Patents by Inventor James D. Curlee

James D. Curlee 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).

  • Publication number: 20150060009
    Abstract: A method that controls pressure within an immersion cooling tank having condensation fluid flowing through a condenser, includes: a controller receiving a signal that indicates a current level of vapor pressure within the tank; determining from the signal when the current level of vapor pressure exceeds or is below a first preset threshold pressure level; and in response to the current level of vapor pressure exceeding or being below the first preset threshold pressure level, signaling a flow control mechanism that modulates a flow rate of the condensation fluid through the condenser to increase or decrease the rate of flow from a current rate of flow. The controller receives the signal by a pressure sensor within the immersion cooling tank detecting the current vapor pressure, generating the signal and forwarding the signal to the controller. The pressure sensor can be a differential pressure transducer that measures a differential pressure internal to and outside of the immersion tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Austin Michael Shelnutt, James D. Curlee
  • Publication number: 20140216688
    Abstract: A system for heat exchange includes a first condenser that places a first working fluid vapor in proximity to a second working fluid liquid. The two working fluids have respective saturation temperatures that enable the second working fluid to absorb sufficient amounts of heat from the first working fluid vapor to vaporize, while the first working fluid vapor condenses back into a liquid. The second working fluid vapor exits the first condenser via a first conduit and enters a first heat exchanger which places the second working fluid vapor in proximity to a third working fluid. The relative saturation temperatures of the second and third working fluids enables the transfer of sufficient amounts of heat from the second working fluid vapor to cause the second working fluid vapor to condense back into liquid while at least a portion of the third working fluid liquid vaporizes into third working fluid vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Austin Michael Shelnutt, James D. Curlee, Travis C. North
  • Publication number: 20140216686
    Abstract: An immersion cooling tank includes: a tank comprised of a base wall, and perimeter walls, and having a lower tank volume in which a liquid can be maintained and heated to a boiling point to generate a rising plume of vapor; a rack structure within the tank volume that supports insertion of multiple, heat dissipating electronic devices in a side-by-side vertical configuration; and a condenser configured as a plurality of individually rotatable condenser sub-units, with each condenser sub-unit located above a vertical space that extends vertically from the lower tank volume and within which an electronic device can be inserted. Each individual condenser sub-unit can be opened independent of the other sub-units and each other condenser sub-unit can remain in a closed position while a first condenser sub-unit is opened to allow access to a first vertical space and any existing electrical device contained therein below the first condenser sub-unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Austin Michael Shelnutt, James D. Curlee, Richard Steven Mills
  • Publication number: 20140216711
    Abstract: A fluid level control system includes: a first immersion cooling tank having a first volume of immersion cooling liquid and an inlet/outlet pipe extending from a base wall of the tank by which immersion cooling liquid can flow into and out of the first immersion cooling tank; at least one second volume of cooling liquid held within a liquid containing unit having a corresponding inlet/outlet pipe; and a pipe distribution system that physically connects the second volume of immersion cooling liquid to the first volume of immersion cooling liquid via respective inlet/outlet pipes and which enables fluid equilibrium to be maintained between the first volume of liquid and the second volume of liquid via gravitational equilibrium and/or passive level control such that a first volume level of the first volume of immersion cooling liquid remains substantially equal to a second volume level of the second volume of immersion cooling liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Austin Michael Shelnutt, James D. Curlee, Edmond I. Bailey, Richard Steven Mills
  • Publication number: 20140218859
    Abstract: A system for cooling hard disk drives (HDDs) includes: an enclosure having a lower volume within which a cooling liquid is heated to a boiling point temperature to cause some of the cooling liquid to evaporate into a plume of rising vapor; a HDD cooling area with at least one HDD placed in the direct path of the rising vapor, which cools the at least one HDD during functional operation of the at least one HDD; and a heat source that dissipates heat into the lower volume of the enclosure, sufficient to heat the cooling liquid to the boiling point temperature. The system can also include a condenser located above both the HDD cooling area. A substantial portion of the rising vapor that passes through the HDD cooling area and cools the at least one HDD is condensed back into liquid phase on contact with the condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Austin Michael Shelnutt, James D. Curlee, Edmond I. Bailey, Richard Steven Mills
  • Publication number: 20140218858
    Abstract: A stand-alone immersion tank datacenter (SITDC) includes: a multi-phase heat transfer immersion cooling tank having external walls surrounding a tank volume within which a dielectric liquid is maintained and heated to a boiling point temperature; a plurality of servers having one or more processing and memory components submerged within the dielectric liquid for cooling of the one or more components via heat dissipation from the one or more components into the dielectric liquid when the one or more components are connected to an electric power supply; and a condenser located vertically above the plurality of servers and in a direct path of rising dielectric vapor created when the dielectric liquid absorbs sufficient heat from the one or more components to reach a boiling point temperature of the liquid. The condenser can be a passive heat exchanger, created by providing a heat conductive material as a top lid of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Austin Michael Shelnutt, James D. Curlee, Jimmy Pike
  • Publication number: 20140218861
    Abstract: An immersion server includes: a first surface that is exposed when the server is submerged within a cooling liquid; and at least one vapor bubble deflector physically abutting the first surface and extending away from the first surface at an angle. The deflector divides the first surface into an upper segment and a lower segment when the server is upright. When the server is submerged, the cooling liquid surrounding the lower segment absorbs sufficient heat to evaporate and generate vapor bubbles rising to the liquid surface. The vapor bubble deflector deflects the rising vapor bubbles away from the surface of the upper segment. This enables superior liquid contact with heat dissipating components at the upper segment and better cooling of those components. The deflector can be a device-level deflector separating two or more components or a component-level deflector separating a lower segment from an upper segment of a single component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Austin Michael Shelnutt, James D. Curlee
  • Publication number: 20080101011
    Abstract: A riser retention apparatus includes a board. A component connector is mounted to the board. A support frame is coupled to the board adjacent the component connector and extends from the board. A riser guide is located on the support frame and operable to engage a riser and guide a riser connector on the riser towards the component connector. A riser retention member is operable to couple to the support frame to provide a retaining force to a riser in order to retain a riser connector on the riser in engagement with the component connector. A riser including a plurality of components coupled to it may be coupled to the component connector and the support frame and riser retention member may be used to support the riser and retain the riser in the component connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Daniel S. Carr, James D. Curlee, Bradley Andrew Jackson, Kristine M. Little, William John Morris
  • Patent number: 7230827
    Abstract: A chassis venting apparatus includes a chassis defining a chassis enclosure, the chassis enclosure including a first wall, and a chassis vent structure extending from the first wall and into the chassis enclosure, the chassis vent structure defining a chassis venting passageway in the chassis enclosure. Heated air from heat producing components may be vented from the chassis enclosure through the chassis vent structure and the chassis venting passageway, and the first wall and chassis venting passageway may also be used as a handle to lift the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Cecilia H. Sun, James D. Curlee, Kenneth Musgrave, Huy Nguyen, Lisa Sura
  • Patent number: 6857909
    Abstract: SMT Serial ATA signal connectors mounted to printed circuit boards are protected from excessive stress applied by a mating signal connector, such as during connection and disconnection of a mating signal connector cable or by forces applied to a connected cable, with a protective housing that fits as a separate piece to the mounted signal connector to align an opening that allows connection of the mating cable connector to the mounting tongue of the mounted signal connector. The inner surface walls of the protective housing absorb forces applied at the mating signal connector to reduce the risk of breakage of the mating tongue or of the mounting of the signal connector to the printed circuit board, such as mounting only by solder of the electrical connections or mounting with board locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Jason J. Lee, James D. Curlee
  • Publication number: 20040004812
    Abstract: An information handling system includes a chassis with a vent area, a fan mount and a shroud. The fan mount is secured to the chassis such that the rear opening of the fan mount is adjacent to the vent area of the chassis. The shroud is pivotally attached to the fan mount and is selectively movable between a first position and a second position. The first position allows the shroud to communicate the vent area with a selected portion of the interior of the chassis. The second position provides access to the selected portion of the interior of the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: James D. Curlee, Daniel S. Carr, Ty R. Schmitt, Raul Cortes
  • Patent number: 6665178
    Abstract: A computer chassis includes a base portion formed of a metal chassis and a cosmetic cover. A top portion of the chassis is formed of a metal chassis and a cosmetic cover. A plurality of first computer components are mounted in the base portion. A plurality of second computer components are mounted in the top portion. A pivotal connection is provided between the top portion and the base portion. The top portion is pivotable about 90° relative to the base portion to an open position immediately exposing all of the first and second computer components for access, without removing any of the cosmetic covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: James D. Curlee, Andrew W. Moore
  • Patent number: 6570755
    Abstract: A computer chassis includes a metal chassis base portion and a metal chassis top portion. A pivotal connection is provided between the top portion and the base portion for movement of the top portion between an open position and a closed position with the base portion. A tongue and groove edge connection extends between the top portion and the base portion. An adhesive free gasket is mounted in the groove for sealing engagement with the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: James D. Curlee, Richard Worley, Jason Alan Shepherd
  • Publication number: 20020196603
    Abstract: A computer chassis includes a base portion formed of a metal chassis and a cosmetic cover. A top portion of the chassis is formed of a metal chassis and a cosmetic cover. A plurality of first computer components are mounted in the base portion. A plurality of second computer components are mounted in the top portion. A pivotal connection is provided between the top portion and the base portion. The top portion is pivotable about 90° relative to the base portion to an open position immediately exposing all of the first and second computer components for access, without removing any of the cosmetic covers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: James D. Curlee, Andrew W. Moore
  • Publication number: 20020195908
    Abstract: A computer chassis includes a metal chassis base portion and a metal chassis top portion. A pivotal connection is provided between the top portion and the base portion for movement of the top portion between an open position and a closed position with the base portion. A tongue and groove edge connection extends between the top portion and the base portion. An adhesive free gasket is mounted in the groove for sealing engagement with the tongue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: James D. Curlee, Richard Worley, Jason Alan Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6316740
    Abstract: A configuration switch assembly for a computer system includes a protected switch for selectively enabling or disabling a function of the computer system, as determined by the state of the switch. The switch is mounted on the interior surface of a chassis panel. In one embodiment, a slide lock is installed in a guide on the exterior surface of the chassis panel. The slide lock alternatively engages, or disengages from, the switch as it travels between two limit positions that are determined by an aperture in the guide and a cam extending from the slide lock. The slide lock is lockable in one of the two positions so that when the slide lock is locked, the state of the protected switch cannot be altered, and the function, as established by the locked state of the switch, is protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Dell USA, LP
    Inventors: Cynthia M. Merkin, James D. Curlee
  • Patent number: 6297957
    Abstract: An apparatus including a base substrate including a reference voltage plane. A plurality of spaced apart printed circuit substrates are attached to the base substrate. Each one of the printed circuit substrates includes a reference voltage plane attached to the reference voltage plane of the base substrate. A system component is removably attached to a first side of at least one of the printed circuit substrates. The system component is electrically connected to the reference voltage plane of the printed circuit substrate. A support member is attached to a second side of each printed circuit substrate. Each support member is electrically coupled to the reference voltage plane of the printed circuit substrate. The support members are electrically connected to a reference voltage plane of the printed circuit substrate to provide a low impedance return current path for the electrical portion of the electromagnetic emissions, thereby reducing the magnitude of electromagnetic emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert W. Johnson, Richard L. Eddings, II, James D. Curlee, Andrew L. McAnally
  • Patent number: 6292361
    Abstract: An apparatus including a base substrate and a plurality of spaced apart end brackets attached to the base substrate. A plurality of spaced apart side panel assemblies are removably mounted between a mounting portion of each end bracket. A first edge of each side panel assembly positioned adjacent to the base substrate. A shroud is pivotally attached to each one of the side panel assemblies adjacent to a second edge of the respective side panel assembly. Each shroud is movable about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position with respect to the respective side panel assembly. A shroud engaging portion is attached to each end bracket adjacent to each shroud. A engagement member of each shroud engages a corresponding shroud engaging portion when the respective shroud is moved from the open position to the closed position for moving the respective printed circuit substrate from an inserted position to a seated position with respect to the base substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert W. Johnson, Richard L. Eddings, II, James D. Curlee
  • Patent number: 6288898
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a base substrate and a plurality of spaced apart end brackets attached to the base substrate. A pivotable one of the end brackets is movable between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the base. A plurality of spaced apart side panel assemblies are removably mounted between each end bracket when the pivotable one of the end brackets is in the extended position. A first edge of each side panel assembly is positioned adjacent to the base substrate. A shroud assembly extends between the two side panel assemblies adjacent to a second edge of each side panel assembly. The shroud assembly, the base substrate and the side panel assemblies define an air duct. A fan is mounted adjacent to at least one of the end brackets for directing air through the air duct. The part count of the apparatus is reduced such that cost and assembly time are also reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert W. Johnson, Richard L. Eddings, II, James D. Curlee
  • Patent number: 6002093
    Abstract: A button with at least one flexible cantilever and an actuating portion coupled to the button can either be integrally formed from a single piece of material or assembled into a single device so that the button can be easily and quickly installed into a button housing. Additionally, because of the simplified one-piece design of the button, the button housing is further simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert D. Hrehor, Jr., James D. Curlee