Patents by Inventor Harold M. Toffler

Harold M. Toffler 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: 7793402
    Abstract: A method for fastening two substantially coplanar edges without a weld. The method includes: configuring a dovetail feature on a first edge; configuring a complementary dovetail feature receptacle on a second edge to receive the dovetail feature therein; disposing the dovetail feature within the complementary dovetail receptacle; and swaging an interface defined between the dovetail feature in said first edge and said complementary dovetail feature in the second edge to swage mating edges defining the dovetail feature and the dovetail receptacle at at least six swage contact points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Buddy D. Notohardjono, Justin C. Rogers, Harold M. Toffler
  • Patent number: 7473139
    Abstract: An electromagnetic gasket includes a conductive shell having a pair of side walls and end walls extending therefrom defining at least one opening. The pair of side walls and the end walls have at least one outward bias and at least one inward bias positioned thereon for each opening. The outward bias is configured to electrically connect to an inner tailstock of an electrical enclosure. The at least one opening is configured to receive a connector port housing of a corresponding module therein. The at least one inward bias electrically connects the connector port housing to the inner tailstock of the electrical enclosure. Each module is an electrical module or an optical module, and the at least one inward bias and outward bias provide EMC sealing for multiple connector port housings of a plurality of modules having variable dimensions with respect to at least one of the X, Y and Z axis of the connector port housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, David C. Linnell, Andrew Rybak, Harold M. Toffler
  • Publication number: 20080250627
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fastening two substantially coplanar edges without a weld is disclosed. The method includes: configuring a dovetail feature on a first edge; configuring a complementary dovetail feature receptacle on a second edge to receive the dovetail feature therein; disposing the dovetail feature within the complementary dovetail receptacle; and swaging an interface defined between the dovetail feature in said first edge and said complementary dovetail feature in the second edge to swage mating edges defining the dovetail feature and the dovetail receptacle at least six swage contact points. In one embodiment the swaging is with a hollow circle punch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Budy D. Notohardjono, Justin C. Rogers, Harold M. Toffler
  • Patent number: 7404252
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fastening two substantially coplanar edges without a weld is disclosed. The method includes: configuring a dovetail feature on a first edge; configuring a complementary dovetail feature receptacle on a second edge to receive the dovetail feature therein; disposing the dovetail feature within the complementary dovetail receptacle; and swaging an interface defined between the dovetail feature in said first edge and said complementary dovetail feature in the second edge to swage mating edges defining the dovetail feature and the dovetail receptacle at at least six swage contact points. In one embodiment the swaging is with a hollow circle punch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Budy D. Notohardjono, Justin C. Rogers, Harold M. Toffler
  • Patent number: 7357682
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fastening two substantially coplanar edges without a weld is disclosed. The method includes: configuring a dovetail feature on a first edge; configuring a complementary dovetail feature receptacle on a second edge to receive the dovetail feature therein; disposing the dovetail feature within the complementary dovetail receptacle; and swaging an interface defined between the dovetail feature in said first edge and said complementary dovetail feature in the second edge to swage mating edges defining the dovetail feature and the dovetail receptacle at at least six swage contact points. In one embodiment the swaging is with a hollow circle punch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Budy D. Notohardjono, Justin C. Rogers, Harold M. Toffler
  • Patent number: 7357675
    Abstract: An electromagnetic gasket includes a conductive shell having a pair of side walls and end walls extending therefrom defining at least one opening. The pair of side walls and the end walls have at least one outward bias and at least one inward bias positioned thereon for each opening. The outward bias is configured to electrically connect to an inner tailstock of an electrical enclosure. The at least one opening is configured to receive a connector port housing of a corresponding module therein. The at least one inward bias electrically connects the connector port housing to the inner tailstock of the electrical enclosure. Each module is an electrical module or an optical module, and the at least one inward bias and outward bias provide EMC sealing for multiple connector port housings of a plurality of modules having variable dimensions with respect to at least one of the X, Y and Z axis of the connector port housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, David C. Linnell, Andrew Rybak, Harold M. Toffler
  • Publication number: 20080038959
    Abstract: An electromagnetic gasket includes a conductive shell having a pair of side walls and end walls extending therefrom defining at least one opening. The pair of side walls and the end walls have at least one outward bias and at least one inward bias positioned thereon for each opening. The outward bias is configured to electrically connect to an inner tailstock of an electrical enclosure. The at least one opening is configured to receive a connector port housing of a corresponding module therein. The at least one inward bias electrically connects the connector port housing to the inner tailstock of the electrical enclosure. Each module is an electrical module or an optical module, and the at least one inward bias and outward bias provide EMC sealing for multiple connector port housings of a plurality of modules having variable dimensions with respect to at least one of the X, Y and Z axis of the connector port housings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, David C. Linnell, Andrew Rybak, Harold M. Toffler
  • Patent number: 7258574
    Abstract: A snap-fit shield is provided which fits securely within a frame opening, and which shields and grounds the opening while eliminating a need for a complementary connector portion. The shield has an insulative inner housing having a first base wall and a first pair of side walls and end walls extending therefrom defining a first cavity. The shield includes a conductive shell having a second base wall and a second pair of side walls and end walls extending therefrom defining a second cavity. The second pair of side walls and end walls have at least one outward bias positioned thereon. The shield also has an insulative outer housing having a third base wall and a third pair of side walls and end walls extending therefrom defining a third cavity. The outer housing is configured to snap-fit within an opening in a frame so as to shield circuitry internal thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Shawn Canfield, David C. Linnell, Robert L. Nicoletti, Harold M. Toffler
  • Patent number: 7127791
    Abstract: A docking apparatus for printed circuit boards including a cassette housing defining a housing cavity for containing a printed circuit board (PCB) and a linkage mechanism associated with the cassette housing. The linkage mechanism includes a linkage arm pivotally connected to the cassette housing via a pivot and has a first arm pivotally connected to the PCB, a traveler having a threaded bore therethrough connected to a second arm extending from the first arm, a shaft threadedly engaged in the left handed threaded bore through the traveler at a first end defining the shaft, the first end configured to operably transfer axial translation of the shaft to the traveler, and an opposite second end defining the shaft threaded engaged in a right handed threaded bore through a split nut operably secured to the cassette housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Justin C. Rogers, Harold M. Toffler
  • Patent number: 6971893
    Abstract: A docking apparatus for printed circuit boards including a cassette housing defining a housing cavity for containing a printed circuit board (PCB) and a linkage mechanism associated with the cassette housing. The linkage mechanism includes a linkage arm pivotally connected to the cassette housing via a pivot and has a first arm pivotally connected to the PCB, a traveler having a threaded bore therethrough connected to a second arm extending from the first arm, a shaft threadedly engaged in the left handed threaded bore through the traveler at a first end defining the shaft, the first end configured to operably transfer axial translation of the shaft to the traveler, and an opposite second end defining the shaft threaded engaged in a right handed threaded bore through a split nut operably secured to the cassette housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Shawn Canfield, Justin C. Rogers, Harold M. Toffler
  • Patent number: 6930892
    Abstract: A docking apparatus for printed circuit boards including a cassette housing so as to define a housing cavity for containing a printed circuit board (PCB) and a linkage mechanism disposed so as to be associated with the cassette housing. The linkage mechanism includes a linkage arm pivotally connected to the cassette housing via a pivot and has a first arm pivotally connected to the PCB, a clevis pivotally connected to a second arm extending from the first arm, a shaft extending through an aperture in the clevis at a first end defining the shaft, the first end configured to operably transfer axial translation of the shaft to the clevis, and an opposite second end defining the shaft includes a thread, and a nut operably secured to the cassette housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Shawn Canfield, Jody A. Hickey, Peter W. Kelly, Edward J. Seminaro, Harold M. Toffler
  • Patent number: 6924988
    Abstract: A docking apparatus for printed circuit boards including a cassette housing, having a housing base, a housing cover and a housing wall, wherein the housing base and the housing wall are disposed relative to each other so as to define a housing cavity for containing a printed circuit card and wherein the housing wall includes a cable opening disposed so as to be communicated with the housing cavity, a housing bezel, disposed relative to the cassette housing so as to be associated with the cable opening and translatable therein, the housing bezel is in electrical communication with the printed circuit card and translatable therewith when the printed circuit card is engaged and disengaged with a printed circuit board, and an EMC sealing device disposed between the housing bezel and the cassette housing, the EMC sealing device configured to provide a movable EMC seal proximate the cable opening while still allowing airflow therethrough while covering a portion of the cable opening created between the housing and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Justin C. Rogers, Harold M. Toffler
  • Patent number: 6816382
    Abstract: A handle having a handle body, a latching arm, and a pivot block is provided. The handle body has a release finger and a pivot leg. The latching arm is slideably secured to the handle body. The pivot block is connectable to a device having at least one movable component. The pivot block is also connected to a first portion of the pivot leg so as to allow the handle body to rotate in the pivot block about the first portion between a first position and a second position. The first position is a locked position and the second position is a latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, John C. Hilburn, Gregory H. Richardson, Harold M. Toffler
  • Patent number: 6816383
    Abstract: A pluggable cartridge for inserting a circuit card into an enclosure without operator access to the enclosure interior is provided. The cartridge includes a top portion and a first wall configured to secure the circuit card thereon for movement in unison therewith and a second wall. The first and second walls have a bottom edge and a top edge wherein the top edge of the first wall is movably secured to the top portion. The top edge of the second wall is removably secured to the top portion by snap-fit means. The circuit card is housed within and protected by the first and second walls so as to be moveable with respect to the bottom edge of the second wall. A tail stock bezel is removably secured by snap-fit means at one end of the second wall and top portion. A handle is movably connected to the top portion so as to be movable between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, David Lund, Christopher M. Marroquin, Budy D. Notohardjono, Gregory H. Richardson, Scott A. Shurson, Harold M. Toffler
  • Patent number: 6816390
    Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a card enclosure into a daughter card enclosure includes a daughter card removeably positioned within a cage for connecting the daughter card with a mother card. A cassette assembly removably positioned with the daughter card enclosure for connection with said daughter card includes a card configured for pluggable signal interconnection with the daughter card. A guide means for guiding the cassette assembly into proper alignment with the daughter card is mountable therewith and an associated stiffener using two mounting locations. The guide means is configured to insure full insertion of said cassette assembly before plugging in the card and insure an unplugged status of the card before extraction of the cassette assembly from the daughter card enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Justin C. Rogers, Harold M. Toffler
  • Patent number: 6794571
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an electromagnetic conduction seal in a device disposed within an electrical enclosure includes a metal EMC gasket defined by a first end an and opposite second end. The first end is operably secured to the device and at least the second end is allowed to float while remaining in electrical contact with the device. A lock strip is fixed to the device and is configured to provide limits of deflection of an intermediate portion of the gasket intermediate the first and second ends and captivate at least one floating end of the gasket. The intermediate portion provides an electromagnetic conduction seal between the device and with at least one of another device and/or the electrical enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Daniel J. Kearney, Steven C. McIntosh, Edward J. Seminaro, Prabjit Singh, Harold M. Toffler
  • Publication number: 20040070960
    Abstract: A handle having a handle body, a latching arm, and a pivot block is provided. The handle body has a release finger and a pivot leg. The latching arm is slideably secured to the handle body. The pivot block is connectable to a device having at least one movable component. The pivot block is also connected to a first portion of the pivot leg so as to allow the handle body to rotate in the pivot block about the first portion between a first position and a second position. The first position is a locked position and the second position is a latched position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, John C. Hilburn, Gregory H. Richardson, Harold M. Toffler
  • Patent number: 6709276
    Abstract: A printed circuit board assembly which is capable of being inserted and removed from the system to which it is electrically connected, even when fully populated with connected printed circuit cards, comprises a multilayer structure. A middle layer printed board is sandwiched between a nonconductive base on the bottom and a stiffener disposed on the top. The stiffener is preferably electrically conductive to provide an EMI (electromagnetic interference) shielding function. The base support and stiffener together support a mechanism for insertion and removal of the entire board via an edge connector disposed along a back edge of the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Harold M. Toffler
  • Publication number: 20040008497
    Abstract: A pluggable cartridge for inserting a circuit card into an enclosure without operator access to the enclosure interior is provided. The cartridge includes a top portion and a first wall configured to secure the circuit card thereon for movement in unison therewith and a second wall. The first and second walls have a bottom edge and a top edge wherein the top edge of the first wall is movably secured to the top portion. The top edge of the second wall is removably secured to the top portion by snap-fit means. The circuit card is housed within and protected by the first and second walls so as to be moveable with respect to the bottom edge of the second wall. A tail stock bezel is removably secured by snap-fit means at one end of the second wall and top portion. A handle is movably connected to the top portion so as to be movable between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, David Lund, Christopher M. Marroquin, Budy D. Notohardjono, Gregory H. Richardson, Scott A. Shurson, Harold M. Toffler
  • Publication number: 20040008501
    Abstract: A handle having a handle body, a latching arm, and a pivot block is provided. The handle body has a release finger and a pivot leg. The latching arm is slideably secured to the handle body. The pivot block is connectable to a device having at least one movable component. The pivot block is also connected to a first portion of the pivot leg so as to allow the handle body to rotate in the pivot block about the first portion between a first position and a second position. The first position is a locked position and the second position is a latched position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, John C. Hilburn, Gregory H. Richardson, Harold M. Toffler