Patents by Inventor Robert K. Mullady
Robert K. Mullady 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: 20180301011Abstract: A first value is received and is associated with a noise level of an environment that a user is in. It is determined whether the first value exceeds a first threshold. A second computing device is notified when the first value exceeds the first threshold. The notifying indicates that the user must leave the environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2017Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: John S. Werner, Arkadiy O. Tsfasman, Byron S. Green, William L. Brodsky, Jeffrey A. Newcomer, Robert K. Mullady
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Patent number: 10080310Abstract: A source of liquid provided an input of liquid into a liquid cooling system. The liquid from the source of liquid flows through a check valve assembly which includes an input, a first output, and a second output. The second output includes a check valve configured to open when the pressure of the liquid exceeds a threshold pressure value. A connector is attached to the first output of the check valve assembly. The connector is a quick connect fitting equipped with a self-sealing valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Robert K. Mullady
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Patent number: 10076053Abstract: An apparatus for mating computing device structures. The apparatus comprises a first bracket coupled to a pluggable electronic device. The first bracket comprises a first set of one or more attachment features that are capable of coupling to corresponding receiving features of a supporting structure. The apparatus further comprises a second bracket coupled to the pluggable electronic device. The second bracket comprises a second set of one or more attachment features that are capable of coupling to corresponding receiving features of a supporting structure. In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises one or more guide tubes coupled to the pluggable electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Robert R. Genest, John J. Loparco, Robert K. Mullady, John G. Torok, Wade H. White, Mitchell L. Zapotoski
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Patent number: 10068451Abstract: A first value is received and is associated with a noise level of an environment that a user is in. It is determined whether the first value exceeds a first threshold. A second computing device is notified when the first value exceeds the first threshold. The notifying indicates that the user must leave the environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2017Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: John S. Werner, Arkadiy O. Tsfasman, Byron S. Green, William L. Brodsky, Jeffrey A. Newcomer, Robert K. Mullady
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Patent number: 9968006Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for locking an air-moving assembly within a chassis when in operational state. The apparatus includes a locking louver assembly having a louver(s) and locking mechanism. The louver(s) is disposed at an air inlet or outlet of the air-moving assembly, and pivots between operational and quiesced orientations, dependent on presence or absence, respectively, of airflow through the air-moving assembly. The locking mechanism includes a keying element(s) affixed to the louver(s) to pivot therewith, which includes an elongated key(s) oriented in a first direction when the louver(s) is in operational orientation, and a second direction when in quiesced orientation. A key-receiving element(s) is associated with the chassis and includes a key opening(s) which receives and accommodates movement of the elongated key(s) between the first and second directions, and prevents removal of the air-moving assembly from the chassis with the key(s) oriented in the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2015Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Levi A. Campbell, Christopher R. Ciraulo, Milnes P. David, Dustin W. Demetriou, Robert K. Mullady, Roger R. Schmidt
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Publication number: 20180123296Abstract: A plug comprises power contacts and a trip jumper having jumper contacts configured to make a trip connection, during a plugging action with the plug and a receptacle, with mating trip contacts in the receptacle. When the receptacle is connected to electrical power during the plugging action, a current over the trip connection can cause disconnection of a receptacle power contact from the power. A receptacle comprises receptacle power contacts and a trip circuit having receptacle trip contacts configured to make a trip connection, during a plugging action with the receptacle and plug, with mating trip contacts in the plug. When the receptacle is connected to electrical power during the plugging action, a current over the trip connection can cause disconnection of power to a receptacle power contact. A system can have an electrical device with a line cord connected to the plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: William L. Brodsky, Byron S. Green, Robert K. Mullady, Jeffrey A. Newcomer, Arkadiy O. Tsfasman, John S. Werner
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Publication number: 20180123278Abstract: A plug comprises power contacts and a plug trip contact. During a plugging action between the plug and a receptacle, the plug trip contact makes a trip connection with mating contacts in the receptacle. Electrical power to the receptacle allows a current through the trip connection, which causes disconnection of the power to the receptacle. A receptacle comprises receptacle power contacts and receptacle trip contacts. During a plugging action between the receptacle and a plug, trip contacts in the receptacle makes a trip connection with a mating contact in the plug. Electrical power to the receptacle allows a current through the trip connection, which can cause disconnection of the power to the receptacle. The receptacle can be included in an enclosure having a trip breaker with a trip mechanism. An electrical system can have an electrical device with a line cord connected to a plug having the trip contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: William L. Brodsky, Byron S. Green, Robert K. Mullady, Jeffrey A. Newcomer, Arkadiy O. Tsfasman, John S. Werner
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Patent number: 9949399Abstract: A latch mechanism is provided for latching a field-replaceable unit within an enclosure. The latch mechanism includes a pivotable latch coupled to the field-replaceable unit via a pivot, at a first side of the unit, and a spring member associated with the enclosure. The spring member is engaged by the latch and deflects with rotating of the latch from an open position to a latched position. The pivotable latch includes the first end and a second end, with the pivot being disposed closer to the first end than the second. The deflecting spring member facilitates provision of positive pressure on the unit directed towards a second side of the unit opposite to the first side to facilitate, for example, fixedly coupling a first connector at the second side to a second connector associated with the enclosure when the unit is latched within the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Shawn Canfield, Robert R. Genest, Robert K. Mullady, Michael T. Peets
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Patent number: 9943004Abstract: A latch mechanism is provided for latching a field-replaceable unit within an enclosure. The latch mechanism includes a pivotable latch coupled to the field-replaceable unit via a pivot, at a first side of the unit, and a spring member associated with the enclosure. The spring member is engaged by the latch and deflects with rotating of the latch from an open position to a latched position. The pivotable latch includes the first end and a second end, with the pivot being disposed closer to the first end than the second. The deflecting spring member facilitates provision of positive pressure on the unit directed towards a second side of the unit opposite to the first side to facilitate, for example, fixedly coupling a first connector at the second side to a second connector associated with the enclosure when the unit is latched within the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2017Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Shawn Canfield, Robert R. Genest, Robert K. Mullady, Michael T. Peets
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Patent number: 9941041Abstract: An electromechanical assembly is provided controlled by voltage across a motor or with an electronic system. The electromechanical assembly includes a control circuit coupled to sense voltage at the motor or within the electronic system, and an electromechanical actuator energized by the voltage sensed by the control circuit. A movable element is movable by the electromechanical actuator from an operational position to a quiesced position when the voltage sensed by the control circuit falls below a quiesced threshold. In certain embodiments, the voltage being sensed is across a motor of an air-moving assembly, which resides within a support structure, or the voltage being sensed is within the electronic system, which resides within the support structure, and the movable element is an interlock element which interlocks to the support structure to prevent removal of one or more components from the structure when sensed voltage is above the quiesced threshold.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Steven J. Ahladas, Robert K. Mullady
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Publication number: 20180098463Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for blocking removal of an air-moving assembly from a housing when in operational state. The apparatus includes a protective louver assembly having a louver(s) and an interlock element(s). The louver(s) is disposed at an air inlet or an air outlet of the air-moving assembly, and pivots between an operational and a quiesced orientation, dependent on presence or absence, respectively, of airflow through the air-moving assembly. The interlock element(s) is associated with the louver(s) to pivot with the louver(s) between the operational orientation and the quiesced orientation. In the operational orientation, the interlock element(s) blocks, at least in part, access to at least one fastener securing the air-moving assembly within the housing, and thereby prevents removal of the air-moving assembly from the chassis when in the operational state.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2017Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Christopher R. Ciraulo, Milnes P. David, Dustin W. Demetriou, Robert K. Mullady, Roger R. Schmidt
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Publication number: 20180084676Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2017Publication date: March 22, 2018Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 9921606Abstract: An apparatus for positioning service element interface devices is provided. A gate is affixed to a computing rack by a gate hinge, wherein the gate hinge rotates on a first axis. A first tray affixed to the gate at a side edge of the first tray. A second tray affixed to the first tray at a bottom edge of the first tray by a hinge that rotates on a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. A first display and a first keyboard affixed to an outer surface of the first tray. A second display and a second keyboard affixed to an outer surface of the second tray.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Richard M. Ecker, Steven C. McIntosh, Robert K. Mullady, John G. Torok
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Patent number: 9918409Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 7, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: 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
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Patent number: 9913403Abstract: A cooling assembly is provided which includes: one or more coolant-cooled heat sinks configured to couple to one or more electronic components to be cooled; one or more flexible coolant conduits; and one or more pivotable coolant manifolds. The flexible coolant conduit(s) couples in fluid communication the pivotable coolant manifold(s) and the coolant-cooled heat sink(s), and accommodates pivoting of the pivotable coolant manifold(s), while maintaining the coolant-cooled heat sink(s) in fluid communication with the pivotable coolant manifold(s). In one or more embodiments, the pivotable coolant manifold(s) pivots between a first position laterally offset from one or more of the coolant-cooled heat sink(s), and a second position above the one or more coolant-cooled heat sinks. First and second pivot arms may be provided at opposite ends of the pivotable coolant manifold(s) to facilitate pivotable movement of the manifold(s) between the first position and the second position.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONSInventors: Francis R. Krug, Jr., Eric J. McKeever, Robert K. Mullady, Donald W. Porter, Richard P. Snider, John G. Torok, Allan C. VanDeventer, Xiaojin Wei
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Patent number: 9907211Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for locking an air-moving assembly within a chassis when in operational state. The apparatus includes a locking louver assembly having a louver(s) and locking mechanism. The louver(s) is disposed at an air inlet or outlet of the air-moving assembly, and pivots between operational and quiesced orientations, dependent on presence or absence, respectively, of airflow through the air-moving assembly. The locking mechanism includes a keying element(s) affixed to the louver(s) to pivot therewith, which includes an elongated key(s) oriented in a first direction when the louver(s) is in operational orientation, and a second direction when in quiesced orientation. A key-receiving element(s) is associated with the chassis and includes a key opening(s) which receives and accommodates movement of the elongated key(s) between the first and second directions, and prevents removal of the air-moving assembly from the chassis with the key(s) oriented in the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2014Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Levi A. Campbell, Christopher R. Ciraulo, Milnes P. David, Dustin W. Demetriou, Robert K. Mullady, Roger R. Schmidt
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Patent number: 9893455Abstract: A plug comprises power contacts and a plug trip contact. During a plugging action between the plug and a receptacle, the plug trip contact makes a trip connection with mating contacts in the receptacle. Electrical power to the receptacle allows a current through the trip connection, which causes disconnection of the power to the receptacle. A receptacle comprises receptacle power contacts and receptacle trip contacts. During a plugging action between the receptacle and a plug, trip contacts in the receptacle makes a trip connection with a mating contact in the plug. Electrical power to the receptacle allows a current through the trip connection, which can cause disconnection of the power to the receptacle. The receptacle can be included in an enclosure having a trip breaker with a trip mechanism. An electrical system can have an electrical device with a line cord connected to a plug having the trip contact.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: William L. Brodsky, Byron S. Green, Robert K. Mullady, Jeffrey A. Newcomer, Arkadiy O. Tsfasman, John S. Werner
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Patent number: 9894807Abstract: An apparatus is provided which includes a changeable cover assembly sized to cover, at least in part, an air outlet side of an electronics rack. The cover assembly, when positioned at the air outlet side of the rack, redirects and vents airflow egressing from the air outlet side. The cover assembly includes a frame and at least one vent cover. The frame has at least one opening through which air egressing from the electronics rack passes, and the vent cover(s) is coupled to the frame and overlies, at least in part, the opening(s) in the frame to facilitate redirecting and venting the air passing through the frame. The at least one vent cover is changeable to change a direction of the vented air. For instance, the vent cover(s) may be reversible, or otherwise adjustable or changeable, to change the direction of vented air egressing from the cover assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Seth E. Bard, Frank E. Bosco, Gary F. Goth, William P. Kostenko, Steven C. McIntosh, Robert K. Mullady, John G. Torok, Allan C. VanDeventer, Xiaojin Wei
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Patent number: 9861013Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 12, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: 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
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Patent number: 9861010Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for blocking removal of an air-moving assembly from a chassis when in operational state. The apparatus includes a protective louver assembly having a louver(s) and an interlock element(s). The louver(s) is disposed at an air inlet or an air outlet of the air-moving assembly, and pivots between an operational and a quiesced orientation, dependent on presence or absence, respectively, of airflow through the air-moving assembly. The interlock element(s) is associated with the louver(s) to pivot with the louver(s) between the operational orientation and the quiesced orientation. In the operational orientation, the interlock element(s) blocks, at least in part, access to at least one fastener securing the air-moving assembly within the chassis, and thereby prevents removal of the air-moving assembly from the chassis when in the operational state.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Levi A. Campbell, Christopher R. Ciraulo, Milnes P. David, Dustin W. Demetriou, Robert K. Mullady, Roger R. Schmidt