Patents by Inventor Christopher R. CIRAULO

Christopher R. CIRAULO 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: 11197394
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for blocking removal of an air-moving assembly from a housing 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 housing, and thereby prevents removal of the air-moving assembly from the chassis when in the operational state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    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: 11147190
    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assembly is operatively positioned within the chassis, and in extended state, when the air-moving assembly is withdrawn from the chassis.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coupled to the retractable cover and biases the retractable cover in the extended state when the air-moving assembly is withdrawn from the chassis, and compresses to allow transition of the retractable cover to the retracted state as the air-moving assembly is inserted into operative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: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    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: 10385878
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 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: 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: 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9968006
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for locking an air-moving assembly within a chassis when in operational state. The apparatus includes a locking louver assembly having a louver(s) and locking mechanism. The louver(s) is disposed at an air inlet or outlet of the air-moving assembly, and pivots between operational and quiesced orientations, dependent on presence or absence, respectively, of airflow through the air-moving assembly. The locking mechanism includes a keying element(s) affixed to the louver(s) to pivot therewith, which includes an elongated key(s) oriented in a first direction when the louver(s) is in operational orientation, and a second direction when in quiesced orientation. A key-receiving element(s) is associated with the chassis and includes a key opening(s) which receives and accommodates movement of the elongated key(s) between the first and second directions, and prevents removal of the air-moving assembly from the chassis with the key(s) oriented in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    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: 20180098463
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for blocking removal of an air-moving assembly from a housing 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 housing, and thereby prevents removal of the air-moving assembly from the chassis when in the operational state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Christopher R. Ciraulo, Milnes P. David, Dustin W. Demetriou, Robert K. Mullady, Roger R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9907211
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for locking an air-moving assembly within a chassis when in operational state. The apparatus includes a locking louver assembly having a louver(s) and locking mechanism. The louver(s) is disposed at an air inlet or outlet of the air-moving assembly, and pivots between operational and quiesced orientations, dependent on presence or absence, respectively, of airflow through the air-moving assembly. The locking mechanism includes a keying element(s) affixed to the louver(s) to pivot therewith, which includes an elongated key(s) oriented in a first direction when the louver(s) is in operational orientation, and a second direction when in quiesced orientation. A key-receiving element(s) is associated with the chassis and includes a key opening(s) which receives and accommodates movement of the elongated key(s) between the first and second directions, and prevents removal of the air-moving assembly from the chassis with the key(s) oriented in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    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: 9861010
    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: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    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: 9648786
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for preventing removal of an air-moving assembly from a chassis when in operating state. The apparatus includes an interlock assembly having a slide element and one or more interlock elements. The slide element is slideably coupled to the air-moving assembly and resides in a first position when the air-moving assembly is in the operating state, and is slidable to a second position when the air-moving assembly is in a quiesced state. The slide element prevents removal of the air-moving assembly from the chassis in the first position, and allows removal of the air-moving assembly from the chassis in the second position. The interlock element(s) is associated with the slide element and prevents sliding of the slide element from the first position to the second position when the air-moving assembly is in the operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Christopher R. Ciraulo, Milnes P. David, Dustin W. Demetriou, John J. Loparco, Robert K. Mullady, Donald W. Porter, Roger R. Schmidt, Richard P. Snider, John G. Torok
  • Patent number: 9629284
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for preventing removal of an air-moving assembly from a chassis when in operating state. The apparatus includes an interlock assembly having a slide element and one or more interlock elements. The slide element is slideably coupled to the air-moving assembly and resides in a first position when the air-moving assembly is in the operating state, and is slidable to a second position when the air-moving assembly is in a quiesced state. The slide element prevents removal of the air-moving assembly from the chassis in the first position, and allows removal of the air-moving assembly from the chassis in the second position. The interlock element(s) is associated with the slide element and prevents sliding of the slide element from the first position to the second position when the air-moving assembly is in the operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Christopher R. Ciraulo, Milnes P. David, Dustin W. Demetriou, John J. Loparco, Robert K. Mullady, Donald W. Porter, Roger R. Schmidt, Richard P. Snider, John G. Torok
  • Publication number: 20160169237
    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: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Christopher R. CIRAULO, Milnes P. DAVID, Dustin W. DEMETRIOU, Robert K. MULLADY, Roger R. SCHMIDT
  • Publication number: 20160095259
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for locking an air-moving assembly within a chassis when in operational state. The apparatus includes a locking louver assembly having a louver(s) and locking mechanism. The louver(s) is disposed at an air inlet or outlet of the air-moving assembly, and pivots between operational and quiesced orientations, dependent on presence or absence, respectively, of airflow through the air-moving assembly. The locking mechanism includes a keying element(s) affixed to the louver(s) to pivot therewith, which includes an elongated key(s) oriented in a first direction when the louver(s) is in operational orientation, and a second direction when in quiesced orientation. A key-receiving element(s) is associated with the chassis and includes a key opening(s) which receives and accommodates movement of the elongated key(s) between the first and second directions, and prevents removal of the air-moving assembly from the chassis with the key(s) oriented in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Christopher R. CIRAULO, Milnes P. DAVID, Dustin W. DEMETRIOU, Robert K. MULLADY, Roger R. SCHMIDT