Bryan F Howell

US Patent:

6353531, Mar 5, 2002

Filed:

Aug 25, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/382503

Inventors:

Bryan F. Howell - Austin TX
Bryan K. Hunter - Austin TX

Assignee:

Dell USA, L.P. - Round Rock TX

International Classification:

G06F 116

US Classification:

361683, 361679, 361680, 361681, 361686, 345 87, 345102, 345905, 348149, 349 65, 349 69, 349149, 349150

Abstract:

A portable computer includes a base having a perimeter including a plurality of sides and a module opening formed in one of the sides. A display panel having a viewing surface is housed by a cover pivotally connected to the base for movement between an open position and a closed position. The cover includes a visor extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the viewing surface of the display panel, such that the visor covers a portion of the module opening when the cover is in the closed position.

US Patent:

6385037, May 7, 2002

Filed:

Dec 20, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/742519

Inventors:

Bryan Franklin Howell - Austin TX
Paul Andrew Kirchoff - Austin TX

Assignee:

Dell Products L.P. - Round Rock TX

International Classification:

H05K 712

US Classification:

361683, 361727, 345179, 235462

Abstract:

A portable computer system has an enclosure including a base with a first surface and a microprocessor mounted in the enclosure. A keyboard is mounted in the base of the enclosure and is coupled to provide input to the microprocessor. A mass storage is coupled to the microprocessor and a display is coupled to the microprocessor by a video controller. A system memory is coupled to provide storage to facilitate execution of computer programs by the microprocessor. A support member is attached to the enclosure and at least a portion of the support member extends from the first surface of the enclosure adjacent the keyboard.

US Patent:

6411504, Jun 25, 2002

Filed:

Aug 25, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/383120

Inventors:

Bryan F. Howell - Austin TX
Rick Wahl - Cedar Park TX
Jeff Brostrom - Austin TX
Peter Skillman - San Carlos CA
Otto Deruntz - Dunstable MA

Assignee:

Dell USA, L.P. - Round Rock TX

International Classification:

G06F 116

US Classification:

361683, 361679, 361686

Abstract:

A portable computer includes a base, a display panel, a cover for housing the display panel, and a cover pivotally connected to the base. The display panel includes a front surface having an active area and an inactive area surrounding the active area. The cover includes a latch hook extending over a portion of the inactive area of the display panel. The latch hook secures the cover to the base when the cover in a closed position.

US Patent:

6590508, Jul 8, 2003

Filed:

May 24, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/317543

Inventors:

Bryan F. Howell - Austin TX 78703
Sean P. ONeal - Round Rock TX 78681

International Classification:

H01H 900

US Classification:

341 22, 200 5 A, 200314, 200317, 362 23, 362 26, 362 84, 362 30, 345170

Abstract:

A portable computer system includes an illuminated keyboard. The computer system has an enclosure including a base and a cover pivotally attached to the base. The keyboard subassembly is mounted in the base. The keyboard subassembly includes a plurality of key mechanisms mounted on a first side thereof. A light panel having a plurality of openings formed therethrough in a pattern generally corresponding to the plurality of key mechanisms is provided. The light panel is mounted adjacent the first side of the keyboard subassembly with each one of the key mechanisms extending through a respective opening in the light panel. A key cap is mounted on each one of the key mechanisms. In one embodiment, each key cap includes a body formed of a non-opaque material having an opaque character indicia portion formed thereon. Light is transmitted through body such that the character indicia portion may be viewed in low light conditions. The key cap may include a light diffuser to enhance the projection of light from the light panel to the character indicia portion.

US Patent:

6621691, Sep 16, 2003

Filed:

Jul 10, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/901827

Inventors:

Bryan Franklin Howell - Austin TX

Assignee:

Dell Products L.P. - Round Rock TX

International Classification:

G06F 116

US Classification:

361683, 361681, D14319, 3122232

Abstract:

A portable computer includes a base member and a lid member attached to the base member and movable between a closed position and an open position. A display is mounted on a first side of the lid member positioned adjacent the base member when the lid member is in the closed position. An optical drive is mounted on a second side of the lid member opposite the first side.

US Patent:

58186883, Oct 6, 1998

Filed:

Jan 21, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/785583

Inventors:

Steve D. Gluskoter - Austin TX
Bryan F. Howell - Austin TX

Assignee:

Dell U.S.A. L.P. - Round Rock TX

International Classification:

G06F 116
B43L 1500

US Classification:

361680

Abstract:

A portable computer having a keyboard and one or more support members that are pivotable from a retracted position to an extended position to raise the front end of the computer. In the extended position, the support member raises the front end of the housing, and therefore tilts the keyboard an amount sufficient to reduce wrist extension from a neutral position when the keyboard is in use.

US Patent:

61281921, Oct 3, 2000

Filed:

Apr 28, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/067622

Inventors:

Bryan Howell - Austin TX
Mark A. Penniman - Austin TX

Assignee:

Dell USA, L.P. - Round Rock TX

International Classification:

G06F 116

US Classification:

361724

Abstract:

A portable computer housing includes a base having a top member and a bottom member clamped together and reinforced by a one-piece end cover member. Peripheral edge portions of the end cover member engage peripheral edge portions of the top member and bottom member. The top member includes a first flange on opposite ends thereof and the bottom member includes a second flange on opposite ends thereof. The first and second flanges form interrupted base end flanges when the top and bottom members are clamped together. The end cover member includes a cover end flange at opposite ends thereof. Each cover end flange overlappingly engages the base end flanges at each opposite end of the base.

US Patent:

59953667, Nov 30, 1999

Filed:

Jan 16, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/007958

Inventors:

Bryan Howell - Austin TX
Steve Gluskoter - Austin TX
Chris Jaggers - Austin TX
Orin M. Ozias - Cedar Park TX

Assignee:

Dell U.S.A., L.P. - Round Rock TX

International Classification:

G06F 116
H05K 210
E05B 7300

US Classification:

361686

Abstract:

A computer anti-theft system for use with various lock devices includes a docking device and a computer engaged with the docking device by an interconnecting lock. A handle is provided for moving the latch to disengage the computer and the docking device. A first lock receiver is provided adjacent the handle for receiving a first type of lock for limiting movement of the handle to prevent disengagement of the docking device and the computer. A second lock receiver is also provided adjacent the handle for receiving a second type of lock, different from the first type, for limiting movement of the handle to prevent disengagement of the docking device and the computer.