Patents by Inventor Mitchell L. Zapotoski

Mitchell L. Zapotoski 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: 10700466
    Abstract: A connector system that includes first and second connector components. The first connector component includes a female connector. The second connector component includes a male connector having blades for insertion into the female connector; an enclosure enclosing the male connector and having an open end wherein the blades of the male connector face the open end; a locked shield within the open end of the enclosure to obscure the blades and to prevent contact with the blades; and an actuator to unlock the locked shield. Upon insertion of the first connector component into the enclosure, the first connector component causes the actuator to unlock the locked shield and upon further insertion of the first connector component into the enclosure, the first connector component opens the unlocked shield away from the male connector to expose the blades and to allow the female connector to engage the blades of the male connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William L. Brodsky, Robert B. Schlak, Noah B. Singer, Mitchell L. Zapotoski
  • Publication number: 20200136298
    Abstract: A connector system that includes first and second connector components. The first connector component includes a female connector. The second connector component includes a male connector having blades for insertion into the female connector; an enclosure enclosing the male connector and having an open end wherein the blades of the male connector face the open end; a locked shield within the open end of the enclosure to obscure the blades and to prevent contact with the blades; and an actuator to unlock the locked shield. Upon insertion of the first connector component into the enclosure, the first connector component causes the actuator to unlock the locked shield and upon further insertion of the first connector component into the enclosure, the first connector component opens the unlocked shield away from the male connector to expose the blades and to allow the female connector to engage the blades of the male connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: William L. Brodsky, Robert B. Schlak, Noah B. Singer, Mitchell L. Zapotoski
  • Patent number: 10076053
    Abstract: An apparatus for mating computing device structures. The apparatus comprises a first bracket coupled to a pluggable electronic device. The first bracket comprises a first set of one or more attachment features that are capable of coupling to corresponding receiving features of a supporting structure. The apparatus further comprises a second bracket coupled to the pluggable electronic device. The second bracket comprises a second set of one or more attachment features that are capable of coupling to corresponding receiving features of a supporting structure. In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises one or more guide tubes coupled to the pluggable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Genest, John J. Loparco, Robert K. Mullady, John G. Torok, Wade H. White, Mitchell L. Zapotoski
  • Patent number: 10019028
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention discloses an apparatus for mating computing device structures. The apparatus comprises one or more rotatable latches, the one or more rotatable latches each including a respective screw mechanism housed within the one or more rotatable latches. The apparatus further comprises one or more spring assemblies, the one or more spring assemblies each including a respective thread assembly housed within the one or more spring assemblies. The respective thread assemblies comprise threading that is capable of receiving a corresponding screw mechanism of the one or more rotatable latches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Loparco, David C. Olson, Michael T. Peets, John G. Torok, Wade H. White, Mitchell L. Zapotoski
  • Patent number: 9547334
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention discloses an apparatus for mating computing device structures. The apparatus comprises one or more rotatable latches, the one or more rotatable latches each including a respective screw mechanism housed within the one or more rotatable latches. The apparatus further comprises one or more spring assemblies, the one or more spring assemblies each including a respective thread assembly housed within the one or more spring assemblies. The respective thread assemblies comprise threading that is capable of receiving a corresponding screw mechanism of the one or more rotatable latches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Loparco, David C. Olson, Michael T. Peets, John G. Torok, Wade H. White, Mitchell L. Zapotoski
  • Publication number: 20160309609
    Abstract: An apparatus for mating computing device structures. The apparatus comprises a first bracket coupled to a pluggable electronic device. The first bracket comprises a first set of one or more attachment features that are capable of coupling to corresponding receiving features of a supporting structure. The apparatus further comprises a second bracket coupled to the pluggable electronic device. The second bracket comprises a second set of one or more attachment features that are capable of coupling to corresponding receiving features of a supporting structure. In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises one or more guide tubes coupled to the pluggable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Robert R. Genest, John J. Loparco, Robert K. Mullady, John G. Torok, Wade H. White, Mitchell L. Zapotoski
  • Patent number: 9426924
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention discloses an apparatus for mating computing device structures. The apparatus comprises a first bracket coupled to a pluggable electronic device. The first bracket comprises a first set of one or more attachment features that are capable of coupling to corresponding receiving features of a supporting structure. The apparatus further comprises a second bracket coupled to the pluggable electronic device. The second bracket comprises a second set of one or more attachment features that are capable of coupling to corresponding receiving features of a supporting structure. In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises one or more guide tubes coupled to the pluggable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Genest, John J. Loparco, Robert K. Mullady, John G. Torok, Wade H. White, Mitchell L. Zapotoski
  • Publication number: 20160219744
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention discloses an apparatus for mating computing device structures. The apparatus comprises one or more rotatable latches, the one or more rotatable latches each including a respective screw mechanism housed within the one or more rotatable latches. The apparatus further comprises one or more spring assemblies, the one or more spring assemblies each including a respective thread assembly housed within the one or more spring assemblies. The respective thread assemblies comprise threading that is capable of receiving a corresponding screw mechanism of the one or more rotatable latches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: John J. Loparco, David C. Olson, Michael T. Peets, John G. Torok, Wade H. White, Mitchell L. Zapotoski
  • Publication number: 20160219745
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention discloses an apparatus for mating computing device structures. The apparatus comprises one or more rotatable latches, the one or more rotatable latches each including a respective screw mechanism housed within the one or more rotatable latches. The apparatus further comprises one or more spring assemblies, the one or more spring assemblies each including a respective thread assembly housed within the one or more spring assemblies. The respective thread assemblies comprise threading that is capable of receiving a corresponding screw mechanism of the one or more rotatable latches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: John J. Loparco, David C. Olson, Michael T. Peets, John G. Torok, Wade H. White, Mitchell L. Zapotoski
  • Publication number: 20160219747
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention discloses an apparatus for mating computing device structures. The apparatus comprises a first bracket coupled to a pluggable electronic device. The first bracket comprises a first set of one or more attachment features that are capable of coupling to corresponding receiving features of a supporting structure. The apparatus further comprises a second bracket coupled to the pluggable electronic device. The second bracket comprises a second set of one or more attachment features that are capable of coupling to corresponding receiving features of a supporting structure. In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises one or more guide tubes coupled to the pluggable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Robert R. Genest, John J. Loparco, Robert K. Mullady, John G. Torok, Wade H. White, Mitchell L. Zapotoski
  • Patent number: 8900004
    Abstract: A slim line mechanism is provided and includes a first body having a stationary track coupled thereto, a first mechanism, which is supportable between the stationary track and the first body and configured to be driven in a first direction, a second mechanism, which is configured to be driven by the first mechanism in a second direction transverse with respect to the first direction, a system by which the first and second mechanisms are coupled to one another and connectors by which the first body is supportively connectable with the first and second mechanisms such that movements thereof in the first and second directions, respectively, are permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert K. Mullady, Mitchell L. Zapotoski
  • Publication number: 20130042708
    Abstract: A slim line mechanism is provided and includes a first body having a stationary track coupled thereto, a first mechanism, which is supportable between the stationary track and the first body and configured to be driven in a first direction, a second mechanism, which is configured to be driven by the first mechanism in a second direction transverse with respect to the first direction, a system by which the first and second mechanisms are coupled to one another and connectors by which the first body is supportively connectable with the first and second mechanisms such that movements thereof in the first and second directions, respectively, are permitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert K. Mullady, Mitchell L. Zapotoski
  • Patent number: 7643307
    Abstract: A data processing system and method providing a jumper which provides standby power from a redundant power supply to one of at least two critical functions in a frame having bays for holding at least two nodes. The redundant power supply supplying power to one of the nodes in the frame and one of the critical functions. A jumper is slidably engageable in the frame in place of one of the nodes. The jumper, when engaged in the frame, transfers power from the redundant power supply to the other of the critical functions. The jumper is included in a jumper book of an airblock which includes passive airblock books. Mechanical keys on the passive airblock books prevent the removal of the jumper book until after the passive airblock books are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frank E. Bosco, Douglas A. Baska, Joseph P. Corrado, Gerald J. Fahr, William P. Kostenko, Mitchell L. Zapotoski
  • 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