Patents by Inventor John J. Loparco

John J. Loparco 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: 8079481
    Abstract: A cabinet assembly is provided that can be quickly assembled and disassembled inside side racks used for the purpose of housing computer systems. The assembly comprises a plurality of side plates that can be secured to inside rack sides, preferably through flexible flanges, a plurality of top and bottom plates that can be secured to the side plates, and a mid-plate is disposed substantially horizontally between the top and bottom plates. Alternately, the assembly can also comprise at least one rear plate that can be secured to the side plates to provide a third side for the assembly. The rear plates having openings designed to allow for front to back air flow ventilation. The assembly can also have at least one divider plate, and preferably a plurality of divider plates, that can be secured to the top and bottom and/or mid-plate(s). In such a case, the divider plates are disposed above and/or below the mid-plate and preferably each have an upper divider plate and a lower divider plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn M. Canfield, John J. Loparco, Budy D. Notohardjono, John G. Torok
  • Patent number: 7913379
    Abstract: A tool assembly for engaging and disengaging a cardlet housing electronic components from a computer environment. The cardlet, in a preferred embodiment is a dual in-line memory module (DIMM) cardlet. The tool comprises a carrier having a handle on one end and a plurality of retention features and engaging members on an opposing side. The carrier release mechanism is secured to the carrier and the engaging members such that activating the carrier release mechanism moves the engaging members from a first to a second position such that engagement and disengagement of the carrier and said cardlet housing electronic components can be achieved. In addition, a removable latch release member is also secured to the carrier, the release member having a durable tip for engaging and disengaging latches on the computer cardlet without damaging the cardlet or its surrounding sensitive components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul F. Bodenweber, John J. Loparco, Thong N. Nguyen, Thomas Ramundo, John G. Torok
  • Patent number: 7909180
    Abstract: A load balancing method and incorporated assembly is provided for a computer frame having side walls. The assembly comprises a mid-plane plate having top and bottom sides and capable of being secured to the frames inside side walls. The mid-plane plate also has means both on its top and bottom sides for securing a number of electronic books in such a manner that they can be stacked on top of or adjacent to one another. A locking mechanism can also be provided as part of the assembly or alone to further secure the electronic books to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Shawn Canfield, Edward F. Furey, Robert R. Genest, John J. Loparco, Budy D. Notohardjono, John G. Torok
  • Patent number: 7874862
    Abstract: A mechanism for electrically connecting a first electronic component to a second electronic component includes an actuating member disposed in the first electronic component including a first connector half and an actuation screw having a head and a threaded end. The actuation screw is located in the first electronic component wherein rotation of the actuation screw urges the actuating member in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of the actuation screw thereby engaging the first connector half to a second connector half disposed in the second electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, William L. Brodsky, Francesco Chiarella, John J. Loparco, Michael F. Scanlon, John G. Torok
  • Patent number: 7848109
    Abstract: A method and incorporated assembly for enhancing structural rigidity of a computer rack used for housing electronic components is provided. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a casing made of a lighter weight material and having protrusions. The protrusions are formed to receive one or more ruggedized inserts that is made of a heavier and/or stiffer material. The casing and the inserts together can be then used as a ruggedized side of a computer rack or cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Mark A. Brandon, Shawn Canfield, Edward F. Furey, John J. Loparco, Budy D. Notohardjono, John G. Torok
  • Publication number: 20100221944
    Abstract: A mechanism for electrically connecting a first electronic component to a second electronic component includes an actuating member disposed in the first electronic component including a first connector half and an actuation screw having a head and a threaded end. The actuation screw is located in the first electronic component wherein rotation of the actuation screw urges the actuating member in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of the actuation screw thereby engaging the first connector half to a second connector half disposed in the second electronic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, William L. Brodsky, Francesco Chiarella, John J. Loparco, Michael F. Scanlon, John G. Torok
  • Patent number: 7766684
    Abstract: A mechanism for electrically connecting a first electronic component to a second electronic component. The mechanism includes an actuating member disposed in the first electronic component including a first connector half and an actuation screw having a head and a threaded end. The actuation screw is located in the first electronic component wherein rotation of the actuation screw urges the actuating member in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of the actuation screw thereby engaging the first connector half to a second connector half disposed in the second electronic component. A method for electrically connecting a first electronic component to a second electronic component includes rotating an actuation screw disposed in the first electronic component and in operable communication with an actuating member disposed in the first electronic component, the actuating member including a first connector half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, William L. Brodsky, Francesco Chiarella, John J. Loparco, Michael F. Scanlon, John G. Torok
  • Patent number: 7710715
    Abstract: Securing and supporting electronic components in a computer node disposed on a computer rack. The method comprises the steps of first disposing a tray having one or more wedge block assemblies in the rear of said rack such that each wedge block assembly can be moved under and engaged with each node. The wedge block mechanism is retained from side to side using guide brackets. The mechanism and the tray are then torqued into place by using incorporated hard stop feature on said tray. The nodes can then be engaged and disengaged through the engaging and disengaging of the wedge block assembly. This is done by using a rod that is connected to a fastener one end and to a pivot at another end and is integrated into the wedge block mechanism. Once the fastener is moved the pivot is also moved causing the mating and unmating of the node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Edward F. Furey, Robert R. Genest, John J. Loparco, Budy D. Notohardjono, John G. Torok
  • Patent number: 7660111
    Abstract: A method and incorporated assembly is provided for cooling of an electronic device or component. The assembly comprises a thermal duct having a fixed duct portion and a removable duct portion. The portions each have complementary interlocking components to secure them to one another. Also a first attachment block is provided. The first attachment block has complementary interlocking portions with the fixed and removable duct portions such that the block can be secured at least partially to each of the fixed duct portion and the removable duct portion. A second attachment block is also provided that has a complementary interlocking portion with the removable duct portion. This second attachment block can be secured to one or more electronic devices requiring cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Robert R. Genest, John J. Loparco, Wade H. White
  • Patent number: 7651890
    Abstract: Disclosed a multi-chip module with solder corrosion prevention including one or more chips connected to a substrate by soldering, the substrate disposed on a printed circuit board. The multi-chip module also includes a quantity of molecular sieve desiccant, and a first cover to contain the one or more chips, the substrate, and the molecular sieve desiccant, the first cover having a seal to the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gary F. Goth, William P. Kostenko, John J. Loparco, Prabjit Singh, John G. Torok
  • Publication number: 20090218921
    Abstract: An assembly and method for securing and supporting electronic components in a computer node disposed on a computer rack. The method comprises the steps of first disposing a tray having one or more wedge block assemblies in the rear of said rack such that each wedge block assembly can be moved under and engaged with each node. The wedge block mechanism is retained from side to side using guide brackets. The mechanism and the tray are then torques into place by using incorporated hard stop feature on said tray. The nodes can then be engaged and disengaged through the engaging and disengaging of the wedge block assembly. This is done by using a rod that is connected to a fastener one end and to a pivot at another end and is integrated into the wedge block mechanism. Once the fastener is moved the pivot is also moved causing the mating and unmating of the node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edward F. Furey, Robert R. Genest, John J. Loparco, Budy D. Notohardjono, John G. Torok
  • Publication number: 20090215303
    Abstract: A mechanism for electrically connecting a first electronic component to a second electronic component. The mechanism includes an actuating member disposed in the first electronic component including a first connector half and an actuation screw having a head and a threaded end. The actuation screw is located in the first electronic component wherein rotation of the actuation screw urges the actuating member in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of the actuation screw thereby engaging the first connector half to a second connector half disposed in the second electronic component. A method for electrically connecting a first electronic component to a second electronic component includes rotating an actuation screw disposed in the first electronic component and in operable communication with an actuating member disposed in the first electronic component, the actuating member including a first connector half.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, William L. Brodsky, Francesco Chiarella, John J. Loparco, Michael F. Scanlon, John G. Torok
  • Publication number: 20090211083
    Abstract: A method and a tool assembly for engaging and disengaging a cardlet housing electronic components from a computer environment. The cardlet, in a preferred embodiment is a dual in-line memory module (DIMM) cardlet. The tool comprises a carrier having a handle on one end and a plurality of retention features and engaging members on an opposing side. The carrier release mechanism is secured to the carrier and the engaging members such that activating the carrier release mechanism moves the engaging members from a first to a second position such that engagement and disengagement of the carrier and said cardlet housing electronic components can be achieved. In addition, a removable latch release member is also secured to the carrier, the release member having a durable tip for engaging and disengaging latches on the computer cardlet without damaging the cardlet or its surrounding sensitive components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul F. Bodenweber, John J. Loparco, Thong N. Nguyen, Thomas Ramundo, John G. Torok
  • Publication number: 20090140617
    Abstract: A load balancing method and incorporated assembly is provided for a computer frame having side walls. The assembly comprises a mid-plane plate having top and bottom sides and capable of being secured to the frames inside side walls. The mid-plane plate also has means both on its top and bottom sides for securing a number of electronic books in such a manner that they can be stacked on top of or adjacent to one another. A locking mechanism can also be provided as part of the assembly or alone to further secure the electronic books to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Shawn Canfield, Edward F. Furey, Robert R. Genest, John J. Loparco, Budy D. Notohardjono, John G. Torok
  • Publication number: 20090141442
    Abstract: A method and incorporated assembly is provided for cooling of an electronic device or component. The assembly comprises a thermal duct having a fixed portion and a removable portion. The portions each have complementary interlocking components to secure them to one another. Also a first attachment block is provided. The first attachment block has complementary interlocking portions with the first and second thermal duct portions such that the block can be secured at least partially to either/or thermal duct portion. A second attachment block is also provided that has a complementary interlocking portion with the removable duct portion. This second attachment block can be secured to one or more electronic devices requiring cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis R. Barringer, Robert R. Genest, John J. Loparco, Wade H. White
  • Patent number: 7540757
    Abstract: A lockout mechanism for a card assembly having a blind connection to an electronic component includes a card disposed in a housing and articulable in the housing in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of insertion of the card assembly into the electronic component, the card including a connector having connection fingers extending substantially in said direction. A lockout is disposed in the housing, the lockout movable in a direction perpendicular to the card between a first or locked position and a second or unlocked position, and preventing articulation of the card unless the one or more connection fingers are aligned with one or more corresponding component fingers in the electronic component. An alignment feature is included, that when brought into contact with a corresponding portion of the electronic component ensures proper alignment between the one or more connection fingers and one or more corresponding component fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Loparco, Michael T. Peets
  • Patent number: 7539013
    Abstract: A method and incorporated automatic air blockage assembly door is provided. The assembly comprises an air blockage door secured to a frame, capable of moving from a first to a second position via a pivot block and a shaft. The movement of the door is enabled by securing the door via the pivot block to an arm mechanism. The mechanism includes a pivot member and an activation pin. The activation and deactivation of the pin causes the movement of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Brandon, Richard M. Ecker, Edward F. Furey, John J. Loparco
  • Publication number: 20090091880
    Abstract: A method and incorporated assembly for enhancing structural rigidity of a computer rack used for housing electronic components is provided. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a casing made of a lighter weight material and having protrusions. The protrusions are formed to receive one or more ruggedized inserts that is made of a heavier and/or stiffer material. The casing and the inserts together can be then used as a ruggedized side of a computer rack or cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis R Barringer, Mark A. Brandon, Shawn Canfield, Edward F. Furey, John J. Loparco, Budy D. Notohardjono, John G. Torok
  • Publication number: 20090086426
    Abstract: A method and incorporated automatic air blockage assembly door is provided. The assembly comprises an air blockage door secured to a frame, capable of moving from a first to a second position via a pivot block and a shaft. The movement of the door is enabled by securing the door via the pivot block to an arm mechanism. The mechanism includes a pivot member and an activation pin. The activation and deactivation of the pin causes the movement of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark A. Brandon, Richard M. Ecker, Edward F. Furey, John J. Loparco
  • Patent number: 7505251
    Abstract: An actuation assembly and method is provided for mating electronic unto a computer rack comprising a main housing engageably securable to a slide assembly. The slide assembly is capable of being secured to a side of the computer rack and having sliding features such that the slide assembly and the main housing when engaged can be telescoped out or returned to a closed position. The main housing having a vertical wedge for securing said assembly to said rack more securely and a drive wedge for moving the vertical wedge such that it can telescope into and out of said rack with said slide mechanism via a lead screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn M. Canfield, John J. Loparco, Emanuele F. Lopergolo, Budy D. Notohardjono, Michael T. Peets, John G. Torok