Patents by Inventor Nicholas Andrew KEEHN
Nicholas Andrew KEEHN 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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Publication number: 20210351423Abstract: The disclosed technology is generally directed to fuel cells. In one example of the technology, a fuel cell stack that includes an anode and a cathode causes a load to be driven. A control subsystem is measures at least one characteristic associated with the load, and to provide at least one control signal based, at least in part, on the at least one characteristic. An oxidizing agent input subsystem provides an oxidizing agent to the cathode of the fuel cell stack. A fuel input subsystem provides gaseous fuel to the anode of the fuel cell stack. The fuel input subsystem includes a fuel pump that is arranged to pump the gaseous fuel into the fuel input subsystem. A fuel-side high-speed valve adjusts mass flow of the gaseous fuel to the cathode of the fuel cell stack based on at least a first control signal of the at least one control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Inventors: Eric Clarence PETERSON, Sean Michael JAMES, Nicholas Andrew KEEHN
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Publication number: 20210286531Abstract: To create secured offline data that is inaccessible by any computing devices external to a datacenter, a system includes an offline storage area for the datacenter. The offline storage area is distinct from a production area of the datacenter. The system also includes an offline storage unit that is configured to include storage media items that have been designated for offline storage. The storage media items include data from the datacenter. An automated system that operates within the production area of the datacenter is configured to transfer the storage media items into the offline storage unit. The system also includes a unidirectional security system that prevents the automated system from removing the storage media items from the offline storage unit after the storage media items have been moved into the offline storage area, thereby making the storage media items inaccessible to the automated system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2020Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventors: Jason David ADRIAN, Nicholas Andrew KEEHN
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Patent number: 11108065Abstract: The disclosed technology is generally directed to fuel cells. In one example of the technology, a fuel cell stack that includes an anode and a cathode causes a load to be driven. A control subsystem is measures at least one characteristic associated with the load, and to provide at least one control signal based, at least in part, on the at least one characteristic. An oxidizing agent input subsystem provides an oxidizing agent to the cathode of the fuel cell stack. A fuel input subsystem provides gaseous fuel to the anode of the fuel cell stack. The fuel input subsystem includes a fuel pump that is arranged to pump the gaseous fuel into the fuel input subsystem. A fuel-side high-speed valve adjusts mass flow of the gaseous fuel to the cathode of the fuel cell stack based on at least a first control signal of the at least one control signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Eric Clarence Peterson, Sean Michael James, Nicholas Andrew Keehn
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Patent number: 11019753Abstract: In an example, a server system is provided. The server system includes a frame including a support structure and a server supported by the support structure. The server system includes an actuator configured to cause the server to transition from a first position to a second position to increase exposure of the server to airflow to transfer heat away from the server via convection. The actuator is also configured to cause the server to transition from the second position to the first position to decrease exposure of the server to the airflow.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2017Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Sean Michael James, Eric C. Peterson, Michael Rees Helsel, Nicholas Andrew Keehn
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Patent number: 10998483Abstract: A method of controlling energy in a datacenter includes receiving a fuel cell operating percentage of an operating capacity of the fuel cell, receiving a fuel cell exhaust temperature, receiving a hot aisle air temperature from a hot aisle of a server computer, determining a temperature delta between the hot aisle air temperature and the fuel cell exhaust temperature, and then allocating virtual machine placements to change a server user percentage relative to a server user capacity percentage target value to optimize the fuel cell operating percentage relative to the fuel cell efficiency target value, the temperature delta relative to the thermoelectric generator efficiency target value, and the server user percentage relative to the server user capacity percentage target value.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Ioannis Manousakis, Nicholas Andrew Keehn, Husam Atallah Alissa
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Publication number: 20210126179Abstract: A method of controlling energy in a datacenter includes receiving a fuel cell operating percentage of an operating capacity of the fuel cell, receiving a fuel cell exhaust temperature, receiving a hot aisle air temperature from a hot aisle of a server computer, determining a temperature delta between the hot aisle air temperature and the fuel cell exhaust temperature, and then allocating virtual machine placements to change a server user percentage relative to a server user capacity percentage target value to optimize the fuel cell operating percentage relative to the fuel cell efficiency target value, the temperature delta relative to the thermoelectric generator efficiency target value, and the server user percentage relative to the server user capacity percentage target value.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2019Publication date: April 29, 2021Inventors: Ioannis MANOUSAKIS, Nicholas Andrew KEEHN, Husam Atallah ALISSA
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Publication number: 20210059079Abstract: Techniques for mitigating loss of vaporized working fluid in a two-phase immersion cooling system may be implemented using one or more supplemental condensers that facilitate condensation of vaporized working fluid when the immersion tank is open, and one or more vapor collection points that are in fluid communication with at least one supplemental condenser. One or more fluid displacement devices may be configured to create suction pressure at the one or more vapor collection points. One or more vents may be positioned in the door. The one or more vents may be configured to permit movement of air from outside the immersion tank into an interior portion of the immersion tank without permitting loss of vaporized working fluid. A directional blowing device may be configured to blow a gaseous substance against a computing device in a downward direction as the computing device is being pulled upward out of the immersion tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2019Publication date: February 25, 2021Inventors: Nicholas Andrew KEEHN, Ioannis MANOUSAKIS, Winston Allen SAUNDERS, Husam Atallah ALISSA, Eric Clarence PETERSON
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Patent number: 10879732Abstract: A system includes operation of a trained neural network to output a first signal indicative of one or more characteristics of a power signal based on an input plurality of power-related conditions data, determination of a first power supply mode based on the first signal, and control of a power supply to operate in the first power supply mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Roy Mehdi Zeighami, Michael Rees Helsel, Husam Atallah Alissa, Nicholas Andrew Keehn
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Publication number: 20200381753Abstract: The disclosed technology is generally directed to fuel cells. In one example of the technology, a fuel cell stack that includes an anode and a cathode causes a load to be driven. A control subsystem is measures at least one characteristic associated with the load, and to provide at least one control signal based, at least in part, on the at least one characteristic. An oxidizing agent input subsystem provides an oxidizing agent to the cathode of the fuel cell stack. A fuel input subsystem provides gaseous fuel to the anode of the fuel cell stack. The fuel input subsystem includes a fuel pump that is arranged to pump the gaseous fuel into the fuel input subsystem. A fuel-side high-speed valve adjusts mass flow of the gaseous fuel to the cathode of the fuel cell stack based on at least a first control signal of the at least one control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2019Publication date: December 3, 2020Inventors: Eric Clarence PETERSON, Sean Michael JAMES, Nicholas Andrew KEEHN
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Patent number: 10757840Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system to improve heat transfer for a data center may include a substantially cylindrical data center tower. The data center tower may include a data center tower bottom having at least one bottom opening to receive external air and a data center tower top, smaller than the data center tower bottom, having a top opening to expel air containing heat, created by the data center, via the Venturi effect. A plurality of hydrophilic bladders may be located proximate to at least a portion of a side of the data center tower, and plurality of data center computer servers may be arranged proximate to the side of the data center tower. In some embodiments, a heat capturing bottom portion of the side of the data center tower is formed of transparent material and/or a translucent material.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Priscilla Johnson, Nicholas Andrew Keehn
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Patent number: 10748224Abstract: A continuously growing physical structure may be generated by identifying a plurality of metrics associated with the physical structure. The plurality of metrics may include at least one of a shape of available physical space, a size of available physical space, a type of soil/earth of a location of the physical structure, a context of use of the physical structure, a climate of the location, or availability of resources associated with the location. The plurality of metrics may be analyzed to determine at least one of a rate of growth of the physical structure or a most suitable shape of the physical structure. Growth of the physical structure may then be generated according to at least one of the determined rate of growth of the physical structure or the determined most suitable shape of the physical structure. The identified plurality of metrics may then be monitored periodically.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Christian L. Belady, Sean Michael James, Michael Rees Helsel, Nicholas Andrew Keehn, Eric C. Peterson
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Patent number: 10750637Abstract: A removable immersion cooling infrastructure module can have a form factor equivalent to that of one or more of the computing devices being cooled by immersion cooling, thereby enabling the immersion cooling infrastructure module to be installed and removed in the same simplified and efficient manner. Moreover, the quantity of immersion cooling infrastructure modules can be varied depending on need, since the immersion cooling infrastructure modules and computing devices can be interchangeable within the openings designed to house the computing devices. An immersion cooling infrastructure module can comprise a filter, a pump that can circulate the immersion cooling liquid through the filter, a power supply and a controller, with the module receiving power, and, optionally, communications and other like connectivity, from the same source as the computing devices.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Husam Alissa, Nicholas Andrew Keehn
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Publication number: 20200234202Abstract: Improving the operations of a computer system that is located within a power grid and that is associated with its own power sources. Past operational characteristics of the power grid are analyzed to derive learned characteristics for the power grid. Future operational characteristics of the power grid are also monitored. A prediction regarding a future load event associated with the power grid is then generated using the learned characteristics and the monitored characteristics. In response to this prediction, one or more operations are performed to balance the computer system with the power grid during the future load event, and to ensure a determined availability of services associated with the computer system during the future load event.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Inventors: Michael Rees HELSEL, Vincent Joseph BLAS, Nicholas Andrew KEEHN, Sean Michael JAMES, Brandon MIDDAUGH
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Publication number: 20200183400Abstract: Techniques are described herein that are capable of performing RFID-based navigation of an autonomous guided vehicle (AGV). An intended location of the AGV is determined based at least in part on a previously determined location of the AGV and further based at least in part on a calculated motion of the AGV from the previously determined location. The AGV includes an RFID device that is paired with RFID devices in an environment of the AGV. The RFID device of the AGV and one or more of the RFID devices in the environment may communicate in accordance with an RFID technique to enable the AGV to determine an actual location of the AGV. A reference location of the AGV on which navigation of the AGV is based is set to be the actual location rather than the intended location.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2018Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Nicholas Andrew Keehn, Adolfo Bravo Ferreira, Winston Allen Saunders
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Patent number: 10628762Abstract: Improving the operations of a data center that is located within a power grid and that includes its own power sources. Past operational characteristics of the power grid are analyzed to derive learned characteristics for the power grid. Current and/or future operational characteristics of the power grid are also monitored. A prediction regarding an upcoming, anticipated load for the power grid is then generated using the learned characteristics and the monitored characteristics. In response to this prediction, one or more mitigation operations are selected and then performed at the data center to ensure that the data center is adequately available. Some of these mitigation operations include, but are not limited to, causing the data center to consume more power, causing the data center's power sources to store more power, or causing the data center to migrate services and/or data to a different data center.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2018Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Michael Rees Helsel, Vincent Joseph Blas, Nicholas Andrew Keehn, Sean Michael James, Brandon Middaugh
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Patent number: 10499532Abstract: An infrastructure floor tile for supporting and positioning a server rack in a datacenter includes a body including top, bottom and side surfaces and a first alignment surface on the top surface. The first alignment surface includes at least one of a projection and a recess. When a server rack is positioned on the first alignment surface of the infrastructure floor tile, the server rack is aligned by the first alignment surface relative to the body. N horizontal channels extend from one of the side surfaces to an opposite one of the side surfaces, where N is an integer greater than one. N vertical channels extending from the top surface of the body to the N horizontal channels, respectively. Power, cooling fluid and/or data lines are connected to the server rack through at least one of the N horizontal channels and at least one of the N vertical channels.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Nicholas Andrew Keehn, Winston Allen Saunders, Sean James, Saurabh Shrivastava
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Publication number: 20190357377Abstract: An infrastructure floor tile for supporting and positioning a server rack in a datacenter includes a body including top, bottom and side surfaces and a first alignment surface on the top surface. The first alignment surface includes at least one of a projection and a recess. When a server rack is positioned on the first alignment surface of the infrastructure floor tile, the server rack is aligned by the first alignment surface relative to the body. N horizontal channels extend from one of the side surfaces to an opposite one of the side surfaces, where N is an integer greater than one. N vertical channels extending from the top surface of the body to the N horizontal channels, respectively. Power, cooling fluid and/or data lines are connected to the server rack through at least one of the N horizontal channels and at least one of the N vertical channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2018Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Nicholas Andrew KEEHN, Winston Allen SAUNDERS, Sean JAMES, Saurabh SHRIVASTAVA
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Patent number: 10485137Abstract: A cooled electronics module (CEM) includes a cooling device and a server blade or other electronic device that is operationally enclosed in a container of the cooling device by a closure secured to a connection block. Each CEM is pluggable for electronic communication and coolant fluid flow. The connection block has electronics connectors to connect the contained electronic device, which is submerged in coolant, with external networks, power, and other infrastructure. CEMs may be installed in an initial deployment of electronic devices, or later to rapidly replace or supplement an operating electronic device. Installation may include placing the CEM on a rail which has coolant lines and electrical lines and connectors, putting coolant in the CEM before or after placement, and making connections for power, data signal, and coolant flow. CEMs may be constrained as to the number of motherboards or volume or thermal energy per CEM pool of coolant.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Michael Rees Helsel, Nicholas Andrew Keehn
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Publication number: 20190335624Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system to improve heat transfer for a data center may include a substantially cylindrical data center tower. The data center tower may include a data center tower bottom having at least one bottom opening to receive external air and a data center tower top, smaller than the data center tower bottom, having a top opening to expel air containing heat, created by the data center, via the Venturi effect. A plurality of hydrophilic bladders may be located proximate to at least a portion of a side of the data center tower, and plurality of data center computer servers may be arranged proximate to the side of the data center tower. In some embodiments, a heat capturing bottom portion of the side of the data center tower is formed of transparent material and/or a translucent material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2018Publication date: October 31, 2019Inventors: Priscilla JOHNSON, Nicholas Andrew KEEHN
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Publication number: 20190326780Abstract: A system includes operation of a trained neural network to output a first signal indicative of one or more characteristics of a power signal based on an input plurality of power-related conditions data, determination of a first power supply mode based on the first signal, and control of a power supply to operate in the first power supply mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2018Publication date: October 24, 2019Inventors: Roy Mehdi ZEIGHAMI, Michael Rees HELSEL, Husam Atallah ALISSA, Nicholas Andrew KEEHN