Patents by Inventor Howard P. Welz
Howard P. Welz 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).
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Patent number: 9376290Abstract: An enhanced computer rack having sides is provided. The rack is used for housing electronic components and comprises in one embodiment of a lift rail having a plurality of multipurpose frame members capable of being engageably connected to at least one of the rack sides such that the frame members can be retracted into or extended out from the rack. In an alternate embodiment, a lift tool is provided for hoisting object into the rack. The lift tool is connected to at least one side of the rack and is capable of being retracted inside or being extended out from the rack. The two embodiments can also be combined to provide an enhanced rack with an integrated lift rails and lift tool design.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2013Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono, Kevin R. Qualters, Howard P. Welz
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Patent number: 8951000Abstract: An enhanced computer rack having sides is provided. The rack is used for housing electronic components and comprises in one embodiment of a lift rail having a plurality of multipurpose frame members capable of being engageably connected to at least one of the rack sides such that the frame members can be retracted into or extended out from the rack. In an alternate embodiment, a lift tool is provided for hoisting object into the rack. The lift tool is connected to at least one side of the rack and is capable of being retracted inside or being extended out from the rack. The two embodiments can also be combined to provide an enhanced rack with an integrated lift rails and lift tool design.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono, Kevin R. Qualters, Howard P. Welz
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Patent number: 8934222Abstract: An enhanced computer assembly and related method is provided that enables easy shipment and installation of such computing systems. In one embodiment a split top hat design is provided that can be removed. The removable split hat comprises a receiving member and an inner member that are secured to the frame in a manner that can be easily removed. In an alternate embodiment, a collapsible top hat is provided which adjusts the height of the assembly from a first to a second position. The collapsible feature has an upper portion that is connected to a plurality of pivoted side members that are capable of collapsing onto themselves.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: William P. Kostenko, Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono, John G. Torok, Howard P. Welz
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Publication number: 20140102994Abstract: An enhanced computer rack having sides is provided. The rack is used for housing electronic components and comprises in one embodiment of a lift rail having a plurality of multipurpose frame members capable of being engageably connected to at least one of the rack sides such that the frame members can be retracted into or extended out from the rack. In an alternate embodiment, a lift tool is provided for hoisting object into the rack. The lift tool is connected to at least one side of the rack and is capable of being retracted inside or being extended out from the rack. The two embodiments can also be combined to provide an enhanced rack with an integrated lift rails and lift tool design.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Steven C. MCINTOSH, Budy D. NOTOHARDJONO, Kevin R. QUALTERS, Howard P. WELZ
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Patent number: 8376479Abstract: A load balancing method and incorporated frame assembly is provided for a computer frame having side walls. The frame can have at least one reinforced side, and/or a top or bottom surface comprising of a skin base plate and a counterweight plate secured to one another by side stiffener plates. In an alternate embodiment, an integral extender can also be secured to a top portion of the frame. The extender has moveable sides and a hoist for raising and lowering components into and away from the frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2007Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Edward F. Furey, Robert K. Mullady, Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono, Kevin R. Qualters, Howard P. Welz
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Publication number: 20120207573Abstract: An enhanced computer rack having sides is provided. The rack is used for housing electronic components and comprises in one embodiment of a lift rail having a plurality of multipurpose frame members capable of being engageably connected to at least one of the rack sides such that the frame members can be retracted into or extended out from the rack. In an alternate embodiment, a lift tool is provided for hoisting object into the rack. The lift tool is connected to at least one side of the rack and is capable of being retracted inside or being extended out from the rack. The two embodiments can also be combined to provide an enhanced rack with an integrated lift rails and lift tool design.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono, Kevin R. Qualters, Howard P. Welz
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Patent number: 8113012Abstract: An airflow arrester is provided and configured to reside between electronics racks disposed in a row within a data center. The airflow arrester includes a panel, which when operatively disposed, has a first vertical end, a second vertical end, and a central vertical hinge located intermediate the first and second vertical ends. The airflow arrester further includes an attachment mechanism at the first vertical end and at the second vertical end, and when operatively disposed between a first and second structures, the airflow arrester has a single V-shaped configuration, and is sized and constructed to block airflow from passing therebetween. The single V-shaped configuration provides operational stability to the airflow arrester by translating net twisting forces applied to the airflow arrester to normal forces applied to the first and second structures at the attachment points of the airflow arrester to the first and second structures.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Allan R. Hoeft, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Francis R. Krug, Jr., Steven C. McIntosh, Matthew A. Nobile, Donald W. Porter, Roger R. Schmidt, Howard P. Welz
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Patent number: 7950244Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating cooling of an electronics rack is provided. The apparatus includes an air-to-liquid heat exchanger and system coolant inlet and outlet plenums mounted to a door of an electronics rack. The inlet and outlet plenums are in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and respectively include a coolant inlet and coolant outlet in the top portions thereof. System coolant supply and return hoses are disposed above the electronics rack and respectively couple in fluid communication the inlet plenum to a system coolant supply header and the outlet plenum to a system coolant return header. The hoses are each flexible, partially looped and of sufficient length to allow for opening and closing of the door. Stress-relief structures are coupled to at least one end of the hoses to relieve stress on the ends of the hoses during opening or closing of the door.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Roger R. Schmidt, Howard P. Welz
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Patent number: 7656660Abstract: An airflow arresting apparatus is provided configured to reside above an electronics rack within a data center. The apparatus includes an airflow arrester and a track mechanism. The airflow arrester includes a collapsible panel sized and configured to reside above the electronics rack, and when operatively positioned above the electronics rack, to extend vertically above the electronics rack and at least partially block airflow from passing over the electronics rack between the air outlet and air inlet sides of the rack. The track mechanism is sized and configured to reside above the electronics rack, and the airflow arrester is slidably engaged with the track mechanism. Positioning of the airflow arrester at a desired location above the electronics rack is facilitated by the airflow arrester slidably engaging the track mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Allan R. Hoeft, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Francis R. Krug, Jr., Steven C. McIntosh, Matthew A. Nobile, Donald W. Porter, Roger R. Schmidt, Howard P. Welz
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Publication number: 20090139887Abstract: A load balancing method and incorporated frame assembly is provided for a computer frame having side walls. The frame can have at least one reinforced side, and/or a top or bottom surface comprising of a skin base plate and a counterweight plate secured to one another by side stiffener plates. In an alternate embodiment, an integral extender can also be secured to a top portion of the frame. The extender has moveable sides and a hoist for raising and lowering components into and away from the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Edward F. Furey, Robert K. Mullady, Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono, Kevin R. Qualters, Howard P. Welz
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Publication number: 20090129905Abstract: A method and associated assembly is provided for installation and removal of electronic components on a computer rack. The assembly comprises a transport dolly with a platform and at least one caster and the Dolly is selectively sized to fit under or the computer rack. A Lift Tool is also provided and disposed over said Dolly. The Tool includes a lift platform capable for holding electronic components and a lift mechanism capable of moving from a first position to a second position such as to be capable of removing or disposing these components away or onto the rack. A plurality of Lift Rails are also provided that are storable between the Lift Tool and the Dolly. The Lift Rails can be used alone or assembled later into longer unitary units that attach to the rack and the Lift Tool in order to allow the Tool to transport the components from a first position to a second position along the rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono, Kevin R. Qualters, Howard P. Welz
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Publication number: 20090129016Abstract: An airflow arresting apparatus is provided configured to reside above an electronics rack within a data center. The apparatus includes an airflow arrester and a track mechanism. The airflow arrester includes a collapsible panel sized and configured to reside above the electronics rack, and when operatively positioned above the electronics rack, to extend vertically above the electronics rack and at least partially block airflow from passing over the electronics rack between the air outlet and air inlet sides of the rack. The track mechanism is sized and configured to reside above the electronics rack, and the airflow arrester is slidably engaged with the track mechanism. Positioning of the airflow arrester at a desired location above the electronics rack is facilitated by the airflow arrester slidably engaging the track mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Allan R. HOEFT, Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Francis R. KRUG, JR., Steven C. McINTOSH, Matthew A. NOBILE, Donald W. PORTER, Roger R. SCHMIDT, Howard P. WELZ
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Publication number: 20090129000Abstract: An airflow arrester is provided and configured to reside between electronics racks disposed in a row within a data center. The airflow arrester includes a panel, which when operatively disposed, has a first vertical end, a second vertical end, and a central vertical hinge located intermediate the first and second vertical ends. The airflow arrester further includes an attachment mechanism at the first vertical end and at the second vertical end, and when operatively disposed between a first and second structures, the airflow arrester has a single V-shaped configuration, and is sized and constructed to block airflow from passing therebetween. The single V-shaped configuration provides operational stability to the airflow arrester by translating net twisting forces applied to the airflow arrester to normal forces applied to the first and second structures at the attachment points of the airflow arrester to the first and second structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Allan R. HOEFT, Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Francis R. KRUG, JR., Steven C. McINTOSH, Matthew A. NOBILE, Donald W. PORTER, Roger R. SCHMIDT, Howard P. WELZ
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Publication number: 20090122488Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating cooling of an electronics rack is provided. The apparatus includes an air-to-liquid heat exchanger and system coolant inlet and outlet plenums mounted to a door of an electronics rack. The inlet and outlet plenums are in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and respectively include a coolant inlet and coolant outlet in the top portions thereof. System coolant supply and return hoses are disposed above the electronics rack and respectively couple in fluid communication the inlet plenum to a system coolant supply header and the outlet plenum to a system coolant return header. The hoses are each flexible, partially looped and of sufficient length to allow for opening and closing of the door. Stress-relief structures are coupled to at least one end of the hoses to relieve stress on the ends of the hoses during opening or closing of the door.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2007Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Roger R. SCHMIDT, Howard P. WELZ
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Publication number: 20090086419Abstract: An enhanced computer assembly and related method is provided that enables easy shipment and installation of such computing systems. In one embodiment a split top hat design is provided that can be removed. The removable split hat comprises a receiving member and an inner member that are secured to the frame in a manner that can be easily removed. In an alternate embodiment, a collapsible top hat is provided which adjusts the height of the assembly from a first to a second position. The collapsible feature has an upper portion that is connected to a plurality of pivoted side members that are capable of collapsing onto themselves.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2007Publication date: April 2, 2009Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: William P. KOSTENKO, Steven C. McINTOSH, Budy D. NOTOHARDJONO, John G. TOROK, Howard P. WELZ
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Publication number: 20090026898Abstract: An enhanced computer rack having sides is provided. The rack is used for housing electronic components and comprises in one embodiment of a lift rail having a plurality of multipurpose frame members capable of being engageably connected to at least one of the rack sides such that the frame members can be retracted into or extended out from the rack. In an alternate embodiment, a lift tool is provided for hoisting object into the rack. The lift tool is connected to at least one side of the rack and is capable of being retracted inside or being extended out from the rack. The two embodiments can also be combined to provide an enhanced rack with an integrated lift rails and lift tool design.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2007Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono, Kevin R. Qualters, Howard P. Welz
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Publication number: 20080231151Abstract: A method and incorporated assembly is provided to enhance structural rigidity to a computer environment having at least one rack for housing electronic components. The assembly comprises a stiffener component mountable to a horizontal side of the rack; a support component mountable in a substantially horizontal direction on a vertical side of the rack to provide rotational support of the rack; and an enhancer component being mountable to at least one side of the rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono, Bradley R. Patton, Howard P. Welz
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Patent number: 6511282Abstract: An earthquake resistant frame structure which is shippable in a fully populated condition has abase member, a plurality of support members extending from the base member, a top portion disposed over the ends of the support members, a extension member disposed over the top portion, side stiffeners positioned perpendicularly between the support members, and a tie down assembly system positioned between the base member and a flooring surface. The extension member has a platform section and at least two legs depending substantially perpendicularly therefrom that slidingly engage the support members. The two legs have slots therethrough configured to receive fasteners that, when secured to support members, secure and maintain the extension member in position. First and second panels protrude laterally from the frame structure to form an extension area, from which a bracket hingedly depends. A variety of pin arrangements are used to prevent the removal of the bracket from the hinge.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Budy D. Notohardjono, John S. Corbin, Jr., Steven C. McIntosh, Howard P. Welz
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Patent number: D694247Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Paula Besterman, Aaron R. Cox, Jason E. Minyard, Joni E. Saylor, Ronald A. Smith, Howard P. Welz, Roland Zapfe
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Patent number: D694760Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Paula Besterman, Aaron R. Cox, Jason E. Minyard, Robert K. Mullady, Joni E. Saylor, Ronald A. Smith, Howard P. Welz, Roland Zapfe