Patents by Inventor Christopher L. Tuma
Christopher L. Tuma 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: 10939571Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device configured to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
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Publication number: 20200053899Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device configured to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2019Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
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Patent number: 10542631Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
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Patent number: 10334749Abstract: A mobility apparatus. The mobility apparatus may include a continuous fixed-length rail attached horizontally to a bottom structural member of the front or the rear of a server rack. The continuous fixed-length rail exceeds a width of the server rack by an equal amount on either side of the server rack. The mobility apparatus also includes a lower rail portion attached to a lower edge of the continuous fixed-length rail; a raised rail portion attached to an extended length of each portion of the continuous fixed-length rail; and at least one wheel attached to an underside of each end of the extended length of the continuous fixed-length rail.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Cody J. Erie, Michael J. MacPherson, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
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Patent number: 10172255Abstract: A mobility apparatus. The mobility apparatus may include a continuous fixed-length rail attached horizontally to a bottom structural member of the front or the rear of a server rack. The continuous fixed-length rail exceeds a width of the server rack by an equal amount on either side of the server rack. The mobility apparatus also includes a lower rail portion attached to a lower edge of the continuous fixed-length rail; a raised rail portion attached to an extended length of each portion of the continuous fixed-length rail; and at least one wheel attached to an underside of each end of the extended length of the continuous fixed-length rail.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Cody J. Erie, Michael J. MacPherson, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
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Patent number: 10039202Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
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Publication number: 20180213672Abstract: A mobility apparatus. The mobility apparatus may include a continuous fixed-length rail attached horizontally to a bottom structural member of the front or the rear of a server rack. The continuous fixed-length rail exceeds a width of the server rack by an equal amount on either side of the server rack. The mobility apparatus also includes a lower rail portion attached to a lower edge of the continuous fixed-length rail; a raised rail portion attached to an extended length of each portion of the continuous fixed-length rail; and at least one wheel attached to an underside of each end of the extended length of the continuous fixed-length rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2017Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Cody J. Erie, Michael J. MacPherson, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
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Publication number: 20180213673Abstract: A mobility apparatus. The mobility apparatus may include a continuous fixed-length rail attached horizontally to a bottom structural member of the front or the rear of a server rack. The continuous fixed-length rail exceeds a width of the server rack by an equal amount on either side of the server rack. The mobility apparatus also includes a lower rail portion attached to a lower edge of the continuous fixed-length rail; a raised rail portion attached to an extended length of each portion of the continuous fixed-length rail; and at least one wheel attached to an underside of each end of the extended length of the continuous fixed-length rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2017Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Cody J. Erie, Michael J. MacPherson, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
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Publication number: 20180139861Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
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Publication number: 20180139860Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2016Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
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Patent number: 9699903Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing simultaneously connecting of multiple devices in a multi-tiered, multi-directional, enhanced tolerance system with mechanical support structures. A main system planar assembly and an elevated planar assembly share a direct connection provided by a plurality of connectors with no cables. A mechanical support bracket is attached to a top surface of the main system planar assembly positioning and supporting the elevated planar assembly spaced appropriately for accurately connecting respective connectors with respective chassis connectors. The elevated planar assembly includes a stiffening component to facilitate proper spacing between upper and lower levels of respective connectors and tool-less insertion and extraction of the elevated planar assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Aaron M. Hegrenes, Nathan D. Karl, Robert J. Monahan, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
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Patent number: 9433095Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing simultaneously connecting of multiple devices in a multi-tiered, multi-directional, enhanced tolerance system with mechanical support structures. A main system planar assembly and an elevated planar assembly share a direct connection provided by a plurality of connectors with no cables. A mechanical support bracket is attached to a top surface of the main system planar assembly positioning and supporting the elevated planar assembly spaced appropriately for accurately connecting respective connectors with respective chassis connectors. The elevated planar assembly includes a stiffening component to facilitate proper spacing between upper and lower levels of respective connectors and tool-less insertion and extraction of the elevated planar assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Aaron M. Hegrenes, Nathan D. Karl, Robert J. Monahan, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
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Publication number: 20160073501Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing simultaneously connecting of multiple devices in a multi-tiered, multi-directional, enhanced tolerance system with mechanical support structures. A main system planar assembly and an elevated planar assembly share a direct connection provided by a plurality of connectors with no cables. A mechanical support bracket is attached to a top surface of the main system planar assembly positioning and supporting the elevated planar assembly spaced appropriately for accurately connecting respective connectors with respective chassis connectors. The elevated planar assembly includes a stiffening component to facilitate proper spacing between upper and lower levels of respective connectors and tool-less insertion and extraction of the elevated planar assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2014Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Aaron M. Hegrenes, Nathan D. Karl, Robert J. Monahan, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
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Publication number: 20160073560Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing simultaneously connecting of multiple devices in a multi-tiered, multi-directional, enhanced tolerance system with mechanical support structures. A main system planar assembly and an elevated planar assembly share a direct connection provided by a plurality of connectors with no cables. A mechanical support bracket is attached to a top surface of the main system planar assembly positioning and supporting the elevated planar assembly spaced appropriately for accurately connecting respective connectors with respective chassis connectors. The elevated planar assembly includes a stiffening component to facilitate proper spacing between upper and lower levels of respective connectors and tool-less insertion and extraction of the elevated planar assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Aaron M. Hegrenes, Nathan D. Karl, Robert J. Monahan, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
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Patent number: 7701720Abstract: A technique for installing a heatsink in an electronic assembly includes simultaneously applying force to multiple fastener assemblies that each retain a respective fastener in a body of the heatsink. The heatsink is then attached to the electronic assembly by actuating the fasteners while the force is simultaneously applied to the multiple fastener assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: John L. Colbert, John S. Corbin, Jr., Jason R. Eagle, Arvind K. Sinha, Christopher L. Tuma
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Patent number: 7515410Abstract: A system is provided and includes a system chassis through which an airflow is defined, including a set of receiving units, a set of 3.5? HDDs, each being disposed in a receiving unit of a portion of the set, and each having a profile that blocks a first quantity of the airflow, a set of 2.5? HDDs, each being disposed in a receiving unit of a remaining portion of the set, and each having a profile that blocks a second quantity of the airflow, and a set of airflow blockage devices, each being respectively disposed within each of the receiving units of the remaining portion of the set, to each have a cavity defined therein in which the corresponding 2.5? HDD is secured with a third quantity of the airflow traversing a surface thereof and a profile that blocks a fourth quantity of the airflow through the corresponding receiving unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Donald W. Dingfelder, Matthew C. Kueper, David G. Lund, Christopher L. Tuma
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Publication number: 20090083972Abstract: A technique for installing a heatsink in an electronic assembly includes simultaneously applying force to multiple fastener assemblies that each retain a respective fastener in a body of the heatsink. The heatsink is then attached to the electronic assembly by actuating the fasteners while the force is simultaneously applied to the multiple fastener assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2007Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventors: John L. Colbert, John S. Corbin, JR., Jason R. Eagle, Arvind K. Sinha, Christopher L. Tuma
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Publication number: 20090034198Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a heatsink to an electronic module mounted on a circuit card assembly includes a load frame; a load arm having a first end being pivotally coupled to one end of the load frame and a second end configured to receive at least a portion of a load screw therethrough; a spring plate disposed at an opposite end of the one end of the load frame, and configured to threadedly receive the load screw, opposite ends of the spring plate being retained while an intermediate portion threadedly receiving the at least a portion of the load screw is allowed to bow upwards toward a bottom of the opposite end of the load arm; and a heatsink disposed on the module. An intermediate portion of the load arm aligned with a center region of the module biases the heatsink toward the module when the load screw is threadedly engaged with the spring plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: John L. Colbert, John S. Corbin, Jr., Jason R. Eagle, Arvind K. Sinha, Christopher L. Tuma
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Publication number: 20080205026Abstract: Systems and arrangements to provide electromagnetic compliance (EMC) for a drive carrier are disclosed. Embodiments may include an EMC spring. The EMC spring may include a shield portion to fasten to one side of a frame of the drive carrier and multiple fingers attached to the shield portion. At least one of the fingers may include an upper spring section to contact an adjoining drive carrier as the drive carrier is inserted into a computing device and a lower spring section. The lower spring section may be folded over against the upper spring section and attached to the shield portion of the spring. The lower spring section may deflect in response to the upper spring section contacting the adjoining drive carrier. In some embodiments, a lead in portion of the upper spring section may deflect to a position nearly parallel to the adjoining drive carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Pat Gallarelli, David G. Lund, Michael S. Miller, Christopher L. Tuma
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Patent number: 7179112Abstract: A retention system includes a retainer having at least two wings affixed to a mounting surface by a retaining screw or like attachment device inserted into a hole of the mounting surface. A coil spring or the like, optionally captured by the retaining screw, provides tension between the retainer and the mounting surface. The hole of the mounting surface defines the potential placement of the retainer relative to the mounting surface, allowing it to assume a neutral position and a plurality of offset positions. While in its neutral position, the wings of the retainer prevent the removal of connectors, cables, screws, or other retention devices by physically trapping them between the retainer and the mounting surface. By moving the retainer to one of the plurality of offset positions, a user may expose one of the connectors, cables, screws, or other retention devices, allowing it to be removed while preventing the accidental or inadvertent removal of the other components still trapped by the retainer.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jessica R. Berens, Jeffrey L. Justin, Christopher L. Tuma, Martin D. Williams