Patents by Inventor C. Chu

C. Chu 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: 7963119
    Abstract: A hybrid air and liquid coolant conditioning unit is provided for facilitating cooling of electronics rack(s) of a data center. The unit includes a first heat exchange assembly, including a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger, a system coolant loop and a facility coolant loop, and a second heat exchange assembly, including an air-to-liquid heat exchanger, an air-moving device, and the facility coolant loop. The system coolant loop provides cooled system coolant to the electronics rack(s), and expels heat in the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger from the electronics rack(s) to the facility coolant. The air-to-liquid heat exchanger extracts heat from the air of the data center and expels the heat to the facility coolant of the facility coolant loop. The facility coolant loop provides chilled facility coolant in parallel to the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and the air-to-liquid heat exchanger. In one implementation, the hybrid coolant conditioning unit includes a vapor-compression heat exchange assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Robert E. Simons
  • Patent number: 7961475
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for facilitating immersion-cooling of an electronic subsystem having multiple different types of components to be immersion-cooled. The apparatus includes a container sized to receive the electronic subsystem, and a hermetically sealed electrical connector disposed on a wall of the container. The electrical connector is sized and configured to receive an electrical and network connector of the electronic subsystem when the electronic subsystem is operatively inserted into the container, and to facilitate external electrical and network coupling to the subsystem. The apparatus further includes coolant inlet and outlet ports coupled to the container for facilitating ingress and egress of coolant through the container. When the electronic subsystem is operatively inserted into the container and coolant flows through the container, the electronic subsystem is immersion-cooled by the coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Vinod Kamath, Robert E. Simons
  • Publication number: 20110135043
    Abstract: A system for and method of removing one or more unwanted inband signals from a received communications signal is described. The inband signal or signals may comprise noise, interference signals, or any other unwanted signals that impact the quality of the underlying communications. A receiver receives a communication signal, the received communication signal including the desired communication signal and one or more inband signals. A signal processor processes the received signal to form an estimate of the desired communication signal and an estimate of the inband signals. The estimate of the inband signals is thereby removed from the received signal. The estimate of the desired communication signal and the estimate of the inband signals are formed without prior knowledge of characteristics of the inband signals and without obtaining a copy of any of the inband signals from any source other than the received signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: GLOWLINK COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Downey, Jeffrey C. Chu
  • Patent number: 7951368
    Abstract: Compositions comprising nonpolar amino acids and specific binding agents to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are provided. Methods of making and using such compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: Tiansheng Li, Rahul Rajan, Zhuohong Huang, Karthik Nagapudi, Mariko Aoki, Alexis Lueras, Grace C. Chu
  • Patent number: 7948757
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a multi-fluid cooling system is provided for removing heat from one or more electronic devices. The cooling system includes a multi-fluid manifold structure with at least one first fluid inlet orifice and at least one second fluid inlet orifice for concurrently, separately injecting a first fluid and a second fluid onto a surface to be cooled when the cooling system is employed to cool one or more electronic devices, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are immiscible, and the first fluid has a lower boiling point temperature than the second fluid. When the cooling system is employed to cool one or more electronic devices and the first fluid boils, evolving first fluid vapor condenses in situ by direct contact with the second fluid of higher boiling point temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Roger R. Schmidt, Robert E. Simons
  • Publication number: 20110113821
    Abstract: An air conditioning system of a vehicle includes a compressor and an evaporator, and an accumulator includes a canister having a chamber for receiving a refrigerant, an inlet tube coupled to the canister and the evaporator for receiving the refrigerant from the evaporator, a U-shaped pipe situated in the canister and having an inlet portion for receiving a gaseous component of the refrigerant, and having an outlet portion coupled to the compressor, and a filter device is attached to the inlet portion of the pipe for preventing debris from entering into the inlet portion of the pipe and for preventing the compressor from being damaged by the debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Henry C. Chu
  • Patent number: 7944694
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for facilitating liquid cooling of a plurality of blades of an electronic system chassis. The apparatus includes a chassis-level manifold assembly with a first coolant path and a plurality of second coolant paths. The first coolant path is isolated from the plurality of second coolant paths by a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger facilitates transfer of heat from coolant within the second coolant paths to coolant within the first coolant path. Each second coolant path is isolated from the other second coolant paths, and coolant passing therethrough facilitates cooling of a respective blade. When operational, each second coolant path forms a portion of a respective closed loop coolant path extending between the manifold assembly and the electronic system chassis, and in one embodiment, each blade is an immersion-blade, with multiple components thereof immersion-cooled by coolant flowing through the respective second coolant path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Robert E. Simons
  • Publication number: 20110103019
    Abstract: A method and associated assembly are provided for cooling of a computing embodiment having electronic components. The heat generating components are disposed in the vicinity of at least one cold plate providing direct liquid cooling. Coolant is provided to the cold plate which will eventually exit it through one or more ports or orifices placed on the sides or both side and bottom of the cold plate. The placement, size and number of port(s) or orifice(s) can be selectively adjusted to control amount of coolant flow. Effluent flow from the cold plate flows over the remaining immersion cooled components and then exits the liquid tight enclosure which houses the electronic components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Richard C. CHU, Michael J. ELLSWORTH, JR., Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Robert E. SIMONS
  • Patent number: 7933739
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and software for analyzing the layout of computer equipment racks in a datacenter. One embodiment involves obtaining the position relative to the computer room of each of a plurality of temperature sensors distributed among a plurality of computer components mounted between opposing intake and exhaust ends of each computer equipment rack. The layout of the computer equipment racks is automatically determined from the positions of the temperature sensors, and a representation of the layout of the computer equipment racks is electronically stored or displayed. The actual layout is compared to target layout parameters to score the layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Brey, Simon C. Chu, Richard Edwin Harper, William Joseph Piazza
  • Patent number: 7934086
    Abstract: An aggregated server blade system includes a plurality of individual server blades and a management module which can be designated as a bootable device. A boot list maintained and executed in each server blade includes a management module entry in its list of bootable devices. In response to the management module entry being selected or otherwise made active as the bootable device for a particular blade, an alternative bootable-devices list maintained on the management module is referenced and the boot process proceeds according to the alternative list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Simon C. Chu, Richard A. Dayan, Eric R. Kern, William J. Piazza
  • Patent number: 7927732
    Abstract: A compact, robust, multifunctional and highly manufacturable rechargeable battery cell is provided. The cell design dedicates minimal internal volume to inert components of the cell. This is accomplished, in part, by providing multiple functionalities to individual cell components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonah S. Myerberg, Donald G. Dafoe, Grace S. Chang, Andrew C. Chu, Hung-Chieh Shiao
  • Publication number: 20110081577
    Abstract: A high capacity, high charge rate lithium secondary cell includes a high capacity lithium-containing positive electrode in electronic contact with a positive electrode current collector, said current collector in electrical connection with an external circuit, a high capacity negative electrode in electronic contact with a negative electrode current collector, said current collector in electrical connection with an external circuit, a separator positioned between and in ionic contact with the cathode and the anode, and an electrolyte in ionic contact with the positive and negative electrodes, wherein the total area specific impedance for the cell and the relative area specific impedances for the positive and negative electrodes are such that, during charging at greater than or equal to 4 C, the negative electrode potential is above the potential of metallic lithium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Antoni S. Gozdz, Andrew C. Chu, Yet Ming Chiang, Gilbert N. Riley, JR.
  • Patent number: 7918025
    Abstract: A thermal spreading device disposable between electronic circuitry and a heat sink includes a substrate having parallel first and second faces and conduits extending through the substrate between the faces. The substrate material has a first thermal conductivity value in a direction parallel to the faces and a second thermal conductivity value in a direction normal to the faces, with the second thermal conductivity value being less than the first thermal conductivity value. The conduit material has a thermal conductivity value associated with it, with the thermal conductivity value being greater than the second thermal conductivity value of the substrate. One method of fabricating the thermal spreading device includes disposing a molding material radially about the rods and hardening the material. Other methods include press fitting and shrink fitting the rods into a substrate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Robert E. Simons
  • Publication number: 20110075373
    Abstract: System and method are provided for cooling an electronics rack. A modular cooling unit (MCU) is associated with the rack to provide system coolant to an electronics subsystem and a bulk power assembly. The MCU includes a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger, and defines portions of facility and system coolant loops. Chilled coolant from a facility source is passed through the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger to cool system coolant flowing through the system coolant loop. The system also includes an air-to-liquid heat exchanger in fluid communication with the system coolant loop, a pump in fluid communication with the system coolant loop, and a controller. The controller controls operation of the pump to adjust flow of system coolant through the system coolant loop dependent upon a mode of operation. In a standby mode, system coolant flows through the air-to-liquid heat exchanger at a lower flow rate, and expels heat to ambient air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Richard C. CHU, Michael J. ELLSWORTH, JR., Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Robert E. SIMONS
  • Publication number: 20110075367
    Abstract: Compliant conduction rail assembly and method are provided for facilitating cooling of an electronics structure. The rail assembly includes a first thermally conductive rail mounted to a surface of the electronics structure, a second thermally conductive rail thermally conductively interfaced to the first rail, and a biasing mechanism biasing the second rail away from the first rail. The first and second rails and the biasing mechanism are configured for slidable insertion into a housing with the electronics structure, the housing containing a liquid-cooled cold plate(s). With insertion of the electronics structure into the housing, the second rail engages the liquid-cooled cold plate and is forced by the biasing mechanism into thermal contact with the cold plate, and is forced by the cold plate towards the first rail, which results in a compliant thermal interface between the electronics structure and the liquid-cooled cold plate of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Richard C. CHU, Michael J. ELLSWORTH, JR., Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Robert E. SIMONS
  • Patent number: 7916483
    Abstract: A method and associated assembly is provided for cooling of a computing embodiment having electronic components. The heat generating components are disposed in the vicinity of at least one cold plate providing direct liquid cooling. Coolant is provided to the cold plate which will eventually exit it through one or more ports or orifices placed on the sides or both side and bottom of the cold plate. The placement, size and number of port(s) or orifice(s) can be selectively adjusted to control amount of coolant flow. Effluent flow from the cold plate flows over the remaining immersion cooled components and then exits the liquid tight enclosure which houses the electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Robert E. Simons
  • Patent number: 7913387
    Abstract: A thermal spreading device disposable between electronic circuitry and a heat sink includes a substrate having parallel first and second faces and conduits extending through the substrate between the faces. The substrate material has a first thermal conductivity value in a direction parallel to the faces and a second thermal conductivity value in a direction normal to the faces, with the second thermal conductivity value being less than the first thermal conductivity value. The conduit material has a thermal conductivity value associated with it, with the thermal conductivity value being greater than the second thermal conductivity value of the substrate. One method of fabricating the thermal spreading device includes disposing a molding material radially about the rods and hardening the material. Other methods include press fitting and shrink fitting the rods into a substrate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Robert E. Simons
  • Publication number: 20110067842
    Abstract: A heat transfer vessel is provided which facilitates heating of a substance when disposed therein. The vessel is a partially hollow structure which includes a chamber formed between an outer shell and an inner shell, in base and sidewall portions of the vessel. A heat transfer fluid is disposed within the chamber to facilitate transfer of heat from the outer shell to the inner shell, and therefore, to a substance when disposed within the vessel. The heat transfer fluid is a two-phase encapsulated fluid with a liquid state which undergoes boiling with the application of heat to the outer shell and a vapor state which condenses with contact to the inner shell, thereby facilitating transfer of heat from the outer shell to the inner shell, and hence to the substance when disposed within the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Richard C. CHU, Michael J. ELLSWORTH, Jr., Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Robert E. SIMONS
  • Publication number: 20110069452
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for facilitating cooling of air passing through an electronics rack. The apparatus includes a heat exchange assembly hingedly mounted above and external to the rack, such that air passing above the rack from an air outlet side to an air inlet side thereof passes through the heat exchange assembly, and is cooled. The heat exchange assembly includes a support structure to support hinged mounting of the assembly above the rack, and an air-to-liquid heat exchanger coupled to the support structure. The heat exchanger has an inlet plenum and an outlet plenum in fluid communication with respective connect couplings which facilitate connection of the plenums to coolant supply and return lines, respectively. The heat exchanger also includes heat exchange tube sections, each of which has a coolant channel with an inlet and an outlet coupled to the inlet and outlet plenums, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Richard C. CHU, Michael J. ELLSWORTH, JR., Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Robert E. SIMONS
  • Publication number: 20110069454
    Abstract: Liquid-cooled electronics apparatuses and methods are provided. The cooled electronics apparatuses include a liquid-cooled cold rail and an electronics subassembly. The liquid-cooled cold rail has a thermally conductive structure and a coolant-carrying channel extending within and cooling the thermally conductive structure. The electronics subassembly includes an electronics card(s) and one or more thermal transfer plates. The electronics card(s) includes electronic devices to be cooled, and the one or more thermal transfer plates are each rigidly affixed to one or more electronic devices of the electronics card(s). Each thermal transfer plate is thermally conductive and couples the electronics subassembly to the liquid-cooled cold rail to thermally interface the one or more electronic devices to the liquid-cooled cold rail to facilitate cooling of the electronic devices. In one embodiment, the electronics subassembly includes multiple interleaved electronics cards and thermal transfer plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Richard C. CHU, Michael J. ELLSWORTH, JR., Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Michael RIZZOLO, Robert E. SIMONS