Patents by Inventor Michael D. O'Connell
Michael D. O'Connell 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: 10842051Abstract: A server rack door has a first dimension and a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension and includes a first group of first obstructions arranged along the first dimension. The first obstructions define a first plurality of flow channels. The server rack door further includes a second group including second obstructions arranged along the first dimension and offset from the first obstructions along the second dimension. The second dimension corresponds to a thickness of the server rack door. The second obstructions define a second plurality of flow channels, where the first obstructions and the second obstructions alternate along the first dimension.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Scott R. Lapree, Howard V. Mahaney, Jr., Stephen P. Mroz, Michael D. O'Connell
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Patent number: 10768640Abstract: A self-actuating device and method for facilitating preventing product tip over are provided. The self-actuating device includes an anti-tip mechanism associated with a product to facilitate preventing tip over of the product when in an extended state. Further, the self-actuating device includes an actuator associated with the product. The actuator is configured and operatively coupled to automatically switch the anti-tip mechanism from a retracted state to the extended state based on the actuator detecting a tilt of a specified tilt angle.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2019Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Marc H. Coq, Michael D. O'Connell, Sharon T. Spaulding, William J. Green
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Patent number: 10737833Abstract: A pallet gap filler for a pallet and a lift is provided. The pallet gap filler includes filling and engaging elements. The filling element is insertable into a portion of a space defined between tines of the lift and one or more of top and bottom decks and blocks and/or stringers separating the top and bottom decks of the pallet. The filling element is configured to assume a first configuration during filling element insertion and a second configuration in which, following filling element insertion, the filling element fixes relative orientations of the pallet and the lift. The engaging element is actuatable with the filling element initially assuming the first configuration to cause the filling element to assume the second configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2019Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Marc H. Coq, William J. Green, Michael D. O'Connell, Sharon T. Spaulding
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Patent number: 10606284Abstract: A self-actuating device and method for facilitating preventing product tip over are provided. The self-actuating device includes an anti-tip mechanism associated with a product to facilitate preventing tip over of the product when in an extended state. Further, the self-actuating device includes an actuator associated with the product. The actuator is configured and operatively coupled to automatically switch the anti-tip mechanism from a retracted state to the extended state based on the actuator detecting a tilt of a specified tilt angle.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2019Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Marc H. Coq, Michael D. O'Connell, Sharon T. Spaulding, William J. Green
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Publication number: 20190354119Abstract: A self-actuating device and method for facilitating preventing product tip over are provided. The self-actuating device includes an anti-tip mechanism associated with a product to facilitate preventing tip over of the product when in an extended state. Further, the self-actuating device includes an actuator associated with the product. The actuator is configured and operatively coupled to automatically switch the anti-tip mechanism from a retracted state to the extended state based on the actuator detecting a tilt of a specified tilt angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Marc H. COQ, Michael D. O'CONNELL, Sharon T. SPAULDING, William J. GREEN
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Publication number: 20190354118Abstract: A self-actuating device and method for facilitating preventing product tip over are provided. The self-actuating device includes an anti-tip mechanism associated with a product to facilitate preventing tip over of the product when in an extended state. Further, the self-actuating device includes an actuator associated with the product. The actuator is configured and operatively coupled to automatically switch the anti-tip mechanism from a retracted state to the extended state based on the actuator detecting a tilt of a specified tilt angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Marc H. COQ, Michael D. O'CONNELL, Sharon T. SPAULDING, William J. GREEN
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Patent number: 10452080Abstract: A self-actuating device and method for facilitating preventing product tip over are provided. The self-actuating device includes an anti-tip mechanism associated with a product to facilitate preventing tip over of the product when in an extended state. Further, the self-actuating device includes an actuator associated with the product. The actuator is configured and operatively coupled to automatically switch the anti-tip mechanism from a retracted state to the extended state based on the actuator detecting a tilt of a specified tilt angle.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2018Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Marc H. Coq, Michael D. O'Connell, Sharon T. Spaulding, William J. Green
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Publication number: 20190283932Abstract: A pallet gap filler for a pallet and a lift is provided. The pallet gap filler includes filling and engaging elements. The filling element is insertible into a portion of a space defined between tines of the lift and one or more of top and bottom decks and blocks and/or stringers separating the top and bottom decks of the pallet. The filling element is configured to assume a first configuration during filling element insertion and a second configuration in which, following filling element insertion, the filling element fixes relative orientations of the pallet and the lift. The engaging element is actuatable with the filling element initially assuming the first configuration to cause the filling element to assume the second configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventors: MARC H. COQ, WILLIAM J. GREEN, MICHAEL D. O'CONNELL, SHARON T. SPAULDING
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Publication number: 20190276183Abstract: A tip-over prevention apparatus is provided for use with a product. The product is disposable for transportation in side-to-side, front-to-back and up-and-down directions. The tip-over prevention apparatus includes tilt arms disposed at sides of the product facing in the side-to-side directions and hinges by which the tilt arms are rotatably coupled to the sides of the product.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2018Publication date: September 12, 2019Inventors: Marc H. Coq, William J. Green, Michael D. O'Connell, Sharon T. Spaulding
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Patent number: 10392160Abstract: A pallet gap filler for a pallet and a lift is provided. The pallet gap filler includes filling and engaging elements. The filling element is insertible into a portion of a space defined between tines of the lift and one or more of top and bottom decks and blocks and/or stringers separating the top and bottom decks of the pallet. The filling element is configured to assume a first configuration during filling element insertion and a second configuration in which, following filling element insertion, the filling element fixes relative orientations of the pallet and the lift. The engaging element is actuatable with the filling element initially assuming the first configuration to cause the filling element to assume the second configuration.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Marc H. Coq, William J. Green, Michael D. O'Connell, Sharon T. Spaulding
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Publication number: 20190174656Abstract: A server rack door has a first dimension and a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension and includes a first group of first obstructions arranged along the first dimension. The first obstructions define a first plurality of flow channels. The server rack door further includes a second group including second obstructions arranged along the first dimension and offset from the first obstructions along the second dimension. The second dimension corresponds to a thickness of the server rack door. The second obstructions define a second plurality of flow channels, where the first obstructions and the second obstructions alternate along the first dimension.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2019Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: Scott R. LAPREE, Howard V. MAHANEY, JR., Stephen P. MROZ, Michael D. O'CONNELL
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Publication number: 20190135486Abstract: A pallet gap filler for a pallet and a lift is provided. The pallet gap filler includes filling and engaging elements. The filling element is insertible into a portion of a space defined between tines of the lift and one or more of top and bottom decks and blocks and/or stringers separating the top and bottom decks of the pallet. The filling element is configured to assume a first configuration during filling element insertion and a second configuration in which, following filling element insertion, the filling element fixes relative orientations of the pallet and the lift. The engaging element is actuatable with the filling element initially assuming the first configuration to cause the filling element to assume the second configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2017Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: MARC H. COQ, WILLIAM J. GREEN, MICHAEL D. O'CONNELL, SHARON T. SPAULDING
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Patent number: 10244662Abstract: A server rack door has a first dimension and a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension and includes a first group of first obstructions arranged along the first dimension. The first obstructions define a first plurality of flow channels. The server rack door further includes a second group including second obstructions arranged along the first dimension and offset from the first obstructions along the second dimension. The second dimension corresponds to a thickness of the server rack door. The second obstructions define a second plurality of flow channels, where the first obstructions and the second obstructions alternate along the first dimension.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Scott R. LaPree, Howard V. Mahaney, Jr., Stephen P. Mroz, Michael D. O'Connell
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Patent number: 9784028Abstract: A door assembly comprises a rectangular door frame that has a first, second, third, and fourth frame member. The first frame member has an outer surface that has a first pair of parallel slots. A first parallel flange protrudes from and perpendicular to the outer surface between the parallel slots. A vane extends from the first frame member to the second frame member between the third and fourth frame members. The vane has a first end that includes a pair of parallel flanges fitted into the parallel slots such that a rear surface of the first planar flange is arranged between rear edges of the first parallel flanges. A bar is mounted to the rear surface of the first planar flange and configured to hold the rear edges of the first parallel flanges in substantially the same plane as the rear surface of the first planar flange.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2016Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Scott R. LaPree, Stephen P. Mroz, Michael D. O'Connell
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Patent number: 9765563Abstract: A door assembly comprises a rectangular door frame that has a first, second, third, and fourth frame member. The first frame member has an outer surface that has a first pair of parallel slots. A first parallel flange protrudes from and perpendicular to the outer surface between the parallel slots. A vane extends from the first frame member to the second frame member between the third and fourth frame members. The vane has a first end that includes a pair of parallel flanges fitted into the parallel slots such that a rear surface of the first planar flange is arranged between rear edges of the first parallel flanges. A bar is mounted to the rear surface of the first planar flange and configured to hold the rear edges of the first parallel flanges in substantially the same plane as the rear surface of the first planar flange.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2016Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Scott R. LaPree, Stephen P. Mroz, Michael D. O'Connell
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Publication number: 20170172014Abstract: A server rack door has a first dimension and a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension and includes a first group of first obstructions arranged along the first dimension. The first obstructions define a first plurality of flow channels. The server rack door further includes a second group including second obstructions arranged along the first dimension and offset from the first obstructions along the second dimension. The second dimension corresponds to a thickness of the server rack door. The second obstructions define a second plurality of flow channels, where the first obstructions and the second obstructions alternate along the first dimension.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2015Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: Scott R. LaPree, Howard V. Mahaney, JR., Stephen P. Mroz, Michael D. O'Connell
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Patent number: 9423001Abstract: An isolation system for a transportation pallet, a transportation pallet, and a method of providing an isolation system are provided. The isolation system comprises a plunger assembly comprising a graduated surface area having a first end with a relatively smaller surface area than a second end having a relatively larger surface area. The isolation system further comprises a cushion pad coupled to the plunger assembly such that when a load is applied to the plunger assembly, the plunger assembly is pressed into the cushion pad to cause the cushion pad to bear the load over a surface area of the plunger assembly corresponding to the magnitude of the load. When the load is increased, a larger surface area of the plunger assembly and the cushion pad supports the load and as the load decreases, a smaller surface area of the plunger assembly and cushion pad supports the load.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kenton C. Green, William J. Green, Michael D. O'Connell, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
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Patent number: 9291234Abstract: An isolation system for a transportation pallet, a transportation pallet, and a method of providing an isolation system are provided. The isolation system comprises a plunger assembly comprising a graduated surface area having a first end with a relatively smaller surface area than a second end having a relatively larger surface area. The isolation system further comprises a cushion pad coupled to the plunger assembly such that when a load is applied to the plunger assembly, the plunger assembly is pressed into the cushion pad to cause the cushion pad to bear the load over a surface area of the plunger assembly corresponding to the magnitude of the load. When the load is increased, a larger surface area of the plunger assembly and the cushion pad supports the load and as the load decreases, a smaller surface area of the plunger assembly and cushion pad supports the load.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kenton C. Green, William J. Green, Michael D. O'Connell, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
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Publication number: 20160059989Abstract: An isolation system for a transportation pallet, a transportation pallet, and a method of providing an isolation system are provided. The isolation system comprises a plunger assembly comprising a graduated surface area having a first end with a relatively smaller surface area than a second end having a relatively larger surface area. The isolation system further comprises a cushion pad coupled to the plunger assembly such that when a load is applied to the plunger assembly, the plunger assembly is pressed into the cushion pad to cause the cushion pad to bear the load over a surface area of the plunger assembly corresponding to the magnitude of the load. When the load is increased, a larger surface area of the plunger assembly and the cushion pad supports the load and as the load decreases, a smaller surface area of the plunger assembly and cushion pad supports the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2014Publication date: March 3, 2016Inventors: Kenton C. Green, William J. Green, Michael D. O'Connell, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
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Publication number: 20160061285Abstract: An isolation system for a transportation pallet, a transportation pallet, and a method of providing an isolation system are provided. The isolation system comprises a plunger assembly comprising a graduated surface area having a first end with a relatively smaller surface area than a second end having a relatively larger surface area. The isolation system further comprises a cushion pad coupled to the plunger assembly such that when a load is applied to the plunger assembly, the plunger assembly is pressed into the cushion pad to cause the cushion pad to bear the load over a surface area of the plunger assembly corresponding to the magnitude of the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2014Publication date: March 3, 2016Inventors: Kenton C. Green, William J. Green, Michael D. O'Connell, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner