Patents by Inventor Kevin R. Covi

Kevin R. Covi 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: 10615710
    Abstract: Electric power devices and control methods are provided which automatically select a line voltage or phase voltage of an AC voltage supply. The electric power device includes a switchable circuit, a sensor and a switch control. The switchable circuit connects to the AC voltage supply, and includes multiple switchable elements. The sensor ascertains a voltage level of the AC voltage supply, and the switch control automatically establishes a configuration of the switchable circuit through control of the multiple switchable elements. The switch control couples the electric power device in a line-line (delta) configuration to the AC voltage supply when the voltage level is in a first voltage range, and a line-neutral (wye) configuration when the voltage level is in a second voltage range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven J. Ahladas, Kevin R. Covi, Luke L. Jenkins, Robert B. Schlak
  • Patent number: 10587204
    Abstract: Electric power devices and control methods are provided which automatically select a line voltage or phase voltage of an AC voltage supply. The electric power device includes a switchable circuit, a sensor and a switch control. The switchable circuit connects to the AC voltage supply, and includes multiple switchable elements. The sensor ascertains a voltage level of the AC voltage supply, and the switch control automatically establishes a configuration of the switchable circuit through control of the multiple switchable elements. The switch control couples the electric power device in a line-line (delta) configuration to the AC voltage supply when the voltage level is in a first voltage range, and a line-neutral (wye) configuration when the voltage level is in a second voltage range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven J. Ahladas, Kevin R. Covi, Luke L. Jenkins, Robert B. Schlak
  • Publication number: 20190181771
    Abstract: Electric power devices and control methods are provided which automatically select a line voltage or phase voltage of an AC voltage supply. The electric power device includes a switchable circuit, a sensor and a switch control. The switchable circuit connects to the AC voltage supply, and includes multiple switchable elements. The sensor ascertains a voltage level of the AC voltage supply, and the switch control automatically establishes a configuration of the switchable circuit through control of the multiple switchable elements. The switch control couples the electric power device in a line-line (delta) configuration to the AC voltage supply when the voltage level is in a first voltage range, and a line-neutral (wye) configuration when the voltage level is in a second voltage range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Steven J. AHLADAS, Kevin R. COVI, Luke L. JENKINS, Robert B. SCHLAK
  • Publication number: 20190181772
    Abstract: Electric power devices and control methods are provided which automatically select a line voltage or phase voltage of an AC voltage supply. The electric power device includes a switchable circuit, a sensor and a switch control. The switchable circuit connects to the AC voltage supply, and includes multiple switchable elements. The sensor ascertains a voltage level of the AC voltage supply, and the switch control automatically establishes a configuration of the switchable circuit through control of the multiple switchable elements. The switch control couples the electric power device in a line-line (delta) configuration to the AC voltage supply when the voltage level is in a first voltage range, and a line-neutral (wye) configuration when the voltage level is in a second voltage range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Steven J. AHLADAS, Kevin R. COVI, Luke L. JENKINS, Robert B. SCHLAK
  • Patent number: 10277142
    Abstract: Electric power devices and control methods are provided which automatically select a line voltage or phase voltage of an AC voltage supply. The electric power device includes a switchable circuit, a sensor and a switch control. The switchable circuit connects to the AC voltage supply, and includes multiple switchable elements. The sensor ascertains a voltage level of the AC voltage supply, and the switch control automatically establishes a configuration of the switchable circuit through control of the multiple switchable elements. The switch control couples the electric power device in a line-line (delta) configuration to the AC voltage supply when the voltage level is in a first voltage range, and a line-neutral (wye) configuration when the voltage level is in a second voltage range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven J. Ahladas, Kevin R. Covi, Luke L. Jenkins, Robert B. Schlak
  • Publication number: 20180138820
    Abstract: Electric power devices and control methods are provided which automatically select a line voltage or phase voltage of an AC voltage supply. The electric power device includes a switchable circuit, a sensor and a switch control. The switchable circuit connects to the AC voltage supply, and includes multiple switchable elements. The sensor ascertains a voltage level of the AC voltage supply, and the switch control automatically establishes a configuration of the switchable circuit through control of the multiple switchable elements. The switch control couples the electric power device in a line-line (delta) configuration to the AC voltage supply when the voltage level is in a first voltage range, and a line-neutral (wye) configuration when the voltage level is in a second voltage range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Steven J. AHLADAS, Kevin R. COVI, Luke L. JENKINS, Robert B. SCHLAK
  • Patent number: 9893644
    Abstract: Electric power devices and control methods are provided which automatically select a line voltage or phase voltage of an AC voltage supply. The electric power device includes a switchable circuit, a sensor and a switch control. The switchable circuit connects to the AC voltage supply, and includes multiple switchable elements. The sensor ascertains a voltage level of the AC voltage supply, and the switch control automatically establishes a configuration of the switchable circuit through control of the multiple switchable elements. The switch control couples the electric power device in a line-line (delta) configuration to the AC voltage supply when the voltage level is in a first voltage range, and a line-neutral (wye) configuration when the voltage level is in a second voltage range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven J. Ahladas, Kevin R. Covi, Luke L. Jenkins, Robert B. Schlak
  • Patent number: 9742198
    Abstract: A redundant path power subsystem comprises a plurality of phase regulators in a multi-phase power converter. The plurality of phase regulators comprises at least N+2 phase regulators. N phases are sufficient to serve an electrical load coupled with the redundant path power subsystem. The redundant path power subsystem also comprises a plurality of power supplies, and a plurality of input and control paths between the plurality of power supplies and the plurality of phase regulators. The plurality of input and control paths comprises a plurality of multiplexing logic devices and a plurality of phase controllers. The plurality of phase controllers is configured to control the plurality of phase regulators. The plurality of multiplexing logic devices is configured to multiplex control signals from the plurality of power supplies and a microprocessor for the plurality of phase controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Barus, Kevin R. Covi, William P. Kostenko, Jack P. Lee, Peter A. Wendling
  • Publication number: 20160211674
    Abstract: A redundant path power subsystem comprises a plurality of phase regulators in a multi-phase power converter. The plurality of phase regulators comprises at least N+2 phase regulators. N phases are sufficient to serve an electrical load coupled with the redundant path power subsystem. The redundant path power subsystem also comprises a plurality of power supplies, and a plurality of input and control paths between the plurality of power supplies and the plurality of phase regulators. The plurality of input and control paths comprises a plurality of multiplexing logic devices and a plurality of phase controllers. The plurality of phase controllers is configured to control the plurality of phase regulators. The plurality of multiplexing logic devices is configured to multiplex control signals from the plurality of power supplies and a microprocessor for the plurality of phase controllers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel J. Barus, Kevin R. Covi, William P. Kostenko, Jack P. Lee, Peter A. Wendling
  • Patent number: 9298241
    Abstract: A redundant path power subsystem comprises a plurality of phase regulators in a multi-phase power converter. The plurality of phase regulators comprises at least N+2 phase regulators. N phases are sufficient to serve an electrical load coupled with the redundant path power subsystem. The redundant path power subsystem also comprises a plurality of power supplies, and a plurality of input and control paths between the plurality of power supplies and the plurality of phase regulators. The plurality of input and control paths comprises a plurality of multiplexing logic devices and a plurality of phase controllers. The plurality of phase controllers is operable to control the plurality of phase regulators. The plurality of multiplexing logic devices is operable to multiplex control signals from the plurality of power supplies and a microprocessor for the plurality of phase controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Barus, Kevin R. Covi, William P. Kostenko, Jack P. Lee, Peter A. Wendling
  • Patent number: 9268347
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing dynamic regulator output current limiting. An input power to the regulator is measured, and the measured input power is related to a regulator output current and a regulator over current trip point, and dynamically used for providing dynamic regulator output current limiting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin R. Covi, Patrick K. Egan, James D. Jordan, Jordan R. Keuseman, Michael L. Miller, Guillermo J. Silva, Malcolm S. Allen-Ware
  • Patent number: 9030047
    Abstract: A redundant path power subsystem comprises a plurality of phase regulators in a multi-phase power converter. The plurality of phase regulators comprises at least N+2 phase regulators. N phases are sufficient to serve an electrical load coupled with the redundant path power subsystem. The redundant path power subsystem also comprises a plurality of power supplies, and a plurality of input and control paths between the plurality of power supplies and the plurality of phase regulators. The plurality of input and control paths comprises a plurality of multiplexing logic devices and a plurality of phase controllers. The plurality of phase controllers is operable to control the plurality of phase regulators. The plurality of multiplexing logic devices is operable to multiplex control signals from the plurality of power supplies and a microprocessor for the plurality of phase controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Barus, Kevin R. Covi, William P. Kostenko, Jack P. Lee, Peter A. Wendling
  • Publication number: 20140225586
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing dynamic regulator output current limiting. An input power to the regulator is measured, and the measured input power is related to a regulator output current and a regulator over current trip point, and dynamically used for providing dynamic regulator output current limiting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin R. Covi, Patrick K. Egan, James D. Jordan, Jordan R. Keuseman, Michael L. Miller, Guillermo J. Silva, Malcolm S. Allen-Ware
  • Publication number: 20130328400
    Abstract: A redundant path power subsystem comprises a plurality of phase regulators in a multi-phase power converter. The plurality of phase regulators comprises at least N+2 phase regulators. N phases are sufficient to serve an electrical load coupled with the redundant path power subsystem. The redundant path power subsystem also comprises a plurality of power supplies, and a plurality of input and control paths between the plurality of power supplies and the plurality of phase regulators. The plurality of input and control paths comprises a plurality of multiplexing logic devices and a plurality of phase controllers. The plurality of phase controllers is operable to control the plurality of phase regulators. The plurality of multiplexing logic devices is operable to multiplex control signals from the plurality of power supplies and a microprocessor for the plurality of phase controllers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Barus, Kevin R. Covi, William P. Kostenko, Jack P. Lee, Peter A. Wendling
  • Publication number: 20130329474
    Abstract: A redundant path power subsystem comprises a plurality of phase regulators in a multi-phase power converter. The plurality of phase regulators comprises at least N+2 phase regulators. N phases are sufficient to serve an electrical load coupled with the redundant path power subsystem. The redundant path power subsystem also comprises a plurality of power supplies, and a plurality of input and control paths between the plurality of power supplies and the plurality of phase regulators. The plurality of input and control paths comprises a plurality of multiplexing logic devices and a plurality of phase controllers. The plurality of phase controllers is operable to control the plurality of phase regulators. The plurality of multiplexing logic devices is operable to multiplex control signals from the plurality of power supplies and a microprocessor for the plurality of phase controllers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Barus, Kevin R. Covi, William P. Kostenko, Jack P. Lee, Peter A. Wendling
  • Patent number: 7805618
    Abstract: A method and related apparatus for servicing an electrical/electronic device during power shut offs is provided. The apparatus comprises a service logic having a memory and control component for storing device information during normal device operation and one or more indicators driven by the memory and control component after power shut off to provide service signals. The service logic also includes an auxiliary energy source selectively engageable to provide auxiliary power to the memory and control component during power shut off and to enable providing of service signals through the indicator(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin R. Covi, Gerald J. Fahr, Raymond J. Harrington, Raymond A. Longhi, Edward J. Seminaro
  • Patent number: 7787222
    Abstract: A protection circuit for a parallel power system having at least two parallel coupled voltage regulators is disclosed. The protection circuit includes at least two isolation control circuits, each control circuit being coupled to a respective voltage regulator. Each isolation control circuit includes a current sense circuit for sensing current polarity at an output of the respective voltage regulator, and a controller for automatically isolating the respective voltage regulator when an over-voltage condition exists at an output of the parallel power system and a positive current polarity is sensed at the output of the respective voltage regulator. The at least two isolation control circuits isolate only a voltage regulator having positive current outflow during the over-voltage condition. In one embodiment, each isolation control circuit further includes an over-voltage detection circuit for detecting when the over-voltage condition exists at the output of the parallel power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin R. Covi, Raymond J. Harrington, Robert P. Makowicki, Steven G. Shevach, Dale F. Soreson, Brain C. Tucker
  • Patent number: 7715215
    Abstract: Control of an AC-to-DC power supply assembly fed by a three-phase AC source is provided by: determining whether the power supply assembly includes greater than three single-phase power regulators feeding a common load, with multiple regulators being connected in parallel across a common phase of the AC source, and if so, summing currents provided by the regulators to the common load; and ascertaining whether the summed current is less than a predefined threshold, and if yes, operating the power supply assembly in a line balance mode to maintain power drawn on the phases of the AC source in balance, and if greater than the predefined threshold, operating the power supply assembly in a maximize power mode wherein power is provided to the common load without maintaining power drawn on the phases of the AC source in balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frank E. Bosco, Kevin R. Covi, Anthony J. Cozzolino, Gary F. Goth, Raymond J. Harrington, Peter A. Hein, Raymond A. Longhi, Edward J. Seminaro, Peter A. Wendling
  • Publication number: 20100020505
    Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly is disclosed. The PCB assembly includes a first PCB, a second PCB and a land grid array (LGA). The first PCB includes signal interconnects for transmitting logic signals and power interconnects for transmitting power signals. In contrast, the second PCB includes only power interconnects for transmitting power signals exclusively. The second PCB also has significantly less vias than the first PCB. The second PCB is connected to the first PCB via the LGA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: William L. Brodsky, Kevin R. Covi
  • Patent number: 7473101
    Abstract: A connector for a voltage regulator module (VRM) that provides for a parallel coupling to a printed wiring board (PWB) without surface mounting of the VRM includes a plurality of conductive power blades mounted within slots of insulators. The VRM connector is coupled to PWB and VRM and provides for spacing between the VRM and the PWB. The VRM connector provides for high current flow and reduced circuit heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Brodsky, Kevin R. Covi, Steven G. Shevach, Mitchell L. Zapotoski