Patents by Inventor Robert K. Mullady

Robert K. Mullady 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: 20190234546
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for a quick connect spray shield includes an inner sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a center axis that is parallel to an axis from the first end to the second end, wherein the inner sleeve has an inner surface that is contoured to position the inner sleeve relative to a female quick connect fitting; and an outer sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a center axis that is parallel to the center axis of the inner sleeve, wherein the outer sleeve has an inner surface contoured to position the outer sleeve relative to an actuating collar of the female quick connect fitting, wherein the actuating collar has an engaged position and a disengaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Francis R. Krug, JR., Robert K. Mullady
  • Patent number: 10309566
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for a quick connect spray shield includes an inner sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a center axis that is parallel to an axis from the first end to the second end, wherein the inner sleeve has an inner surface that is contoured to position the inner sleeve relative to a female quick connect fitting; and an outer sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a center axis that is parallel to the center axis of the inner sleeve, wherein the outer sleeve has an inner surface contoured to position the outer sleeve relative to an actuating collar of the female quick connect fitting, wherein the actuating collar has an engaged position and a disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Francis R. Krug, Jr., Robert K. Mullady
  • Patent number: 10309423
    Abstract: A fan guard and method of use thereof. The fan guard includes a first lattice, the first lattice comprising a first lattice protrusion, a second lattice, the second lattice comprising a second lattice protrusion and an inclined portion, a catch, a tensioning element, a first end of the tensioning element operably attached to the first lattice protrusion, a second end of the tensioning element operably attached to the second lattice protrusion, the tensioning element applying a rotational force to the second lattice in a first direction, a bezel, the bezel including a bezel extension that extends substantially perpendicularly from a face of the bezel, wherein the bezel extension is configured to rotate the catch and an inclined plane extending from the face of the bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth Arenella, Levi A. Campbell, Christopher R. Ciraulo, John J. Loparco, Robert K. Mullady, Budy D. Notohardjono, Arkadiy O. Tsfasman, John S. Werner
  • Patent number: 10299409
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for blocking removal of an air-moving assembly from a chassis when in operational state. The apparatus includes a protective louver assembly having a louver(s) and an interlock element(s). The louver(s) is disposed at an air inlet or an air outlet of the air-moving assembly, and pivots between an operational and a quiesced orientation, dependent on presence or absence, respectively, of airflow through the air-moving assembly. The interlock element(s) is associated with the louver(s) to pivot with the louver(s) between the operational orientation and the quiesced orientation. In the operational orientation, the interlock element(s) blocks, at least in part, access to at least one fastener securing the air-moving assembly within the chassis, and thereby prevents removal of the air-moving assembly from the chassis when in the operational state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Christopher R. Ciraulo, Milnes P. David, Dustin W. Demetriou, Robert K. Mullady, Roger R. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20190150320
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for protectively covering an air inlet or outlet of an air-moving assembly. The apparatus includes a protective cover assembly, which includes a retractable cover and a spring-biasing mechanism. The retractable cover transitions between a retracted state, when the air-moving assembly is operatively positioned within the chassis, and in extended state, when the air-moving assembly is withdrawn from the chassis. In retracted state, the retractable cover is retracted away from the air inlet or outlet, and in extended state, the retractable cover covers, at least partially, the air inlet or outlet. The spring-biasing mechanism is coupled to the retractable cover and biases the retractable cover in the extended state when the air-moving assembly is withdrawn from the chassis, and compresses to allow transition of the retractable cover to the retracted state as the air-moving assembly is inserted into operative position within the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Christopher R. CIRAULO, Milnes P. DAVID, Dustin W. DEMETRIOU, Robert K. MULLADY, Roger R. SCHMIDT
  • Patent number: 10280944
    Abstract: A fan guard and method of use thereof. The fan guard includes a guard housing, the guard housing including a housing opening, one or more lattices, wherein the one or more lattices are pivotably connected to a portion of the guard housing, a linkage arm, wherein the one or more lattices are operably connected to the linkage arm, and a wedge portion operably connected to the linkage arm, wherein the wedge portion comprises a wedge portion face, and wherein the linkage arm is configured to move along a length of the guard housing and the linkage arm is configured to pivot the one or more lattices from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth Arenella, Levi A. Campbell, Christopher R. Ciraulo, Robert K. Mullady, Budy D. Notohardjono, Arkadiy O. Tsfasman, John S. Werner
  • Patent number: 10268848
    Abstract: A displacement sensor that includes a stationary printed circuit board which includes a first capacitor pad, an indicator, and a battery electrically communicating with the first capacitor pad and the indicator and a sliding card which includes a second capacitor pad, the first capacitor pad and the second capacitor pad being orientated to face each other and in an overlapping relation to each other. An overlap being defined by the first capacitor pad and the second capacitor pad, wherein the overlap of the first capacitor pad and the second capacitor pad generates a capacitance, the generated capacitance changes as the sliding card moves as a result of a change in the overlap of the first capacitor pad and the second capacitor pad. The indicator is activated when the generated capacitance change reaches a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matteo Cocchini, Robert K. Mullady, Budy D. Notohardjono, Jacob T. Porter, Kenneth Scea, Robert B. Schlak
  • Patent number: 10271459
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for protectively covering an air inlet or outlet of an air-moving assembly. The apparatus includes a protective cover assembly, which includes a retractable cover and a spring-biasing mechanism. The retractable cover transitions between a retracted state, when the air-moving assembly is operatively positioned within the chassis, and in extended state, when the air-moving assembly is withdrawn from the chassis. In retracted state, the retractable cover is retracted away from the air inlet or outlet, and in extended state, the retractable cover covers, at least partially, the air inlet or outlet. The spring-biasing mechanism is coupled to the retractable cover and biases the retractable cover in the extended state when the air-moving assembly is withdrawn from the chassis, and compresses to allow transition of the retractable cover to the retracted state as the air-moving assembly is inserted into operative position within the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Christopher R. Ciraulo, Milnes P. David, Dustin W. Demetriou, Robert K. Mullady, Roger R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10230193
    Abstract: A plug comprises power contacts and a plug trip contact. During a plugging action between the plug and a receptacle, the plug trip contact makes a trip connection with mating contacts in the receptacle. Electrical power to the receptacle allows a current through the trip connection, which causes disconnection of the power to the receptacle. A receptacle comprises receptacle power contacts and receptacle trip contacts. During a plugging action between the receptacle and a plug, trip contacts in the receptacle makes a trip connection with a mating contact in the plug. Electrical power to the receptacle allows a current through the trip connection, which can cause disconnection of the power to the receptacle. The receptacle can be included in an enclosure having a trip breaker with a trip mechanism. An electrical system can have an electrical device with a line cord connected to a plug having the trip contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Brodsky, Byron S. Green, Robert K. Mullady, Jeffrey A. Newcomer, Arkadiy O. Tsfasman, John S. Werner
  • Patent number: 10229806
    Abstract: A plug comprises power contacts and a trip jumper having jumper contacts configured to make a trip connection, during a plugging action with the plug and a receptacle, with mating trip contacts in the receptacle. When the receptacle is connected to electrical power during the plugging action, a current over the trip connection can cause disconnection of a receptacle power contact from the power. A receptacle comprises receptacle power contacts and a trip circuit having receptacle trip contacts configured to make a trip connection, during a plugging action with the receptacle and plug, with mating trip contacts in the plug. When the receptacle is connected to electrical power during the plugging action, a current over the trip connection can cause disconnection of power to a receptacle power contact. A system can have an electrical device with a line cord connected to the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Brodsky, Byron S. Green, Robert K. Mullady, Jeffrey A. Newcomer, Arkadiy O. Tsfasman, John S. Werner
  • Publication number: 20180376621
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for protectively covering an air inlet or outlet of an air-moving assembly. The apparatus includes a protective cover assembly, which includes a retractable cover and a spring-biasing mechanism. The retractable cover transitions between a retracted state, when the air-moving assembly is operatively positioned within the chassis, and in extended state, when the air-moving assembly is withdrawn from the chassis. In retracted state, the retractable cover is retracted away from the air inlet or outlet, and in extended state, the retractable cover covers, at least partially, the air inlet or outlet. The spring-biasing mechanism is coupled to the retractable cover and biases the retractable cover in the extended state when the air-moving assembly is withdrawn from the chassis, and compresses to allow transition of the retractable cover to the retracted state as the air-moving assembly is inserted into operative position within the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Christopher R. CIRAULO, Milnes P. DAVID, Dustin W. DEMETRIOU, Robert K. MULLADY, Roger R. SCHMIDT
  • Publication number: 20180347592
    Abstract: A fan guard and method of use thereof. The fan guard includes a guard housing, the guard housing including a housing opening, one or more lattices, wherein the one or more lattices are pivotably connected to a portion of the guard housing, a linkage arm, wherein the one or more lattices are operably connected to the linkage arm, and a wedge portion operably connected to the linkage arm, wherein the wedge portion comprises a wedge portion face, and wherein the linkage arm is configured to move along a length of the guard housing and the linkage arm is configured to pivot the one or more lattices from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth Arenella, Levi A. Campbell, Christopher R. Ciraulo, Robert K. Mullady, Budy D. Notohardjono, Arkadiy O. Tsfasman, John S. Werner
  • Publication number: 20180347594
    Abstract: A fan guard and method of use thereof. The fan guard includes a first lattice, the first lattice comprising a first lattice protrusion, a second lattice, the second lattice comprising a second lattice protrusion and an inclined portion, a catch, a tensioning element, a first end of the tensioning element operably attached to the first lattice protrusion, a second end of the tensioning element operably attached to the second lattice protrusion, the tensioning element applying a rotational force to the second lattice in a first direction, a bezel, the bezel including a bezel extension that extends substantially perpendicularly from a face of the bezel, wherein the bezel extension is configured to rotate the catch and an inclined plane extending from the face of the bezel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth Arenella, Levi A. Campbell, Christopher R. Ciraulo, John J. Loparco, Robert K. Mullady, Budy D. Notohardjono, Arkadiy O. Tsfasman, John S. Werner
  • Publication number: 20180347593
    Abstract: A fan guard and method of use thereof. The fan guard includes a first lattice, a second lattice, a first solenoid operably connected to the second lattice, wherein the first solenoid is configured to move the second lattice relative to the first lattice from a first position to an alternate position and a second solenoid, the second solenoid configured to extend through a portion of the first lattice when the second lattice is in the alternate position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth Arenella, Levi A. Campbell, Christopher R. Ciraulo, Robert K. Mullady, Budy D. Notohardjono, Arkadiy O. Tsfasman, John S. Werner
  • Publication number: 20180342340
    Abstract: An electromechanical assembly is provided controlled by voltage across a motor or with an electronic system. The electromechanical assembly includes a control circuit coupled to sense voltage at the motor or within the electronic system, and an electromechanical actuator energized by the voltage sensed by the control circuit. A movable element is movable by the electromechanical actuator from an operational position to a quiesced position when the voltage sensed by the control circuit falls below a quiesced threshold. In certain embodiments, the voltage being sensed is across a motor of an air-moving assembly, which resides within a support structure, or the voltage being sensed is within the electronic system, which resides within the support structure, and the movable element is an interlock element which interlocks to the support structure to prevent removal of one or more components from the structure when sensed voltage is above the quiesced threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Steven J. AHLADAS, Robert K. MULLADY
  • Publication number: 20180336378
    Abstract: A displacement sensor that includes a stationary printed circuit board which includes a first capacitor pad, an indicator, and a battery electrically communicating with the first capacitor pad and the indicator and a sliding card which includes a second capacitor pad, the first capacitor pad and the second capacitor pad being orientated to face each other and in an overlapping relation to each other. An overlap being defined by the first capacitor pad and the second capacitor pad, wherein the overlap of the first capacitor pad and the second capacitor pad generates a capacitance, the generated capacitance changes as the sliding card moves as a result of a change in the overlap of the first capacitor pad and the second capacitor pad. The indicator is activated when the generated capacitance change reaches a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Matteo Cocchini, Robert K. Mullady, Budy D. Notohardjono, Jacob T. Porter, Kenneth Scea, Robert B. Schlak
  • Publication number: 20180336377
    Abstract: A displacement sensor that includes a stationary printed circuit board which includes a first capacitor pad, an indicator, and a battery electrically communicating with the first capacitor pad and the indicator and a sliding card which includes a second capacitor pad, the first capacitor pad and the second capacitor pad being orientated to face each other and in an overlapping relation to each other. An overlap being defined by the first capacitor pad and the second capacitor pad, wherein the overlap of the first capacitor pad and the second capacitor pad generates a capacitance, the generated capacitance changes as the sliding card moves as a result of a change in the overlap of the first capacitor pad and the second capacitor pad. The indicator is activated when the generated capacitance change reaches a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Matteo Cocchini, Robert K. Mullady, Budy D. Notohardjono, Jacob T. Porter, Kenneth Scea, Robert B. Schlak
  • Patent number: 10128032
    Abstract: An electromechanical assembly is provided controlled by voltage across a motor or with an electronic system. The electromechanical assembly includes a control circuit coupled to sense voltage at the motor or within the electronic system, and an electromechanical actuator energized by the voltage sensed by the control circuit. A movable element is movable by the electromechanical actuator from an operational position to a quiesced position when the voltage sensed by the control circuit falls below a quiesced threshold. In certain embodiments, the voltage being sensed is across a motor of an air-moving assembly, which resides within a support structure, or the voltage being sensed is within the electronic system, which resides within the support structure, and the movable element is an interlock element which interlocks to the support structure to prevent removal of one or more components from the structure when sensed voltage is above the quiesced threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven J. Ahladas, Robert K. Mullady
  • Patent number: 10109975
    Abstract: A module placement apparatus is provided and includes alignment brackets and a module placement tool. The alignment brackets include first guidance features, define an interior and are disposable aside an array of contacts. The module placement tool is insertible into the interior in first and second stages and includes a frame, a module gripping element operably supported on the frame, second guidance features engageable with the first guidance features at a conclusion of the first stage to maintain a relative orientation of the array of contacts and the frame during the second stage, and a gimbaled handle coupled to the module gripping element to maintain the relative orientation during the first stage until at least first and second guidance feature engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason R. Eagle, Roger D. Hamilton, Brian E. Hanrahan, Robert K. Mullady, Enrico A. Romano, Yuet-Ying Yu
  • Patent number: 10109172
    Abstract: A first value is received and is associated with a noise level of an environment that a user is in. It is determined whether the first value exceeds a first threshold. A second computing device is notified when the first value exceeds the first threshold. The notifying indicates that the user must leave the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Werner, Arkadiy O. Tsfasman, Byron S. Green, William L. Brodsky, Jeffrey A. Newcomer, Robert K. Mullady