Patents by Inventor Richard Steven Mills

Richard Steven Mills 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: 10143113
    Abstract: An immersion cooling tank includes: a tank comprised of a base wall, and perimeter walls, and having a lower tank volume in which a liquid can be maintained and heated to a boiling point to generate a rising plume of vapor; a rack structure within the tank volume that supports insertion of multiple, heat dissipating electronic devices in a side-by-side vertical configuration; and a condenser configured as a plurality of individually rotatable condenser sub-units, with each condenser sub-unit located above a vertical space that extends vertically from the lower tank volume and within which an electronic device can be inserted. Each individual condenser sub-unit can be opened independent of the other sub-units and each other condenser sub-unit can remain in a closed position while a first condenser sub-unit is opened to allow access to a first vertical space and any existing electrical device contained therein below the first condenser sub-unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Austin Michael Shelnutt, James Don Curlee, Richard Steven Mills
  • Patent number: 9773526
    Abstract: A system for cooling hard disk drives (HDDs) includes: an enclosure having (i) a lower volume within which a cooling liquid is heated to a boiling point to cause some of the cooling liquid to evaporate, creating a plume of rising vapor and (ii) an upper volume having (a) a HDD cooling area with HDD(s) placed in the direct path of the rising vapor, which cools the HDD(s) during functional operation of the HDD(s) and (b) a condenser located above the HDD cooling area and which cools a substantial portion of the rising vapor that impacts the condenser within the upper volume such that the rising vapor condenses back into liquid phase on contact with the condenser; and a heat source that dissipates heat into the lower volume of the enclosure, sufficient to heat the cooling liquid to the boiling point temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Austin Michael Shelnutt, James Don Curlee, Edmond I. Bailey, Richard Steven Mills
  • Patent number: 9699938
    Abstract: A system may include a chassis having a pair of stationary rails mechanically coupled thereto. Each stationary rail may receive a corresponding telescoping sliding rail. Each stationary rail/sliding rail combination may be configured to convey a cooling fluid to or from a heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Austin Shelnutt, Christian Petersen, John Stuewe, Joseph Michael Sekel, Richard Steven Mills, Shane Kavanagh
  • Patent number: 9572271
    Abstract: Technology is provided for a wireless access device isolation cabinet for use in software testing on multiple mobile devices. The wireless access device isolation cabinet isolates each wireless access device and the mobile devices communicating with the wireless access device from other nearby wireless access devices. The wireless access device isolation cabinet can include an enclosure having a plurality of walls configured to enclose an isolation region. The walls are electrically conductive to shield electromagnetic interference from entering or exiting the isolation region. A wireless access device is disposed in the isolation region to communicate with one or more mobile devices. A device tray comprising a non-conductive panel and a pair of support beams is mounted within the isolation region and configured to support the mobile devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Steven Mills, Fraidun Akhi, Justin Andrew Boseant, Irina Mikhaylovna Somin, Marquis Thomas, John Timon, William Redhawk Espinoza, Kriston A. Boston, Jonathan Richard Cook, Paul Robert Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20160381818
    Abstract: Technology is provided for a wireless access device isolation cabinet for use in software testing on multiple mobile devices. The wireless access device isolation cabinet isolates each wireless access device and the mobile devices communicating with the wireless access device from other nearby wireless access devices. The wireless access device isolation cabinet can include an enclosure having a plurality of walls configured to enclose an isolation region. The walls are electrically conductive to shield electromagnetic interference from entering or exiting the isolation region. A wireless access device is disposed in the isolation region to communicate with one or more mobile devices. A device tray comprising a non-conductive panel and a pair of support beams is mounted within the isolation region and configured to support the mobile devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Richard Steven Mills, Fraidun Akhi, Justin Andrew Boseant, Irina Mikhaylovna Somin, Marquis Thomas, John Timon, William Redhawk Espinoza, Kriston A. Boston, Jonathan Richard Cook, Paul Robert Reynolds
  • Patent number: 9485133
    Abstract: DCMI functionality is extended to platforms of a datacenter by integrating a management controller in each of plural platforms and interfacing the management controllers with a management server through a network. End users interface with platforms of the datacenter using DCMI protocol communications. The management server supports communication with management controllers by receiving DCMI messages and translating the DCMI messages to a text-based protocol for communications with the management controllers. In one embodiment, the management controllers push sensor information for their associated platforms to a sensor cache of the management server so that the management sensor references the cache to respond to DCMI requests for sensor information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: German Florez-Larrahondo, Jimmy D. Pike, Joseph Andrew Vivio, John Stuewe, Joseph M. Sekel, Richard Steven Mills
  • Publication number: 20160240226
    Abstract: A system for cooling hard disk drives (HDDs) includes: an enclosure having (i) a lower volume within which a cooling liquid is heated to a boiling point to cause some of the cooling liquid to evaporate, creating a plume of rising vapor and (ii) an upper volume having (a) a HDD cooling area with HDD(s) placed in the direct path of the rising vapor, which cools the HDD(s) during functional operation of the HDD(s) and (b) a condenser located above the HDD cooling area and which cools a substantial portion of the rising vapor that impacts the condenser within the upper volume such that the rising vapor condenses back into liquid phase on contact with the condenser; and a heat source that dissipates heat into the lower volume of the enclosure, sufficient to heat the cooling liquid to the boiling point temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: AUSTIN MICHAEL SHELNUTT, JAMES DON CURLEE, EDMOND I. BAILEY, RICHARD STEVEN MILLS
  • Publication number: 20160234970
    Abstract: An immersion cooling tank includes: a tank comprised of a base wall, and perimeter walls, and having a lower tank volume in which a liquid can be maintained and heated to a boiling point to generate a rising plume of vapor; a rack structure within the tank volume that supports insertion of multiple, heat dissipating electronic devices in a side-by-side vertical configuration; and a condenser configured as a plurality of individually rotatable condenser sub-units, with each condenser sub-unit located above a vertical space that extends vertically from the lower tank volume and within which an electronic device can be inserted. Each individual condenser sub-unit can be opened independent of the other sub-units and each other condenser sub-unit can remain in a closed position while a first condenser sub-unit is opened to allow access to a first vertical space and any existing electrical device contained therein below the first condenser sub-unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: AUSTIN MICHAEL SHELNUTT, JAMES DON CURLEE, RICHARD STEVEN MILLS
  • Patent number: 9351429
    Abstract: A fluid level control system includes: a first immersion cooling tank having a first volume of immersion cooling liquid and an inlet/outlet pipe extending from a base wall of the tank by which immersion cooling liquid can flow into and out of the first immersion cooling tank; at least one second volume of cooling liquid held within a liquid containing unit having a corresponding inlet/outlet pipe; and a pipe distribution system that physically connects the second volume of immersion cooling liquid to the first volume of immersion cooling liquid via respective inlet/outlet pipes and which enables fluid equilibrium to be maintained between the first volume of liquid and the second volume of liquid via gravitational equilibrium and/or passive level control such that a first volume level of the first volume of immersion cooling liquid remains substantially equal to a second volume level of the second volume of immersion cooling liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: DELL Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Austin Michael Shelnutt, James D. Curlee, Edmond I. Bailey, Richard Steven Mills
  • Patent number: 9335802
    Abstract: A system for cooling hard disk drives (HDDs) includes: an enclosure having a lower volume within which a cooling liquid is heated to a boiling point temperature to cause some of the cooling liquid to evaporate into a plume of rising vapor; a HDD cooling area with at least one HDD placed in the direct path of the rising vapor, which cools the at least one HDD during functional operation of the at least one HDD; and a heat source that dissipates heat into the lower volume of the enclosure, sufficient to heat the cooling liquid to the boiling point temperature. The system can also include a condenser located above both the HDD cooling area. A substantial portion of the rising vapor that passes through the HDD cooling area and cools the at least one HDD is condensed back into liquid phase on contact with the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: DELL PRODUCTS, L.P.
    Inventors: Austin Michael Shelnutt, James D. Curlee, Edmond I. Bailey, Richard Steven Mills
  • Patent number: 9328964
    Abstract: An immersion cooling tank includes: a tank comprised of a base wall, and perimeter walls, and having a lower tank volume in which a liquid can be maintained and heated to a boiling point to generate a rising plume of vapor; a rack structure within the tank volume that supports insertion of multiple, heat dissipating electronic devices in a side-by-side vertical configuration; and a condenser configured as a plurality of individually rotatable condenser sub-units, with each condenser sub-unit located above a vertical space that extends vertically from the lower tank volume and within which an electronic device can be inserted. Each individual condenser sub-unit can be opened independent of the other sub-units and each other condenser sub-unit can remain in a closed position while a first condenser sub-unit is opened to allow access to a first vertical space and any existing electrical device contained therein below the first condenser sub-unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: DELL PRODUCTS, L.P.
    Inventors: Austin Michael Shelnutt, James D. Curlee, Richard Steven Mills
  • Patent number: 9144179
    Abstract: An immersion cooling tank comprises: a dielectric liquid disposed within a lower volume of the tank; at least one electronic equipment immersed within the dielectric liquid and which requires electrical power to operate; and at least one power distribution unit and/or a bus bar distribution system submerged beneath a surface of the dielectric liquid and providing electrical power to the at least one electronic equipment. The immersion cooling tank further includes a condenser located vertically above the dielectric fluid and the at least one electronic equipment, and through which is flowing a condensation fluid that has a lower density than the dielectric liquid. A leak of the condensation fluid into the tank volume results in the condensation fluid floating atop the dielectric liquid and prevents the condensation liquid from coming into contact with the power distribution unit. The bus bar distribution system enables blind mating of inserted electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Austin Michael Shelnutt, James D. Curlee, Edmond I. Bailey, Joseph M. Sekel, John R. Stuewe, Richard Steven Mills
  • Publication number: 20140216711
    Abstract: A fluid level control system includes: a first immersion cooling tank having a first volume of immersion cooling liquid and an inlet/outlet pipe extending from a base wall of the tank by which immersion cooling liquid can flow into and out of the first immersion cooling tank; at least one second volume of cooling liquid held within a liquid containing unit having a corresponding inlet/outlet pipe; and a pipe distribution system that physically connects the second volume of immersion cooling liquid to the first volume of immersion cooling liquid via respective inlet/outlet pipes and which enables fluid equilibrium to be maintained between the first volume of liquid and the second volume of liquid via gravitational equilibrium and/or passive level control such that a first volume level of the first volume of immersion cooling liquid remains substantially equal to a second volume level of the second volume of immersion cooling liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Austin Michael Shelnutt, James D. Curlee, Edmond I. Bailey, Richard Steven Mills
  • Publication number: 20140218859
    Abstract: A system for cooling hard disk drives (HDDs) includes: an enclosure having a lower volume within which a cooling liquid is heated to a boiling point temperature to cause some of the cooling liquid to evaporate into a plume of rising vapor; a HDD cooling area with at least one HDD placed in the direct path of the rising vapor, which cools the at least one HDD during functional operation of the at least one HDD; and a heat source that dissipates heat into the lower volume of the enclosure, sufficient to heat the cooling liquid to the boiling point temperature. The system can also include a condenser located above both the HDD cooling area. A substantial portion of the rising vapor that passes through the HDD cooling area and cools the at least one HDD is condensed back into liquid phase on contact with the condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Austin Michael Shelnutt, James D. Curlee, Edmond I. Bailey, Richard Steven Mills
  • Publication number: 20140216686
    Abstract: An immersion cooling tank includes: a tank comprised of a base wall, and perimeter walls, and having a lower tank volume in which a liquid can be maintained and heated to a boiling point to generate a rising plume of vapor; a rack structure within the tank volume that supports insertion of multiple, heat dissipating electronic devices in a side-by-side vertical configuration; and a condenser configured as a plurality of individually rotatable condenser sub-units, with each condenser sub-unit located above a vertical space that extends vertically from the lower tank volume and within which an electronic device can be inserted. Each individual condenser sub-unit can be opened independent of the other sub-units and each other condenser sub-unit can remain in a closed position while a first condenser sub-unit is opened to allow access to a first vertical space and any existing electrical device contained therein below the first condenser sub-unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Austin Michael Shelnutt, James D. Curlee, Richard Steven Mills
  • Publication number: 20130254566
    Abstract: DCMI functionality is extended to platforms of a datacenter by integrating a management controller in each of plural platforms and interfacing the management controllers with a management server through a network. End users interface with platforms of the datacenter using DCMI protocol communications. The management server supports communication with management controllers by receiving DCMI messages and translating the DCMI messages to a text-based protocol for communications with the management controllers. In one embodiment, the management controllers push sensor information for their associated platforms to a sensor cache of the management server so that the management sensor references the cache to respond to DCMI requests for sensor information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: German Florez-Larrahondo, Jimmy D. Pike, Joseph Andrew Vivio, John Stuewe, Joseph M. Sekel, Richard Steven Mills
  • Publication number: 20120229971
    Abstract: An information handling system tray component is selected for a depth to fit into chassis support components to provide processing resources in a space having different depths. An end user selects a chassis component having a depth that fits a data center and then installs tray components into the chassis component by selecting the tray component depths to fit in that of the chassis component. The tray component supports different processing components depending upon the selected depth so that information handling system features are adapted to chassis depth while using a common infrastructure component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Steven Mills, German Florez-Larrahondo, Jimmy D. Pike, John Stuewe, Joseph M. Sekel
  • Patent number: 7457110
    Abstract: A component carrier apparatus is provided that includes a resilient carrier frame operable to provide a component retaining force, a chassis guide member connected to the carrier frame, and a component locating member connected to the carrier frame. The component carrier apparatus may include a height that is less than or equal to the height of a component, and may be coupled to the component without the use of a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Lo, Brently Lynn Cooper, Richard Steven Mills
  • Patent number: 6349043
    Abstract: A computer system including a chassis having a microprocessor mounted thereon. A system memory is coupled to provide storage to facilitate execution of computer programs by the microprocessor. An input is coupled to provide input to the microprocessor and a display is coupled to the microprocessor by a video controller. A mass storage is coupled to the microprocessor. A shielding body is mounted on the chassis. A pair of spaced apart contact members are attached to the shielding body. A main spring member is attached to at least one of the contact members. The main spring member includes an elongated beam offset from the contact members and a plurality of spring fingers interconnecting the beam and at least one of the contact members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Ralph Warren Jensen, Richard Steven Mills, David Mark Wilcox, Tracey Wade Kannmacher
  • Patent number: 6315249
    Abstract: A cable management system (10) is disclosed for coupling and retaining cables (16) for rack-mounted electronic components. The cable management system (10) includes a cable arm (12) that can pivot between an extended position and a collapsed position to accommodate movement in the rack-mounted component. Coupled to the cable arm are cable retainers (14). Each cable retainer includes a platform (46) and prongs (42). Each prong includes a stem (48) and a tapered projection (54). The combination of the platform (46), and the stem (48) and tapered projection (54) of adjacent prongs (42) forms a cavity for receiving a cable (16). The cable arm includes a number of slots in the supports of the cable arm for receiving latches, locks, or other fasteners of the cable retainer (14) for coupling the cable retainer (14) to the cable arm (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Ralph Warren Jensen, David Scott Thornton, Richard Steven Mills