Patents by Inventor Christopher L. Tuma

Christopher L. Tuma 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: 10939571
    Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device configured to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Publication number: 20200053899
    Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device configured to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Patent number: 10542631
    Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Patent number: 10334749
    Abstract: A mobility apparatus. The mobility apparatus may include a continuous fixed-length rail attached horizontally to a bottom structural member of the front or the rear of a server rack. The continuous fixed-length rail exceeds a width of the server rack by an equal amount on either side of the server rack. The mobility apparatus also includes a lower rail portion attached to a lower edge of the continuous fixed-length rail; a raised rail portion attached to an extended length of each portion of the continuous fixed-length rail; and at least one wheel attached to an underside of each end of the extended length of the continuous fixed-length rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Cody J. Erie, Michael J. MacPherson, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Patent number: 10172255
    Abstract: A mobility apparatus. The mobility apparatus may include a continuous fixed-length rail attached horizontally to a bottom structural member of the front or the rear of a server rack. The continuous fixed-length rail exceeds a width of the server rack by an equal amount on either side of the server rack. The mobility apparatus also includes a lower rail portion attached to a lower edge of the continuous fixed-length rail; a raised rail portion attached to an extended length of each portion of the continuous fixed-length rail; and at least one wheel attached to an underside of each end of the extended length of the continuous fixed-length rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Cody J. Erie, Michael J. MacPherson, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Patent number: 10039202
    Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Publication number: 20180213673
    Abstract: A mobility apparatus. The mobility apparatus may include a continuous fixed-length rail attached horizontally to a bottom structural member of the front or the rear of a server rack. The continuous fixed-length rail exceeds a width of the server rack by an equal amount on either side of the server rack. The mobility apparatus also includes a lower rail portion attached to a lower edge of the continuous fixed-length rail; a raised rail portion attached to an extended length of each portion of the continuous fixed-length rail; and at least one wheel attached to an underside of each end of the extended length of the continuous fixed-length rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Cody J. Erie, Michael J. MacPherson, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Publication number: 20180213672
    Abstract: A mobility apparatus. The mobility apparatus may include a continuous fixed-length rail attached horizontally to a bottom structural member of the front or the rear of a server rack. The continuous fixed-length rail exceeds a width of the server rack by an equal amount on either side of the server rack. The mobility apparatus also includes a lower rail portion attached to a lower edge of the continuous fixed-length rail; a raised rail portion attached to an extended length of each portion of the continuous fixed-length rail; and at least one wheel attached to an underside of each end of the extended length of the continuous fixed-length rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Cody J. Erie, Michael J. MacPherson, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Publication number: 20180139861
    Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Publication number: 20180139860
    Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Patent number: 9699903
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing simultaneously connecting of multiple devices in a multi-tiered, multi-directional, enhanced tolerance system with mechanical support structures. A main system planar assembly and an elevated planar assembly share a direct connection provided by a plurality of connectors with no cables. A mechanical support bracket is attached to a top surface of the main system planar assembly positioning and supporting the elevated planar assembly spaced appropriately for accurately connecting respective connectors with respective chassis connectors. The elevated planar assembly includes a stiffening component to facilitate proper spacing between upper and lower levels of respective connectors and tool-less insertion and extraction of the elevated planar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron M. Hegrenes, Nathan D. Karl, Robert J. Monahan, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Patent number: 9433095
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing simultaneously connecting of multiple devices in a multi-tiered, multi-directional, enhanced tolerance system with mechanical support structures. A main system planar assembly and an elevated planar assembly share a direct connection provided by a plurality of connectors with no cables. A mechanical support bracket is attached to a top surface of the main system planar assembly positioning and supporting the elevated planar assembly spaced appropriately for accurately connecting respective connectors with respective chassis connectors. The elevated planar assembly includes a stiffening component to facilitate proper spacing between upper and lower levels of respective connectors and tool-less insertion and extraction of the elevated planar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron M. Hegrenes, Nathan D. Karl, Robert J. Monahan, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Publication number: 20160073501
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing simultaneously connecting of multiple devices in a multi-tiered, multi-directional, enhanced tolerance system with mechanical support structures. A main system planar assembly and an elevated planar assembly share a direct connection provided by a plurality of connectors with no cables. A mechanical support bracket is attached to a top surface of the main system planar assembly positioning and supporting the elevated planar assembly spaced appropriately for accurately connecting respective connectors with respective chassis connectors. The elevated planar assembly includes a stiffening component to facilitate proper spacing between upper and lower levels of respective connectors and tool-less insertion and extraction of the elevated planar assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Aaron M. Hegrenes, Nathan D. Karl, Robert J. Monahan, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Publication number: 20160073560
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing simultaneously connecting of multiple devices in a multi-tiered, multi-directional, enhanced tolerance system with mechanical support structures. A main system planar assembly and an elevated planar assembly share a direct connection provided by a plurality of connectors with no cables. A mechanical support bracket is attached to a top surface of the main system planar assembly positioning and supporting the elevated planar assembly spaced appropriately for accurately connecting respective connectors with respective chassis connectors. The elevated planar assembly includes a stiffening component to facilitate proper spacing between upper and lower levels of respective connectors and tool-less insertion and extraction of the elevated planar assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Aaron M. Hegrenes, Nathan D. Karl, Robert J. Monahan, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Patent number: 7701720
    Abstract: A technique for installing a heatsink in an electronic assembly includes simultaneously applying force to multiple fastener assemblies that each retain a respective fastener in a body of the heatsink. The heatsink is then attached to the electronic assembly by actuating the fasteners while the force is simultaneously applied to the multiple fastener assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John L. Colbert, John S. Corbin, Jr., Jason R. Eagle, Arvind K. Sinha, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Patent number: 7515410
    Abstract: A system is provided and includes a system chassis through which an airflow is defined, including a set of receiving units, a set of 3.5? HDDs, each being disposed in a receiving unit of a portion of the set, and each having a profile that blocks a first quantity of the airflow, a set of 2.5? HDDs, each being disposed in a receiving unit of a remaining portion of the set, and each having a profile that blocks a second quantity of the airflow, and a set of airflow blockage devices, each being respectively disposed within each of the receiving units of the remaining portion of the set, to each have a cavity defined therein in which the corresponding 2.5? HDD is secured with a third quantity of the airflow traversing a surface thereof and a profile that blocks a fourth quantity of the airflow through the corresponding receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Donald W. Dingfelder, Matthew C. Kueper, David G. Lund, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Publication number: 20090083972
    Abstract: A technique for installing a heatsink in an electronic assembly includes simultaneously applying force to multiple fastener assemblies that each retain a respective fastener in a body of the heatsink. The heatsink is then attached to the electronic assembly by actuating the fasteners while the force is simultaneously applied to the multiple fastener assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: John L. Colbert, John S. Corbin, JR., Jason R. Eagle, Arvind K. Sinha, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Publication number: 20090034198
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a heatsink to an electronic module mounted on a circuit card assembly includes a load frame; a load arm having a first end being pivotally coupled to one end of the load frame and a second end configured to receive at least a portion of a load screw therethrough; a spring plate disposed at an opposite end of the one end of the load frame, and configured to threadedly receive the load screw, opposite ends of the spring plate being retained while an intermediate portion threadedly receiving the at least a portion of the load screw is allowed to bow upwards toward a bottom of the opposite end of the load arm; and a heatsink disposed on the module. An intermediate portion of the load arm aligned with a center region of the module biases the heatsink toward the module when the load screw is threadedly engaged with the spring plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: John L. Colbert, John S. Corbin, Jr., Jason R. Eagle, Arvind K. Sinha, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Publication number: 20080205026
    Abstract: Systems and arrangements to provide electromagnetic compliance (EMC) for a drive carrier are disclosed. Embodiments may include an EMC spring. The EMC spring may include a shield portion to fasten to one side of a frame of the drive carrier and multiple fingers attached to the shield portion. At least one of the fingers may include an upper spring section to contact an adjoining drive carrier as the drive carrier is inserted into a computing device and a lower spring section. The lower spring section may be folded over against the upper spring section and attached to the shield portion of the spring. The lower spring section may deflect in response to the upper spring section contacting the adjoining drive carrier. In some embodiments, a lead in portion of the upper spring section may deflect to a position nearly parallel to the adjoining drive carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Pat Gallarelli, David G. Lund, Michael S. Miller, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Patent number: 7179112
    Abstract: A retention system includes a retainer having at least two wings affixed to a mounting surface by a retaining screw or like attachment device inserted into a hole of the mounting surface. A coil spring or the like, optionally captured by the retaining screw, provides tension between the retainer and the mounting surface. The hole of the mounting surface defines the potential placement of the retainer relative to the mounting surface, allowing it to assume a neutral position and a plurality of offset positions. While in its neutral position, the wings of the retainer prevent the removal of connectors, cables, screws, or other retention devices by physically trapping them between the retainer and the mounting surface. By moving the retainer to one of the plurality of offset positions, a user may expose one of the connectors, cables, screws, or other retention devices, allowing it to be removed while preventing the accidental or inadvertent removal of the other components still trapped by the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jessica R. Berens, Jeffrey L. Justin, Christopher L. Tuma, Martin D. Williams