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).

  • Publication number: 20160295741
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Francis R. KRUG, Eric J. McKEEVER, Robert K. MULLADY, Donald W. PORTER, Richard P. SNIDER, John G. TOROK, Allan C. VanDEVENTER, Xiaojin WEI
  • Publication number: 20160286682
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Shawn CANFIELD, Robert R. GENEST, Robert K. MULLADY, Michael T. PEETS
  • Patent number: 9442513
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning service element interface devices is provided. A gate is affixed to a computing rack by a gate hinge that rotates on a first axis. A tray is affixed to the gate. The tray has a first side and a second side that are opposite exterior surfaces of the tray. A first display and a first keyboard are affixed to the first side. A second display and a second keyboard are affixed to the second side. The first keyboard and the first display provide a first interface that is redundant with a second interface provided by the second keyboard and the second display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard M. Ecker, Steven C. McIntosh, Robert K. Mullady, John G. Torok
  • Patent number: 9433119
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shawn Canfield, Robert R. Genest, Robert K. Mullady, Michael T. Peets
  • Patent number: 9423061
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for a quick connect spray shield includes an inner sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a center axis that is parallel to an axis from the first end to the second end, wherein the inner sleeve has an inner surface that is contoured to position the inner sleeve relative to a female quick connect fitting; and an outer sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a center axis that is parallel to the center axis of the inner sleeve, wherein the outer sleeve has an inner surface contoured to position the outer sleeve relative to an actuating collar of the female quick connect fitting, wherein the actuating collar has an engaged position and a disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Francis R. Krug, Jr., Robert K. Mullady
  • Patent number: 9426924
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention discloses 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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Genest, John J. Loparco, Robert K. Mullady, John G. Torok, Wade H. White, Mitchell L. Zapotoski
  • Publication number: 20160242318
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Francis R. KRUG, JR., Eric J. McKEEVER, Robert K. MULLADY, Donald W. PORTER, Richard P. SNIDER, John G. TOROK, Allan C. VanDEVENTER, Xiaojin WEI
  • Publication number: 20160242319
    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: February 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    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: 20160242326
    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: September 7, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    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: 9420728
    Abstract: Cooling apparatuses, cooled electronic modules, and methods of fabrication are provided which facilitate heat transfer from one or more electronic components to a liquid coolant in an operational mode, and drainage of coolant therefrom in a transport mode. The cooling apparatus includes a liquid-cooled heat sink configured to horizontally couple along a main heat transfer surface to the electronic component(s). The heat sink includes a thermally conductive structure with a coolant-carrying compartment through which coolant flows, and a coolant inlet tube and a coolant outlet tube affixed to the thermally conductive structure and in fluid communication with the coolant-carrying compartment to facilitate coolant flow through the compartment. The coolant-carrying compartment has a base surface, and the coolant outlet tube extends into the coolant-carrying compartment towards the base surface to facilitate withdrawal of the liquid coolant from the compartment in the transport mode of the cooling apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frank M. Desiano, David L. Edwards, Robert K. Mullady, Donald W. Porter, Randy Zoodsma
  • Publication number: 20160224058
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning service element interface devices is provided. A gate is affixed to a computing rack by a gate hinge that rotates on a first axis. A tray is affixed to the gate. The tray has a first side and a second side that are opposite exterior surfaces of the tray. A first display and a first keyboard are affixed to the first side. A second display and a second keyboard are affixed to the second side. The first keyboard and the first display provide a first interface that is redundant with a second interface provided by the second keyboard and the second display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Richard M. Ecker, Steven C. McIntosh, Robert K. Mullady, John G. Torok
  • Publication number: 20160224057
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning service element interface devices is provided. A gate is affixed to a computing rack by a gate hinge that rotates on a first axis. A tray is affixed to the gate. The tray has a first side and a second side that are opposite exterior surfaces of the tray. A first display and a first keyboard are affixed to the first side. A second display and a second keyboard are affixed to the second side. The first keyboard and the first display provide a first interface that is redundant with a second interface provided by the second keyboard and the second display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Richard M. Ecker, Steven C. McIntosh, Robert K. Mullady, John G. Torok
  • Publication number: 20160215999
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20160219747
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention discloses 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: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Robert R. Genest, John J. Loparco, Robert K. Mullady, John G. Torok, Wade H. White, Mitchell L. Zapotoski
  • Publication number: 20160208967
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for a quick connect spray shield includes an inner sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a center axis that is parallel to an axis from the first end to the second end, wherein the inner sleeve has an inner surface that is contoured to position the inner sleeve relative to a female quick connect fitting; and an outer sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a center axis that is parallel to the center axis of the inner sleeve, wherein the outer sleeve has an inner surface contoured to position the outer sleeve relative to an actuating collar of the female quick connect fitting, wherein the actuating collar has an engaged position and a disengaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Francis R. Krug, JR., Robert K. Mullady
  • Publication number: 20160208968
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for a quick connect spray shield includes an inner sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a center axis that is parallel to an axis from the first end to the second end, wherein the inner sleeve has an inner surface that is contoured to position the inner sleeve relative to a female quick connect fitting; and an outer sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a center axis that is parallel to the center axis of the inner sleeve, wherein the outer sleeve has an inner surface contoured to position the outer sleeve relative to an actuating collar of the female quick connect fitting, wherein the actuating collar has an engaged position and a disengaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Francis R. Krug, JR., Robert K. Mullady
  • Publication number: 20160169237
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for protectively covering an air inlet or outlet of an air-moving assembly. The apparatus includes a protective cover assembly, which includes a retractable cover and a spring-biasing mechanism. The retractable cover transitions between a retracted state, when the air-moving assembly is operatively positioned within the chassis, and in extended state, when the air-moving assembly is withdrawn from the chassis. In retracted state, the retractable cover is retracted away from the air inlet or outlet, and in extended state, the retractable cover covers, at least partially, the air inlet or outlet. The spring-biasing mechanism is coupled to the retractable cover and biases the retractable cover in the extended state when the air-moving assembly is withdrawn from the chassis, and compresses to allow transition of the retractable cover to the retracted state as the air-moving assembly is inserted into operative position within the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Christopher R. CIRAULO, Milnes P. DAVID, Dustin W. DEMETRIOU, Robert K. MULLADY, Roger R. SCHMIDT
  • Patent number: 9313931
    Abstract: A cooling method is provided to remove heat generated by one or more electronic systems. The method includes providing a coolant-based cooling apparatus, redundant pumping units, redundant backup blowers, and multiple separate controllers. The cooling apparatus includes one or more heat exchange assemblies discharging heat from coolant of the cooling apparatus, and the redundant pumping units, which are coupled in parallel fluid communication, separately facilitate pumping of the coolant. The redundant backup blowers are disposed to provide, when activated, backup airflow across the electronic system(s). The multiple controllers control operation of the redundant pumping units and redundant backup blowers based, at least in part, on one or more sensed parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary F. Goth, Francis R. Krug, Jr., Robert K. Mullady, Kevin P. Low, Allan C. VanDeventer, Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Patent number: 9313930
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided to remove heat generated by one or more electronic systems. The cooling system includes a coolant-based cooling apparatus, redundant pumping units, redundant backup blowers, and multiple separate controllers. The cooling apparatus includes one or more heat exchange assemblies discharging heat from coolant of the cooling apparatus, and the redundant pumping units, which are coupled in parallel fluid communication, separately facilitate pumping of the coolant. The redundant backup blowers are disposed to provide, when activated, backup airflow across the electronic system(s). The multiple controllers control operation of the redundant pumping units and redundant backup blowers based, at least in part, on one or more sensed parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary F. Goth, Francis R. Krug, Jr., Robert K. Mullady, Kevin P. Low, Allan C. Vandeventer, Randy J. Zoodsma
  • Publication number: 20160095260
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Christopher R. CIRAULO, Milnes P. DAVID, Dustin W. DEMETRIOU, Robert K. MULLADY, Roger R. SCHMIDT