Patents by Inventor Alan F. Benner

Alan F. Benner 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: 11146003
    Abstract: Embodiments provide for a method for pluggable Land Grid Array (LGA) socket for high density interconnects. A method includes inserting an electrical-to-optical transceiver into an opening of a channel housing that is positioned above a land grid array connector located on an electrical package. After the electrical-to-optical transceiver is inserted into the channel housing, a tapered opening remains between an upper portion of the channel housing above the electrical-to-optical transceiver, wherein a gap of the tapered opening decreases progressively starting from the opening. The method includes inserting a conductive wedge into the gap of the tapered opening prior to communications through the electrical-to-optical transceiver between a component on the electrical package and a component external to the electrical package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan F. Benner, Benjamin Vito Fasano, Paul Francis Fortier, Hilton T. Toy
  • Patent number: 10897835
    Abstract: Coupling assemblies for connecting fluid-carrying components are provided. The coupling assemblies include, for instance: a socket fitting with a first opening and a second opening in fluid communication through the fitting, the first opening being sized to accommodate a first fluid-carrying component, and the second opening being sized to accommodate a second fluid-carrying component; a sleeve, the sleeve encircling the socket fitting and being rotatable relative to the fitting, and the sleeve including a first locking feature; and a second locking feature associated with one of the fluid-carrying components. The second locking feature is positioned and sized to engage the first locking feature of the sleeve when the one fluid-carrying component is inserted into the socket fitting. Once engaged, rotating of the sleeve locks the first and second locking features together to secure the one fluid-carrying component to the socket fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Amilcar R. Arvelo, Alan F. Benner, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Eric J. McKeever
  • Patent number: 10897834
    Abstract: Coupling assemblies for connecting fluid-carrying components are provided. The coupling assemblies include, for instance: a socket fitting with a first opening and a second opening in fluid communication through the fitting, the first opening being sized to accommodate a first fluid-carrying component, and the second opening being sized to accommodate a second fluid-carrying component; a sleeve, the sleeve encircling the socket fitting and being rotatable relative to the fitting, and the sleeve including a first locking feature; and a second locking feature associated with one of the fluid-carrying components. The second locking feature is positioned and sized to engage the first locking feature of the sleeve when the one fluid-carrying component is inserted into the socket fitting. Once engaged, rotating of the sleeve locks the first and second locking features together to secure the one fluid-carrying component to the socket fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Amilcar R. Arvelo, Alan F. Benner, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Eric J. McKeever
  • Patent number: 10484125
    Abstract: A communication system includes first and second devices. The first device includes a first transmitter and a first receiver. The first transmitter transmits one data of a first type using one or more first channels over a first communication link to the second device. The first receiver receives one data of a second type, from the second device, using one or more second channels over the first communication link. The second device includes a second transmitter and a second receiver. The second receiver receives the one data of the first type using the one or more first channels over the first communication link, and to generate the one data of the second type based on the one data of the first type. The second transmitter transmits the one data of the second type using one or more second channels over the first communication link to the first device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan F. Benner, Douglas M. Freimuth, Benjamin G. Lee, Fabrizio Petrini, Laurent Schares, Clint L. Schow, Mehmet Soyuer
  • Publication number: 20190158210
    Abstract: A communication system includes first and second devices. The first device includes a first transmitter and a first receiver. The first transmitter transmits one data of a first type using one or more first channels over a first communication link to the second device. The first receiver receives one data of a second type, from the second device, using one or more second channels over the first communication link. The second device includes a second transmitter and a second receiver. The second receiver receives said one data of the first type using the one or more first channels over the first communication link, and to generate said one data of the second type based on said one data of the first type. The second transmitter transmits said one data of the second type using one or more second channels over the first communication link to the first device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Alan F. Benner, Douglas M. Freimuth, Benjamin G. Lee, Fabrizio Petrini, Laurent Schares, Clint L. Schow, Mehmet Soyuer
  • Publication number: 20180368285
    Abstract: Coupling assemblies for connecting fluid-carrying components are provided. The coupling assemblies include, for instance: a socket fitting with a first opening and a second opening in fluid communication through the fitting, the first opening being sized to accommodate a first fluid-carrying component, and the second opening being sized to accommodate a second fluid-carrying component; a sleeve, the sleeve encircling the socket fitting and being rotatable relative to the fitting, and the sleeve including a first locking feature; and a second locking feature associated with one of the fluid-carrying components. The second locking feature is positioned and sized to engage the first locking feature of the sleeve when the one fluid-carrying component is inserted into the socket fitting. Once engaged, rotating of the sleeve locks the first and second locking features together to secure the one fluid-carrying component to the socket fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Amilcar R. ARVELO, Alan F. BENNER, Michael J. ELLSWORTH, JR., Eric J. McKEEVER
  • Publication number: 20180368286
    Abstract: Coupling assemblies for connecting fluid-carrying components are provided. The coupling assemblies include, for instance: a socket fitting with a first opening and a second opening in fluid communication through the fitting, the first opening being sized to accommodate a first fluid-carrying component, and the second opening being sized to accommodate a second fluid-carrying component; a sleeve, the sleeve encircling the socket fitting and being rotatable relative to the fitting, and the sleeve including a first locking feature; and a second locking feature associated with one of the fluid-carrying components. The second locking feature is positioned and sized to engage the first locking feature of the sleeve when the one fluid-carrying component is inserted into the socket fitting. Once engaged, rotating of the sleeve locks the first and second locking features together to secure the one fluid-carrying component to the socket fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Amilcar R. ARVELO, Alan F. BENNER, Michael J. ELLSWORTH, JR., Eric J. McKEEVER
  • Publication number: 20180358725
    Abstract: Embodiments provide for a method for pluggable Land Grid Array (LGA) socket for high density interconnects. A method includes inserting an electrical-to-optical transceiver into an opening of a channel housing that is positioned above a land grid array connector located on an electrical package. After the electrical-to-optical transceiver is inserted into the channel housing, a tapered opening remains between an upper portion of the channel housing above the electrical-to-optical transceiver, wherein a gap of the tapered opening decreases progressively starting from the opening. The method includes inserting a conductive wedge into the gap of the tapered opening prior to communications through the electrical-to-optical transceiver between a component on the electrical package and a component external to the electrical package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Alan F. Benner, Benjamin Vito Fasano, Paul Francis Fortier, Hilton T. Toy
  • Patent number: 10148386
    Abstract: A communication system includes first and second devices. The first device includes a first transmitter and a first receiver. The first transmitter transmits one data of a first type using one or more first channels over a first communication link to the second device. The first receiver receives one data of a second type, from the second device, using one or more second channels over the first communication link. The second device includes a second transmitter and a second receiver. The second receiver receives the one data of the first type using the one or more first channels over the first communication link, and to generate the one data of the second type based on the one data of the first type. The second transmitter transmits the one data of the second type using one or more second channels over the first communication link to the first device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan F. Benner, Douglas M. Freimuth, Benjamin G. Lee, Fabrizio Petrini, Laurent Schares, Clint L. Schow, Mehmet Soyuer
  • Patent number: 10148356
    Abstract: A method for transmitting data between a first device and a second device over a communication link includes transmitting, by the first device, data of a first type using one or more first channels, receiving, by the second device, the data of the first type from the first device using the one or more first channels, generating, by the second device, data of a second type based on the data of the first type, and transmitting, by the second device, the generated data of the second type using one or more second channels. The data of the first type and the data of the second type are different. The one or more second channels are channels dedicated to transmit the data of the second type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan F. Benner, Douglas M. Freimuth, Benjamin G. Lee, Fabrizio Petrini, Laurent Schares, Clint L. Schow, Mehmet Soyuer
  • Patent number: 10128590
    Abstract: Embodiments provide for a method for pluggable Land Grid Array (LGA) socket for high density interconnects. A method includes inserting an electrical-to-optical transceiver into an opening of a channel housing that is positioned above a land grid array connector located on an electrical package. After the electrical-to-optical transceiver is inserted into the channel housing, a tapered opening remains between an upper portion of the channel housing above the electrical-to-optical transceiver, wherein a gap of the tapered opening decreases progressively starting from the opening. The method includes inserting a conductive wedge into the gap of the tapered opening prior to communications through the electrical-to-optical transceiver between a component on the electrical package and a component external to the electrical package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan F. Benner, Benjamin Vito Fasano, Paul Francis Fortier, Hilton T. Toy
  • Patent number: 10111364
    Abstract: Coupling assemblies for connecting fluid-carrying components are provided. The coupling assemblies include, for instance: a socket fitting with a first opening and a second opening in fluid communication through the fitting, the first opening being sized to accommodate a first fluid-carrying component, and the second opening being sized to accommodate a second fluid-carrying component; a sleeve, the sleeve encircling the socket fitting and being rotatable relative to the fitting, and the sleeve including a first locking feature; and a second locking feature associated with one of the fluid-carrying components. The second locking feature is positioned and sized to engage the first locking feature of the sleeve when the one fluid-carrying component is inserted into the socket fitting. Once engaged, rotating of the sleeve locks the first and second locking features together to secure the one fluid-carrying component to the socket fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Amilcar R. Arvelo, Alan F. Benner, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Eric J. McKeever
  • Patent number: 10104810
    Abstract: Coupling assemblies for connecting fluid-carrying components are provided. The coupling assemblies include, for instance: a socket fitting with a first opening and a second opening in fluid communication through the fitting, the first opening being sized to accommodate a first fluid-carrying component, and the second opening being sized to accommodate a second fluid-carrying component; a sleeve, the sleeve encircling the socket fitting and being rotatable relative to the fitting, and the sleeve including a first locking feature; and a second locking feature associated with one of the fluid-carrying components. The second locking feature is positioned and sized to engage the first locking feature of the sleeve when the one fluid-carrying component is inserted into the socket fitting. Once engaged, rotating of the sleeve locks the first and second locking features together to secure the one fluid-carrying component to the socket fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Amilcar R. Arvelo, Alan F. Benner, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Eric J. McKeever
  • Patent number: 9947204
    Abstract: A connection validation apparatus includes a connector engagement mechanism configured to physically engage a connector to connect the connector to a connector interface. The apparatus further includes a connection indication detector located on the connector engagement mechanism and configured to detect at least one of a sound and a vibration corresponding to a secure connection of the connector with the connector interface. The apparatus also includes a connection indicator output unit configured to provide an indication to a user that the connector is securely connected with the connector interface based on the detection of the at least one of the sound and the vibration by the connection indication detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan F. Benner, Benjamin V. Fasano
  • Publication number: 20180083727
    Abstract: A communication system includes first and second devices. The first device includes a first transmitter and a first receiver. The first transmitter transmits one data of a first type using one or more first channels over a first communication link to the second device. The first receiver receives one data of a second type, from the second device, using one or more second channels over the first communication link. The second device includes a second transmitter and a second receiver. The second receiver receives said one data of the first type using the one or more first channels over the first communication link, and to generate said one data of the second type based on said one data of the first type. The second transmitter transmits said one data of the second type using one or more second channels over the first communication link to the first device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Alan F. Benner, Douglas M. Freimuth, Benjamin G. Lee, Fabrizio Petrini, Laurent Schares, Clint L. Schow, Mehmet Soyuer
  • Publication number: 20180083706
    Abstract: A method for transmitting data between a first device and a second device over a communication link includes transmitting, by the first device, data of a first type using one or more first channels, receiving, by the second device, said data of the first type from the first device using the one or more first channels, generating, by the second device, data of a second type based on said data of the first type, and transmitting, by the second device, said generated data of the second type using one or more second channels. Said data of the first type and said data of the second type are different. The one or more second channels are channels dedicated to transmit said data of the second type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Alan F. Benner, Douglas M. Freimuth, Benjamin G. Lee, Fabrizio Petrini, Laurent Schares, Clint L. Schow, Mehmet Soyuer
  • Patent number: 9726829
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include an optical fiber connector for connecting optical fibers. The optical fiber connector includes a ferrule coupled to one or more optical fiber ribbons. The optical fiber connector includes a connector housing coupled with a radius controlled ribbon bending housing. The connector housing surrounds the ferrule on at least four sides, and the one or more optical fiber ribbons coupled to the ferrule are within the connector housing. The optical fiber connector includes a strain relief clamp coupled with the radius controlled ribbon bending housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan F. Benner, Mark A. Brandon, Michael J. Ellsworth, Eric J. McKeever, Thong N. Nguyen, Edward J. Seminaro
  • Patent number: 9720184
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include an optical fiber connector for connecting optical fibers. The optical fiber connector includes a ferrule coupled to one or more optical fiber ribbons. The optical fiber connector includes a connector housing coupled with a radius controlled ribbon bending housing. The connector housing surrounds the ferrule on at least four sides, and the one or more optical fiber ribbons coupled to the ferrule are within the connector housing. The optical fiber connector includes a strain relief clamp coupled with the radius controlled ribbon bending housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan F. Benner, Mark A. Brandon, Michael J. Ellsworth, Eric J. McKeever, Thong N. Nguyen, Edward J. Seminaro
  • Patent number: 9722863
    Abstract: The health of a computing network is checked to determine whether there is a current fault in the network or a prediction of a potential fault in the network. The fault can be any type of fault, including a link failure, a failure in the transmitter of data over the link, a failure in the receiver of the data, or any other type of failure. If a fault or potential fault is indicated, a deterministic approach is provided for finding the source of the fault or potential fault within the network. The deterministic approach uses current values for selected operational parameters of components within the network, as well as historical data to determine the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan F. Benner, Christopher J. Colonna, John R. Flanagan, Dale F. Riedy, Harry M. Yudenfriend
  • Patent number: 9667476
    Abstract: The health of a computing network is checked to determine whether there is a current fault in the network or a prediction of a potential fault in the network. The fault can be any type of fault, including a link failure, a failure in the transmitter of data over the link, a failure in the receiver of the data, or any other type of failure. If a fault or potential fault is indicated, a deterministic approach is provided for finding the source of the fault or potential fault within the network. The deterministic approach uses current values for selected operational parameters of components within the network, as well as historical data to determine the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan F. Benner, Christopher J. Colonna, John R. Flanagan, Dale F. Riedy, Harry M. Yudenfriend