Patents by Inventor Robert Gregory Twiss

Robert Gregory Twiss 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: 10761010
    Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus includes a first printed circuit board (PCB), the first PCB including a first interface, and a corrosion sensor assembly. The corrosion sensor assembly including a second interface arranged to be coupled to the first interface, the corrosion sensor assembly further including a signal trace field and a plurality of components, wherein the signal trace field and the plurality of components are arranged to provide an indication of whether the apparatus is in an environment that is corrosive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Goergen, Robert Gregory Twiss, Elizabeth Kochuparambil
  • Patent number: 10734306
    Abstract: A heat sink mounting configuration is provided that is configured to prevent the heat sink from damaging ball grid arrays (BGA) of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) when the line card is subjected to vibrations and shocks. The heat sink mounting configuration may include a set of screws configured to be at least partially disposed within the apertures of the heat sink to secure the heat sink to the PCB. The mounting configuration includes a resilient member and a spacer disposed around the screws proximate to the apertures. The resilient members are configured to bias the heat sink against the ASIC to maintain the heat sink in contact with the ASIC. The spacers are configured to prevent the heat sink from impacting the ASIC with forces large enough to damage the BGA when the line card is subjected to vibrations and shocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Vic Chia, Hong Huynh, Steven A. Hanssen, Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Patent number: 10718822
    Abstract: To reduce the rate at which a false alternating current (“AC”) loss alarming signal is generated, but at the same time detect an actual AC loss situation in a timely manner, the disclosed method describes an AC line power loss detection and active verification method. If the AC line input voltage dips momentarily lower than a standard sine wave amplitude, the AC line may not be considered lost as long as it still has energy to drive a load. The method inserts a momentary load across the AC line and compares the AC line voltage before and after the extra load is applied. If the AC power is present, this extra loading will increase the AC loading current momentarily, but will not affect the AC line voltage. However, if the AC power is lost, such loading will lower the AC line voltage, indicating a loss of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Xiqun Zhu, Sung Kee Baek, Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Publication number: 20200221601
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes delivering power and data on a cable from a central network device to a splitter device for splitting and transmitting the power and data to a plurality of remote communications devices over a plurality of cables, each of the cables carrying the power and data, receiving at the central network device, monitoring information from the remote communications devices on the cable, processing the monitoring information, and allocating the power and data to each of the remote communications devices based on the monitoring information. The power and data comprises pulsed power and optical data. A system is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Calvin Byers, Joel Richard Goergen, D. Brice Achkir, Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Publication number: 20200221596
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an indication at a modular electronic system of initiation of online removal for a module removably inserted into a slot of the modular electronic system, increasing a fan speed at the modular electronic system before the module is removed, monitoring an internal temperature at the modular electronic system, and providing an indication that the module is ready for removal upon reaching a specified cooling state at the modular electronic system based on the temperature monitoring. A panel on an adjacent module is opened and extends into the slot upon removal of the module to substantially block airflow bypass from the slot and maintain cooling within the modular electronic system. An apparatus and logic are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Rohit Dev Gupta, Joel Richard Goergen, Sarma VMK Vedhanabhatla, Damaruganath Pinjala, Jatin Kohli, Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Patent number: 10672537
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an interface module for coupling a cable delivering combined power, data, and cooling to a network device. The interface module includes an electrical interface for receiving power for powering the network device, an optical transceiver for receiving optical communications signals, a fluid interface for receiving coolant, and sensors for monitoring the power and cooling and providing information to a central network device delivering the combined power, data, and cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Joel Richard Goergen, Charles Calvin Byers, Robert Gregory Twiss, D. Brice Achkir
  • Publication number: 20200154600
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a fan for cooling electronics within a chassis, the fan comprising a rotor with a plurality of fan blades connected thereto for generating an axial airflow during operation of the fan, a sensor for detecting failure of the fan, and an airflow blocking device positioned at an exhaust side of the fan and configured to prevent airflow through the fan upon detection of the fan failure, wherein the airflow blocking device is stowed in a position removed from a path of the axial airflow generated by the fan during operation of the fan. A method for preventing airflow recirculation at a failed fan is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rohit Dev Gupta, Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Patent number: 10631443
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes delivering power, data, and cooling on a cable from a central network device to a splitter device for splitting and transmitting the power, data, and cooling to a plurality of remote communications devices over a plurality of cables, each of the cables carrying the power, data, and cooling, receiving at the central network device, monitoring information from the remote communications devices on the cable, processing the monitoring information, and allocating the power, data, and cooling to each of the remote communications devices based on the monitoring information. A system is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Calvin Byers, Joel Richard Goergen, D. Brice Achkir, Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Patent number: 10631424
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an indication at a modular electronic system of initiation of online removal for a module removably inserted into a slot of the modular electronic system, increasing a fan speed at the modular electronic system before the module is removed, monitoring an internal temperature at the modular electronic system, and providing an indication that the module is ready for removal upon reaching a specified cooling state at the modular electronic system based on the temperature monitoring. A panel on an adjacent module is opened and extends into the slot upon removal of the module to substantially block airflow bypass from the slot and maintain cooling within the modular electronic system. An apparatus and logic are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Rohit Dev Gupta, Joel Richard Goergen, Sarma VMK Vedhanabhatla, Damaruganath Pinjala, Jatin Kohli, Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Publication number: 20200095074
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a mobile robot energizes its state-variable anchor into a released state while contacting a payload, and then de-energizes it to put it into an anchored state, attaching it to the payload. The mobile robot may then move the payload to a mounting location while the state-variable anchor is de-energized and attached to the payload. As such, the mobile robot may then energize a state-variable anchor of the payload to put it into a released state while at and contacting the mounting location, and then de-energizes it to put it into an anchored state to attach the payload to the mounting location. To then detach the state-variable anchor of the mobile robot and the mobile robot from the payload after the payload is attached to the mounting location, the mobile robot may then energize the state-variable anchor of the mobile robot to put it into a released state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Charles Calvin Byers, Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Patent number: 10601658
    Abstract: A system of maintaining consumable physical components of networking equipment includes a physical network operations controller, having a controller and an interconnected memory device, which is configured to communicate with at least one notification device and consumable physical components for networking equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Publication number: 20200044751
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving power delivered over a data fiber cable at an optical transceiver installed at a network communications device and transmitting data and the power from the optical transceiver to the network communications device. The network communications device is powered by the power received from the optical transceiver. An apparatus is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Joel Richard Goergen, Charles Calvin Byers, Robert Gregory Twiss, D. Brice Achkir, Chad M. Jones
  • Publication number: 20200041579
    Abstract: To reduce the rate at which a false alternating current (“AC”) loss alarming signal is generated, but at the same time detect an actual AC loss situation in a timely manner, the disclosed method describes an AC line power loss detection and active verification method. If the AC line input voltage dips momentarily lower than a standard sine wave amplitude, the AC line may not be considered lost as long as it still has energy to drive a load. The method inserts a momentary load across the AC line and compares the AC line voltage before and after the extra load is applied. If the AC power is present, this extra loading will increase the AC loading current momentarily, but will not affect the AC line voltage. However, if the AC power is lost, such loading will lower the AC line voltage, indicating a loss of power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Xiqun Zhu, Sung Kee Baek, Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Patent number: 10541758
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving power delivered over a data fiber cable at an optical transceiver installed at a network communications device and transmitting data and the power from the optical transceiver to the network communications device. The network communications device is powered by the power received from the optical transceiver. An apparatus is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Joel Richard Goergen, Charles Calvin Byers, Robert Gregory Twiss, D. Brice Achkir, Chad M. Jones
  • Patent number: 10473729
    Abstract: To reduce the rate at which a false alternating current (“AC”) loss alarming signal is generated, but at the same time detect an actual AC loss situation in a timely manner, the disclosed method describes an AC line power loss detection and active verification method. If the AC line input voltage dips momentarily lower than a standard sine wave amplitude, the AC line may not be considered lost as long as it still has energy to drive a load. The method inserts a momentary load across the AC line and compares the AC line voltage before and after the extra load is applied. If the AC power is present, this extra loading will increase the AC loading current momentarily, but will not affect the AC line voltage. However, if the AC power is lost, such loading will lower the AC line voltage, indicating a loss of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Xiqun Zhu, Sung Kee Baek, Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Publication number: 20190304630
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an interface module for coupling a cable delivering combined power, data, and cooling to a network device. The interface module includes an electrical interface for receiving power for powering the network device, an optical transceiver for receiving optical communications signals, a fluid interface for receiving coolant, and sensors for monitoring the power and cooling and providing information to a central network device delivering the combined power, data, and cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Joel Richard Goergen, Charles Calvin Byers, Robert Gregory Twiss, D. Brice Achkir
  • Publication number: 20190281725
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes delivering power, data, and cooling on a cable from a central network device to a splitter device for splitting and transmitting the power, data, and cooling to a plurality of remote communications devices over a plurality of cables, each of the cables carrying the power, data, and cooling, receiving at the central network device, monitoring information from the remote communications devices on the cable, processing the monitoring information, and allocating the power, data, and cooling to each of the remote communications devices based on the monitoring information. A system is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Calvin Byers, Joel Richard Goergen, D. Brice Achkir, Robert Gregory Twiss
  • Publication number: 20190272011
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes delivering power, data, and cooling from a central network device to a plurality of remote communications devices over cables connecting the central network device to the remote communications devices, each of the cables carrying said power, data, and cooling, and receiving at the central network device, power and thermal data from the remote communications devices based on monitoring of power and cooling at the remote communications devices. The remote communications devices are powered by the power and cooled by the cooling delivered from the central network device. An apparatus is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Joel Richard Goergen, Charles Calvin Byers, Robert Gregory Twiss, D. Brice Achkir
  • Publication number: 20190089467
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving power delivered over a data fiber cable at an optical transceiver installed at a network communications device and transmitting data and the power from the optical transceiver to the network communications device. The network communications device is powered by the power received from the optical transceiver. An apparatus is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Joel Richard Goergen, Charles Calvin Byers, Robert Gregory Twiss, D. Brice Achkir, Chad M. Jones
  • Publication number: 20190027422
    Abstract: A heat sink mounting configuration is provided that is configured to prevent the heat sink from damaging ball grid arrays (BGA) of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) when the line card is subjected to vibrations and shocks. The heat sink mounting configuration may include a set of screws configured to be at least partially disposed within the apertures of the heat sink to secure the heat sink to the PCB. The mounting configuration includes a resilient member and a spacer disposed around the screws proximate to the apertures. The resilient members are configured to bias the heat sink against the ASIC to maintain the heat sink in contact with the ASIC. The spacers are configured to prevent the heat sink from impacting the ASIC with forces large enough to damage the BGA when the line card is subjected to vibrations and shocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Vic Chia, Hong Huynh, Steven A. Hanssen, Robert Gregory Twiss