Patents by Inventor Jeffrey Allen Zitz

Jeffrey Allen Zitz 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: 20240155796
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes a plurality of linkage arms connected one to another by one of a plurality of joints, wherein the plurality of linkage arms has a first end and a second end, and the first end is adapted to allow for removable attachment of a cold plate from a cooling assembly in a computer server, and a coupling that reversibly connects the second end of the plurality of linkage arms to a location on the cooling assembly, wherein the coupling is adapted to allow the plurality of linkage arms to be held in place at the location on the cooling assembly. The plurality of linkage arms are adapted to move along a predefined travel pathway and adapted to be reversibly converted between at least a lowered configuration and a service configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Madhana Sunder, Donald W. Porter, Francis R. Krug, JR., MILNES P. DAVID, Jeffrey Allen Zitz
  • Patent number: 11800666
    Abstract: An electronic module assembly is provided. The electronic module assembly may include one or more processors mounted to a laminate, a top frame mounted to the laminate and surrounding the one or more processors, and a removable lid covering the one or more processors. The removable lid includes latches arranged along a perimeter of the removable lid, the latches engage with a lip of the top frame and secure the removable lid to the module assembly, and the removable lid can only be removed from the module assembly by releasing all of the latches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Noah Singer, Jeffrey Allen Zitz, Mark D. Schultz, John Torok, Yuet-Ying Yu, William L. Brodsky, Shawn Canfield
  • Publication number: 20220418134
    Abstract: An electronic assembly is provided. The electronic assembly may include an electronic module mounted to a laminate, a cooling apparatus directly above the module, a single thermal interface material positioned between and directly contacting the module and the cooling apparatus, and a rotating cover rotatably attached to a top frame secured to the laminate, wherein the rotating cover includes an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Noah Singer, Jeffrey Allen Zitz, Mark D. Schultz, John Torok, William L. Brodsky, Yuet-Ying Yu, Shawn Canfield
  • Publication number: 20220418129
    Abstract: An electronic module assembly is provided. The electronic module assembly may include one or more processors mounted to a laminate, a top frame mounted to the laminate and surrounding the one or more processors, and a removable lid covering the one or more processors. The removable lid includes latches arranged along a perimeter of the removable lid, the latches engage with a lip of the top frame and secure the removable lid to the module assembly, and the removable lid can only be removed from the module assembly by releasing all of the latches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Noah Singer, Jeffrey Allen Zitz, Mark D. Schultz, John Torok, Yuet-Ying Yu, William L. Brodsky, Shawn Canfield
  • Publication number: 20220157685
    Abstract: A chip package comprises a chip having a first temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is configured to measure a first temperature of the chip in a localized area around the first temperature sensor. The chip package also includes a chip carrier coupled to the chip via a plurality of solder connections. The chip carrier includes a second temperature sensor vertically aligned with the first temperature sensor. The second temperature sensor is configured to measure a second temperature of the chip carrier in a localized area around the second temperature sensor. The chip carrier further includes a localized heater element located near the second temperature sensor and configured to generate heat in response to a detected difference based on comparison of the first temperature and the second temperature such that the detected difference is adjusted in the localized area around the first temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Kamal K. Sikka, Shidong Li, Tuhin Sinha, Jeffrey Allen Zitz
  • Patent number: 11264306
    Abstract: Structural combinations of TIMs and methods of combining these TIMs in semiconductor packages are disclosed. An embodiment forms the structures by selectively metallizing a backside of a semiconductor chip (chip) on chip hot spots, placing a higher performance thermal interface material (TIM) on the metallized hot spots, selectively metalizing an underside of a lid in one or more metalized lid locations, and assembling a lid over the backside of the chip to create an assembly so that metalized lid locations are in contact with the higher performance TIMs. A lower performance TIM fills the region surrounding the higher performance TIM on the underside of the lid enclosing the chips. Disclosed are methods of disposing both solid and dispensable TIMs, curing and not curing the thermal interface, and structures to keep the TIMs in place while assembly the package and compressing dispensable TIMs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kamal K. Sikka, Piyas Bal Chowdhury, James J. Kelly, Jeffrey Allen Zitz, Sushumna Iruvanti, Shidong Li
  • Patent number: 11156409
    Abstract: Coolant-cooled heat sinks and methods of fabrication are provided with a coolant-carrying compartment between a cover and a heat transfer base. The heat transfer base includes a heat transfer surface to couple to a component to be cooled, and a plurality of thermally-conductive fins extending into the coolant-carrying compartment from a surface of the heat transfer base opposite to the heat transfer surface. One or more grooves are provided in an interface surface of the cover and fins, and wicking element(s) are positioned within, at least in part, the groove(s). A joining material is provided between the cover and fins to join the plurality of thermally-conductive fins to the cover. The wicking element(s) within, at least in part, the groove(s) facilitate retaining the joining material over the plurality of thermally-conductive fins during joining of the cover and fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hongqing Zhang, Jay A. Bunt, David J. Lewison, Joyce E. Molinelli Acocella, Frank L. Pompeo, Jeffrey Allen Zitz
  • Publication number: 20210222956
    Abstract: Coolant-cooled heat sinks and methods of fabrication are provided with a coolant-carrying compartment between a cover and a heat transfer base. The heat transfer base includes a heat transfer surface to couple to a component to be cooled, and a plurality of thermally-conductive fins extending into the coolant-carrying compartment from a surface of the heat transfer base opposite to the heat transfer surface. One or more grooves are provided in an interface surface of the cover and fins, and wicking element(s) are positioned within, at least in part, the groove(s). A joining material is provided between the cover and fins to join the plurality of thermally-conductive fins to the cover. The wicking element(s) within, at least in part, the groove(s) facilitate retaining the joining material over the plurality of thermally-conductive fins during joining of the cover and fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Hongqing ZHANG, Jay A. BUNT, David J. LEWISON, Joyce E. MOLINELLI ACOCELLA, Frank L. POMPEO, Jeffrey Allen ZITZ
  • Publication number: 20210098334
    Abstract: Structural combinations of TIMs and methods of combining these TIMs in semiconductor packages are disclosed. An embodiment forms the structures by selectively metallizing a backside of a semiconductor chip (chip) on chip hot spots, placing a higher performance thermal interface material (TIM) on the metallized hot spots, selectively metalizing an underside of a lid in one or more metalized lid locations, and assembling a lid over the backside of the chip to create an assembly so that metalized lid locations are in contact with the higher performance TIMs. A lower performance TIM fills the region surrounding the higher performance TIM on the underside of the lid enclosing the chips. Disclosed are methods of disposing both solid and dispensable TIMs, curing and not curing the thermal interface, and structures to keep the TIMs in place while assembly the package and compressing dispensable TIMs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Kamal K. Sikka, Piyas Bal Chowdhury, James J. Kelly, Jeffrey Allen Zitz, Sushumna Iruvanti, Shidong Li
  • Patent number: 10842043
    Abstract: Methods of producing coolant-cooled heat sinks with a coolant-carrying compartment between a cover and a heat transfer base are provided. The heat transfer base includes a heat transfer surface to couple to a component to be cooled, and a plurality of thermally-conductive fins extending into the coolant-carrying compartment from a surface of the heat transfer base opposite to the heat transfer surface. The method includes positioning a screen with openings over the plurality of thermally-conductive fins, between the plurality of thermally-conductive fins and the cover, and providing a joining material over the screen, between the screen and the cover. The method also includes joining the plurality of thermally-conductive fins to the cover across the screen using the joining material, where the screen facilitates retaining the joining material over the plurality of thermally-conductive fins during the joining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hongqing Zhang, David J. Lewison, Jay A. Bunt, Joyce Molinelli Acocella, Jeffrey Allen Zitz, Frank L. Pompeo
  • Patent number: 7803664
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for cooling semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) chip package structures. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for thermally coupling semiconductor chips to a heat conducting device (e.g., copper thermal hat or lid) using a compliant thermally conductive material (e.g., thermal paste), wherein a thermal interface is designed to prevent/inhibit the formation of voids in the compliant thermally conductive material due to the flow of such material in and out from between the chips and the heat conducting device due to thermal cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Evan George Colgan, Gary Goth, Deborah Anne Sylvester, Jeffrey Allen Zitz
  • Patent number: 7768121
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for thermally coupling a semiconductor chip directly to a heat conducting device (e.g., a copper heat sink) using a thermal joint that provides increased thermal conductivity between the heat conducting device and high power density regions of the semiconductor chip, while minimizing or eliminating mechanical stress due to the relative displacement due to the difference in thermal expansion between the semiconductor chip and the heat conducting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Evan George Colgan, Jeffrey D. Gelorme, Kamal K. Sikka, Hilton T. Toy, Jeffrey Allen Zitz
  • Publication number: 20080242002
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for cooling semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) chip package structures. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for thermally coupling semiconductor chips to a heat conducting device (e.g., copper thermal hat or lid) using a compliant thermally conductive material (e.g., thermal paste), wherein a thermal interface is designed to prevent/inhibit the formation of voids in the compliant thermally conductive material due to the flow of such material in and out from between the chips and the heat conducting device due to thermal cycling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Evan George Colgan, Gary Goth, Deborah Anne Sylvester, Jeffrey Allen Zitz
  • Patent number: 7394659
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for cooling semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) chip package structures. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for thermally coupling semiconductor chips to a heat conducting device (e.g., copper thermal hat or lid) using a compliant thermally conductive material (e.g., thermal paste), wherein a thermal interface is designed to prevent/inhibit the formation of voids in the compliant thermally conductive material due to the flow of such material in and out from between the chips and the heat conducting device due to thermal cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Evan George Colgan, Gary Goth, Deborah Anne Sylvester, Jeffrey Allen Zitz
  • Patent number: 7288839
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for thermally coupling a semiconductor chip directly to a heat conducting device (e.g., a copper heat sink) using a thermal joint that provides increased thermal conductivity between the heat conducting device and high power density regions of the semiconductor chip, while minimizing or eliminating mechanical stress due to the relative displacement due to the difference in thermal expansion between the semiconductor chip and the heat conducting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Evan George Colgan, Jeffrey D. Gelorme, Kamal K. Sikka, Hilton T. Toy, Jeffrey Allen Zitz
  • Patent number: 6964885
    Abstract: An integrated circuit module, a land grid array module, and a method for forming the module, include a substrate, which mounts one or more chips or discrete electronic components, and a cap for covering the substrate, and including at least one protrusion coupled to the cap for limiting the amount of flexing of the substrate during actuation. The at least one protrusion can be either rigidly fixed to the cap or adjustably inserted through the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Anthony Coico, James H. Covell, Benjamin V. Fasano, Lewis S. Goldman, Ronald L. Hering, Sundar Kamath, Kenneth Charles Marston, Frank Louis Pompeo, Karl J. Puttlitz, Jeffrey Allen Zitz
  • Patent number: 6774482
    Abstract: In an integrated circuit structure, such as in an MCM or in an SCM, a particulate thermally conductive conformable material, such as a thermal paste, is applied between a heat-generating chip and a cooling plate. Modification of the microstructure of at least one of the two nominally parallel surfaces which are in contact with the material is provided in a discrete pattern of sloped recesses. The largest particles in the material preferentially migrate downward into the recesses. The average thickness of the conductive paste is reduced to below the diameter of the largest particles dispersed in the material, providing improved cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Evan George Colgan, John Harold Magerlein, Robert Luke Wisnieff, Jeffrey Allen Zitz
  • Publication number: 20040141296
    Abstract: An integrated circuit module, a land grid array module, and a method for forming the module, include a substrate, which mounts one or more chips or discrete electronic components, and a cap for covering the substrate, and including at least one protrusion coupled to the cap for limiting the amount of flexing of the substrate during actuation. The at least one protrusion can be either rigidly fixed to the cap or adjustably inserted through the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick Anthony Coico, James H. Covell, Benjamin V. Fasano, Lewis S. Goldmann, Ronald L. Hering, Sundar M. Kamath, Kenneth Charles Marston, Frank Louis Pompeo, Karl J. Puttlitz, Jeffrey Allen Zitz
  • Publication number: 20040124525
    Abstract: In an integrated circuit structure, such as in an MCM or in an SCM, a particulate thermally conductive conformable material, such as a thermal paste, is applied between a heat-generating chip and a cooling plate. Modification of the microstructure of at least one of the two nominally parallel surfaces which are in contact with the material is provided in a discrete pattern of sloped recesses. The largest particles in the material preferentially migrate downward into the recesses. The average thickness of the conductive paste is reduced to below the diameter of the largest particles dispersed in the material, providing improved cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: IBM
    Inventors: Evan George Colgan, John Harold Magerlein, Robert Luke Wisnieff, Jeffrey Allen Zitz
  • Patent number: 6740959
    Abstract: Electronic packages incorporating EMI shielding, and particularly semiconductor devices which incorporate semiconductor chip-carrier structures having grounded bands embedded therein which are adapted to reduce outgoing and incident EMI emissions for high-speed switching electronic packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David James Alcoe, Jeffrey Thomas Coffin, Michael Anthony Gaynes, Harvey Charles Hamel, Mario J. Interrante, Brenda Lee Peterson, Megan J. Shannon, William Edward Sablinski, Christopher Todd Spring, Randall Joseph Stutzman, Renee L. Weisman, Jeffrey Allen Zitz