Patents by Inventor Thomas Middleton

Thomas Middleton 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).

  • Patent number: 11985803
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing airflow for cooling computing devices (e.g., in a data center) are disclosed. To prevent damage to computing devices after power outages in low temperatures, a subset of the computing devices may be preheated, started, and operated in an exhaust air recirculation mode to raise the temperatures of the other computing devices. Preheating may for example use heaters or warm air temporarily diverted from external sources such as nearby buildings. Thermal mass (e.g., phase change material) may be positioned near the computing devices to capture heat that is later released in the event of a dramatic temperature drop such a cold weather power outage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Core Scientific Operating Company
    Inventors: Lawrence Kom, Thomas Middleton Rutledge Fuller, Richard Dunne
  • Patent number: 11956928
    Abstract: A facility (e.g., data center) for more efficient cooling of computing devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the data center comprises a set of external walls, a ceiling connected to the external walls and having circular exhaust openings, and one or more pods positioned within the external walls and below the ceiling. A set of flexible tubes are used to connect the pod exhaust openings to the ceiling openings. Actuating closures may be used (e.g., at one end of each of the tubes) to control airflow, and air pressure sensors may be placed near or inside one or more of the tubes. A controller may be configured to receive air pressure data from the air pressure sensors and adjust the actuating closures to maintain a desired air pressure level. In some examples, the actuating closure may have a normally closed position when power is not applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Core Scientific Operating Company
    Inventors: Jacob Taylor, Thomas Middleton Rutledge Fuller, Lawrence Kom
  • Patent number: 11540415
    Abstract: A rack and system for cooling computing devices such as in a data center is disclosed. In one embodiment, the rack supports a plurality of computing devices and comprises a plurality of planar annular sector or trapezoidal shelves, each having one or more positions for holding computing devices. A number of vertical supports may hold the shelves in a vertically spaced arrangement, and an air barrier may be affixed to the rack and have openings that permit exhaust air to flow from the computing devices through the air barrier into a hot aisle. The rack may be configured to be connected to other similar racks to form a vertical annular cylinder, which may be tapered, and the computing devices may be installed to discharge exhaust at an angle relative to a centerline of the vertical annular cylinder to improve airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Core Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Devon Baldwin, Kamil Lazarowich, Thomas Middleton Rutledge Fuller, Lawrence Kom
  • Publication number: 20220141987
    Abstract: A rack and system for cooling computing devices such as in a data center is disclosed. In one embodiment, the rack supports a plurality of computing devices and comprises a plurality of planar annular sector or trapezoidal shelves, each having one or more positions for holding computing devices. A number of vertical supports may hold the shelves in a vertically spaced arrangement, and an air barrier may be affixed to the rack. The air barrier may have openings for the computing devices to permit exhaust air to flow through the air barrier into a hot aisle. The rack maybe configured to be connected to other similar racks to form a vertical annular hyperboloid or a vertical hyperbolic annular paraboloid, and the computing devices may be installed to discharge exhaust at an angle relative to a centerline of the vertical annular hyperboloid or a vertical hyperbolic annular paraboloid to improve airflow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Harsh Patel, Devon Baldwin, Thomas Middleton Rutledge Fuller
  • Publication number: 20220124934
    Abstract: A rack and system for cooling computing devices such as in a data center is disclosed. In one embodiment, the rack supports a plurality of computing devices and comprises a plurality of planar annular sector or trapezoidal shelves, each having one or more positions for holding computing devices. A number of vertical supports may hold the shelves in a vertically spaced arrangement, and an air barrier may be affixed to the rack and have openings that permit exhaust air to flow from the computing devices through the air barrier into a hot aisle. The rack may be configured to be connected to other similar racks to form a vertical annular cylinder, which may be tapered, and the computing devices may be installed to discharge exhaust at an angle relative to a centerline of the vertical annular cylinder to improve airflow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Devon Baldwin, Kamil Lazarowich, Thomas Middleton Rutledge Fuller, Lawrence Kom
  • Publication number: 20220124938
    Abstract: A rack and system for cooling computing devices such as in a data center is disclosed. In one embodiment, the rack supports a plurality of computing devices and comprises a plurality of planar annular sector or trapezoidal shelves, each having one or more positions for holding computing devices. A number of vertical supports may hold the shelves in a vertically spaced arrangement, and an air barrier may be affixed to the rack. The air barrier may have openings for the computing devices to permit exhaust air to flow through the air barrier into a hot aisle. The rack maybe configured to be connected to other similar racks to form a vertical annular hyperboloid or a vertical hyperbolic annular paraboloid, and the computing devices may be installed to discharge exhaust at an angle relative to a centerline of the vertical annular hyperboloid or a vertical hyperbolic annular paraboloid to improve airflow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Harsh Patel, Devon Baldwin, Thomas Middleton Rutledge Fuller
  • Patent number: 11107127
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the secure distribution of firmware and configuration updates to un-networked physical devices. A client component is provided for installation on a client device, which is configured to receive, via the client component, a status data packet including a status indication from a beacon, when the client is proximate to the beacon. A server receives the status data packet via the client component, determines whether an update is available for the beacon based at least in part on the status indication, and transmits, to the client device, an encrypted update data message relating to the update for installation at the beacon to complete the update of the beacon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Middleton, Orin Morris
  • Publication number: 20200242662
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the secure distribution of firmware and configuration updates to un-networked physical devices. A client component is provided for installation on a client device, which is configured to receive, via the client component, a status data packet including a status indication from a beacon, when the client is proximate to the beacon. A server receives the status data packet via the client component, determines whether an update is available for the beacon based at least in part on the status indication, and transmits, to the client device, an encrypted update data message relating to the update for installation at the beacon to complete the update of the beacon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas Middleton, Orin Morris
  • Patent number: 10559007
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the secure distribution of firmware and configuration updates to un-networked physical devices. A client component is provided for installation on a client device, which is configured to receive, via the client component, a status data packet including a status indication from a beacon, when the client is proximate to the beacon. A server receives the status data packet via the client component, determines whether an update is available for the beacon based at least in part on the status indication, and transmits, to the client device, an encrypted update data message relating to the update for installation at the beacon to complete the update of the beacon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Middleton, Orin Morris
  • Patent number: 10486929
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the presence of metallic objects in media to be conveyed in a medium transport system are disclosed. One or more induction sensors are included in the medium transport system to detect the presence of metal in the transported media, with detection signals sent from the sensors to a system processing unit. An ultrasonic detector is employed in some embodiments to output another detection signal. One or more microphones may also be included, for detecting the sound created as the medium is being transported. The system processing unit analyzes various detection signals and analyzes computed sound values from the microphones, to determine the presence and location of metal in the media. A position jam detector may assist in determining jams of the media along the medium transport path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: KODAK ALARIS, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce Link, John Fagan, Thomas Middleton, Daniel Phinney
  • Patent number: 10150633
    Abstract: A system and method of detecting the presence of metallic objects in media to be conveyed in a medium transport system is disclosed. One or more metal detectors are included in the medium transport system to detect the presence of metal in the medium being transported. Signals from the metal detectors are sent to a system processor, which analyzes the signals, and produces proximity, duration, and/or intensity values therefrom. One or more microphones may also be included which detect the sound created as the medium is being transported. The processor computes sound values from the microphone signals, and analyzes the computed sound values along with the proximity, duration, and/or intensity values in order determine if the conveyance of the medium along the transport path should be stopped due to the presence of metal in the media or a jam occurring within the medium transport path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: KODAK ALARIS INC.
    Inventors: Bruce Link, John Fagan, Thomas Middleton, Daniel Phinney
  • Patent number: 10150632
    Abstract: A system and method of detecting the presence of metallic objects in media to be conveyed in a medium transport system is disclosed. One or more metal detectors are included in the medium transport system to detect the presence of metal in the medium being transported. Signals from the metal detectors are sent to a system processor, which analyzes the signals, and produces proximity, duration, and/or intensity values therefrom. One or more microphones may also be included which detect the sound created as the medium is being transported. The processor computes sound values from the microphone signals, and analyzes the computed sound values along with the proximity, duration, and/or intensity values in order determine if the conveyance of the medium along the transport path should be stopped due to the presence of metal in the media or a jam occurring within the medium transport path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: KODAK ALARIS INC.
    Inventors: Bruce Link, John Fagan, Thomas Middleton, Daniel Phinney
  • Publication number: 20180208420
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the presence of metallic objects in media to be conveyed in a medium transport system are disclosed. One or more induction sensors are included in the medium transport system to detect the presence of metal in the transported media, with detection signals sent from the sensors to a system processing unit. An ultrasonic detector is employed in some embodiments to output another detection signal. One or more microphones may also be included, for detecting the sound created as the medium is being transported. The system processing unit analyzes various detection signals and analyzes computed sound values from the microphones, to determine the presence and location of metal in the media. A position jam detector may assist in determining jams of the media along the medium transport path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Applicant: Kodak Alaris Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Link, John Fagan, Thomas Middleton, Daniel Phinney
  • Patent number: 9945620
    Abstract: A room perimeter heating/cooling radiator with a non symmetrical elliptical transverse cross section, that utilizes low to medium temperature heat transfer fluid (generally water or water/glycol) in a new design with an enhanced ‘primary only’ heat transfer surface having an internal spiral or helix to circulate the water around the inside of the primary surface to enhance the heat transfer, and an internal conduit that provides both freeze damage protection and the ability to cross connect multiple identical radiators for increased efficiency. The primary intended location is within inches of the building windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas Middleton Semmes
  • Patent number: 9938100
    Abstract: A system and method of detecting the presence of metallic objects in media to be conveyed in a medium transport system is disclosed. One or more metal detectors are included in the medium transport system to detect the presence of metal in the medium being transported. Signals from the metal detectors are sent to a system processor, which analyzes the signals, and produces proximity, duration, and/or intensity values therefrom. One or more microphones may also be included which detect the sound created as the medium is being transported. The processor computes sound values from the microphone signals, and analyzes the computed sound values along with the proximity, duration, and/or intensity values in order determine if the conveyance of the medium along the transport path should be stopped due to the presence of metal in the media or a jam occurring within the medium transport path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: KODAK ALARIS INC.
    Inventors: Bruce Link, John Fagan, Thomas Middleton, Daniel Phinney
  • Patent number: 9715698
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for providing a user with supplemental content based on the user's preferences and location. The disclosure provides a computer program that allows users to discover and organize content from a platform that is accessible from a mobile device or computer. Additionally, the disclosure provides a system for determining a user's location while indoors. The system can associate the user's location with specific content or items in a store and provide the user with supplemental content related to those items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Swirl Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Middleton, Robert Todd Boes
  • Publication number: 20170158447
    Abstract: A system and method of detecting the presence of metallic objects in media to be conveyed in a medium transport system is disclosed. One or more metal detectors are included in the medium transport system to detect the presence of metal in the medium being transported. Signals from the metal detectors are sent to a system processor, which analyzes the signals, and produces proximity, duration, and/or intensity values therefrom. One or more microphones may also be included which detect the sound created as the medium is being transported. The processor computes sound values from the microphone signals, and analyzes the computed sound values along with the proximity, duration, and/or intensity values in order determine if the conveyance of the medium along the transport path should be stopped due to the presence of metal in the media or a jam occurring within the medium transport path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Applicant: Kodak Alaris Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Link, John Fagan, Thomas Middleton, Daniel Phinney
  • Publication number: 20170131994
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the secure distribution of firmware and configuration updates to un-networked physical devices. A client component is provided for installation on a client device, which is configured to receive, via the client component, a status data packet including a status indication from a beacon, when the client is proximate to the beacon. A server receives the status data packet via the client component, determines whether an update is available for the beacon based at least in part on the status indication, and transmits, to the client device, an encrypted update data message relating to the update for installation at the beacon to complete the update of the beacon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Middleton, Orin Morris
  • Patent number: 9617097
    Abstract: A system and method of detecting the presence of metallic objects in media to be conveyed in a medium transport system is disclosed. One or more metal detectors are included in the medium transport system to detect the presence of metal in the medium being transported. Signals from the metal detectors are sent to a system processor, which analyzes the signals, and produces proximity, duration, and/or intensity values therefrom. One or more microphones may also be included which detect the sound created as the medium is being transported. The processor computes sound values from the microphone signals, and analyzes the computed sound values along with the proximity, duration, and/or intensity values in order determine if the conveyance of the medium along the transport path should be stopped due to the presence of metal in the media or a jam occurring within the medium transport path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: KODAK ALARIS INC.
    Inventors: Bruce Link, John Fagan, Thomas Middleton, Daniel Phinney
  • Patent number: 9500686
    Abstract: A first capacitor and a second capacitor are charged until voltage at the second capacitor settles to a settling voltage. While charging, the first capacitor is alternately switched between a current source and ground. When the settling voltage is reached, charging of the first capacitor is halted. The second capacitor continues to be charged until voltage at the second capacitor reaches a reference voltage. The amount of time it takes for the settling voltage to reach the reference voltage corresponds to a measure of capacitance on the first capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cole Wilson, Thomas Middleton Rutledge Fuller, Mark Lee, Louis Bokma, Andrew Best