Patents by Inventor Paul W. Schaefer

Paul W. Schaefer 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: 10939571
    Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device configured to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Patent number: 10892581
    Abstract: A latch indicator apparatus for indicating a locked status of an attachment between a cable housing and a cable receptor. The latch indicator apparatus includes a latch indicator attached to a cable housing at an attachment point, a first resistive element having a first resistance, and is attached to the cable housing at the attachment point. The restive element of the latch indicator attaches to an indicator tab. The latch indicator includes an indicator window, which is positioned to indicate a locked status of the latch indicator based on the first resistance of the first resistive element. The latch indicator tests a connection between a cable housing and a cable housing by indicating a locked status. The locked status is indicated by exerting a first force on the indicator tab by pulling the indicator tab in a direction away from the connection between the cable housing and the cable receptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Publication number: 20200053899
    Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device configured to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Patent number: 10542631
    Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Publication number: 20190267742
    Abstract: A latch indicator apparatus for indicating a locked status of an attachment between a cable housing and a cable receptor. The latch indicator apparatus includes a latch indicator attached to a cable housing at an attachment point, a first resistive element having a first resistance, and is attached to the cable housing at the attachment point. The restive element of the latch indicator attaches to an indicator tab. The latch indicator includes an indicator window, which is positioned to indicate a locked status of the latch indicator based on the first resistance of the first resistive element. The latch indicator tests a connection between a cable housing and a cable housing by indicating a locked status. The locked status is indicated by exerting a first force on the indicator tab by pulling the indicator tab in a direction away from the connection between the cable housing and the cable receptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Patent number: 10326230
    Abstract: A latch indicator apparatus for indicating a locked status of an attachment between a cable housing and a cable receptor. The latch indicator apparatus includes a latch indicator attached to a cable housing at an attachment point, a first resistive element having a first resistance, and is attached to the cable housing at the attachment point. The restive element of the latch indicator attaches to an indicator tab. The latch indicator includes an indicator window, which is positioned to indicate a locked status of the latch indicator based on the first resistance of the first resistive element. The latch indicator tests a connection between a cable housing and a cable housing by indicating a locked status. The locked status is indicated by exerting a first force on the indicator tab by pulling the indicator tab in a direction away from the connection between the cable housing and the cable receptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Patent number: 10172250
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a device for managing cables within a rack. The device may include a first planar surface and a second planar surface connected by a bend line, wherein the first and second planar surfaces form a cable bracket body. The cable bracket body may include a plurality of cable tie-down points. Further, the cable management device may include an attachment clamp which corresponds to respective mount points located on vertically aligned horizontal rails of a rack. The attachment clamp may be configured to securely attach the cable management bracket onto the mount points of vertically aligned horizontal rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond F. Babcock, Matthew A. Butterbaugh, Eric A. Eckberg, Paul W. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 10141729
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to cables having routing features integrated with a jacket of the cable, and methods of using and forming the same. The routing features include one or more of hook-and-loop fasteners or clips for securing adjacent cables to one another and/or to a mounting structure, such as a server rack. Methods described herein include securing cables to one another using routing retention features integrated with cable jackets, and forming jackets having routing retention features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Publication number: 20180322987
    Abstract: A particular method includes using a helical forming tool to make helical grooves on an insulating jacket of a conductive length, such as a wire. A gear may rotate a forming mechanism, such as a protrusion, around the insulating jacket to form the helical grooves. The helical grooves are formed to limit bending of the insulated wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Paul W. SCHAEFER, Sandra J. SHIRK/HEATH
  • Patent number: 10117348
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a device for managing cables within a rack. The device may include a first planar surface and a second planar surface connected by a bend line, wherein the first and second planar surfaces form a cable bracket body. The cable bracket body may include a plurality of cable tie-down points. Further, the cable management device may include an attachment clamp which corresponds to respective mount points located on vertically aligned horizontal rails of a rack. The attachment clamp may be configured to securely attach the cable management bracket onto the mount points of vertically aligned horizontal rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond F. Babcock, Matthew A. Butterbaugh, Eric A. Eckberg, Paul W. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20180269667
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to cables having routing features integrated with a jacket of the cable, and methods of using and forming the same. The routing features include one or more of hook-and-loop fasteners or clips for securing adjacent cables to one another and/or to a mounting structure, such as a server rack. Methods described herein include securing cables to one another using routing retention features integrated with cable jackets, and forming jackets having routing retention features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Paul W. SCHAEFER, Sandra J. SHIRK/HEATH
  • Publication number: 20180263134
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a device for managing cables within a rack. The device may include a first planar surface and a second planar surface connected by a bend line, wherein the first and second planar surfaces form a cable bracket body. The cable bracket body may include a plurality of cable tie-down points. Further, the cable management device may include an attachment clamp which corresponds to respective mount points located on vertically aligned horizontal rails of a rack. The attachment clamp may be configured to securely attach the cable management bracket onto the mount points of vertically aligned horizontal rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Raymond F. Babcock, Matthew A. Butterbaugh, Eric A. Eckberg, Paul W. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20180263135
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a device for managing cables within a rack. The device may include a first planar surface and a second planar surface connected by a bend line, wherein the first and second planar surfaces form a cable bracket body. The cable bracket body may include a plurality of cable tie-down points. Further, the cable management device may include an attachment clamp which corresponds to respective mount points located on vertically aligned horizontal rails of a rack. The attachment clamp may be configured to securely attach the cable management bracket onto the mount points of vertically aligned horizontal rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Raymond F. Babcock, Matthew A. Butterbaugh, Eric A. Eckberg, Paul W. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20180261948
    Abstract: A latch indicator apparatus for indicating a locked status of an attachment between a cable housing and a cable receptor. The latch indicator apparatus includes a latch indicator attached to a cable housing at an attachment point, a first resistive element having a first resistance, and is attached to the cable housing at the attachment point. The restive element of the latch indicator attaches to an indicator tab. The latch indicator includes an indicator window, which is positioned to indicate a locked status of the latch indicator based on the first resistance of the first resistive element. The latch indicator tests a connection between a cable housing and a cable housing by indicating a locked status. The locked status is indicated by exerting a first force on the indicator tab by pulling the indicator tab in a direction away from the connection between the cable housing and the cable receptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Patent number: 10039202
    Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Patent number: 10038280
    Abstract: A cable seating indication and retention system includes a cable connected to a latch that may be positioned in an engaged position or a disengaged position by a user manipulating a handling tab. To seat the cable to an electronic system, the handling tab is manipulated to position the latch in the disengaged position so that the cable may be seated to the electronic system. Once the cable is initially seated, the handling tab may be manipulated to position the latch in the engaged position to engage and retain the latch to a connector shell of the electronic system. The relative location of the handling tab, whether it be manipulated to position the latch in the engaged position or the disengaged position, provides a visible indication to a user whether the cable is properly seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Patent number: 9997861
    Abstract: A latch indicator apparatus for indicating a locked status of an attachment between a cable housing and a cable receptor. The latch indicator apparatus includes a latch indicator attached to a cable housing at an attachment point, a first resistive element having a first resistance, and is attached to the cable housing at the attachment point. The restive element of the latch indicator attaches to an indicator tab. The latch indicator includes an indicator window, which is positioned to indicate a locked status of the latch indicator based on the first resistance of the first resistive element. The latch indicator tests a connection between a cable housing and a cable housing by indicating a locked status. The locked status is indicated by exerting a first force on the indicator tab by pulling the indicator tab in a direction away from the connection between the cable housing and the cable receptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Publication number: 20180139860
    Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Publication number: 20180139861
    Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Patent number: 9894793
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a device for managing cables within a rack. The device may include a first planar surface and a second planar surface connected by a bend line, wherein the first and second planar surfaces form a cable bracket body. The cable bracket body may include a plurality of cable tie-down points. Further, the cable management device may include an attachment clamp which corresponds to respective mount points located on vertically aligned horizontal rails of a rack. The attachment clamp may be configured to securely attach the cable management bracket onto the mount points of vertically aligned horizontal rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond F. Babcock, Matthew A. Butterbaugh, Eric A. Eckberg, Paul W. Schaefer