Patents by Inventor Donald W. Porter

Donald W. Porter 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).

  • Publication number: 20090219681
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is computer system having a first and second multiple chip modules (MCM) and a cooling module. The cooling module includes a first cooling loop associated with said first MCM and a first evaporator. The cooling module further includes a second cooling loop associated with said second MCM and a second evaporator. Each cooling loop is coupled to a common condenser that receives thermal energy from each cooling loop. A controller is coupled to the first and second cooling loop and adapts the operation of the first and second cooling loop in response to variances in operating conditions to provide cooling of the first and second MCM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary F. Goth, Daniel J. Kearney, Paul M. Lucas, Donald W. Porter
  • Publication number: 20090129000
    Abstract: An airflow arrester is provided and configured to reside between electronics racks disposed in a row within a data center. The airflow arrester includes a panel, which when operatively disposed, has a first vertical end, a second vertical end, and a central vertical hinge located intermediate the first and second vertical ends. The airflow arrester further includes an attachment mechanism at the first vertical end and at the second vertical end, and when operatively disposed between a first and second structures, the airflow arrester has a single V-shaped configuration, and is sized and constructed to block airflow from passing therebetween. The single V-shaped configuration provides operational stability to the airflow arrester by translating net twisting forces applied to the airflow arrester to normal forces applied to the first and second structures at the attachment points of the airflow arrester to the first and second structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Allan R. HOEFT, Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Francis R. KRUG, JR., Steven C. McINTOSH, Matthew A. NOBILE, Donald W. PORTER, Roger R. SCHMIDT, Howard P. WELZ
  • Publication number: 20090129016
    Abstract: An airflow arresting apparatus is provided configured to reside above an electronics rack within a data center. The apparatus includes an airflow arrester and a track mechanism. The airflow arrester includes a collapsible panel sized and configured to reside above the electronics rack, and when operatively positioned above the electronics rack, to extend vertically above the electronics rack and at least partially block airflow from passing over the electronics rack between the air outlet and air inlet sides of the rack. The track mechanism is sized and configured to reside above the electronics rack, and the airflow arrester is slidably engaged with the track mechanism. Positioning of the airflow arrester at a desired location above the electronics rack is facilitated by the airflow arrester slidably engaging the track mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Allan R. HOEFT, Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Francis R. KRUG, JR., Steven C. McINTOSH, Matthew A. NOBILE, Donald W. PORTER, Roger R. SCHMIDT, Howard P. WELZ
  • Publication number: 20090080173
    Abstract: A vapor-compression heat exchange system for facilitating cooling of an electronics rack. The system includes employing an evaporator coil mounted to an outlet door cover, which is hingedly affixed to an air outlet side of the rack, as well as refrigerant inlet and outlet plenums and an expansion valve also mounted to the outlet door cover and in fluid communication with the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil includes at least one heat exchange tube section and a plurality of fins extending therefrom. Respective connect couplings connect the inlet and outlet plenums in fluid communication with a vapor-compression unit which includes a compressor and a condenser disposed separate from the outlet door cover. The vapor-compression unit exhausts heat from refrigerant circulating therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald W. PORTER, Roger R. SCHMIDT, Jyunji TAKAYOSHI, Takeshi TSUKAMOTO, Yasuharu YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20080232069
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for facilitating cooling of an electronics rack. The apparatus includes a heat exchange assembly mounted to an outlet door cover hingedly affixed to an air outlet side of the rack. The heat exchange assembly includes a support frame, an air-to-liquid heat exchanger, and first and second perforated planar surfaces covering first and second main sides, respectively, of the air-to-liquid heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is supported by the support frame and includes inlet and outlet plenums disposed adjacent to the edge of the outlet door cover hingedly mounted to the rack. Each plenum is in fluid communication with a respective connect coupling, and the heat exchanger further includes multiple horizontally-oriented heat exchange tube sections each having serpentine cooling channel with an inlet and an outlet coupled to the inlet plenum and outlet plenum, respectively. Fins extend from the heat exchange tube sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Donald W. Porter, Roger R. Schmidt, Robert E. Simons
  • Patent number: 7385810
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for facilitating cooling of an electronics rack employing a heat exchange assembly mounted to an outlet door cover hingedly affixed to an air outlet side of the rack. The heat exchange assembly includes a support frame, an air-to-liquid heat exchanger, and first and second perforated planar surfaces covering first and second main sides, respectively, of the air-to-liquid heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is supported by the support frame and includes inlet and outlet plenums disposed adjacent to the edge of the outlet door cover hingedly mounted to the rack. Each plenum is in fluid communication with a respective connect coupling, and the heat exchanger further includes multiple horizontally-oriented heat exchange tube sections each having serpentine cooling channel with an inlet and an outlet coupled to the inlet plenum and outlet plenum, respectively. Fins extend from the heat exchange tube sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Donald W. Porter, Roger R. Schmidt, Robert E. Simons
  • Patent number: 7380409
    Abstract: An isolation valve assembly, a coolant connect/disconnect assembly, a cooled multi-blade electronics center, and methods of fabrication thereof are provided employing an isolation valve and actuation mechanism. The isolation valve is disposed within at least one of a coolant supply or return line providing liquid coolant to the electronics subsystem. The actuation member is coupled to the isolation valve to automatically translate a linear motion, resulting from insertion of the electronics subsystem into the operational position within the electronics housing, into a rotational motion to open the isolation valve and allow coolant to pass. The actuation mechanism, which operates to automatically close the isolation valve when the liquid cooled electronics subsystem is withdrawn from the operational position, can be employed in combination with a compression valve coupling, with one fitting of the compression valve coupling being disposed serially in fluid communication with the isolation valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Donald W. Porter, Roger R. Schmidt, Robert E. Simons
  • Publication number: 20070289329
    Abstract: A multiport expansion device for vapor compression refrigeration systems is provided having improved reliability by preventing orifice fouling by virtue of its mechanical design. Furthermore, multiple arrays of ports of two or more similar or differently sized port holes is contemplated which allows further reliability based on redundant orifices and pin combinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel J. Kearney, Mark A. Marnell, Lawrence F. Palmer, Donald W. Porter, Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Patent number: 6923014
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is a cooling system for cooling multiple logic modules. The cooling system includes a condenser, a first electrically controlled expansion valve coupled to the condenser and a first evaporator coupled to the first electrically controlled expansion valve. A second electrically controlled expansion valve is coupled to the condenser and a second evaporator coupled to the second electrically controlled expansion valve. A controller provides control signals to the first electrically controlled expansion valve and the second electrically controlled expansion valve to control operation of the first electrically controlled expansion valve and the second electrically controlled expansion valve. A compressor is coupled to the first evaporator, the second evaporator and the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gary F. Goth, Daniel J. Kearney, Robert P. Makowicki, W. David McClafferty, Donald W. Porter
  • Patent number: 6760221
    Abstract: An integrated cooling unit configured to effect the removal of heat via a circulating liquid coolant includes a reservoir to contain the liquid coolant, a tubing arrangement disposed at an outer surface of the reservoir, a pump disposed within the reservoir, and a fan configured to provide a flow of air across the tubing arrangement to remove the heat. The tubing arrangement is fluidly communicable with a heat exchanging device, and the pump is configured to circulate the liquid coolant through the tubing arrangement to the heat exchanging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gary F. Goth, Jody A. Hickey, Daniel J. Kearney, John J. Loparco, William D. McClafferty, Donald W. Porter
  • Publication number: 20040080912
    Abstract: An integrated cooling unit configured to effect the removal of heat via a circulating liquid coolant includes a reservoir to contain the liquid coolant, a tubing arrangement disposed at an outer surface of the reservoir, a pump disposed within the reservoir, and a fan configured to provide a flow of air across the tubing arrangement to remove the heat. The tubing arrangement is fluidly communicable with a heat exchanging device, and the pump is configured to circulate the liquid coolant through the tubing arrangement to the heat exchanging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gary F. Goth, Jody A. Hickey, Daniel J. Kearney, John J. Loparco, Willima D. McClafferty, Donald W. Porter
  • Patent number: 6621563
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing vibration testing of fiber optic components is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a base member and a mounting assembly for holding a plurality of connectors therein, The plurality of connectors optically couple a plurality of fiber optic cables with one another in a serial configuration. In addition, a securing mechanism for adjustably secures the mounting assembly in a selected axial orientation with respect to the base member, wherein the mounting assembly allows simultaneous vibration testing of each of the plurality of connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Casimer M. DeCusatis, Michael S. Humes, Budy D. Notohardjono, Donald W. Porter, Kenneth A. Scea, John H. Fox
  • Publication number: 20030137651
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing vibration testing of fiber optic components is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a base member and a mounting assembly for holding a plurality of connectors therein, The plurality of connectors optically couple a plurality of fiber optic cables with one another in a serial configuration. In addition, a securing mechanism for adjustably secures the mounting assembly in a selected axial orientation with respect to the base member, wherein the mounting assembly allows simultaneous vibration testing of each of the plurality of connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Casimer M. DeCusatis, Michael S. Humes, Budy D. Notohardjono, Donald W. Porter, Kenneth A. Scea, John H. Fox
  • Patent number: 6511574
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is a fixture for securing hard stops to a substrate. The fixture has a base which provides support to the fixture. The base has a cavity configured for nestably supporting a substrate. A top plate is mounted on the base, the top plate is configured for mounting the substrate. An alignment plate is disposed on the top plate separate from the base. An adjusting plunger assembly is coupled to the base. The adjusting plunger assembly is configured for use with attaching a hard stop to the substrate. A plunger is coupled to the base substantially perpendicular to the adjusting plunger assembly. The plunger is configured for use with supporting the substrate. A method of using a fixture is disclosed comprising disposing a substrate in a base of the fixture and mounting a hard stop to the substrate. An adhesive is disposed between the hard stop and the substrate. The substrate is mounted between a plunger and a top plate. The hard stop on the substrate is aligned with an alignment plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Barringer, Mark A. Marnell, Steven J. Mazzuca, Donald W. Porter, Roger R. Schmidt, Wade H. White
  • Patent number: 6499717
    Abstract: A method of use and apparatus for a quick connect coupling in a fluid system as disclosed herein. The quick connect coupling includes a female coupling assembly and a male coupling assembly. The female coupling assembly includes a female cone housing nestable with a female cone. At least one female flow hole is formed in each of the female cone housing and female cone. The male coupling assembly has a male cone housing nestable with a male cone. At least one male flow hole is formed in each of the male cone housing, and the male cone. The at least one female flow hole rotatably misaligns to seal in a manner that fluid is contained from leaking past the female coupling assembly. The at least one male flow hole rotatably misaligns to seal in a manner that fluid is contained from leaking past the male coupling assembly. The male coupling assembly is removably rotatably insertable into the female cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Donald W. Porter, Mark A. Marnell, Steven J. Mazzuca, Budy D. Notohardjono, Roger R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6496001
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is a method and apparatus for planarization. The planarization tool has a base which provides the support for the planarization tool. The base has a support hinge mounted on it along with dampening posts and rest posts which support a pivot plate hinged to the support hinge. A pressure assembly is mounted to the pivot plate by retention hardware. The pressure assembly loads a device under test board assembly that is mounted to the pressure assembly with the retention hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Barringer, Donald W. Porter, Roger R. Schmidt, Wade H. White
  • Publication number: 20020092594
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is a fixture for securing hard stops to a substrate. The fixture has a base which provides support to the fixture. The base has a cavity configured for nestably supporting a substrate. A top plate is mounted on the base, the top plate is configured for mounting the substrate. An alignment plate is disposed on the top plate separate from the base. An adjusting plunger assembly is coupled to the base. The adjusting plunger assembly is configured for use with attaching a hard stop to the substrate. A plunger is coupled to the base substantially perpendicular to the adjusting plunger assembly. The plunger is configured for use with supporting the substrate. A method of using a fixture is disclosed comprising disposing a substrate in a base of the fixture and mounting a hard stop to the substrate. An adhesive is disposed between the hard stop and the substrate. The substrate is mounted between a plunger and a top plate. The hard stop on the substrate is aligned with an alignment plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis Barringer, Mark A. Marnell, Steven J. Mazzuca, Donald W. Porter, Roger R. Schmidt, Wade H. White
  • Patent number: 6262582
    Abstract: A fixture to hold an electronic substrate having probe areas on a top surface. The top surface of the electronic substrate is left open to provide a maximum area to couple interconnect wires for a device under test. In addition, a bottom surface of the substrate is left open to provide a maximum area to couple with a probe card in one embodiment, or a test head in another embodiment. This open bottom and open top minimize the mechanical interference with electrical connections. The substrate is planarized to a frame by one or more clamps that are attached to the frame. The clamps provide adjustment of the pressure down on the substrate in a Z-axis direction which is normal to the top surface of the substrate for providing a good connection with a planar card. In addition, the clamps provide adjustment in the an X-Y plane parallel to the frame and rotational correction about the Z-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Mark R. LaForce, Mark A. Marnell, Donald W. Porter, Roger R. Schmidt, Wade H. White