Patents by Inventor Sandra J. Shirk/Heath

Sandra J. Shirk/Heath 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: 10528092
    Abstract: A system includes a system drawer and an interlock coupled to the system drawer. The interlock includes a horizontal portion and a tab. The interlock is configured to rotate into a first position when a first card is inserted into a first side of the system drawer. When the interlock is in the first position, the tab prevents a second card inserted into the second side of the system drawer from docking with the first card. The interlock is further configured to rotate into a second position when the first card is removed from the first side of the system drawer. When the interlock is in the second position, the second card can be inserted into the second side of the system drawer to a position where the second card can dock with one or more cards inserted into the first side of the system drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark G. Clark, Kenneth E. Lubahn, Justin C. Rogers, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Publication number: 20190267742
    Abstract: A latch indicator apparatus for indicating a locked status of an attachment between a cable housing and a cable receptor. The latch indicator apparatus includes a latch indicator attached to a cable housing at an attachment point, a first resistive element having a first resistance, and is attached to the cable housing at the attachment point. The restive element of the latch indicator attaches to an indicator tab. The latch indicator includes an indicator window, which is positioned to indicate a locked status of the latch indicator based on the first resistance of the first resistive element. The latch indicator tests a connection between a cable housing and a cable housing by indicating a locked status. The locked status is indicated by exerting a first force on the indicator tab by pulling the indicator tab in a direction away from the connection between the cable housing and the cable receptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Patent number: 10326230
    Abstract: A latch indicator apparatus for indicating a locked status of an attachment between a cable housing and a cable receptor. The latch indicator apparatus includes a latch indicator attached to a cable housing at an attachment point, a first resistive element having a first resistance, and is attached to the cable housing at the attachment point. The restive element of the latch indicator attaches to an indicator tab. The latch indicator includes an indicator window, which is positioned to indicate a locked status of the latch indicator based on the first resistance of the first resistive element. The latch indicator tests a connection between a cable housing and a cable housing by indicating a locked status. The locked status is indicated by exerting a first force on the indicator tab by pulling the indicator tab in a direction away from the connection between the cable housing and the cable receptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Patent number: 10310481
    Abstract: A computer system may determine a target position of the electronic component. The computer system may also determine a current position of the electronic component. The computer system may compare the current position to the target to position to determine whether the electronic component is in the target position. If the electronic component is not in the target position, the computer system may use an electroactive polymer to adjust the position of the electronic component to move the electronic component into the target position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tyler Jandt, Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Publication number: 20190165517
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure generally relate to cables and back shells having integrated force gauges. The force gauge includes a sliding member that engages features such as grooves formed in one or more surfaces of the back shell. The grooves and/or sliding member are sized and shaped such that a different forces applied to the sliding member facilitates movement between respective grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sandra J. SHIRK/HEATH, Justin C. ROGERS, Mark G. CLARK, Lee N. HELGESON
  • Patent number: 10256578
    Abstract: A cable, system, and method for cooling a semiconductor chip on an active cable. The active cable includes a heat sink that is thermally coupled to the semiconductor chip and movable from a retracted position to an extended position. The heat sink is in the retracted position when the active cable is not installed in a card connector in a computer case. After the active cable is installed in the card connector, the heat sink is urged to the extended position in which the heat sink is exposed to air flow circulation within the computer case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tyler Jandt, Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Patent number: 10170873
    Abstract: A cable connector is provided. The cable connector includes a housing with a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured for insertion into a data port of a computer chassis. The proximal end is configured to receive at least one data cable. The cable connector includes a pull tab comprising an optically transparent material. The pull tab includes a body with a distal end connected to the housing and a proximal end extending past the proximal end of the housing. The pull tab includes a shank protruding from the body. The shank includes a polished surface aligned with a light output of the computer chassis when the distal end of the housing is inserted into the data port such that light from the light output enters the shank through the polished surface and is distributed through the transparent material to illuminate the pull tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark G. Clark, Kenneth E. Lubahn, Justin C. Rogers, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Patent number: 10170850
    Abstract: An apparatus can dynamically adjust, in a card edge connector including first and second positions, an opening configured to receive a printed-circuit card. The apparatus may also include a set of contacts configured to connect with a set of edges of the printed-circuit card in the second position. The apparatus may also include a set of electroactive polymers configured to adjust the set of contacts between the first position and the second position by changing thickness in response to voltages applied to electrodes positioned adjacent to opposing faces of the set of electroactive polymers. The set of electroactive polymers can also include an electroactive polymer configured to control a single contact of the set of contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tyler Jandt, Phillip V. Mann, Mark D. Plucinski, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Patent number: 10141729
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to cables having routing features integrated with a jacket of the cable, and methods of using and forming the same. The routing features include one or more of hook-and-loop fasteners or clips for securing adjacent cables to one another and/or to a mounting structure, such as a server rack. Methods described herein include securing cables to one another using routing retention features integrated with cable jackets, and forming jackets having routing retention features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Publication number: 20180322987
    Abstract: A particular method includes using a helical forming tool to make helical grooves on an insulating jacket of a conductive length, such as a wire. A gear may rotate a forming mechanism, such as a protrusion, around the insulating jacket to form the helical grooves. The helical grooves are formed to limit bending of the insulated wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Paul W. SCHAEFER, Sandra J. SHIRK/HEATH
  • Publication number: 20180292869
    Abstract: A system includes a system drawer and an interlock coupled to the system drawer. The interlock includes a horizontal portion and a tab. The interlock is configured to rotate into a first position when a first card is inserted into a first side of the system drawer. When the interlock is in the first position, the tab prevents a second card inserted into the second side of the system drawer from docking with the first card. The interlock is further configured to rotate into a second position when the first card is removed from the first side of the system drawer. When the interlock is in the second position, the second card can be inserted into the second side of the system drawer to a position where the second card can dock with one or more cards inserted into the first side of the system drawer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Mark G. CLARK, Kenneth E. LUBAHN, Justin C. ROGERS, Sandra J. SHIRK/HEATH
  • Publication number: 20180269667
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to cables having routing features integrated with a jacket of the cable, and methods of using and forming the same. The routing features include one or more of hook-and-loop fasteners or clips for securing adjacent cables to one another and/or to a mounting structure, such as a server rack. Methods described herein include securing cables to one another using routing retention features integrated with cable jackets, and forming jackets having routing retention features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Paul W. SCHAEFER, Sandra J. SHIRK/HEATH
  • Publication number: 20180261948
    Abstract: A latch indicator apparatus for indicating a locked status of an attachment between a cable housing and a cable receptor. The latch indicator apparatus includes a latch indicator attached to a cable housing at an attachment point, a first resistive element having a first resistance, and is attached to the cable housing at the attachment point. The restive element of the latch indicator attaches to an indicator tab. The latch indicator includes an indicator window, which is positioned to indicate a locked status of the latch indicator based on the first resistance of the first resistive element. The latch indicator tests a connection between a cable housing and a cable housing by indicating a locked status. The locked status is indicated by exerting a first force on the indicator tab by pulling the indicator tab in a direction away from the connection between the cable housing and the cable receptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Patent number: 10039202
    Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Patent number: 10038280
    Abstract: A cable seating indication and retention system includes a cable connected to a latch that may be positioned in an engaged position or a disengaged position by a user manipulating a handling tab. To seat the cable to an electronic system, the handling tab is manipulated to position the latch in the disengaged position so that the cable may be seated to the electronic system. Once the cable is initially seated, the handling tab may be manipulated to position the latch in the engaged position to engage and retain the latch to a connector shell of the electronic system. The relative location of the handling tab, whether it be manipulated to position the latch in the engaged position or the disengaged position, provides a visible indication to a user whether the cable is properly seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Publication number: 20180198244
    Abstract: A cable connector is provided. The cable connector includes a housing with a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is configured for insertion into a data port of a computer chassis. The proximal end is configured to receive at least one data cable. The cable connector includes a pull tab comprising an optically transparent material. The pull tab includes a body with a distal end connected to the housing and a proximal end extending past the proximal end of the housing. The pull tab includes a shank protruding from the body. The shank includes a polished surface aligned with a light output of the computer chassis when the distal end of the housing is inserted into the data port such that light from the light output enters the shank through the polished surface and is distributed through the transparent material to illuminate the pull tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Mark G. CLARK, Kenneth E. LUBAHN, Justin C. ROGERS, Sandra J. SHIRK/HEATH
  • Patent number: 9997861
    Abstract: A latch indicator apparatus for indicating a locked status of an attachment between a cable housing and a cable receptor. The latch indicator apparatus includes a latch indicator attached to a cable housing at an attachment point, a first resistive element having a first resistance, and is attached to the cable housing at the attachment point. The restive element of the latch indicator attaches to an indicator tab. The latch indicator includes an indicator window, which is positioned to indicate a locked status of the latch indicator based on the first resistance of the first resistive element. The latch indicator tests a connection between a cable housing and a cable housing by indicating a locked status. The locked status is indicated by exerting a first force on the indicator tab by pulling the indicator tab in a direction away from the connection between the cable housing and the cable receptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath
  • Publication number: 20180139860
    Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Publication number: 20180139861
    Abstract: Provided is a cable retention device to facet attachments and projections onto an enclosure. The device includes an inner and outer planar layer which include an inner and outer cutout respectively. The inner and outer planar layers are attached and aligned so the inner and outer cutouts overlap. The inner planar layer includes a pair of vertical slotted cutouts connected by a center cutout to form a plurality of pinch points. Each vertical slotted cutout includes an inner edge and an outer edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Stephen P. Mroz, Paul W. Schaefer, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath, Christopher L. Tuma
  • Patent number: 9974205
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing cables in a computer rack is provided. The apparatus includes a bracket attachable to one of a computer chassis arranged in the computer rack or a vertical structural member of the computer rack, and including an outward-facing surface and a first connector feature arranged on the outward-facing surface. The apparatus also includes a cable clamp. The cable clamp includes a base having a first side and an opposing second side. The first side includes a surface configured to receive cables. The second side includes a second connector feature configured for mating engagement with the first connector feature such that the base is attached to the bracket when the first and second connector features are matingly engaged. The cable clamp also includes a pliable retention strap attached to the base and configured to be wrapped around the cables such that the cables are secured to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark G. Clark, Kenneth E. Lubahn, Justin C. Rogers, Sandra J. Shirk/Heath