Patents by Inventor Mark G. Clark

Mark G. Clark 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: 10573996
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure generally relate to cables and back shells having integrated force gauges. The force gauge includes a sliding member that engages features such as grooves formed in one or more surfaces of the back shell. The grooves and/or sliding member are sized and shaped such that a different forces applied to the sliding member facilitates movement between respective grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Justin C. Rogers, Mark G. Clark, Lee N. Helgeson
  • Patent number: 10528092
    Abstract: A system includes a system drawer and an interlock coupled to the system drawer. The interlock includes a horizontal portion and a tab. The interlock is configured to rotate into a first position when a first card is inserted into a first side of the system drawer. When the interlock is in the first position, the tab prevents a second card inserted into the second side of the system drawer from docking with the first card. The interlock is further configured to rotate into a second position when the first card is removed from the first side of the system drawer. When the interlock is in the second position, the second card can be inserted into the second side of the system drawer to a position where the second card can dock with one or more cards inserted into the first side of the system drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark G. Clark, Kenneth E. Lubahn, Justin C. Rogers, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Publication number: 20190165517
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure generally relate to cables and back shells having integrated force gauges. The force gauge includes a sliding member that engages features such as grooves formed in one or more surfaces of the back shell. The grooves and/or sliding member are sized and shaped such that a different forces applied to the sliding member facilitates movement between respective grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sandra J. SHIRK/HEATH, Justin C. ROGERS, Mark G. CLARK, Lee N. HELGESON
  • Patent number: 10170873
    Abstract: A cable connector is provided. The cable connector includes a housing with a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured for insertion into a data port of a computer chassis. The proximal end is configured to receive at least one data cable. The cable connector includes a pull tab comprising an optically transparent material. The pull tab includes a body with a distal end connected to the housing and a proximal end extending past the proximal end of the housing. The pull tab includes a shank protruding from the body. The shank includes a polished surface aligned with a light output of the computer chassis when the distal end of the housing is inserted into the data port such that light from the light output enters the shank through the polished surface and is distributed through the transparent material to illuminate the pull tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark G. Clark, Kenneth E. Lubahn, Justin C. Rogers, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Publication number: 20180292869
    Abstract: A system includes a system drawer and an interlock coupled to the system drawer. The interlock includes a horizontal portion and a tab. The interlock is configured to rotate into a first position when a first card is inserted into a first side of the system drawer. When the interlock is in the first position, the tab prevents a second card inserted into the second side of the system drawer from docking with the first card. The interlock is further configured to rotate into a second position when the first card is removed from the first side of the system drawer. When the interlock is in the second position, the second card can be inserted into the second side of the system drawer to a position where the second card can dock with one or more cards inserted into the first side of the system drawer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Mark G. CLARK, Kenneth E. LUBAHN, Justin C. ROGERS, Sandra J. SHIRK/HEATH
  • Publication number: 20180198244
    Abstract: A cable connector is provided. The cable connector includes a housing with a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured for insertion into a data port of a computer chassis. The proximal end is configured to receive at least one data cable. The cable connector includes a pull tab comprising an optically transparent material. The pull tab includes a body with a distal end connected to the housing and a proximal end extending past the proximal end of the housing. The pull tab includes a shank protruding from the body. The shank includes a polished surface aligned with a light output of the computer chassis when the distal end of the housing is inserted into the data port such that light from the light output enters the shank through the polished surface and is distributed through the transparent material to illuminate the pull tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Mark G. CLARK, Kenneth E. LUBAHN, Justin C. ROGERS, Sandra J. SHIRK/HEATH
  • Patent number: 9974205
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing cables in a computer rack is provided. The apparatus includes a bracket attachable to one of a computer chassis arranged in the computer rack or a vertical structural member of the computer rack, and including an outward-facing surface and a first connector feature arranged on the outward-facing surface. The apparatus also includes a cable clamp. The cable clamp includes a base having a first side and an opposing second side. The first side includes a surface configured to receive cables. The second side includes a second connector feature configured for mating engagement with the first connector feature such that the base is attached to the bracket when the first and second connector features are matingly engaged. The cable clamp also includes a pliable retention strap attached to the base and configured to be wrapped around the cables such that the cables are secured to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark G. Clark, Kenneth E. Lubahn, Justin C. Rogers, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Patent number: 9859666
    Abstract: A cable connector is provided. The cable connector includes a housing with a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured for insertion into a data port of a computer chassis. The proximal end is configured to receive at least one data cable. The cable connector includes a pull tab comprising an optically transparent material. The pull tab includes a body with a distal end connected to the housing and a proximal end extending past the proximal end of the housing. The pull tab includes a shank protruding from the body. The shank includes a polished surface aligned with a light output of the computer chassis when the distal end of the housing is inserted into the data port such that light from the light output enters the shank through the polished surface and is distributed through the transparent material to illuminate the pull tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark G. Clark, Kenneth E. Lubahn, Justin C. Rogers, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Publication number: 20150222068
    Abstract: A cable assembly for interconnecting a plurality of circuit boards together by using a connector assembly connected to each of the circuit boards. The cable assembly includes a first cable having a first end part and a second cable having a second end part. A first periphery of the first end part has a plurality of first half vias that collectively form a column along a width direction of the connector assembly. A second periphery of the second end part has a plurality of second half vias that collectively form a column along the width direction of the connector assembly. The first and second end parts are coupled together to form a connecting unit, such that the first half vias and the second half vias are joined together to form full vias.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: David J. Braun, Mark G. Clark, John R. Dangler, Matthew S. Doyle, Thomas D. Kidd, Jason T. Stoll
  • Patent number: 9032617
    Abstract: A cable assembly for interconnecting a plurality of circuit boards together by using a connector assembly connected to each of the circuit boards. The cable assembly includes a first cable having a first end part and a second cable having a second end part. A first periphery of the first end part has a plurality of first half vias that collectively form a column along a width direction of the connector assembly. A second periphery of the second end part has a plurality of second half vias that collectively form a column along the width direction of the connector assembly. The first and second end parts are coupled together to form a connecting unit, such that the first half vias and the second half vias are joined together to form full vias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Braun, Mark G. Clark, John R. Dangler, Matthew S. Doyle, Thomas D. Kidd, Jason T. Stoll
  • Publication number: 20120088376
    Abstract: A cable assembly for interconnecting a plurality of circuit boards together by using a connector assembly connected to each of the circuit boards. The cable assembly includes a first cable having a first end part and a second cable having a second end part. A first periphery of the first end part has a plurality of first half vias that collectively form a column along a width direction of the connector assembly. A second periphery of the second end part has a plurality of second half vias that collectively form a column along the width direction of the connector assembly. The first and second end parts are coupled together to form a connecting unit, such that the first half vias and the second half vias are joined together to form full vias.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: David J. BRAUN, Mark G. CLARK, John R. DANGLER, Matthew S. DOYLE, Thomas D. KIDD, Jason T. STOLL
  • Patent number: 8106300
    Abstract: A cable assembly for interconnecting a plurality of circuit boards together by using a connector assembly connected to each of the circuit boards. The cable assembly includes a first cable having a first end part and a second cable having a second end part. A first periphery of the first end part has a plurality of first half vias that collectively form a column along a width direction of the connector assembly. A second periphery of the second end part has a plurality of second half vias that collectively form a column along the width direction of the connector assembly. The first and second end parts are coupled together to form a connecting unit, such that the first half vias and the second half vias are joined together to form full vias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Braun, Mark G. Clark, John R. Dangler, Matthew S. Doyle, Thomas D. Kidd, Jason T. Stoll
  • Patent number: 7977582
    Abstract: A flexible multilayer printed circuit assembly with shield fences. The flexible multilayer printed circuit assembly with multiple conductive layers includes logic ground vias that connect logic ground plane layers together, and shield vias that connect a top and a bottom shield plane layer together. Each of the shield fences is formed between the shield vias on an outside perimeter of each of the conductive layers. Each of the shield fences contains the logic ground vias inside, and also contains each corresponding conductive layer in the horizontal direction to which each layer extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark G. Clark, John R. Dangler, Matthew S. Doyle, Thomas D. Kidd, Timothy L. McMillan, Jason T. Stoll
  • Publication number: 20100084160
    Abstract: A cable assembly for interconnecting a plurality of circuit boards together by using a connector assembly connected to each of the circuit boards. The cable assembly includes a first cable having a first end part and a second cable having a second end part. A first periphery of the first end part has a plurality of first half vias that collectively form a column along a width direction of the connector assembly. A second periphery of the second end part has a plurality of second half vias that collectively form a column along the width direction of the connector assembly. The first and second end parts are coupled together to form a connecting unit, such that the first half vias and the second half vias are joined together to form full vias.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: David J. Braun, Mark G. Clark, John R. Dangler, Matthew S. Doyle, Thomas D. Kidd, Jason T. Stoll
  • Publication number: 20090188712
    Abstract: A flexible multilayer printed circuit assembly with shield fences. The flexible multilayer printed circuit assembly with multiple conductive layers includes logic ground vias that connect logic ground plane layers together, and shield vias that connect a top and a bottom shield plane layer together. Each of the shield fences is formed between the shield vias on an outside perimeter of each of the conductive layers. Each of the shield fences contains the logic ground vias inside, and also contains each corresponding conductive layer in the horizontal direction to which each layer extends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Mark G. Clark, John R. Dangler, Matthew S. Doyle, Thomas D. Kidd, Timothy L. McMillan, Jason T. Stoll
  • Publication number: 20080300946
    Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for implementing an end-to-end integrated product development management system are provided. A method includes providing a user system with a link to a data source and an analysis tool via a user interface in response to a project opportunity selection for a proposed product. The method also includes receiving results of an analysis performed by the user system in response to implementing the analysis tool, and creating a project record for the project opportunity selection in response to determining an approval of the project opportunity selection. The method further includes creating a project plan by mapping data fields in the project record to corresponding data entries relating to a project phase, project task, project task tool, project task timetable, project task measurement, data source, and project team selected by the user system via the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark G. Clark, Michael E. Cropp, Bohdan Demczar, Richard J. Fishbune, Justin Gilbert, Mahesh J. Jesrani, Ruediger Johner, Robert C. Kulle, Alan D. Lemberger, John S. Maresca, Suheil M. Nassar, Timothy R. Tennant
  • Patent number: 7442053
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a first connector body having an interlocking feature extending therefrom. The interlocking feature interlocks the first connector body with a complimentary interlocking feature extending from an adjacent second connector body to distribute a lateral force on either the first or second connector bodies across the adjacent connector body thereby reducing a rotational moment at a base of each electrical connector connected to a printed circuit board (PCB).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Brodsky, Mark G. Clark, Amanda E. E. Mikhail, Arvind K. Sinha, Scott A. Shurson, Jason T. Stoll
  • Publication number: 20080220624
    Abstract: Ali apparatus for supporting at least one electrical connector body, the apparatus includes a mechanical frame assembly mountable to a printed circuit board (PCB) and separable from the at least one connector body and the PCB. The frame assembly includes at least one base member for attachment to the PCB; and a plurality of rigid body members each spaced apart from one another and extending from the at least one base member or an adjacent rigid body member. The plurality of rigid body members receive a grouping of one or more connector bodies and a pair of adjacent rigid body members are configured to receive and support at least a portion of an entire length of respective opposing side surfaces defining each connector body. When a lateral force is applied to the connector body, the frame assembly acts as a support and transfers the lateral force to the PCB, thereby reducing a rotational moment at a base of each connector body connected to the PCB.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William L. Brodsky, Mark G. Clark, Amanda E.E. Mikhail, Arvind K. Sinha, Scott A. Shurson, Jason T. Stoll
  • Publication number: 20080220634
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a first connector body having an interlocking feature extending therefrom. The interlocking feature interlocks the first connector body with a complimentary interlocking feature extending from an adjacent second connector body to distribute a lateral force on either the first or second connector bodies across the adjacent connector body thereby reducing a rotational moment at a base of each electrical connector connected to a printed circuit board (PCB).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William L. Brodsky, Mark G. Clark, Amanda E.E. Mikhail, Arvind K. Sinha, Scott A. Shurson, Jason T. Stoll
  • Patent number: 7354281
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a first connector body having an interlocking feature extending therefrom. The interlocking feature interlocks the first connector body with a complimentary interlocking feature extending from an adjacent second connector body to distribute a lateral force on either the first or second connector bodies across the adjacent connector body thereby reducing a rotational moment at a base of each electrical connector connected to a printed circuit board (PCB).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Brodsky, Mark G. Clark, Amanda E. E. Mikhail, Arvind K. Sinha, Scott A. Shurson, Jason T. Stoll