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).
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Patent number: 10573996Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 28, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Justin C. Rogers, Mark G. Clark, Lee N. Helgeson
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Patent number: 10528092Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 5, 2017Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mark G. Clark, Kenneth E. Lubahn, Justin C. Rogers, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
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Publication number: 20190165517Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2017Publication date: May 30, 2019Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Sandra J. SHIRK/HEATH, Justin C. ROGERS, Mark G. CLARK, Lee N. HELGESON
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Patent number: 10170873Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 2, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mark G. Clark, Kenneth E. Lubahn, Justin C. Rogers, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
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Publication number: 20180292869Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2017Publication date: October 11, 2018Inventors: Mark G. CLARK, Kenneth E. LUBAHN, Justin C. ROGERS, Sandra J. SHIRK/HEATH
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Publication number: 20180198244Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2017Publication date: July 12, 2018Inventors: Mark G. CLARK, Kenneth E. LUBAHN, Justin C. ROGERS, Sandra J. SHIRK/HEATH
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Patent number: 9974205Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 16, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Mark G. Clark, Kenneth E. Lubahn, Justin C. Rogers, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
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Patent number: 9859666Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 12, 2017Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Mark G. Clark, Kenneth E. Lubahn, Justin C. Rogers, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
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Publication number: 20150222068Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2015Publication date: August 6, 2015Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: David J. Braun, Mark G. Clark, John R. Dangler, Matthew S. Doyle, Thomas D. Kidd, Jason T. Stoll
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Patent number: 9032617Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: David J. Braun, Mark G. Clark, John R. Dangler, Matthew S. Doyle, Thomas D. Kidd, Jason T. Stoll
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Publication number: 20120088376Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: David J. BRAUN, Mark G. CLARK, John R. DANGLER, Matthew S. DOYLE, Thomas D. KIDD, Jason T. STOLL
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Patent number: 8106300Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: David J. Braun, Mark G. Clark, John R. Dangler, Matthew S. Doyle, Thomas D. Kidd, Jason T. Stoll
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Patent number: 7977582Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mark G. Clark, John R. Dangler, Matthew S. Doyle, Thomas D. Kidd, Timothy L. McMillan, Jason T. Stoll
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Publication number: 20100084160Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2008Publication date: April 8, 2010Inventors: David J. Braun, Mark G. Clark, John R. Dangler, Matthew S. Doyle, Thomas D. Kidd, Jason T. Stoll
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Publication number: 20090188712Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventors: Mark G. Clark, John R. Dangler, Matthew S. Doyle, Thomas D. Kidd, Timothy L. McMillan, Jason T. Stoll
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Publication number: 20080300946Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: 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
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Patent number: 7442053Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 14, 2008Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: William L. Brodsky, Mark G. Clark, Amanda E. E. Mikhail, Arvind K. Sinha, Scott A. Shurson, Jason T. Stoll
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Publication number: 20080220624Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2007Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: William L. Brodsky, Mark G. Clark, Amanda E.E. Mikhail, Arvind K. Sinha, Scott A. Shurson, Jason T. Stoll
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Publication number: 20080220634Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: William L. Brodsky, Mark G. Clark, Amanda E.E. Mikhail, Arvind K. Sinha, Scott A. Shurson, Jason T. Stoll
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Patent number: 7354281Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: William L. Brodsky, Mark G. Clark, Amanda E. E. Mikhail, Arvind K. Sinha, Scott A. Shurson, Jason T. Stoll