Patents by Inventor Michael J. MacPherson
Michael J. MacPherson 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: 11643288Abstract: An integrated shipping ramp for multi-package unit loads including a ramp portion configured to guide an upper package down from atop a lower package; and a lower package attachment portion comprising a corner board for insertion into a cavity of the lower package, wherein inserting the corner board into the cavity of the lower package secures the lower package attachment portion to the lower package, wherein in a shipping configuration the ramp portion is integrated with a multi-package unit load comprising the upper package and the lower package, and wherein in a dismounting configuration the ramp portion provides an inclined platform from a top of the lower package to a height below the top of the lower package.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2018Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Tate T. Harnack, Kael B. Eddy, Michael J. Macpherson, Steven C. Erickson
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Publication number: 20200140142Abstract: A modular shipping container includes a layer of two side pieces positioned against sides of a component of several components with a same width. The side piece include pegs protruding from a top of each side piece and bottom openings in a bottom of each side piece sized and positioned to conform to the pegs. The container includes one or more end pieces on the same layer as the side pieces. Each end of the end piece is shaped to attach to an end of a side piece and is shaped to maintain a width between the side pieces. A length of an area formed by the side pieces and end pieces is sized to accommodate a maximum length of each component. The components have a height that is an integer number of standard units and a height of the side pieces matches an integral number of the standard units.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2018Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Steven C Erickson, Ryan Paske, Benjamin Luedeman, Michael J. MacPherson, Clinton W. Erie
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Publication number: 20200095076Abstract: An integrated shipping ramp for multi-package unit loads including a ramp portion configured to guide an upper package down from atop a lower package; and a lower package attachment portion comprising a corner board for insertion into a cavity of the lower package, wherein inserting the corner board into the cavity of the lower package secures the lower package attachment portion to the lower package, wherein in a shipping configuration the ramp portion is integrated with a multi-package unit load comprising the upper package and the lower package, and wherein in a dismounting configuration the ramp portion provides an inclined platform from a top of the lower package to a height below the top of the lower package.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2018Publication date: March 26, 2020Inventors: TATE T. HARNACK, KAEL B. EDDY, MICHAEL J. MACPHERSON, STEVEN C. ERICKSON
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Patent number: 10467542Abstract: An intelligent load control device is provided for operable incorporation in an object. The intelligent load control device includes devices disposed about the object to detect characteristics thereof that are relevant to an object tipping event, a response system, and a processing unit. The response system is configured to take an action to mitigate risks associated with the object tipping event responsive to received control instructions. The processing unit is disposed to be receptive of the detected characteristics from the devices and to issue the control instructions to the response system. The processing unit is configured to dynamically analyze the detected characteristics to determine a likelihood of the object tipping event and to issue the control instructions in accordance with the determined likelihood.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Clinton W. Erie, Jason S. Lee, Michael J. Macpherson, Ryan T. Paske
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Patent number: 10457443Abstract: Adjustable pallets are provided which include a deck to support a product for shipping. The deck is selectively positionable in a raised position, as a horizontal support surface for the product, and in a lowered position, closer, at least in part, to a floor to facilitate loading the product on or unloading the product from the pallet. Further, the adjustable pallet includes a movable support, the movable support includes an inclined plane. The deck rests on the movable support in the raised position, and the deck traverses, at least in part, the inclined plane of the movable support when the deck is transitioned between the raised position and the lowered position.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2018Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Michael J. MacPherson, Jason S. Lee, Clinton W. Erie, Ryan Paske
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Patent number: 10334749Abstract: A mobility apparatus. The mobility apparatus may include a continuous fixed-length rail attached horizontally to a bottom structural member of the front or the rear of a server rack. The continuous fixed-length rail exceeds a width of the server rack by an equal amount on either side of the server rack. The mobility apparatus also includes a lower rail portion attached to a lower edge of the continuous fixed-length rail; a raised rail portion attached to an extended length of each portion of the continuous fixed-length rail; and at least one wheel attached to an underside of each end of the extended length of the continuous fixed-length rail.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Cody J. Erie, Michael J. MacPherson, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
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Patent number: 10172255Abstract: A mobility apparatus. The mobility apparatus may include a continuous fixed-length rail attached horizontally to a bottom structural member of the front or the rear of a server rack. The continuous fixed-length rail exceeds a width of the server rack by an equal amount on either side of the server rack. The mobility apparatus also includes a lower rail portion attached to a lower edge of the continuous fixed-length rail; a raised rail portion attached to an extended length of each portion of the continuous fixed-length rail; and at least one wheel attached to an underside of each end of the extended length of the continuous fixed-length rail.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Cody J. Erie, Michael J. MacPherson, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
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Patent number: 10132711Abstract: A system and a method for stability measurement and optimization are provided. For example, the method includes loading an object onto a tilting device that includes one or more sensor devices, collecting resting corner weight values from the one or more sensor devices, tilting the object using the tilting device, collecting tilted corner weight values from the one or more sensor devices while tilting the object using the tilting device, calculating, using a data processor of the tilting device, a center of gravity value based on the resting corner weight values, the tilted corner weight values, and dimensions of the object, generating, using the data processor, a tipping angle based on at least the center of gravity value and the dimensions of the object, and generating, using the data processor, a recommendation to adjust the tipping angle.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Clinton W. Erie, Jason S. Lee, Michael J. Macpherson, Ryan T. Paske
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Patent number: 10042333Abstract: An intelligent load control device is provided for operable incorporation in an object. The intelligent load control device includes devices disposed about the object to detect characteristics thereof that are relevant to an object tipping event, a response system, and a processing unit. The response system is configured to take an action to mitigate risks associated with the object tipping event responsive to received control instructions. The processing unit is disposed to be receptive of the detected characteristics from the devices and to issue the control instructions to the response system. The processing unit is configured to dynamically analyze the detected characteristics to determine a likelihood of the object tipping event and to issue the control instructions in accordance with the determined likelihood.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2017Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Clinton W. Erie, Jason S. Lee, Michael J. Macpherson, Ryan T. Paske
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Publication number: 20180213672Abstract: A mobility apparatus. The mobility apparatus may include a continuous fixed-length rail attached horizontally to a bottom structural member of the front or the rear of a server rack. The continuous fixed-length rail exceeds a width of the server rack by an equal amount on either side of the server rack. The mobility apparatus also includes a lower rail portion attached to a lower edge of the continuous fixed-length rail; a raised rail portion attached to an extended length of each portion of the continuous fixed-length rail; and at least one wheel attached to an underside of each end of the extended length of the continuous fixed-length rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2017Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Cody J. Erie, Michael J. MacPherson, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
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Publication number: 20180213673Abstract: A mobility apparatus. The mobility apparatus may include a continuous fixed-length rail attached horizontally to a bottom structural member of the front or the rear of a server rack. The continuous fixed-length rail exceeds a width of the server rack by an equal amount on either side of the server rack. The mobility apparatus also includes a lower rail portion attached to a lower edge of the continuous fixed-length rail; a raised rail portion attached to an extended length of each portion of the continuous fixed-length rail; and at least one wheel attached to an underside of each end of the extended length of the continuous fixed-length rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2017Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Cody J. Erie, Michael J. MacPherson, Stephen P. Mroz, Christopher L. Tuma
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Publication number: 20180143596Abstract: An intelligent load control device is provided for operable incorporation in an object. The intelligent load control device includes devices disposed about the object to detect characteristics thereof that are relevant to an object tipping event, a response system, and a processing unit. The response system is configured to take an action to mitigate risks associated with the object tipping event responsive to received control instructions. The processing unit is disposed to be receptive of the detected characteristics from the devices and to issue the control instructions to the response system. The processing unit is configured to dynamically analyze the detected characteristics to determine a likelihood of the object tipping event and to issue the control instructions in accordance with the determined likelihood.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2016Publication date: May 24, 2018Inventors: Clinton W. Erie, Jason S. Lee, Michael J. Macpherson, Ryan T. Paske
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Publication number: 20180143597Abstract: An intelligent load control device is provided for operable incorporation in an object. The intelligent load control device includes devices disposed about the object to detect characteristics thereof that are relevant to an object tipping event, a response system, and a processing unit. The response system is configured to take an action to mitigate risks associated with the object tipping event responsive to received control instructions. The processing unit is disposed to be receptive of the detected characteristics from the devices and to issue the control instructions to the response system. The processing unit is configured to dynamically analyze the detected characteristics to determine a likelihood of the object tipping event and to issue the control instructions in accordance with the determined likelihood.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2017Publication date: May 24, 2018Inventors: Clinton W. Erie, Jason S. Lee, Michael J. Macpherson, Ryan T. Paske
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Publication number: 20180120190Abstract: A system and a method for stability measurement and optimization are provided. For example, the method includes loading an object onto a tilting device that includes one or more sensor devices, collecting resting corner weight values from the one or more sensor devices, tilting the object using the tilting device, collecting tilted corner weight values from the one or more sensor devices while tilting the object using the tilting device, calculating, using a data processor of the tilting device, a center of gravity value based on the resting corner weight values, the tilted corner weight values, and dimensions of the object, generating, using the data processor, a tipping angle based on at least the center of gravity value and the dimensions of the object, and generating, using the data processor, a recommendation to adjust the tipping angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2016Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Clinton W. Erie, Jason S. Lee, Michael J. Macpherson, Ryan T. Paske
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Patent number: 9928759Abstract: An informational label apparatus for a product component includes a base affixable to a product component. A first portion of labelling information located at the product component is viewable through the base. A door operably connected to the base includes a second portion of labelling information. The first portion of labelling information is hidden from view when the door is in a closed position, and is viewable when the door is at an opened position. A component of a computer machine includes an electronic component including component identification information affixed thereto. A cover is secured over the component identification information and includes a base secured to the electronic component. A door operably connected to the base includes computer machine identification information. The component identification information is hidden from view when the door is at a closed position, and is viewable when the door is at an opened position.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Kael B. Eddy, Clinton W. Erie, Michael J. MacPherson, Patrick J. Reuvers
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Publication number: 20170169740Abstract: An informational label apparatus for a product component includes a base affixable to a product component. A first portion of labelling information located at the product component is viewable through the base. A door operably connected to the base includes a second portion of labelling information. The first portion of labelling information is hidden from view when the door is in a closed position, and is viewable when the door is at an opened position. A component of a computer machine includes an electronic component including component identification information affixed thereto. A cover is secured over the component identification information and includes a base secured to the electronic component. A door operably connected to the base includes computer machine identification information. The component identification information is hidden from view when the door is at a closed position, and is viewable when the door is at an opened position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2015Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: Kael B. Eddy, Clinton W. Erie, Michael J. MacPherson, Patrick J. Reuvers
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Patent number: 8898979Abstract: A modular panel unit according to one embodiment includes a major subunit adapted for being secured to a keyed backing panel, and at least one minor subunit. The major subunit includes at least one connector adapted for coupling to a corresponding connection feature of the keyed backing panel in order to secure the major subunit to the keyed backing panel; and one or more coupling features. Each minor subunit includes: one or more couplers adapted for coupling to the one or more coupling features of the major subunit in order to secure the minor subunit to the major subunit. Additional systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Paula Besterman, Aaron R. Cox, Scott R. LaPree, Michael J. MacPherson, Mark D. Pfeifer
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Patent number: 8763913Abstract: An RFID tag assembly for attachment to an enclosure surface including a door, an RFID tag attached to one face of the door or wrapped around the door, and an attachment device for connecting the door to the enclosure surface to allow the door to move to a position that shows both sides of the door. The RFID tag can include a ground plane, the tag wrapped around the door such that the ground plane is on the back of the door and the RFID tag antenna is on the front of the door. A ground plane can be provided on the enclosure inner or outer surface in alignment with the RFID tag antenna, with the antenna directly or inductively coupled to the ground plane when the door is in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Roland K. Alo, Aaron R. Cox, Joel A. Gotelaere, Max J. C. Koschmeder, Kenneth E. Lubahn, Michael J. MacPherson
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Publication number: 20140062275Abstract: A modular panel unit according to one embodiment includes a major subunit adapted for being secured to a keyed backing panel, and at least one minor subunit. The major subunit includes at least one connector adapted for coupling to a corresponding connection feature of the keyed backing panel in order to secure the major subunit to the keyed backing panel; and one or more coupling features. Each minor subunit includes: one or more couplers adapted for coupling to the one or more coupling features of the major subunit in order to secure the minor subunit to the major subunit. Additional systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Paula Besterman, Aaron R. Cox, Scott R. LaPree, Michael J. MacPherson, Mark D. Pfeifer
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Patent number: 8527603Abstract: A method and system for personalizing a plurality of parts are disclosed. All of these parts have an identical part number and one or more programmable functions. The method comprises the steps of employing in a first product a first of said parts; and employing in a second product, a second of said parts. Prior to normal operation of the first product, a first code is set in the first part, and this first code causes the first part to provide a first programmable function during normal operation of the first product. Prior to normal operation of the second product, a second code is set in the second part, and this second code causes the second part to provide a second programmable function during normal operation of the second product. The said second programmable function is different from the first programmable function.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: William H. Cochran, Richard B. Finch, Michael J. MacPherson, James A. O'Connor