Patents by Inventor Edward C. Gillard

Edward C. Gillard 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: 9417266
    Abstract: A method and structures implement an enhanced handheld transfer impedance probe including a rigid probe housing body that carries a pair of coaxial RF connectors providing connections to a network analyzer. A base member includes a respective pair of independent electrical contacts and a common interconnect electrical contact. Each of the respective electrical contacts includes a respective associated electrically conductive compressible pad. Each respective compressible pad extends between rigid stops having a set height to limit gasket compression and enable repeatable gasket compressions for repeatable measurements with the handheld transfer impedance probe. An interconnection structure includes respective interconnects connecting between the coaxial RF connectors and respective electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy P. Duncan, Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland
  • Patent number: 9089074
    Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention, a heat sink structure may be provided. The heat sink structure may include a first surface adapted to connect to an electronic component. The heat sink structure may also include a second surface adapted to provide heat transfer. The heat sink structure may also include a coating of radio-frequency absorbing material covering at least a portion of the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland, David B. Johnson, Dennis J. Wurth
  • Patent number: 9089043
    Abstract: A first substantially annular conductive material has a first central opening, the first central opening is sufficient to substantially surround a fastener and maintain an electrical connection between the printed circuit board and the chassis. A second substantially annular conductive material is concentric with the first conductive material and the second conductive material hays a second central opening which is sufficient to substantially surround the fastener and maintain the electric connection between the printed circuit board and the chassis. A substantially annular impedance material is between and adjacent to the first conductive material and the second conductive material, the impedance material is sufficient to attenuate the electromagnetic interference from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland
  • Publication number: 20150198643
    Abstract: A method and structures implement an enhanced handheld transfer impedance probe including a rigid probe housing body that carries a pair of coaxial RF connectors providing connections to a network analyzer. A base member includes a respective pair of independent electrical contacts and a common interconnect electrical contact. Each of the respective electrical contacts includes a respective associated electrically conductive compressible pad. Each respective compressible pad extends between rigid stops having a set height to limit gasket compression and enable repeatable gasket compressions for repeatable measurements with the handheld transfer impedance probe. An interconnection structure includes respective interconnects connecting between the coaxial RF connectors and respective electrical contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy P. Duncan, Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland
  • Patent number: 9060417
    Abstract: A first planar prong adjacent to and parallel with, an exterior of the side of the enclosure. A second planar prong parallel to and spaced from an interior of the side of the enclosure and compress a first compressible gasket against the side of the enclosure. Furthermore, the second planar prong forms a first compartment between a first side of the second planar prong and the interior of the side of the enclosure, parallel to and spaced from an interior of the side of the enclosure. A planar base of the first planar prong and the second planar prong, adjacent to a cover of the enclosure. A first planar member having one end coupled perpendicular to a second side of the second planar prong and support a second compressible gasket in a second compartment formed between the planar member and the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Frana, Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland
  • Publication number: 20150096799
    Abstract: A first planar prong adjacent to and parallel with, an exterior of the side of the enclosure. A second planar prong parallel to and spaced from an interior of the side of the enclosure and compress a first compressible gasket against the side of the enclosure. Furthermore, the second planar prong forms a first compartment between a first side of the second planar prong and the interior of the side of the enclosure, parallel to and spaced from an interior of the side of the enclosure. A planar base of the first planar prong and the second planar prong, adjacent to a cover of the enclosure. A first planar member having one end coupled perpendicular to a second side of the second planar prong and support a second compressible gasket in a second compartment formed between the planar member and the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Frana, Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland
  • Patent number: 8988897
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing electromagnetic waves comprising a first plurality of plates coupled to a first rod. A second plurality of plates coupled to a second rod, wherein at least one of either the first or the second plurality of plates is capable of reflecting an electromagnetic wave. A portion of the second rod is situated inside the first rod. A first motor mechanically connected to the first rod, such that the first motor is capable of rotating the first rod. A second motor mechanically connected to the second rod, such that the second motor is capable of rotating the second rod, wherein rotational direction and speed of the second rod, when rotated by the second motor is independent of rotational direction and speed of the first rod, when rotated by the first motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland, John S. Maas
  • Publication number: 20150029687
    Abstract: A first substantially annular conductive material has a first central opening, the first central opening is sufficient to substantially surround a fastener and maintain an electrical connection between the printed circuit board and the chassis. A second substantially annular conductive material is concentric with the first conductive material and the second conductive material hays a second central opening which is sufficient to substantially surround the fastener and maintain the electric connection between the printed circuit board and the chassis. A substantially annular impedance material is between and adjacent to the first conductive material and the second conductive material, the impedance material is sufficient to attenuate the electromagnetic interference from the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland
  • Publication number: 20140146512
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing electromagnetic waves comprising a first plurality of plates coupled to a first rod. A second plurality of plates coupled to a second rod, wherein at least one of either the first or the second plurality of plates is capable of reflecting an electromagnetic wave. A portion of the second rod is situated inside the first rod. A first motor mechanically connected to the first rod, such that the first motor is capable of rotating the first rod. A second motor mechanically connected to the second rod, such that the second motor is capable of rotating the second rod, wherein rotational direction and speed of the second rod, when rotated by the second motor is independent of rotational direction and speed of the first rod, when rotated by the first motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland, John S. Maas
  • Publication number: 20140140007
    Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention, a heat sink structure may be provided. The heat sink structure may include a first surface adapted to connect to an electronic component. The heat sink structure may also include a second surface adapted to provide heat transfer. The heat sink structure may also include a coating of radio-frequency absorbing material covering at least a portion of the second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland, David B. Johnson, Dennis J. Wurth
  • Patent number: 8559155
    Abstract: A mechanism for protecting objects sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD) employs nested plates to direct the flow of ESD current to a targeted impedance. In one embodiment, an insulator plate is interposed between first and second electrically conductive plates. The insulator plate prevents any charge accumulating on the first plate from arcing to the second plate through the insulator plate. A target plate of electrically conductive material is interposed between the first and second plates over a hole in the insulator plate. The target plate, which is surrounded by an impedance layer of static dissipative material, includes a discharge portion that projects toward the second plate. ESD current flows in a path from the first plate, through the impedance layer, the target plate and again through the impedance layer, and to the second plate. The impedance layer provides a targeted impedance in the ESD current path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland
  • Patent number: 8445791
    Abstract: A method and structures are provided for implementing a latching gasket including an electrically conductive fabric, and a latching clip. The latching clip includes a support member carrying the electrically conductive fabric for radio frequency (RF) connection engagement with a first wall surface. The latching clip includes a first channel-defining member and a second channel-defining member extending downwardly from the support member. The first channel-defining member carries the electrically conductive fabric for radio frequency (RF) connection engagement with a second wall surface received in a channel defined by the first and second channel-defining members. The latching clip includes a latch arm extending outwardly and downwardly from an end of the support member near the second channel-defining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland, Thomas J. McPhee, III
  • Publication number: 20120262826
    Abstract: A mechanism for protecting objects sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD) employs nested plates to direct the flow of ESD current to a targeted impedance. In one embodiment, an insulator plate is interposed between first and second electrically conductive plates. The insulator plate prevents any charge accumulating on the first plate from arcing to the second plate through the insulator plate. A target plate of electrically conductive material is interposed between the first and second plates over a hole in the insulator plate. The target plate, which is surrounded by an impedance layer of static dissipative material, includes a discharge portion that projects toward the second plate. ESD current flows in a path from the first plate, through the impedance layer, the target plate and again through the impedance layer, and to the second plate. The impedance layer provides a targeted impedance in the ESD current path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland
  • Publication number: 20120138353
    Abstract: A method and structures are provided for implementing a latching gasket including an electrically conductive fabric, and a latching clip. The latching clip includes a support member carrying the electrically conductive fabric for radio frequency (RF) connection engagement with a first wall surface. The latching clip includes a first channel-defining member and a second channel-defining member extending downwardly from the support member. The first channel-defining member carries the electrically conductive fabric for radio frequency (RF) connection engagement with a second wall surface received in a channel defined by the first and second channel-defining members. The latching clip includes a latch arm extending outwardly and downwardly from an end of the support member near the second channel-defining member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland, Thomas J. McPhee
  • Patent number: 7994797
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing a coded time domain transmission distance meter, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. A first transmitter module connected to a cable at a first point or power outlet, generates and sends a testing coded pulse onto the power cable. A second receiver module connected to the cable at a second point, receives the testing coded pulse, and returns a receiver response coded pulse to the transmitter module. The first transmitter module determines the round-trip elapsed time, subtracts a receiver latency time, and calculates a distance to the second receiver module. Encoded in the testing coded pulse are data representing the last calculated distance. Both the first transmitter module and the second receiver module include a display for displaying the calculated distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ross T. Fredericksen, Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland
  • Patent number: 7885069
    Abstract: A modular line filter connector is provided for implementing adaptable three-phase power filtering. A plurality of selected modular components defines the modular line filter connector. The modular line filter connector includes a pair of outer cylinders providing power filtering connections including, for example, line-to-line connections, line-to-common connections, common-to-protective earth connections, and line-to-protective earth connections. The selected modular components are mounted between the pair of outer cylinders and disposed along the length of the modular line filter connector. Different modular components are selected to adapt the modular line filter connector for different filtering applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ross T. Fredericksen, Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland
  • Publication number: 20100311275
    Abstract: A modular line filter connector is provided for implementing adaptable three-phase power filtering. A plurality of selected modular components defines the modular line filter connector. The modular line filter connector includes a pair of outer cylinders providing power filtering connections including, for example, line-to-line connections, line-to-common connections, common-to-protective earth connections, and line-to-protective earth connections. The selected modular components are mounted between the pair of outer cylinders and disposed along the length of the modular line filter connector. Different modular components are selected to adapt the modular line filter connector for different filtering applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ross T. Fredericksen, Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland
  • Publication number: 20100277182
    Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing a coded time domain transmission distance meter, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. A first transmitter module connected to a cable at a first point or power outlet, generates and sends a testing coded pulse onto the power cable. A second receiver module connected to the cable at a second point, receives the testing coded pulse, and returns a receiver response coded pulse to the transmitter module. The first transmitter module determines the round-trip elapsed time, subtracts a receiver latency time, and calculates a distance to the second receiver module. Encoded in the testing coded pulse are data representing the last calculated distance. Both the first transmitter module and the second receiver module include a display for displaying the calculated distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ross T. Fredericksen, Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland
  • Publication number: 20090174982
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling the electrical connection between the metallic covers and the underlying metal chassis of an electrical system by the select placement of impedances in a current control connector. The current control connector places an impedance, capable of controlling electrostatic discharge (ESD) currents, between the covers and the underlying chassis. The current control connector comprises a number of metallic and dielectric components. Each of these components is ideally chosen such that the structure and composition of each component contributes to an overall functionality of the current control connector and an ability to control the ESD current flow. The relative placement of the components of the current control connector allows the current control connector to eliminate current flow along a number of paths but control the current flow along a preferred path. Thus, the current control connector prevents damage to the internal electrical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland
  • Patent number: 7515430
    Abstract: An electrically conductive shock mount system for electrical subassemblies is provided. The shock mount system includes a first assembly having a housing containing a hook member for a hook and loop fastener. The second assembly has a housing containing a loop member for a hook and loop fastener. A plurality of holes in the housings of the first and second assemblies allows the hook member to engage the loop member. In one embodiment, the housings are made from a conductive fabric and include a plurality of conductive columns that extend through the housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ross T. Fredericksen, Edward C. Gillard, Don A. Gilliland, Thomas J. McPhee