Patents by Inventor Brian M. Kerrigan

Brian M. Kerrigan 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: 10170391
    Abstract: A backside initiated uniform heat sink loading system includes a system board assembly, a heat sink assembly, a loading plate, and a fastener. The system board assembly includes at least one processing unit. The heat sink assembly is mounted upon the processing unit from a topside of the system board assembly and includes a plurality of tension members that extend through the system board assembly. The loading plate is mounted to the plurality of tension members from a backside of the system board assembly. The fastener engages with the loading plate from the backside and forces the loading plate away from the system board assembly. As a result, the tension members uniformly force the heat sink assembly upon the processing unit to seat the processing unit with the system board assembly and to thermally contact the heat sink assembly with the processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: LENOVO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Scott W. Dickover, Brian M. Kerrigan, Timothy A. Meserth
  • Patent number: 9629263
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a multifunction shelf rotatably coupled to a chassis at one or more pivot points. The chassis includes a sub-chassis mounted in a first end of the chassis and connected to one or more connectors within the chassis. The multifunction shelf includes one or more first lever arms extending away from a pivot point. The multifunction shelf also includes one or more second lever arms, each second lever arm connecting to a first lever arm and extends in a direction at a first angle to the connected first lever arm. The multifunction shelf also includes one or more camming features each coupled to a second lever arm and the sub-chassis. Rotating the one or more first lever arms away from the chassis applies a force through each corresponding camming feature to the sub-chassis to disconnect the sub-chassis from the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: LENOVO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Anthony F. Katsaros, Brian M. Kerrigan, Timothy A. Meserth
  • Publication number: 20170048992
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a multifunction shelf rotatably coupled to a chassis at one or more pivot points. The chassis includes a sub-chassis mounted in a first end of the chassis and connected to one or more connectors within the chassis. The multifunction shelf includes one or more first lever arms extending away from a pivot point. The multifunction shelf also includes one or more second lever arms, each second lever arm connecting to a first lever arm and extends in a direction at a first angle to the connected first lever arm. The multifunction shelf also includes one or more camming features each coupled to a second lever arm and the sub-chassis. Rotating the one or more first lever arms away from the chassis applies a force through each corresponding camming feature to the sub-chassis to disconnect the sub-chassis from the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: ANTHONY F. KATSAROS, BRIAN M. KERRIGAN, TIMOTHY A. MESERTH
  • Patent number: 9351428
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a rigid structure having first and second collars, a quick connect connector having first and second shoulders, and a spring biasing the connector toward an extended position with the first shoulder against the first collar and the second shoulder against the second collar. The first collar and the first shoulder form an inwardly and rearwardly angled contact surface there between, and the second collar and the second shoulder form an inwardly and rearwardly angled contact surface there between. The connector is centered in the first and second collars unless acted upon by a force overcoming the spring and pushing the connector to a retracted position with the first and second shoulders out of contact with the first and second collars. When retracted, the connector may adjust its position longitudinally, vertically, laterally or angularly to facilitate coupling with a mating fixed quick connect connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Brian M. Kerrigan, Robert M. Lindsay, Michael S. Miller, Derek I. Schmidt, James S. Womble
  • Patent number: 9319148
    Abstract: A system comprises an interposer positioned between an integrated circuit and a system planar. An electrical/optical transceiver is coupled to the interposer, wherein the electrical/optical transceiver converts electrical signals into optical signals. The interposer comprises a first set of electrical conductors that is electrically coupled to non-Input/Output (I/O) electrical connectors on the integrated circuit, and wherein the first set of electrical conductors passes through the interposer to directly connect the non-I/O electrical connectors on the integrated circuit to the system planar. The interposer further comprises a second set of electrical conductors that is electrically coupled to input/output (I/O) electrical connectors on the integrated circuit, wherein the second set of electrical conductors traverses through the interposer to the electrical/optical transceiver to convert electrical I/O signals from the integrated circuit into optical I/O signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian M. Kerrigan, Michael S. Miller, Jonas R. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20160066480
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a rigid structure having first and second collars, a quick connect connector having first and second shoulders, and a spring biasing the connector toward an extended position with the first shoulder against the first collar and the second shoulder against the second collar. The first collar and the first shoulder form an inwardly and rearwardly angled contact surface there between, and the second collar and the second shoulder form an inwardly and rearwardly angled contact surface there between. The connector is centered in the first and second collars unless acted upon by a force overcoming the spring and pushing the connector to a retracted position with the first and second shoulders out of contact with the first and second collars. When retracted, the connector may adjust its position longitudinally, vertically, laterally or angularly to facilitate coupling with a mating fixed quick connect connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Brian M. Kerrigan, Robert M. Lindsay, Michael S. Miller, Derek I. Schmidt, James S. Womble
  • Publication number: 20150327353
    Abstract: A backside initiated uniform heat sink loading system includes a system board assembly, a heat sink assembly, a loading plate, and a fastener. The system board assembly includes at least one processing unit. The heat sink assembly is mounted upon the processing unit from a topside of the system board assembly and includes a plurality of tension members that extend through the system board assembly. The loading plate is mounted to the plurality of tension members from a backside of the system board assembly. The fastener engages with the loading plate from the backside and forces the loading plate away from the system board assembly. As a result, the tension members uniformly force the heat sink assembly upon the processing unit to seat the processing unit with the system board assembly and to thermally contact the heat sink assembly with the processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Scott W. Dickover, Brian M. Kerrigan, Timothy A. Meserth
  • Patent number: 9173310
    Abstract: A latch comprises a frame securable to a device enclosure, and a handle slidably secured to the frame, wherein the handle can slide between an inward position and an outward position, and wherein the distal end of the handle has a drive pin. The latch further comprises a rigid pawl having a latch key, a distal end pivotally secured to the frame, and a slot that receives the drive pin. Inserting the handle causes the drive pin to move within the slot, push the pawl toward a side of a chassis bay, and deploy the latch key into engagement with a slot in the side of the chassis bay. Withdrawing the handle causes the drive pin to move within the slot, pull the pawl away from a side of the chassis bay, and withdraw the latch key out of engagement with the slot in the side of the chassis bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin J. Crippen, Anthony F. Katsaros, Brian M. Kerrigan
  • Patent number: 9022434
    Abstract: A latch selectively secures a compute node enclosure into a chassis bay. The latch comprises a frame securable to a proximal end of the compute node enclosure. A handle is pivotally secured to the frame intermediate a proximal end of the handle and a distal end of the handle so that the handle can be pivoted between a closed position and an open position. A proximal end of a pawl is pivotally coupled at to the distal end of the handle, wherein the pawl includes a landing at a distal end of the pawl and a latch key intermediate proximal and distal ends of the pawl. Movement of the handle positions the pawl into engagement with a slot in chassis bay to assist installation and removal of the compute node enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin J. Crippen, Anthony F. Katsaros, Brian M. Kerrigan
  • Patent number: 8979561
    Abstract: First and second memory module connectors are secured in end-to-end alignment on a circuit board for receiving memory modules along a central plane. Each memory module connector has an ejector latch pivotally coupled to the adjacent ends of the memory module connectors to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the plane. A distal portion of an upper arm of each ejector latch lies on opposite sides of the plane, such that the ejector latches interleave when either ejector latch is pivoted to an open position. The adjacent ends of the first and second memory module connectors are separated by a narrow gap, such that pivoting of the either ejector latch from a closed position to an open position will push the other ejector latch toward a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian M. Kerrigan, Timothy A. Meserth, Tony C. Sass, Jean J Xu
  • Patent number: 8944832
    Abstract: A method includes securing a midplane in a chassis, wherein the midplane has one or more connectors, and securing a circuit board in a module, wherein the circuit board has one or more connectors secured along a leading edge of the circuit board for selectively connecting with the one or more connector on the midplane. The method further includes positioning the module so that the circuit board within the module is orthogonal to the midplane, and manually actuating a handle from an unlatched position to a latched position to rotate a cam plate and cause a cam surface of the cam plate to pull the circuit board toward the midplane and connect the one or more connector on the circuit board with the one or more connector on the midplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian M. Kerrigan, Robert M. Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20150031232
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for securing an electronic component in an interface slot. In an embodiment of the apparatus, a pivoting latch may be provided, that in a first position retains the electronic component in an interface slot. The apparatus may further include a push point of the latch for movement of the latch to a second position. The apparatus may further include a guide at the push point of the latch for receiving a tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian M. Kerrigan, Timothy A. Meserth, Tony C. Sass, Jean J. Xu
  • Patent number: 8936477
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a chassis securing a midplane and forming a bay orthogonally aligned with the midplane. A module secures a circuit board with connectors for connection with connectors on the midplane. A handle includes a proximal link pivotally coupled to the module, a distal link pivotally coupled to the proximal link, and a spring for transmitting torque from the distal link to the proximal link. A cam plate is secured for rotation with the proximal link, wherein the cam plate includes a cam surface for engaging a latch arm that extends into the bay. Still further, an over-center spring is used to retain the cam plate in a latched position. Manual actuation of the handle from the unlatched position to the latched position causes the cam surface to pull the circuit board toward the midplane and connect the circuit board connectors with the midplane connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian M. Kerrigan, Robert M. Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20140370721
    Abstract: First and second memory module connectors are secured in end-to-end alignment on a circuit board for receiving memory modules along a central plane. Each memory module connector has an ejector latch pivotally coupled to the adjacent ends of the memory module connectors to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the plane. A distal portion of an upper arm of each ejector latch lies on opposite sides of the plane, such that the ejector latches interleave when either ejector latch is pivoted to an open position. The adjacent ends of the first and second memory module connectors are separated by a narrow gap, such that pivoting of the either ejector latch from a closed position to an open position will push the other ejector latch toward a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Brian M. Kerrigan, Timothy A. Meserth, Tony C. Sass, Jean J. Xu
  • Patent number: 8873249
    Abstract: A DIMM riser card that includes a PCB having a first edge, a second edge, and one or more faces. The first edge of the PCB is configured for insertion into a main board DIMM socket. The first edge includes electrical traces that electrically couple to a memory bus. The DIMM riser card includes an angled DIMM socket mounted on one face of the PCB, where the angled DIMM socket is configured to accept a DIMM at an angle not perpendicular to the PCB and electrically couple the DIMM to the memory bus. The DIMM riser card includes a straddle mount DIMM socket mounted on the second edge of the PCB. The straddle mount DIMM socket is configured to accept a DIMM and electrically couple the DIMM to the memory bus through the electrical traces on the first edge of the PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Justin P. Bandholz, Brian M. Kerrigan, Edward J. McNulty, Pravin Patel, Peter R. Seidel, Philip L. Weinstein
  • Publication number: 20140093251
    Abstract: A system comprises an interposer positioned between an integrated circuit and a system planar. An electrical/optical transceiver is coupled to the interposer, wherein the electrical/optical transceiver converts electrical signals into optical signals. The interposer comprises a first set of electrical conductors that is electrically coupled to non-Input/Output (I/O) electrical connectors on the integrated circuit, and wherein the first set of electrical conductors passes through the interposer to directly connect the non-I/O electrical connectors on the integrated circuit to the system planar. The interposer further comprises a second set of electrical conductors that is electrically coupled to input/output (I/O) electrical connectors on the integrated circuit, wherein the second set of electrical conductors traverses through the interposer to the electrical/optical transceiver to convert electrical I/O signals from the integrated circuit into optical I/O signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: BRIAN M. KERRIGAN, MICHAEL S. MILLER, JONAS R. WEISS
  • Publication number: 20140044480
    Abstract: A latch selectively secures a compute node enclosure into a chassis bay. The latch comprises a frame securable to a proximal end of the compute node enclosure. A handle is pivotally secured to the frame intermediate a proximal end of the handle and a distal end of the handle so that the handle can be pivoted between a closed position and an open position. A proximal end of a pawl is pivotally coupled at to the distal end of the handle, wherein the pawl includes a landing at a distal end of the pawl and a latch key intermediate proximal and distal ends of the pawl. Movement of the handle positions the pawl into engagement with a slot in chassis bay to assist installation and removal of the compute node enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Martin J. Crippen, Anthony F. Katsaros, Brian M. Kerrigan
  • Publication number: 20140044482
    Abstract: A latch comprises a frame securable to a device enclosure, and a handle slidably secured to the frame, wherein the handle can slide between an inward position and an outward position, and wherein the distal end of the handle has a drive pin. The latch further comprises a rigid pawl having a latch key, a distal end pivotally secured to the frame, and a slot that receives the drive pin. Inserting the handle causes the drive pin to move within the slot, push the pawl toward a side of a chassis bay, and deploy the latch key into engagement with a slot in the side of the chassis bay. Withdrawing the handle causes the drive pin to move within the slot, pull the pawl away from a side of the chassis bay, and withdraw the latch key out of engagement with the slot in the side of the chassis bay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Martin J. Crippen, Anthony F. Katsaros, Brian M. Kerrigan
  • Publication number: 20140044481
    Abstract: A latch comprises a frame securable to an enclosure, and a handle pivotally secured to the frame for pivoting between a closed position and an open position. The distal end of the handle has a drive pin extending therefrom. The latch also comprises a pawl having a latch key, a distal end secured to the frame, and a proximal end coupled to the drive pin. Closing the handle causes the drive pin to move the pawl toward a side of the chassis bay and deploy the latch key into engagement with a slot in the side of the chassis bay. Opening the handle causes the drive pin to move the pawl away from a side of the chassis bay and withdraw the latch key out of engagement with the slot in the side of the chassis bay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Martin J. Crippen, Anthony F. Katsaros, Brian M. Kerrigan
  • Patent number: 8641313
    Abstract: A latch comprises a frame securable to an enclosure, and a handle pivotally secured to the frame for pivoting between a closed position and an open position. The distal end of the handle has a drive pin extending therefrom. The latch also comprises a pawl having a latch key, a distal end secured to the frame, and a proximal end coupled to the drive pin. Closing the handle causes the drive pin to move the pawl toward a side of the chassis bay and deploy the latch key into engagement with a slot in the side of the chassis bay. Opening the handle causes the drive pin to move the pawl away from a side of the chassis bay and withdraw the latch key out of engagement with the slot in the side of the chassis bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Martin J. Crippen, Anthony F. Katsaros, Brian M. Kerrigan