Patents by Inventor John Robert Kirksey

John Robert Kirksey 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: 6606242
    Abstract: An adapter bracket is configured for mounting a relatively small electronic device, such as a 3½-inch drive device in a bay within a frame structure configured for mounting a relatively large electronic device, such as a 5¼-inch drive device. The relatively small electronic device is mounted either by means of screws extending upward through the bracket into holes within the lower surface of the small drive device, or by means of screws extending through elastomeric grommets, mounted within the adapter bracket, into holes within the sides of the small drive device. The adapter bracket also includes sidewalls that are mounted within the bay in the manner of a standard version of the relatively large electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Walter A. Goodman, Dean Frederick Herring, John Robert Kirksey
  • Publication number: 20030095377
    Abstract: An adapter bracket is configured for mounting a relatively small electronic device, such as a 3½-inch drive device in a bay within a frame structure configured for mounting a relatively large electronic device, such as a 5¼-inch drive device. The relatively small electronic device is mounted either by means of screws extending upward through the bracket into holes within the lower surface of the small drive device, or by means of screws extending through elastomeric grommets, mounted within the adapter bracket, into holes within the sides of the small drive device. The adapter bracket also includes sidewalls that are mounted within the bay in the manner of a standard version of the relatively large electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Walter A. Goodman, Dean Frederick Herring, John Robert Kirksey
  • Patent number: 6540530
    Abstract: A computing system includes a number of circuit cards fastened by brackets to a slotted panel, which has slots allowing the attachment of external cables to the circuit cards. Electrical grounding between the slotted panel and the brackets is achieved through the use of a conductive gasket extending along an inner surface of the slotted panel. The conductive gasket includes a central web, a number of contact bumps extending from the central web to the slotted panel, and a number of contact bumps extending from the central web to the brackets. Contact bumps thus extending in opposite directions are placed in alternating positions along the central web, so that the central web is deflected as the contact gasket is compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy S. Bass, Dean F. Herring, John Robert Kirksey
  • Publication number: 20020064982
    Abstract: A computing system includes a number of circuit cards fastened by brackets to a slotted panel, which has slots allowing the attachment of external cables to the circuit cards. Electrical grounding between the slotted panel and the brackets is achieved through the use of a conductive gasket extending along an inner surface of the slotted panel. The conductive gasket includes a central web, a number of contact bumps extending from the central web to the slotted panel, and a number of contact bumps extending from the central web to the brackets. Contact bumps thus extending in opposite directions are placed in alternating positions along the central web, so that the central web is deflected as the contact gasket is compressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Timothy S. Bass, Dean F. Herring, John Robert Kirksey
  • Patent number: 6367897
    Abstract: A blank for closing an input/output slot in the rear panel of a personal computer has an elongated body with a tab on one end and a flange on an opposite end. The body also has a large elliptical dome that protrudes rearward. A set of spring fingers extend along each side of the dome. The blank is installed in one of the input/output slots by first inserting the tab into a pocket below the slot. The dome is then pivoted into the slot until the fingers snap onto a pair of upright edges that define the slot. The blank is removed from the slot by pushing the dome in the opposite direction out of slot to overcome the flexible retention force provided by the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Scott Bass, Dean Fredrick Herring, William Fred Otto, John Robert Kirksey
  • Patent number: 6330147
    Abstract: A system and method of mounting components to a frame, such as a disk drive in the mounting frame of a personal computer shaped to receive the disk drive in a releasable fashion within the frame. A tubular spring member with a z-shaped base and outwardly-extending legs is made of a spring steel and formed with flattened leg ends fits within holes in the component to secure the component to a guide member, with the guide member mounted within the mounting frame. The disk drive component with the guide member secured by the Z-spring slides into a slot on the frame of the personal computer and is secured in place to provide a releasable assembly for replacement of the disk drive as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jacklin Ann Adams, Dean Frederick Herring, John Robert Kirksey, William Fred Otto