in a safe mode, an executable program polls the latched indication, and if the indication is that the CPU has been removed and replaced, the software is further adapted to prompt a computer system user for a new host bus to CPU core speed ratio and modify registors to indicate a new value, if necessary, that are subsequently used to start the CPU at the correct operational speed.

US Patent:

7029310, Apr 18, 2006

Filed:

Dec 13, 2004

Appl. No.:

11/010605

Inventors:

Juan M. Perez - Tomball TX, US
Stephen J. Higham - Houston TX, US
Michael R. Durham - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - Houston TX

International Classification:

H01R 13/62

US Classification:

439331, 439 73

Abstract:

In one embodiment there is disclosed a protective cover for a multi-pin electrical device socket. The socket, prior to having a device inserted therein, is covered with a cover having an inner surface facing the socket, a portion of the periphery of the inner surface of the cover contacting a frame having an open area surrounded by the frame structure. The inner surface of the cover has at least one protrusion thereon, with the protrusion adapted to contact an inserted electrical device thereby causing the cover to cease contacting at least one portion of the frame when the electrical device is installed in the socket.

US Patent:

7086879, Aug 8, 2006

Filed:

Oct 27, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/975967

Inventors:

Stephen J Higham - Houston TX, US
Michael R. Durham - Tomball TX, US

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - Houston TX

International Classification:

H01R 13/44

US Classification:

439140, 439137, 439159

Abstract:

A connector assembly includes first and second sockets disposed on opposite sides of a housing and defining first and second insertion paths, respectively, for receiving a plug. A sliding keep-out member has first and second blocking surfaces. The keep-out member can move back and forth through the housing between first and second positions. In the first position, the first blocking surface blocks at least a portion of the first insertion path, but the second blocking surface clears the second insertion path. In the second position, the second blocking surface blocks at least a portion of the second insertion path, but the first blocking surface clears the first insertion path. Thus the connector assembly may receive plugs in either the first or the second socket, but not in both sockets simultaneously.

US Patent:

7183775, Feb 27, 2007

Filed:

Nov 6, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/702357

Inventors:

Michael R. Durham - Tomball TX, US
Stephen J. Higham - Houston TX, US
Mark D. Tupa - Cypress TX, US
Jim Paikattu - Missour City TX, US

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - Houston TX

International Classification:

G01R 31/02
G01R 31/04

US Classification:

324537, 324538, 324761

Abstract:

Disclosed are systems and methods for determining when a heat sink is installed. In one embodiment, a system comprises an electrically-conductive heat sink retainer clip that is adapted to maintain contact between a heat sink and a heat-producing component, the retainer clip further being adapted to electrically connect to ground, and a heat sink detection circuit adapted to provide voltage to the retainer clip, the heat sink detection circuit being configured to provide a logic value that indicates one of presence or absence of a heat sink.

US Patent:

8335077, Dec 18, 2012

Filed:

Jan 31, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/812724

Inventors:

Christopher N. Rijken - Houston TX, US
Mark D. Tupa - Cypress TX, US
Michael R. Durham - Tomball TX, US

Assignee:

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - Houston TX

International Classification:

H05K 7/20

US Classification:

36167946, 36167948, 36167954, 361704, 361707, 361720, 257713, 257725, 174252

Abstract:

A system contains a temperature sensitive device and a printed circuit board. The temperature sensitive device is coupled to the printed circuit board. An aperture is cut out of the printed circuit board between the temperature sensitive device and a heat generating device to act as an insulator for the temperature sensitive device.

US Patent:

20050213294, Sep 29, 2005

Filed:

Mar 25, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/808358

Inventors:

Jeff Lambert - Cypress TX, US
Pete Austin - Spring TX, US
Michael Durham - Tomball TX, US
Juan Perez - Tomball TX, US
Khaldoun Alzien - Houston TX, US

International Classification:

G06F001/16

US Classification:

361683000

Abstract:

A plurality of interchangeable access panels each adapted to be removably attached to a partially-assembled chassis to occupy at least a portion of a vacant region of an exterior wall. Also, each access panel comprises a configuration of at least one aperture each constructed and arranged to provide operational access to components housed in the chassis.

US Patent:

20060212627, Sep 21, 2006

Filed:

Mar 15, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/080888

Inventors:

Michael Durham - Tomball TX, US
Louis Hobson - Tomball TX, US
Gregory Ziarnik - Houston TX, US
Stephen Higham - Houston TX, US

International Classification:

G06F 13/00

US Classification:

710100000

Abstract:

Systems, devices, methodologies, and other embodiments associated with serial and parallel ports are described. One example system embodiment includes a device for providing serial and parallel ports in a computer. The example device can include a bracket configured to be secured to an expansion slot of the computer where a serial port and a parallel port are mounted to the bracket. The device can further include a serial port cable having a first end connected to the serial port and a second end including a serial port receptacle. The device can further include a parallel port cable having a first end connected to the parallel port and a second end including a parallel port receptacle. The serial port receptacle and the parallel port receptacle can be configured to be operably connected to a motherboard of the computer.

US Patent:

20070094521, Apr 26, 2007

Filed:

Oct 24, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/257782

Inventors:

Robert Brooks - Houston TX, US
Michael Durham - Houston TX, US
Mark Tupa - Houston TX, US

International Classification:

G06F 1/26

US Classification:

713300000

Abstract:

In a control system for a microprocessor, a power supply conductor is configured to supply the power requirements of the microprocessor, and a current-sensing power controller is coupled to the power supply conductor as well as to a thermal control input of the microprocessor. The current-sensing power controller is operable to assert the thermal control input of the microprocessor when current flow in the power supply conductor exceeds a threshold value.