Patents by Inventor Randy J. Zoodsma

Randy J. Zoodsma 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: 11096315
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant supply manifold, a multifunction coolant manifold structure, and multiple cooling structures. The multifunction coolant manifold structure includes a coolant-commoning manifold and an auxiliary coolant reservoir above and in fluid communication with the coolant-commoning manifold. The multiple cooling structures are coupled in parallel fluid communication between the coolant supply and coolant-commoning manifolds to receive coolant from the supply, and exhaust coolant to the coolant-commoning manifold. The coolant-commoning manifold is sized to slow therein a flow rate of coolant exhausting from the multiple cooling structures to allow gas within the exhausting coolant to escape the coolant within the coolant-commoning manifold. The escaping gas rises to the auxiliary coolant reservoir and is replaced within the coolant-commoning manifold by coolant from the auxiliary coolant reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francis R. Krug, Jr., Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Patent number: 11083110
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant supply manifold, a multifunction coolant manifold structure, and multiple cooling structures. The multifunction coolant manifold structure includes a coolant-commoning manifold and an auxiliary coolant reservoir above and in fluid communication with the coolant-commoning manifold. The multiple cooling structures are coupled in parallel fluid communication between the coolant supply and coolant-commoning manifolds to receive coolant from the supply, and exhaust coolant to the coolant-commoning manifold. The coolant-commoning manifold is sized to slow therein a flow rate of coolant exhausting from the multiple cooling structures to allow gas within the exhausting coolant to escape the coolant within the coolant-commoning manifold. The escaping gas rises to the auxiliary coolant reservoir and is replaced within the coolant-commoning manifold by coolant from the auxiliary coolant reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francis R. Krug, Jr., Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Patent number: 11039552
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant supply manifold, a multifunction coolant manifold structure, and multiple cooling structures. The multifunction coolant manifold structure includes a coolant-commoning manifold and an auxiliary coolant reservoir above and in fluid communication with the coolant-commoning manifold. The multiple cooling structures are coupled in parallel fluid communication between the coolant supply and coolant-commoning manifolds to receive coolant from the supply, and exhaust coolant to the coolant-commoning manifold. The coolant-commoning manifold is sized to slow therein a flow rate of coolant exhausting from the multiple cooling structures to allow gas within the exhausting coolant to escape the coolant within the coolant-commoning manifold. The escaping gas rises to the auxiliary coolant reservoir and is replaced within the coolant-commoning manifold by coolant from the auxiliary coolant reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francis R. Krug, Jr., Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Patent number: 10939589
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant supply manifold, a multifunction coolant manifold structure, and multiple cooling structures. The multifunction coolant manifold structure includes a coolant-commoning manifold and an auxiliary coolant reservoir above and in fluid communication with the coolant-commoning manifold. The multiple cooling structures are coupled in parallel fluid communication between the coolant supply and coolant-commoning manifolds to receive coolant from the supply, and exhaust coolant to the coolant-commoning manifold. The coolant-commoning manifold is sized to slow therein a flow rate of coolant exhausting from the multiple cooling structures to allow gas within the exhausting coolant to escape the coolant within the coolant-commoning manifold. The escaping gas rises to the auxiliary coolant reservoir and is replaced within the coolant-commoning manifold by coolant from the auxiliary coolant reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francis R. Krug, Jr., Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Patent number: 10660239
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant circulation loop, one or more primary coolant pumps, and a fill and drain pump. The primary coolant pump(s) is coupled to facilitate circulating coolant through the coolant circulation loop, and the fill and drain pump facilitates selective filling of the cooling system with the coolant, or draining of the coolant from the cooling system. The fill and drain pump is integrated with the cooling system as a backup coolant pump to the primary coolant pump(s), and circulates the coolant through the coolant circulation loop responsive to an error in the primary coolant pump(s). The primary coolant pump(s) and fill and drain pumps may be different types of pumps, and the cooling system further includes a control system for automatically activating the fill and drain pump upon detection of an error in the primary coolant pump(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: David L. Edwards, Gary F. Goth, Daniel J. Kearney, Peter W. Kelly, Francis R. Krug, Jr., Robert K. Mullady, Donald W. Porter, Allan C. VanDeventer, Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Publication number: 20190150323
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant supply manifold, a multifunction coolant manifold structure, and multiple cooling structures. The multifunction coolant manifold structure includes a coolant-commoning manifold and an auxiliary coolant reservoir above and in fluid communication with the coolant-commoning manifold. The multiple cooling structures are coupled in parallel fluid communication between the coolant supply and coolant-commoning manifolds to receive coolant from the supply, and exhaust coolant to the coolant-commoning manifold. The coolant-commoning manifold is sized to slow therein a flow rate of coolant exhausting from the multiple cooling structures to allow gas within the exhausting coolant to escape the coolant within the coolant-commoning manifold. The escaping gas rises to the auxiliary coolant reservoir and is replaced within the coolant-commoning manifold by coolant from the auxiliary coolant reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Francis R. KRUG, JR., Randy J. ZOODSMA
  • Publication number: 20190150325
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant supply manifold, a multifunction coolant manifold structure, and multiple cooling structures. The multifunction coolant manifold structure includes a coolant-commoning manifold and an auxiliary coolant reservoir above and in fluid communication with the coolant-commoning manifold. The multiple cooling structures are coupled in parallel fluid communication between the coolant supply and coolant-commoning manifolds to receive coolant from the supply, and exhaust coolant to the coolant-commoning manifold. The coolant-commoning manifold is sized to slow therein a flow rate of coolant exhausting from the multiple cooling structures to allow gas within the exhausting coolant to escape the coolant within the coolant-commoning manifold. The escaping gas rises to the auxiliary coolant reservoir and is replaced within the coolant-commoning manifold by coolant from the auxiliary coolant reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Francis R. KRUG, JR., Randy J. ZOODSMA
  • Publication number: 20190150324
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant supply manifold, a multifunction coolant manifold structure, and multiple cooling structures. The multifunction coolant manifold structure includes a coolant-commoning manifold and an auxiliary coolant reservoir above and in fluid communication with the coolant-commoning manifold. The multiple cooling structures are coupled in parallel fluid communication between the coolant supply and coolant-commoning manifolds to receive coolant from the supply, and exhaust coolant to the coolant-commoning manifold. The coolant-commoning manifold is sized to slow therein a flow rate of coolant exhausting from the multiple cooling structures to allow gas within the exhausting coolant to escape the coolant within the coolant-commoning manifold. The escaping gas rises to the auxiliary coolant reservoir and is replaced within the coolant-commoning manifold by coolant from the auxiliary coolant reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Francis R. KRUG, JR., Randy J. ZOODSMA
  • Patent number: 10271464
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant supply manifold, a multifunction coolant manifold structure, and multiple cooling structures. The multifunction coolant manifold structure includes a coolant-commoning manifold and an auxiliary coolant reservoir above and in fluid communication with the coolant-commoning manifold. The multiple cooling structures are coupled in parallel fluid communication between the coolant supply and coolant-commoning manifolds to receive coolant from the supply, and exhaust coolant to the coolant-commoning manifold. The coolant-commoning manifold is sized to slow therein a flow rate of coolant exhausting from the multiple cooling structures to allow gas within the exhausting coolant to escape the coolant within the coolant-commoning manifold. The escaping gas rises to the auxiliary coolant reservoir and is replaced within the coolant-commoning manifold by coolant from the auxiliary coolant reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francis R. Krug, Jr., Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Patent number: 10251318
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant supply manifold, a multifunction coolant manifold structure, and multiple cooling structures. The multifunction coolant manifold structure includes a coolant-commoning manifold and an auxiliary coolant reservoir above and in fluid communication with the coolant-commoning manifold. The multiple cooling structures are coupled in parallel fluid communication between the coolant supply and coolant-commoning manifolds to receive coolant from the supply, and exhaust coolant to the coolant-commoning manifold. The coolant-commoning manifold is sized to slow therein a flow rate of coolant exhausting from the multiple cooling structures to allow gas within the exhausting coolant to escape the coolant within the coolant-commoning manifold. The escaping gas rises to the auxiliary coolant reservoir and is replaced within the coolant-commoning manifold by coolant from the auxiliary coolant reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francis R. Krug, Jr., Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Publication number: 20190037732
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant supply manifold, a multifunction coolant manifold structure, and multiple cooling structures. The multifunction coolant manifold structure includes a coolant-commoning manifold and an auxiliary coolant reservoir above and in fluid communication with the coolant-commoning manifold. The multiple cooling structures are coupled in parallel fluid communication between the coolant supply and coolant-commoning manifolds to receive coolant from the supply, and exhaust coolant to the coolant-commoning manifold. The coolant-commoning manifold is sized to slow therein a flow rate of coolant exhausting from the multiple cooling structures to allow gas within the exhausting coolant to escape the coolant within the coolant-commoning manifold. The escaping gas rises to the auxiliary coolant reservoir and is replaced within the coolant-commoning manifold by coolant from the auxiliary coolant reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Francis R. KRUG, JR., Randy J. ZOODSMA
  • Patent number: 10168110
    Abstract: A method including punching a first hole in a parent sheet metal, such that a substantially round section with a first diameter is removed from the hole, forming a second hole by inserting a mandrel into the first hole, causing a portion of the parent sheet metal to deform in a downward direction and increase the diameter of the first hole to a second diameter, the deformed portion of the parent sheet metal is substantially perpendicular to the parent sheet metal, forming a thread into an interior sidewall of the second hole, and forming the parent sheet metal into a water tight manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Francis R. Krug, Jr., Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Publication number: 20180084677
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant supply manifold, a multifunction coolant manifold structure, and multiple cooling structures. The multifunction coolant manifold structure includes a coolant-commoning manifold and an auxiliary coolant reservoir above and in fluid communication with the coolant-commoning manifold. The multiple cooling structures are coupled in parallel fluid communication between the coolant supply and coolant-commoning manifolds to receive coolant from the supply, and exhaust coolant to the coolant-commoning manifold. The coolant-commoning manifold is sized to slow therein a flow rate of coolant exhausting from the multiple cooling structures to allow gas within the exhausting coolant to escape the coolant within the coolant-commoning manifold. The escaping gas rises to the auxiliary coolant reservoir and is replaced within the coolant-commoning manifold by coolant from the auxiliary coolant reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Francis R. KRUG, JR., Randy J. ZOODSMA
  • Publication number: 20180084678
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant supply manifold, a multifunction coolant manifold structure, and multiple cooling structures. The multifunction coolant manifold structure includes a coolant-commoning manifold and an auxiliary coolant reservoir above and in fluid communication with the coolant-commoning manifold. The multiple cooling structures are coupled in parallel fluid communication between the coolant supply and coolant-commoning manifolds to receive coolant from the supply, and exhaust coolant to the coolant-commoning manifold. The coolant-commoning manifold is sized to slow therein a flow rate of coolant exhausting from the multiple cooling structures to allow gas within the exhausting coolant to escape the coolant within the coolant-commoning manifold. The escaping gas rises to the auxiliary coolant reservoir and is replaced within the coolant-commoning manifold by coolant from the auxiliary coolant reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Francis R. KRUG, JR., Randy J. ZOODSMA
  • Publication number: 20180084676
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant circulation loop, one or more primary coolant pumps, and a fill and drain pump. The primary coolant pump(s) is coupled to facilitate circulating coolant through the coolant circulation loop, and the fill and drain pump facilitates selective filling of the cooling system with the coolant, or draining of the coolant from the cooling system. The fill and drain pump is integrated with the cooling system as a backup coolant pump to the primary coolant pump(s), and circulates the coolant through the coolant circulation loop responsive to an error in the primary coolant pump(s). The primary coolant pump(s) and fill and drain pumps may be different types of pumps, and the cooling system further includes a control system for automatically activating the fill and drain pump upon detection of an error in the primary coolant pump(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: David L. EDWARDS, Gary F. GOTH, Daniel J. KEARNEY, Peter W. KELLY, Francis R. KRUG, JR., Robert K. MULLADY, Donald W. PORTER, Allan C. VanDEVENTER, Randy J. ZOODSMA
  • Patent number: 9918409
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant circulation loop, one or more primary coolant pumps, and a fill and drain pump. The primary coolant pump(s) is coupled to facilitate circulating coolant through the coolant circulation loop, and the fill and drain pump facilitates selective filling of the cooling system with the coolant, or draining of the coolant from the cooling system. The fill and drain pump is integrated with the cooling system as a backup coolant pump to the primary coolant pump(s), and circulates the coolant through the coolant circulation loop responsive to an error in the primary coolant pump(s). The primary coolant pump(s) and fill and drain pumps may be different types of pumps, and the cooling system further includes a control system for automatically activating the fill and drain pump upon detection of an error in the primary coolant pump(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: David L. Edwards, Gary F. Goth, Daniel J. Kearney, Peter W. Kelly, Francis R. Krug, Jr., Robert K. Mullady, Donald W. Porter, Allan C. VanDeventer, Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Patent number: 9861012
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant supply manifold, a multifunction coolant manifold structure, and multiple cooling structures. The multifunction coolant manifold structure includes a coolant-commoning manifold and an auxiliary coolant reservoir above and in fluid communication with the coolant-commoning manifold. The multiple cooling structures are coupled in parallel fluid communication between the coolant supply and coolant-commoning manifolds to receive coolant from the supply, and exhaust coolant to the coolant-commoning manifold. The coolant-commoning manifold is sized to slow therein a flow rate of coolant exhausting from the multiple cooling structures to allow gas within the exhausting coolant to escape the coolant within the coolant-commoning manifold. The escaping gas rises to the auxiliary coolant reservoir and is replaced within the coolant-commoning manifold by coolant from the auxiliary coolant reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francis R. Krug, Jr., Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Patent number: 9861013
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant circulation loop, one or more primary coolant pumps, and a fill and drain pump. The primary coolant pump(s) is coupled to facilitate circulating coolant through the coolant circulation loop, and the fill and drain pump facilitates selective filling of the cooling system with the coolant, or draining of the coolant from the cooling system. The fill and drain pump is integrated with the cooling system as a backup coolant pump to the primary coolant pump(s), and circulates the coolant through the coolant circulation loop responsive to an error in the primary coolant pump(s). The primary coolant pump(s) and fill and drain pumps may be different types of pumps, and the cooling system further includes a control system for automatically activating the fill and drain pump upon detection of an error in the primary coolant pump(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: David L. Edwards, Gary F. Goth, Daniel J. Kearney, Peter W. Kelly, Francis R. Krug, Jr., Robert K. Mullady, Donald W. Porter, Allan C. VanDeventer, Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Patent number: 9854713
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided which includes, for instance, a coolant supply manifold, a multifunction coolant manifold structure, and multiple cooling structures. The multifunction coolant manifold structure includes a coolant-commoning manifold and an auxiliary coolant reservoir above and in fluid communication with the coolant-commoning manifold. The multiple cooling structures are coupled in parallel fluid communication between the coolant supply and coolant-commoning manifolds to receive coolant from the supply, and exhaust coolant to the coolant-commoning manifold. The coolant-commoning manifold is sized to slow therein a flow rate of coolant exhausting from the multiple cooling structures to allow gas within the exhausting coolant to escape the coolant within the coolant-commoning manifold. The escaping gas rises to the auxiliary coolant reservoir and is replaced within the coolant-commoning manifold by coolant from the auxiliary coolant reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francis R. Krug, Jr., Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Patent number: 9655286
    Abstract: Apparatuses are provided to facilitate sensing fluid within a fluid system, such as a coolant-based cooling apparatus for removing heat generated by one or more electronic components. The apparatus includes a plug configured to couple to a wall of the fluid system at an opening in the wall and to form a fluid-tight seal about the opening. The plug includes a fluid a fluid-sensor-receiving space configured to receive a fluid sensor, and when the plug is coupled to the wall at the opening, to position the fluid sensor at the opening in a manner to facilitate sensing of fluid within the system. The fluid sensor is removable from the plug without requiring uncoupling of the plug from the wall. In one implementation, the fluid sensor is a proximity sensor, and the plug is fabricated of a non-conductive material, and the wall a conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francis R. Krug, Jr., Randy J. Zoodsma