Patents by Inventor Samuel R. Connor

Samuel R. Connor 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: 20230082474
    Abstract: A method, a device, and a composition are disclosed. The method includes providing a polyol blend that includes a polyol resin and an electromagnetic (EMA) additive, providing an isocyanate resin selected such that blending the isocyanate resin with the polyol blend results in an EMA spray foam. The device includes a first compartment containing an isocyanate resin and a second compartment containing a polyol blend, which includes a polyol resin and an EMA additive. The composition includes a polyurethane spray foam and an EMA additive blended into the polyurethane spray foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Samuel R. Connor, Eric J. Campbell, Stuart Brett Benefield, Matthew Doyle, Matteo Cocchini
  • Patent number: 10984957
    Abstract: A capacitor comprises a housing and a first stack of parallel plates within the housing. A first plate and a second plate in the first stack are capacitively coupled. The capacitor comprises a second stack of parallel plates within the housing. A third plate and a fourth plate in the stack are capacitively coupled. The capacitor also comprises a first input electrode and a second input electrode. The capacitor also comprises a first output electrode and a second output electrode on a side surface of the capacitor. The capacitor also comprises a dielectric material located between each plate in the first stack and the second stack. The first stack is not capacitively coupled with the second stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel R. Connor, Stuart Brett Benefield, Matthew Doyle
  • Patent number: 10964447
    Abstract: A differential transmission line cable includes a notch filter to manage common-mode energy. The cable includes a narrow portion with two adjacent electrical conductors each having a narrow cross-sectional area and spaced at a narrow spacing. The cable also includes a wide portion longitudinally adjacent to the narrow portion. The wide portion includes the two adjacent electrical conductors each having a wide cross-sectional area greater than the narrow cross-sectional area and spaced at a wide spacing greater than the narrow spacing. The wide and narrow cross-sectional areas and spacings are specified so that the differential-mode impedance of the differential transmission line cable is uniform throughout both the narrow and wide portions and so that differences in the common-mode impedances of the narrow and wide portions create a notch filter to manage common-mode energy in the differential transmission line cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Doyle, Samuel R. Connor, Stuart Brett Benefield
  • Patent number: 10834829
    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a variable inductor containing a capillary. The capillary includes an eutectic conductive liquid (e.g., EGaIn) containing suspended magnetic particles and an electrolyte (e.g., NaOH). In one embodiment, the variable inductor has a pair of electrodes (e.g., negative and positive electrodes) at the respective ends of the capillary to seal the eutectic conductive liquid and the electrolyte. The variable inductor also includes an inductor coil disposed around the capillary, and the inductor coil is connected to a circuit and provides inductance for the connected circuit. Using a DC voltage between the pair of electrodes, the eutectic conductive liquid can extend inside the capillary, which in turn, causes the variable inductor to have a desired inductance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stuart B. Benefield, Samuel R. Connor, Matthew S. Doyle
  • Patent number: 10685585
    Abstract: In an approach for providing dynamic services a computer receives a dietary plan for an individual. The computer tracks physical activity data for the individual. The computer creates one or more propositions for the individual based at least in part on the received dietary plan and the tracked physical activity data. The computer provides the created one or more propositions to the individual. The computer receives a selection from the created one or more propositions. The computer tracks the received selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stuart B. Benefield, Samuel R. Connor, Jonathan W. Jackson, Joseph P. Kuczynski
  • Patent number: 10659597
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a computer-implemented-method of operating a computing device. The computer-implemented method includes using a local touch-activated sensor of the computing device to receive an input signal, wherein the input signal has been generated at a remote touch-activated sensor based on capacitive coupling between the remote touch-activated sensor and a human, passed to the human using the capacitive coupling between the remote touch-activated sensor and the human, passed through the human, and transmitted from the human to the local touch-activated sensor of the computing device using a capacitive coupling between the human and the local touch-activated sensor. Functionality of the computing device is limited based at least in part on analyzing, using the computing device, at least one characteristic of the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pasquale A. Catalano, Samuel R. Connor, Andrew G. Crimmins, John Thomas Kinnear, Jr., Arkadiy O. Tsfasman, John S. Werner
  • Publication number: 20200106878
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a computer-implemented-method of operating a computing device. The computer-implemented method includes using a local touch-activated sensor of the computing device to receive an input signal, wherein the input signal has been generated at a remote touch-activated sensor based on capacitive coupling between the remote touch-activated sensor and a human, passed to the human using the capacitive coupling between the remote touch-activated sensor and the human, passed through the human, and transmitted from the human to the local touch-activated sensor of the computing device using a capacitive coupling between the human and the local touch-activated sensor. Functionality of the computing device is limited based at least in part on analyzing, using the computing device, at least one characteristic of the input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Pasquale A. Catalano, Samuel R. Connor, Andrew G. Crimmins, John Thomas Kinnear, JR., Arkadiy O. Tsfasman, John S. Werner
  • Patent number: 10324879
    Abstract: An apparatus and method may detect and reduce noise on data busses by adjusting the phase of the input/output (I/O) signals in a controlled, predictable manner. The control may allow a maximum data rate to be achieved. In one embodiment, an algorithm used to determine phase change data may be handled by a feedback loop and may be dynamically adjusted. The system may detect noise on rails and critical signals for logging in call home data. The system may maintain a database of settings as a function of a workload. The system may be used in the field as the workload changes to determine that a signal has reached a first threshold. In response to determining that the signal has reached the first threshold, an alert is initiated. A system may determine that the signal has reached a second threshold. In response to determining that the signal has reached the second threshold, the signal may be coupled to logic circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David D. Cadigan, Samuel R. Connor, Michael A. Cracraft, William V. Huott, Adam J. McPadden, Anuwat Saetow, Gary A. Tressler
  • Patent number: 10262553
    Abstract: In an approach for providing dynamic services a computer receives a dietary plan for an individual. The computer tracks physical activity data for the individual. The computer creates one or more propositions for the individual based at least in part on the received dietary plan and the tracked physical activity data. The computer provides the created one or more propositions to the individual. The computer receives a selection from the created one or more propositions. The computer tracks the received selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stuart B. Benefield, Samuel R. Connor, Jonathan W. Jackson, Joseph P. Kuczynski
  • Patent number: 10199706
    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a high-speed communication channel in a PCB that includes a dielectric waveguide sandwiched between two ground layers. The dielectric waveguide includes a core and a cladding where the material of the core has a higher dielectric constant than the material of the cladding. Thus, electromagnetic signals propagating in the core are internally reflected at the interface between the core and cladding such that the electromagnetic signals are primary contained in the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel R. Connor, Daniel M. Dreps, Jose A. Hejase, Joseph Kuczynski, Joshua C. Myers, Junyan Tang
  • Publication number: 20180374386
    Abstract: In an approach for providing dynamic services a computer receives a dietary plan for an individual. The computer tracks physical activity data for the individual. The computer creates one or more propositions for the individual based at least in part on the received dietary plan and the tracked physical activity data. The computer provides the created one or more propositions to the individual. The computer receives a selection from the created one or more propositions. The computer tracks the received selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Stuart B. Benefield, Samuel R. Connor, Jonathan W. Jackson, Joseph P. Kuczynski
  • Publication number: 20180374385
    Abstract: In an approach for providing dynamic services a computer receives a dietary plan for an individual. The computer tracks physical activity data for the individual. The computer creates one or more propositions for the individual based at least in part on the received dietary plan and the tracked physical activity data. The computer provides the created one or more propositions to the individual. The computer receives a selection from the created one or more propositions. The computer tracks the received selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Stuart B. Benefield, Samuel R. Connor, Jonathan W. Jackson, Joseph P. Kuczynski
  • Patent number: 10157487
    Abstract: Method, system, and computer-readable program product for modifying at least one virtual activity capability of an avatar in a virtual reality setting based on a real-world physical activity metric of a user of the virtual reality setting. The user's physical activity metrics are tracked via a fitness tracker or other biometric sensor. As the user's physical activity metric(s) improve, the virtual activity capabilities of the user's avatar in the virtual reality setting also improve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel R. Connor, Jonathan W. Jackson, Robert H. Sharrar
  • Patent number: 10141623
    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a high-speed communication channel in a PCB that includes a dielectric waveguide coupled at respective ends to coaxial vias. The dielectric waveguide includes a core and a cladding where the material of the core has a higher dielectric constant than the material of the cladding. Thus, electromagnetic signals propagating in the core are internally reflected at the interface between the core and cladding such that the electromagnetic signals are primary contained in the core. The coaxial vias include a center conductor and an outer conductor (or shield) which extend through one or more layers of the PCB. One of the coaxial vias radiates electromagnetic signals into the dielectric waveguide at a first end of the core while the other coaxial via receives the radiated signals at a second end of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel R. Connor, Jose A. Hejase, Joseph Kuczynski, Joshua C. Myers, Junyan Tang
  • Patent number: 10091870
    Abstract: An apparatus has a permittivity attenuation layer interposed between a substrate and a first conductive trace, wherein the permittivity attenuation layer comprises a resin matrix containing functionalized carbon nanomaterial, such as functionalized single-wall carbon nanotubes (f-SWNTs). In some embodiments, a design structure for designing, manufacturing, or testing the apparatus is tangibly embodied in a machine readable medium. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises an enhanced laminate core for use in a printed wiring board (PWB) that contains a differential pair having an inner-leg conductive trace and an outer-leg conductive trace. A permittivity attenuation layer is interposed between the inner-leg conductive trace and a laminate core, wherein the loading level of f-SWNTs in the permittivity attenuation layer is selected to attenuate the permittivity of the inner-leg conductive trace to match the permittivity of the outer-leg conductive trace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dylan J. Boday, Samuel R. Connor, Joseph Kuczynski
  • Patent number: 10058014
    Abstract: An apparatus suitable for EMC shielding applications comprises a first component comprising an electrically conductive first surface, and a gasket member comprising an electrically conductive exterior surface. The exterior surface is configured to couple with an electrically conductive second surface of a second component. The apparatus further comprises an adhesive layer disposed between the first component and the gasket member. The adhesive layer comprises an arrangement of conductive fibers, the conductive fibers extending along respective long axes between the first surface and the exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel R. Connor, Joseph Kuczynski, Stuart B. Benefield, Jonathan Jackson
  • Publication number: 20180115042
    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a high-speed communication channel in a PCB that includes a dielectric waveguide sandwiched between two ground layers. The dielectric waveguide includes a core and a cladding where the material of the core has a higher dielectric constant than the material of the cladding. Thus, electromagnetic signals propagating in the core are internally reflected at the interface between the core and cladding such that the electromagnetic signals are primary contained in the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Samuel R. CONNOR, Daniel M. DREPS, Jose A. HEJASE, Joseph KUCZYNSKI, Joshua C. MYERS, Junyan TANG
  • Publication number: 20180108971
    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a high-speed communication channel in a PCB that includes a dielectric waveguide coupled at respective ends to coaxial vias. The dielectric waveguide includes a core and a cladding where the material of the core has a higher dielectric constant than the material of the cladding. Thus, electromagnetic signals propagating in the core are internally reflected at the interface between the core and cladding such that the electromagnetic signals are primary contained in the core. The coaxial vias include a center conductor and an outer conductor (or shield) which extend through one or more layers of the PCB. One of the coaxial vias radiates electromagnetic signals into the dielectric waveguide at a first end of the core while the other coaxial via receives the radiated signals at a second end of the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Samuel R. CONNOR, Jose A. HEJASE, Joseph KUCZYNSKI, Joshua C. Myers, Junyan TANG
  • Publication number: 20180089126
    Abstract: An apparatus and method may detect and reduce noise on data busses by adjusting the phase of the input/output (I/O) signals in a controlled, predictable manner. The control may allow a maximum data rate to be achieved. In one embodiment, an algorithm used to determine phase change data may be handled by a feedback loop and may be dynamically adjusted. The system may detect noise on rails and critical signals for logging in call home data. The system may maintain a database of settings as a function of a workload. The system may be used in the field as the workload changes to determine that a signal has reached a first threshold. In response to determining that the signal has reached the first threshold, an alert is initiated. A system may determine that the signal has reached a second threshold. In response to determining that the signal has reached the second threshold, the signal may be coupled to logic circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: David D. Cadigan, Samuel R. Connor, Michael A. Cracraft, William V. Huott, Adam J. McPadden, Anuwat Saetow, Gary A. Tressler
  • Publication number: 20180075218
    Abstract: Disclosed aspects relate to wellness data management. A wellness engine detects a triggering event which indicates an anticipated nourishment event that relates to an expected location. Based on both a set of user wellness data and the expected location for the anticipated nourishment event, the wellness engine determines a set of nourishment items. As such, the wellness engine provides a set of nourishment item identifiers for the anticipated nourishment event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Stuart B. Benefield, Samuel R. Connor, Jonathan W. Jackson, Joseph Kuczynski